Thinking about selling your old, damaged or unwanted car to a wrecker? You may be wondering what information you need to provide before you can get a quote.
The good news is that you do not need to know everything about your car. You also do not need to be a mechanic.
A few simple details about the vehicle are usually enough to help a wrecker understand what you have and give you a quote.
Here is what you should have ready.
1. Make, Model and Year
The first thing a wrecker will usually want to know is what car you have.
For example:
- 2014 Toyota Corolla
- 2010 Ford Falcon
- 2016 Mazda 3
- 2008 Holden Commodore
The make, model and year help identify the vehicle and give the wrecker an idea of its parts, age and potential value.
If you are not sure about the exact model or year, check your registration papers or the information on the vehicle.
2. What Condition Is the Car In?
Be honest about the condition of your car.
Is it:
- Running normally?
- Not running?
- Accident damaged?
- Very old and worn?
- Water damaged?
- Missing parts?
- Damaged but still driveable?
There is no need to hide problems. Wreckers buy vehicles in many different conditions, including cars that are no longer worth repairing.
For example, if the engine has failed, simply mention it. If the car has been sitting in your driveway for years, let the wrecker know.
A clear description helps avoid confusion later.
3. Does the Car Start?
This is one of the most useful details to provide.
Tell the wrecker whether the vehicle:
- Starts and drives
- Starts but cannot be driven
- Cranks but does not start
- Does not start at all
A non-running car may need different equipment for collection, so knowing this beforehand can make the pickup easier to arrange.
If you are unsure why the car will not start, that is fine. You can simply say that it does not start.
4. What Is Wrong With the Car?
You do not need to give a full mechanical diagnosis.
Just explain the main problems you know about.
For example:
“The transmission has failed.”
“The car was damaged in an accident.”
“The engine overheated and stopped running.”
“It has been sitting unused for three years.”
Even small details can help. If you know that the engine, gearbox, battery or other major parts are missing, mention that too.
5. How Many Kilometres Has It Done?
The odometer reading can help a wrecker understand the vehicle’s history and condition.
If you know the mileage, provide it.
For example:
“The car has around 185,000 km.”
If the odometer is broken or you cannot check it, just say so. There is no reason to guess.
6. Is the Car Complete?
A wrecker will usually want to know whether the important parts of the vehicle are still there.
Let them know if anything major has already been removed, such as:
- Engine
- Gearbox
- Wheels
- Catalytic converter
- Battery
- Doors
- Seats
- Other major components
A complete vehicle can be assessed differently from one that has already been stripped for parts.
Again, being upfront is the easiest approach.
7. Do You Have the Keys?
If you have the car keys, mention it.
If the keys are lost or missing, tell the wrecker before the vehicle is collected.
A car without keys can still be sold in many situations, but the information can help the wrecker plan how to move the vehicle.
8. Where Is the Car Located?
Your pickup location is another important detail.
Tell the wrecker where the vehicle is located in Perth and whether there are any access problems.
For example, the car might be:
- In your driveway
- On the street
- Inside a garage
- At a workshop
- In a car park
- Behind another vehicle
If the car does not run, also explain whether it can be reached easily by a tow truck or removal vehicle.
When arranging car removal in Perth, clear information about the vehicle’s location can help make the collection smoother.
9. Registration Status
It is also useful to tell the wrecker whether your car is currently registered or unregistered.
If the registration has expired, simply mention it.
You should also make sure you understand your responsibilities when transferring or disposing of a vehicle. For current Western Australian vehicle requirements, you can check the information provided by Transport WA.
The registration status does not mean you cannot sell the car. It simply gives the wrecker a clearer picture of the vehicle.
10. Photos Can Make Things Easier
If you are requesting a quote online or over the phone, photos can be very helpful.
You can take a few simple pictures with your phone, including:
- Front of the car
- Rear of the car
- Both sides
- Interior
- Engine bay
- Wheels
- Any accident or major damage
You do not need a professional camera.
Clear photos can help the wrecker see the actual condition of the vehicle instead of relying only on a short description.
Do You Need the VIN?
If you have the VIN, it can be useful. The VIN is the vehicle’s unique identification number and can help confirm the exact vehicle.
However, do not worry if you do not know where to find it. Start with the basic information you do have and ask the wrecker what else they need.
What Should You Tell the Wrecker First?
If you want to keep things simple, start with these details:
“I have a 2012 Mazda 3. It has done about 190,000 km, it does not start, and it has some front-end damage. It is located in Perth and I have the keys.”
That short description already gives the wrecker useful information.
You can then provide photos or any other details they ask for.
If you are looking to sell an unwanted vehicle, you can contact Auto Wreckers Perth and know how the process works.
Does More Information Mean a More Accurate Quote?
Usually, yes. The more accurately you describe the vehicle, the easier it is for a wrecker to understand what they are quoting.
For example, there is a big difference between saying:
“I have an old Ford.”
and:
“I have a 2009 Ford Falcon sedan. It has 230,000 km, the engine does not start, the body has some damage, and the car is complete.”
The second description gives much more useful information.
It does not need to be technical. Just tell the wrecker what you know.
What If You Do Not Know Much About Your Car?
That is completely normal. Many people selling a car to a wrecker are not mechanics. You may not know what caused the engine problem or exactly which part has failed.
That is okay.
Tell the wrecker what you have noticed:
“The engine stopped while driving.”
“The car has not started since the accident.”
“The transmission does not work.”
Simple information is often enough to start the conversation.
Conclusion
Getting a quote from a car wrecker does not have to be complicated.
Have your car’s make, model, year, condition, mileage and location ready. If you know about any major damage or mechanical problems, mention those too. Photos and the VIN can provide extra information when available.
Most importantly, be honest about the vehicle’s condition. You do not need to make your car sound better than it is.
A clear and accurate description gives the wrecker a better understanding of the vehicle and helps make the quoting and removal process easier.