Ever wondered which cars end up at the scrapyard more than others? You might be surprised to find out that it’s not always the oldest or the most battered cars that get scrapped. In fact, there’s a bit of a trend when it comes to which vehicles are getting sent to auto recyclers and wreckers these days.
Whether you’re curious about what’s going out of style, or you’re thinking of scrapping your own car, let’s take a look at what vehicles are being scrapped most—and why.
1. Common Cars = Common Scrap
It makes sense: the more of a certain model there is on the road, the more likely it is to end up being scrapped eventually.
In Australia, the most commonly scrapped cars we see include:
- Toyota Corolla
- Holden Commodore
- Ford Falcon
- Mitsubishi Lancer
- Mazda 3 and 6
These models were some of the top sellers for years, especially in the late ’90s and early 2000s. Many of them are now reaching 15–25 years old. That’s prime time for rust, engine failure, or simply becoming too costly to repair.
And with parts still in high demand, they’re worth more in scrap than just sitting in the garage.
2. Large Sedans and Station Wagons Are Out
Let’s be real—big sedans and wagons aren’t the hot trend they used to be. With more Australians switching to SUVs and utes, vehicles like the Holden Statesman, Ford Territory, and even the Subaru Liberty Wagon are slowly disappearing from daily use.
Why are they getting scrapped? A few reasons:
- Rising fuel costs make them expensive to run.
- Big, bulky designs are less suited for urban living.
- Cost of repairs often outweighs resale value.
For many car owners, it’s a better deal to get quick cash from a wrecker or recycler than trying to sell privately.
3. Old Diesel Vehicles
Diesel engines are known for their durability, but emissions standards are tightening up. That means many older diesel vehicles—especially commercial vans and 4WDs—are being scrapped.
We often see:
- Toyota HiAce (pre-2007)
- Nissan Patrols
- Mitsubishi Pajero (older diesel models)
- Ford Transit vans
These cars may still run, but with maintenance costs climbing and stricter roadworthiness rules, many owners are choosing to get rid of them altogether.
4. Cars With Major Mechanical Failures
Sometimes, it’s not about age—it’s about cost. Modern vehicles are packed with technology, and once something major fails, repairs can run into the thousands.
Cars we often see scrapped due to mechanical headaches include:
- Volkswagen Golf and Passat (with DSG gearbox issues)
- BMW 3 Series and X5 (older models with electronic problems)
- Jeep Cherokee (common electrical and transmission issues)
When owners get quoted $4,000+ to fix a car that’s barely worth $3,000 running, the smart choice is often to scrap it for instant cash.
5. Flood-Damaged or Accident Vehicles
In recent years, especially after extreme weather events in Australia, we’ve seen a huge rise in water-damaged cars coming in. Once a vehicle’s been submerged or severely damaged in an accident, it’s usually a write-off.
Even if it looks okay on the outside, the cost of repairs—or the risk of future electrical issues—makes these vehicles better suited for wrecking or recycling.
What This Means for You
If you’re sitting on a car that’s:
- No longer worth repairing
- Hard to sell privately
- Not getting much use
- Past its prime in terms of demand or parts
You’re not alone. These types of vehicles are being scrapped more than ever, and cash-for-cars services are becoming the go-to solution for Aussie car owners who want a fast, no-fuss way to say goodbye to their old ride.
Final Thought
Scrapping a car might sound like a last resort, but for many people, it’s the smartest move. Whether you’re ditching a 2002 Commodore with 300,000 km on the clock or a once-beloved diesel van that’s just too costly to fix, there’s value in every vehicle.
And with services like ours, you don’t need to worry about rego, roadworthy, or even getting it to us—we come to you, pay you cash on the spot, and take care of the rest.
Thinking of scrapping your car? Give us a call. We’ll make it simple and worthwhile.
If you are in Oakleigh, and looking for a cash for cars service, this is the best way to visit us.
Burwood Cash For Cars
www.burwoodcashforcars.com.au
(03) 7047 6732