So, you’ve finally decided to get rid of that old car sitting in the driveway. Maybe it’s been there so long the local birds have claimed it as their headquarters, or perhaps a recent fender bender made it clear that repairs are going to cost way more than the car is actually worth.
Whatever the reason, the idea of “free car removal” can feel a bit too good to be true. You might be wondering: What’s the catch? Why would someone drive out here, haul this heavy piece of metal away, and actually pay me for it?
It’s a fair question. In Geelong, residents often put off car removal because they expect it to be a headache involving hidden fees, mountain-high paperwork, or unreliable tow truck drivers who show up three hours late. But the reality is much simpler. At Bestway Car Removals, we’ve built our reputation on making this process invisible—meaning you barely have to lift a finger.
Why Do We Even Offer This for Free?
The answer is simple; it’s recycling. Even a car that doesn’t start has value in its scrap metal, its usable parts (like an alternator or a door handle), and its recyclable fluids. We offer free removal because the value we get from the vehicle’s materials covers the cost of the tow and then some, which is why we can often put cash in your hand, too.
For most Geelong locals, this beats a private sale every day of the week. Have you ever tried selling a non-running 2005 sedan on Marketplace? You’ll spend three weeks answering “Is this available?” only for the buyer to ghost you. Free car removal is for people who value their time and just want the space back.
What Actually Qualifies?
People often ask if their car is “too far gone.” The short answer? Probably not.
- Condition: Whether it’s smashed, flood-damaged, rusted out, or just plain old, we take it.
- Parts: If you’ve already picked it for parts, the value might be lower, but it usually still qualifies for free removal.
- Registration: Your car doesn’t need to be registered. In fact, most cars we pick up aren’t.
- Location: Whether you’re in the heart of Geelong, out in Leopold, or down in Grovedale, the “free” part stays free. We don’t tack on “distance surcharges” just because you aren’t next door to our yard.
The First Contact: Getting a Quote
When you call or fill out our online form, we’re going to ask a few specific questions: Make? Model? Year? What’s wrong with it? Is it accessible for a tow truck?
We ask these because we want to give you an accurate quote upfront. A reputable service (like us) won’t give you a “vague estimate” only to haggle with you on your driveway. If you give us the full story on the car’s condition, the price we quote is the price you get. A big red flag to watch out for? Companies that refuse to give a firm price until they’ve already hooked the car up to the truck.
Timing: Can This Happen Today?
In a perfect world, we’d love to be there in twenty minutes. In reality, we usually aim for same-day or next-day pickup across Geelong.
You don’t necessarily have to be there if the car is accessible and the paperwork is sorted, but most people prefer to be present to collect their payment. If the car is stuck in a tight backyard or a low-clearance carport, just let us know. We’ve seen it all, and we have the gear to handle tricky extractions, but knowing ahead of time helps us bring the right truck.
What You Need to Prepare
Don’t stress about detailing the car—we really don’t care about the crumbs under the seats. But you should do a quick sweep for:
- Personal items: Check the sunglasses holder, under the seats, and the CD player (if you still have one!).
- E-Tags and Plates: You’ll want to remove your toll tags. As for the number plates, you’ll need to return those to VicRoads to cancel your registration and potentially get a refund on any remaining rego.
- Documents: Have your ID (driver’s license) ready. If you have the title or ownership papers, great. If not, don’t panic—give us a call and we can usually work out an alternative.
The Pickup: Step-by-Step
When the truck rolls up, here’s how it goes down:
- Inspection: Our driver does a quick 2-minute walkaround to make sure the car matches the description.
- Paperwork: We handle the disposal forms so you aren’t left with any legal tail-ends.
- Payment: We pay you on the spot. No “cheque is in the mail” or “we’ll transfer it later” excuses.
- Loading: We winch the car onto the bed. This usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes total. We’re careful not to tear up your driveway or leave a mess behind.
Getting Paid: The Trust Factor
This is where people get the most nervous. Our policy is simple: Cash on the spot (up to $20,000 depending on the vehicle). A legitimate operator will never ask you to wait for payment after the car has been towed away. You should also receive a receipt or proof of transaction. If a driver starts trying to “re-negotiate” the price because of a flat tire we already knew about, that’s your signal to tell them to unhook the car.
What Happens to the Car?
We don’t just dump these cars in a hole. As licensed wreckers in Victoria, we follow strict EPA guidelines.
- Depollution: We drain the oils, coolants, and fuel so they don’t leak into the soil.
- Salvage: High-value parts are cleaned and resold to keep other cars on the road.
- Recycling: The remaining shell is crushed and sent to a steel mill. By choosing a professional removal service in Geelong, you’re actually keeping a significant amount of waste out of landfills. It’s the ultimate “green” way to say goodbye to a clunker.
Common Myths vs. Reality
Many people assume that “free removal” means they’re getting ripped off on the scrap price. Actually, because we handle the towing and the wrecking in-house, we can often offer more than a middleman would.
Another myth? That you need a perfectly clean title to move the car. While it makes things easier, we have processes in place to help you dispose of vehicles legally even if the paperwork has gone missing over the years.
Is This Better Than a Private Sale?
If your car is a 2022 model in mint condition, sell it privately. You’ll get more money. But if the car is:
- Mechanically failing.
- Involved in an accident.
- Unregistered and taking up space. …then free car removal is the winner. Between the cost of a RWC (Roadworthy Certificate), the repairs needed to pass it, and the time spent dealing with “tyre kickers,” you often end up losing money trying to sell a junker privately.
Choosing the Right Team in Geelong
There are plenty of “Cash for Cars” signs taped to power poles around town. But you want a team that is licensed, insured, and actually knows the Geelong area. Local operators care more about their reputation than big national chains.
Before you book, ask: Are you licensed? Do you charge for towing? Can you pay me today?
At Bestway Car Removals, we’ve spent years becoming the go-to for car pick up in Geelong. We’re a local team of appraisers and wreckers who believe that getting rid of a car should be the easiest thing you do all week.
Ready to clear some space? Or maybe you have a specific question about a car parked in a tricky spot? Give us a call—we’re ready when you are.
