Selling an old car should be simple. You call someone, they give you a price, they tow the car away, and you get paid. That’s how it’s supposed to work.
Most car removal companies in Adelaide are honest and do exactly this. But a few are not. Some use tricks to pay you less than they promised, or to avoid paying you at all.
The good news is that these tricks are easy to spot once you know what to look for. This guide walks you through the most common car removal scams in Adelaide and South Australia, and shows you simple ways to protect yourself. If you’re also weighing up whether now is a good time to sell, this guide on how to save money by selling your old car instead of storing it is worth a read first.
The Most Common Scam: The Price Drop Trick
This is the number one trick used in the car removal industry, not just in Adelaide but across Australia.
Here’s how it usually goes:
- You call a company and describe your car.
- They give you a high quote over the phone. It sounds great.
- You book them in and wait for pickup day.
- The tow truck arrives.
- Suddenly, the driver says the car has “extra damage” or is “worth less than they thought.”
- They offer you a much lower price on the spot.
Why do people accept this lower price? Because the truck is already sitting in their driveway. It feels easier to just accept the lower offer than to send the driver away and start again with someone else.
How to avoid it: Get your quote confirmed in writing or by text message before the truck arrives. Be clear and honest about your car’s condition when you first call, including any damage, missing parts, or problems with the engine. This way, there’s no excuse for the price to change on the day. A company that does this properly will walk you through what an honest car removal process actually looks like from quote to cash.
Hidden Fees Behind the Word “Free”
Free towing is a normal part of car removal. It should not cost you anything.
But some companies add fees later. They might call it a “towing fee,” a “paperwork fee,” or a “labour charge.” By the time these are added up, you could end up with almost nothing.
How to avoid it: Ask this exact question before you book: “Is the towing completely free, with no extra charges at all?” A straight answer of “yes, no charges” is what you want. Any hesitation or vague answer is a warning sign.
Getting Paid Later Instead of On the Spot
Some buyers will take your car and tell you the payment is “on its way.” They might say it will arrive by bank transfer that afternoon, or the next day.
Once your car is gone, you have very little way to make them pay you. You’ve lost your only bargaining chip, which is the car itself.
How to avoid it: Only agree to a sale where you get paid before the car leaves your property. Cash in hand or an instant bank transfer you can actually see land in your account are the two safest options. Don’t let the tow truck leave until the money is confirmed.
Pressure Tactics Like “This Offer Is Only for Today”
Scammers like to rush people. If you’re given time to think, you might call another company, compare prices, or notice something doesn’t add up. So instead, they push you to decide immediately.
Common lines include “this price is only good if you say yes right now” or “I’ve got another job to get to, so I need an answer in the next five minutes.”
How to avoid it: Slow down. A genuine car removal company wants your business, but they won’t force you into a rushed decision. Take the time to get at least one more quote before you agree to anything.
Fake or Unlicensed Companies
Not every company that shows up in a search result or a Facebook ad is real. Some are set up quickly, take a few cars, and disappear.
Here’s what a real, established company should have:
- A real street address, not just a mobile number
- An ABN you can look up
- A working landline or consistent mobile number
- Genuine, recent Google reviews from real customers
A quick and free way to check a business is to search its name on ABN Lookup (abr.business.gov.au). It takes about thirty seconds and tells you if the business is actually registered. It’s a small step, but it can save you a lot of trouble.
It’s also worth asking whether the company is connected to recognised auto recycling or wrecking industry groups. Genuine, established wreckers are usually happy to talk about how they recycle or dispose of vehicles responsibly. A vague or dismissive answer here is worth noticing.
What Happens If the Paperwork Isn’t Done Properly
This part is easy to overlook, but it matters a lot. If your car’s registration isn’t cancelled or the ownership isn’t properly transferred, you could still be responsible for fines, tolls, or fees on a car you no longer own.
In South Australia, you can cancel your vehicle’s registration yourself through Service SA or online through EzyReg. Don’t just take someone’s word that “it’s all sorted.” Confirm the cancellation yourself once the sale is done.
One more thing worth knowing: it’s smart to check your own car’s status on the PPSR (Personal Property Securities Register) at ppsr.gov.au before you sell. This tells you, and can show the buyer, that your car isn’t tied to any unpaid finance. Most guides talk about this as something only the buyer should worry about, but it actually works in your favour too. Showing a buyer a clean PPSR check builds trust and can help the sale move faster.
A Simple Checklist Before You Book a Car Removal Service
Keep this list handy before you say yes to anyone:
- Get your quote confirmed in writing or by text.
- Ask directly: “Is towing completely free?”
- Ask directly: “Do I get paid before the car leaves?”
- Check they have a real address, phone number, and ABN.
- Read their recent Google reviews.
- Don’t let anyone rush you into a decision.
- Confirm exactly what paperwork they handle, and what you need to do yourself.
What to Do If You Think You’ve Been Scammed
If something has already gone wrong, you’re not out of options. You can report the issue to:
- Scamwatch, run by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), at scamwatch.gov.au
- Consumer and Business Services (CBS) South Australia, which handles consumer complaints within the state
Reporting a scam doesn’t just help you. It helps stop the same company from tricking someone else in Adelaide.
Selling to a Trusted Local Car Removal Service
Most of what’s written above comes down to one simple idea: a good car removal company has nothing to hide. They’ll give you a clear quote, confirm the price stays the same, pay you before the car leaves, and handle the paperwork properly.
If you’re curious about what a fair price for your car actually looks like before you start calling around, take a look at how scrap car value is worked out in Adelaide. Knowing roughly what your car is worth beforehand makes it much easier to spot a lowball offer or a bait and switch attempt.
Ready to sell your car the straightforward way? Get a free quote and see exactly what your car is worth, with no pressure and no surprises on pickup day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is car removal free in Adelaide?
Yes, with a genuine company. Towing should be included at no extra cost. Always confirm this before booking.
How do I know if a car removal company is legit?
Check for a real address, a working ABN, and recent Google reviews. A quick search on ABN Lookup only takes a moment and confirms the business is registered.
What should I do if a company lowers the price on pickup day?
You don’t have to accept it. You can ask them to leave and call another company instead. This is exactly the pressure scammers rely on, so it’s worth staying firm.
Do I need to be present when the car is picked up?
Yes, it’s best to be there. This lets you confirm the price, hand over any paperwork, and receive payment directly before the car leaves.
What documents do I need ready before removal?
Have your registration papers or details ready, along with photo ID. If your car has any finance owing, check this beforehand using the PPSR so there are no surprises.