2026 presents a turning point for Australia’s scrap car industry. Australia has a big segment of old cars that are no longer able to run on the roads. The rising scrap metal prices, strict environment laws in NSW, and the shift towards electric cars is also reshaping how scrap yards operate. As repair costs increase and vehicle technology keeps evolving, understanding which wrecked car models can give the highest returns is important. Some old car models give higher value than others, especially in busy markets like Sydney. These values depend on various factors. It is important to understand which car models have higher scrap value.
Why only some car models are profitable
Some salvageable cars models are more profitable than others. When evaluating a scrap car, not all cars can be priced just based on their metal weight. In many cases, parts resale demand can outweigh the vehicle raw scrap metal value. Meaning that vehicles that are heavy and have high metal composition (steel, copper, aluminium) present will be valued at higher price. Popular models like Toyota Camry and Holden Commodore often have engines, transmissions, suspension components, and electronic parts that are always in high demand in the second hand market.
For car removal businesses, this means that a car's average metal weight can still be highly profitable if its parts are reusable and in demand. On the other hand, less common car models will have limited resale parts and it is often valued by their pure scrap metal weight. Then the price is driven by the current steel and aluminum market rates.
Most profitable scrap car models in Australia
Toyota Camry and Corolla
These car models were in demand in 2025 due to their parts like engines, gearboxes, and suspension parts making them valuable. In 2026, this trend is expected to continue as more of these cars reach their end. Scrap companies will be getting higher returns from recovered parts rather than just metal weight.
These models are a common sight on the Australian roads which is why they are the most profitable damaged cars. They are used across Australia and have a strong demand. Toyota Camry and Corolla models are used by taxis and fleets (corporate, government etc,.) and their parts are reused constantly, making these vehicles valuable beyond their metal content.
Holden Commodore and Astra
These car models have always been popular in the second hand parts market. In 2025, due to their engine, panel and transmissions they were highly looked after and this will continue in 2026. As these car models get older, their parts will become even more valuable for repairs.
Holden Commodore and Astra cars are always highly profitable in the scrap market due to their size, metal content and high demand for discontinued Holden parts. They have a strong resale market for its drivetrains and panels. Usable Holden components are very valuable to wreckers and repairers.
Volkswagen Golf
Volkswagen Golfs were also profitable in 2025 because their foreign parts were in demand. In 2026, scrap yards will continue to benefit from these reusable parts, and the growing focus on quality electric and mechanical components may increase their value more.
Because of its European engineering parts their resale prices are higher and there is a strong demand for its reusable parts. Volkswagen Golf has high aluminum components that increase its scrap value. Engines, transmissions, and electric components are usually sold before recycling which increases the overall returns.
Commercial Vans, Utes, and Large SUVs
In 2025, large vehicles like vans, utes and SUVs were the most valuable because of their high in demand parts. And in 2026, this trend is going to get stronger as these big vehicles will bring scrap yards high returns as the need for their reusable components rise.
These are the most profitable vehicles to scrap due to their size, weight, and parts value. Commercial Vans, Utes, and large SUVs like Ford Ranger, Hilux and Toyota LandCruisers have heavy steel frames and large engines. In many cases, these vehicles deliver the highest payouts for car removal service providers and scrap yards in Sydney.
Scrap value trends in Sydney for 2026
Average scrap price
In Sydney NSW, scrap prices vary by vehicle type. Small cars like hatchbacks usually get lower offers because of its light weight and low parts demand. While mid-size sedans get higher returns. Large vehicles like utes, vans and SUVs are in more and because of their heavy metal content and reusable mechanical parts.
Local factors affecting pricing
Scrap metal prices are in NSW as compared to other states because of local demand and supply dynamics. A large population means a stable supply of damaged or old vehicles in the scrap industry. But it also affects local wreckers and scrap yards due to high removal and transportation cost, restricting their margins. Seasonal fluctuation in construction also influences pricing as scrap metal is used in it. So, if scrap metals are in high demand, the payout of a scrapped car also increases.
Effect of EPA NSW
The standards introduced by the EPA NSW for scrap metal facilities are made to reduce the soil and water contamination risks from harmful fluids. While this does help in protecting and improving the environmental conditions, it also raises costs for wreckers. For example, a safe storage space with proper disposal and ventilation is needed for oils, refrigerants, and batteries. In this case, some scrap yards will put a portion of these costs onto sellers by adjusting their scrap offers, especially for vehicles that need extra handling and fluid drainage.
Licensed recyclers pay more
licensed recyclers that have EPA approved facilities are willing to pay more for scrap cars that are easier to dismantle safely. These are damaged vehicles that already have their fluids drained and the shell of the vehicle is in good shape (intact). This is especially true when NSW environmental guidelines demand for higher processing standards. Cars that are compliant will reduce waste handling risk, fines and increase profit margins for buyers.
How car scrapping industry can benefit in 2026
Car removal businesses in Sydney can maximise profit in 2026 by focusing on high-value models like Toyota Camrys, Holden Commodores, and popular SUVs (Toyota LandCruisers, Ford Rangers etc,.). Making decisions based on parts demand and metal content. If they partner with licensed EPA recyclers, they ensure higher payouts and regulatory compliance. Combining these strategies allows operators to boost their revenue, reduce risks, and remain competitive in a changing market.
Conclusion
In 2026, some car models like Toyota Camrys and Corolla, Holden Commodores, and SUVs will be the most profitable for scrap yards in Australia. It is because of their reusable parts and high metal content. It is important for car removal businesses in Sydney to understand why these parts sell in second hand markets, how a vehicle’s weight affects valuation. So, businesses who ensure that they have proper paperwork and work with licensed recyclers while following EPA NSW laws can maximise their returns. By adapting to laws they can stay competitive, profitable and be environmentally responsible.
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