Let’s face it — the holidays are a whirlwind. Between end-of-year catchups, last-minute gift shopping, and figuring out who’s bringing what to Christmas lunch, it’s easy to forget about that old car just sitting in your driveway or garage. Maybe it’s been parked there for months. Maybe even years. You keep telling yourself you’ll deal with it later — but with the holidays here, now might actually be the perfect time to do something about it.
Here’s a friendly guide on what you can do with that unused car over the holidays — no stress, no jargon, just helpful ideas from folks who’ve seen it all.
1. Turn It Into Holiday Cash
Let’s start with the obvious: If your old car is doing a whole lot of nothing, why not turn it into something useful — like extra holiday cash?
A lot of people don’t realise that even if a car is no longer running, it’s still worth money. Cash-for-cars services (like ours!) will pay for your unwanted car and often tow it away for free. And we’re not talking about loose change either — depending on the make, model, and condition, you could be looking at hundreds or even thousands of dollars. That’s a fair chunk of your holiday shopping sorted, or even a cheeky getaway fund for the New Year.
Real talk: Just last December, we had a customer named George from Brunswick who finally decided to part ways with his 2002 Holden Commodore. It had been collecting dust in his garage since pre-COVID. We picked it up on a Thursday, and by Friday, he had $850 in his account — right in time for Christmas gifts for his grandkids.
2. Donate It to a Good Cause
If you’re not in urgent need of cash and you’re feeling a bit generous this holiday season, donating your unused car can be a meaningful move. Many local charities accept car donations and either use them directly or sell them to fund programs.
You’ll not only be clearing space and doing something good — you may also be eligible for a tax deduction (check with your accountant on that one). Plus, you’ll feel good knowing your old vehicle is going to help someone who genuinely needs it.
3. Give It a Holiday Makeover
Sometimes it’s not about saying goodbye — it’s about giving your car a second chance.
Got a bit of time off work? If you’re handy (or know someone who is), the holiday break could be a great opportunity to work on reviving your car. Maybe it just needs a new battery, a fresh set of tyres, or a deep clean to get back on the road.
We’ve had customers who were convinced their car was a write-off, only to discover that a weekend of tinkering and $200 in parts brought it back to life. It could be worth the effort — especially if you’ve got a teenager itching to get their licence soon.
4. Sell It Privately (But Be Realistic)
Selling your car privately is another option, though it usually takes a bit more effort than calling a removal service. You’ll need to take decent photos, write up a listing, respond to enquiries, and potentially deal with lowball offers.
If your car is still in okay condition and roadworthy, this might get you a better price — but only if you’ve got the time and patience. During the holidays, people’s schedules (and budgets) can be all over the place, so be prepared for a slower response than usual.
Pro tip: If you’re going this route, try listing the car with full transparency. Mention any issues, include a recent roadworthy certificate if you have one, and keep your expectations realistic.
5. Recycle It Responsibly
If your car is truly beyond repair and isn’t worth much, recycling it might be the most responsible thing to do. Car recycling ensures that hazardous materials are safely disposed of, and parts that can be reused or melted down get a second life.
At our yard, for example, we recycle everything from the metal to the fluids — even the battery gets handled properly. It’s a lot better than letting it rot in the backyard or contribute to landfill.
Think of it like this: instead of being an eyesore, your car could be helping build something new.
6. Let Someone Else Tow the Stress Away
Don’t want to deal with it at all? Totally fair. That’s what we’re here for.
At our cash-for-cars service, we make the whole process quick and easy. One phone call or online form, and we’ll take care of the rest — towing, paperwork, and payment. You don’t even need to be home. We’ve picked up cars from driveways, garages, paddocks, and even parking lots while the owner was away on holidays.
If you’ve been putting it off because you thought it’d be a hassle, we promise — it’s not.
Something to Think About Before the New Year
The holidays are a time for clearing the decks, both literally and figuratively. Dealing with that old, unused car might seem like a small thing, but it’s one less worry heading into the new year. Whether you turn it into cash, donate it, fix it up, or just finally get it off your property, you’ll be glad you did something.
And if you ever need help figuring out the best option — or just want a no-pressure quote — we’re just a call away.
No Pressure, Just Possibilities
The holidays can get busy, but they’re also the perfect excuse to tick something off the long-term to-do list — like finally doing something about that car you’ve been ignoring. Whether you want extra cash, peace of mind, or a tidier driveway, you’ve got options. And the good news? None of them are hard.
If you are in Niddrie, and looking for a cash for cars service, this is the best way to visit us.
Richmond Cash 4 Cars
(03) 7047 6388