Can I Still Sell a Car That’s Been Impounded or Abandoned?

You wouldn’t believe how often we get this call: “Hey, my car’s been sitting in a tow yard for months, can I still sell it?” Whether it’s an abandoned vehicle rusting away on a paddock or a hatchback stuck in a holding yard after vehicle impoundment, the answer’s usually: maybe. In this article, we’ll break down exactly what to do when your car’s been impounded, abandoned, or left to rot. Because yes, you might still get cash for it — but there are a few hoops to jump through first.

At Old Cars Removed, we’ve handled everything from overgrown station wagons in Thomastown to impounded vans in Laverton. And if you’re after cash for cars in Langwarrin, you’re in luck — we service that area too.

What’s the Legal Difference in VIC?

We get a lot of confusion over what these terms mean, so let’s clear the air:

• Impounded means your car’s been taken by the council, cops, or a towing contractor for parking illegally, being unregistered, or just being dumped somewhere.
• Abandoned means it’s been left unattended for long enough that a neighbour, ranger, or local council flagged it for removal. This can be due to issues like broken glass, flat tyres, or public health risks.

Here in Victoria, local councils are allowed to impound motor vehicles after giving written notice. Sometimes they don’t even have to wait if it’s a safety hazard or blocking a road.

One time, we were called to pick up a Hilux in Dandenong that had weeds growing through the tray. Turned out it had been left on public land for months and impounded by the council. The bloke who called us didn’t know it was gone until he got a fine in the mail with the registration number listed.

Can You Sell a Car That’s Been Towed and Held?

Short version: only if you still legally own it.

Here’s the catch. If your car’s been sitting in a tow yard or holding yard and you haven’t paid the storage fees or fines, it may have already been repossessed or listed in an online auction.

You’ve got a short window to act — usually 14 days after receiving notice — before councils are allowed to dispose of the vehicle.

But if it’s still in your name and hasn’t been written off or sent to auction, then yes, you can sell it. You’ll need:

• Proof of ownership (rego papers, licence, or finance clearance if it was under loan)
• The vehicle’s registration number and vehicle details (like vehicle make and VIN)
• Access to the car (or a tow company that can collect from the impound yard)
• Approval from the yard or authority holding the vehicle

We’ve helped dozens of people recover and sell impounded vehicles — even ones with no keys, no rego, and flat as a tack.

Can You Claim Ownership?

Let’s not beat around the bush — you can’t just sell any old abandoned car you find dumped in the bush.

To legally claim an abandoned vehicle:

• You need to report it to the local council.
• The council will attempt to contact the last registered owner.
• If they can’t be found and the car is not stolen, the council may eventually offer it for auction.

You can’t legally claim ownership of a car just because it’s sitting on your land or driveway. We’ve had calls from folks who thought they could flog abandoned vehicles left out front during lockdown — but unless the title’s transferred or the council gives the go-ahead, it’s not yours to sell.

How to check if you still own the car

This bit’s critical. Before trying to sell or recover any vehicle:

• Look up the VIN or plate on the PPSR (Personal Property Securities Register) to see if it’s under finance or has been written off.
• Contact VicRoads to confirm if it’s still in your name.
• If it’s in a tow yard or holding yard, ring them up and ask about outstanding fees or release requirements.

Helpful tip: If you’re the last known owner, the bills will keep stacking up under your name until the council takes ownership or scraps it. Some of these processes are governed by a database of legislation maintained for public access.

What if I don’t have the keys or papers?

Happens more often than not. We’ve collected plenty of cars where the owner had no paperwork and hadn’t seen the car in years.

We can still help, if you can:

• Prove ownership with ID and a matching name on the VicRoads record
• Provide the VIN or licence plate
• Authorise the tow yard to release it

No keys? No dramas — we’ve got a winch and dolly wheels. Missing plates? Happens. Full of spiders and smells like socks? We’ve seen worse.

Costs and council rules: the fine print

Here’s what you might be on the hook for:

Fee Type	Typical Cost (VIC)
Tow/Impound Fee	$400–$600+
Daily Storage	$15–$25 per day
Release Admin Fee	$100–$150
Unpaid Fines or Infringements	Varies, often hundreds

Some Melbourne councils will waive or reduce fees in hardship cases or if the car is being disposed of responsibly. Worth asking before you bin it.

Heads up: If you don’t pay or respond within the notice period, the council may classify it as abandoned and dispose of it through an online auction. The auction date and web address are usually listed publicly.

When it makes sense to sell

If your car’s:

• Not worth the cost of recovery
• Full of rust, hail damage, broken glass, or cactus mechanically
• Been sitting for over a year

Then your best option might be to sell it for scrap. Even an old Falcon with a blown head gasket could get you up to $500 in scrap value, depending on weight and metal prices.

And that’s where we come in.

We buy:

• Impounded cars with proof of ownership
• Abandoned vehicles you’ve legally acquired
• Unregistered, written-off, or end-of-life cars
• Project cars from car restorers

At Old Cars Removed, we make the process quick and simple — and we service all of Melbourne and the outer suburbs. If you’re chasing cash for cars in Langwarrin, we’ll come to you and take the hassle off your hands.

We’ll handle the tow, paperwork, and disposal. And we’ll tell you straight if it’s worth anything or not.

Final word: don’t let it rot, get it gone

Impounded and abandoned cars don’t get better with time. The longer you leave it, the more it costs and the less it’s worth. If you’re wondering “Can I still sell a car that’s been impounded or abandoned?” — the answer is yes, but don’t sit on it.

Need help figuring it out? Give Old Cars Removed a ring or send a pic. Whether you’re in Langwarrin, Laverton, or Lilydale — we’ll let you know what it’s worth and whether it’s worth recovering at all. Rego expired? Full of weeds? No stress. We’ve seen worse. Car dealers, car restorers, and private sellers — if you’ve got a clunker, we’re ready when you are.

FAQ

Can I sell my car if it’s in the impound lot?

Yes, if you still legally own it and pay the required fees, you can sell or scrap it.

What if I lost the rego papers?

No problem. As long as you have ID and the car is still in your name, we can usually sort it.

Can I sell a car that someone left on my property?

Only if the vehicle has been legally transferred to you or sold through a council auction.

Will the council notify me before they scrap my impounded car?

Yes. They usually send a written notice giving you a set number of days to claim or pay. If you’re struggling to pay, ask about a payment plan.

Is there a time limit to recover an impounded car?

Yes. Most councils set a 14-day notice period, after which the car may be sold or scrapped.