Got a busted alternator lying around in the shed? You’re not the only one. We’ve yanked more alternators out of backyard bombs and rusted Commodores than we can count. But the big question we hear is this: Are old alternators worth anything? Short answer — yep, they can be. But how much they’re worth depends on a few key things, and we’re here to break it all down for you. No fluff, no faff, just straight-up advice from the team at Old Cars Removed in Melbourne.
Contents
Why Bother with an Old Alternator?
You might be thinking, “It’s just a chunk of metal and wires, right?” Not quite. Old alternators can hold surprising value — either as working car parts, scrap metal, or even as rebuild cores.
- Rebuildable cores are bought by auto parts shops to refurbish and resell.
- Working second-hand units can be flogged off to someone desperate to fix their car on the cheap.
- Scrap metal prices are decent — especially if it’s got copper wire or a copper coil inside.
- Recycling facilities love alternators because they contain a mix of valuable materials.
If you’re ready to offload yours, Old Cars Removed offers cash for old cars Melbourne locals can rely on.
What Impacts the Value?
Not all alternators are created equal. Here’s what makes the difference:
- Condition: If it still works, you’ll get more.
- Make & Model: Popular or premium models fetch higher resale.
- Material: Copper coils = more value.
- Scrap Prices: Copper’s been sitting around $8–$9/kg lately.
- Included with Vehicle: Complete vehicles get higher cash offers.
- Other Systems: Starter motors and engine parts also add to the total value.
Cleaning out the shed? We offer cash for used cars Melbourne folks are happy with — alternator included.
Value Comparison
| Alternator Type | Potential Value Range | Where to Sell |
|---|---|---|
| Working (Used) | $20 – $80 | Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, mechanics |
| Rebuild Core (Not Working) | $10 – $30 | Auto parts shops, reconditioning businesses |
| Scrap Only (Metal) | $5 – $15 | Scrap yards, recycling centres |
Keep or Sell the Alternator?
Unless you’re parting out the car yourself, it’s usually not worth the hassle.
- Time-consuming: Tools, effort, and a busted knuckle or two.
- Reduces whole car value: We pay more when it’s complete — alternator and all.
- Whole car = more money: We pay better cash for junk cars Melbourne than selling piece by piece.
Rule of thumb? Already out? Sell it. Still in the car? Leave it and flog the lot.
Recycling an Alternator: What Happens to It?
Even at the end of its life, an alternator’s got value:
- Copper wire and windings (high scrap value)
- Aluminium or stainless steel casing
- Steel parts and fasteners
Proper recyclers strip and sort these materials. We work with licensed recycling centres around Melbourne to make sure your old parts don’t end up in a dodgy tip.
Can You Rebuild It Yourself?
Sure — but it’s not for the faint-hearted.
- Requires tools, know-how, and soldering skills
- Rebuild kits cost $20–$50
- Could be too far gone to fix
Unless you’re a seasoned DIYer, better to sell it as-is and let the pros sort it out.
Dodgy DIY Warning Signs
- Spray-painted units trying to hide corrosion
- Wobbly pulleys or missing hardware
- No brand stamp = knock-off alert
- “Tested” with no proof? Walk away
Real Melbourne Examples
From Dandenong to Footscray, we’ve seen it all:
- Camry in Dandenong: Bloke tried parting it out, alternator still in a box. We gave top dollar for the car as-is.
- Commodore in Footscray: Alternator was the only good bit — we sold it for $50 to a tradie.
- Tradie ute with parts: Full of steel wheels, engine blocks, and alternators. We stripped, sorted, and recycled the lot.
How We Handle Alternators
- We assess full vehicle value, including alternators
- Offer top cash for old cars Melbourne-wide
- Take care of all the paperwork — even if your rego’s long gone
- Partner with proper recyclers, not the scrap cartel
- Free pick-up service — no lifting required
We’re not fly-by-night cowboys. We’re Melbourne locals and we’ve towed more bombs than a wreckers’ yard clearance sale.
Final Thoughts
Are old alternators worth anything? Absolutely — but don’t expect a gold mine unless it’s a good brand and still ticking. A clean unit might earn you a pineapple, but in most cases, the best value comes from offloading the whole car.
Need to offload fast? Old Cars Removed offers hassle-free cash for old cars Melbourne and cash for used cars Melbourne — quick quotes, no drama.
Got a pic of your alternator? Flick it to us and we’ll tell you straight. Or if it’s cactus, toss it in the scrap — let the pros deal with it.
FAQ
Can I get cash for just an old alternator in Melbourne?
Yes, but not much. Expect around $5 to $30 depending on condition, scrap metal content, and buyer.
Is it better to sell or recycle an old alternator?
If it’s working, sell it. If it’s dead, scrap or recycle it — copper wire, steel cases and aluminium add up.
How do I know if my alternator is still working?
Test it with a multimeter, or ask a mechanic. Most show signs like dim lights or a flat battery when they’re failing.
Do car removal companies care if the alternator is missing?
Yep. We do. Missing parts like the alternator, starter motor or exhaust system lower your overall cash offer.
What’s the easiest way to get rid of an old alternator?
Chuck it in with the old car and call Old Cars Removed. We’ll sort it at our trusted recycling centre.
