Around Peterborough and the Kawartha Lakes, a lot of vehicles end up parked and forgotten in places a city car never would: the back of a cottage property, beside a barn, at the end of a long gravel lane, or under a tarp since last fall. If one of those is yours, you may be wondering whether it is worth anything and how you would even get it out. This guide covers how cash for cars in Peterborough and the Kawartha Lakes works for vehicles that have been sitting.
Canadian Auto Wreckers is based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and has been buying scrap, junk, and unwanted vehicles since 1981. We pick up in Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, and across the east GTA.
Vehicles that are a good fit
You do not need a clean, running car. These are the kinds of vehicles people often call us about in cottage country and rural areas:
- An old pickup or work truck that stopped being useful on the property
- A second car that no longer passes its safety inspection
- A vehicle left at a cottage or seasonal property that nobody plans to drive again
- A car that has been parked for a season or longer and will not start
- A damaged vehicle after a collision, deer strike, or ditch slide
Where the car is parked matters
On a rural property, the pickup itself is usually straightforward. Access is the part worth thinking about. Before you call, walk the route from the road to the vehicle and look for a few things:
- Lane condition: soft ground, deep ruts, or a steep grade can limit where a truck can safely go, especially in spring or after heavy rain.
- Gates and clearance: low branches, narrow gates, and overhead wires can all get in the way.
- Parked equipment: trailers, boats, and firewood stacks sometimes box a vehicle in.
- Landmarks: for a property without a clear street number, tell us the nearest crossroads or a visible marker.
If you tell us about these when you call, we can plan the pickup properly instead of finding out on the day.
Cottage and seasonal properties
Many cottages are only used part of the year, so timing matters. If you are closing up for the season, it is often easier to arrange the pickup while you are still there. If you are not on site, make sure someone who can sign the vehicle over is present, and have the ownership permit and photo ID ready. Remove plates and clear out personal items before pickup, and keep the insurance active until the vehicle is gone.
What happens on pickup day
- You call us and describe the vehicle, its condition, and where it is.
- We confirm the details and arrange a pickup time that works for you.
- Our driver arrives, checks the vehicle, and you sign it over with your ownership and ID.
- The vehicle is loaded and taken away. Many pickups include free towing, so you do not have to arrange anything yourself.
For a full walk-through of the process, see our guide to how cash for cars works, and our checklist of what to have ready.
Common questions
Do you buy cars that do not run?
Yes. A vehicle that will not start, has flat tires, or has been sitting for years can still be picked up. Mention its condition when you call so we bring the right equipment.
Can you pick up from a cottage property?
Often, yes, as long as we can reach the vehicle and someone with authority to sign it over is there. Share the road access details and we will let you know what is workable.
What if I have no keys?
Let us know ahead of time. A missing key does not always stop a pickup.
Which areas do you cover nearby?
We serve Peterborough and Kawartha Lakes, plus Clarington, Oshawa, and Whitby. If you are comparing our wider coverage, see our Toronto scrap car removal service page.
Ready to clear out the old vehicle?
Call Canadian Auto Wreckers at 416-559-3683 and tell us where the vehicle is and what shape it is in. You can also request an online quote.