In a lot of the country, scrapping a car means a tow truck backs up a driveway and hooks on. In Toronto, the car is just as likely to be in an underground condo garage, behind a house in a laneway, or on a narrow street where parking is tight. Those details matter. A little planning makes scrap car removal in Toronto quicker and avoids a wasted trip for everyone.
Canadian Auto Wreckers has been buying scrap, junk, and unwanted vehicles since 1981. We are based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and we pick up across Toronto and the east GTA. Here is how to prepare, depending on where your car is sitting.
If the car is in a condo or apartment garage
Underground garages often have low ceilings, gate codes, and rules about who can bring a vehicle in or out. Before you book a pickup, check with your property manager or condo board about whether a tow truck is allowed inside, what time of day works, and whether you need to book a loading area or elevator. Tell us the clearance height if you know it. If a truck cannot get in, we can talk through other options, such as moving the car to street level or a nearby lot first.
If the car is in a laneway or behind a house
Laneways and rear parking pads are common across Toronto, and they are often narrower than they look. Walk the route from the street to the car. Look for parked cars, garbage bins, low wires, or fences that could block a truck. Clear what you can before pickup day. If the car is boxed in, let us know so we can plan around it.
If the car is parked on the street
A car on a busy street needs a bit more coordination. Check the posted parking rules and make sure there is room in front of or behind the car for a truck to work. If the car has been sitting for a while, it is worth confirming it has not been ticketed or flagged. For a car with flat tires or a seized brake, mention that when you call so the right equipment shows up.
What to have ready, wherever the car is
- Ownership permit and photo ID: the person selling the car needs to be able to sign it over.
- Plates removed and personal items cleared out: check the glove box, trunk, and under the seats.
- Keys, if you have them: it is fine if you do not, but tell us ahead of time.
- Access details: gate codes, parking level, landmarks, and the best time for pickup.
- Insurance: keep it active until the car is actually gone.
If you are not sure what the process looks like from start to finish, our guide to how cash for cars works in Toronto walks through it step by step, and our checklist of what to have ready covers the paperwork side.
Does the car need to run?
No. We buy cars that run, cars that do not start, and cars that have been in accidents. If yours will not start, our post on what to do when your car won’t start in Scarborough applies across the city. Many pickups include free towing, so you do not have to arrange a truck yourself.
Common questions
Can you pick up a car from an underground garage?
Often, yes, depending on the clearance and the building’s rules. Tell us the height limit and whether the building needs advance notice, and we will let you know what is workable.
Do I need to be there during pickup?
Someone with the authority to sign over the vehicle should be present, and it helps if they can point out where the car is parked.
What if I do not have the keys?
Let us know when you call. A missing key does not always stop a pickup, but we want to bring the right equipment.
Do you only serve downtown Toronto?
No. We work across Toronto and the east GTA, including Scarborough, Ajax, and Oshawa. You can also see our Toronto scrap car removal service page.
Ready to scrap your car?
Call Canadian Auto Wreckers at 416-559-3683 and tell us where the car is parked and what shape it is in. We will help you plan a pickup that fits your building, your street, and your schedule, or you can request an online quote.