Skip to content 
YourYour old car may need costly repairs, have no current WOF, or take up space in your driveway. Choosing to Sell Unwanted Car to Wrecker can be a practical alternative to a private sale, which often takes time because you need to find buyers, answer questions and arrange inspections.
Selling your unwanted car to a wrecker can be another option. You may receive money based on its condition, useful parts and scrap metal value. It can also help you avoid repair costs and the work of selling the car privately.
Understanding these benefits can help you decide whether selling your unwanted car to a wrecker is the right choice. Here are ten reasons to consider before making a decision.
10 Reasons to Sell Unwanted Car to Wrecker
1. Get Cash for Your Unwanted Car
Your old car may still be worth money, even if it is damaged or no longer runs. A car wrecker may offer money based on the vehicle’s condition, useful parts and scrap metal value.
The price depends on your car’s make, model, year, engine, gearbox and overall condition. According to the NZ Association of Metal Recyclers, auto dismantlers recover useful parts for resale, while metal recyclers focus on the value of the metal.
This means an unwanted car may still have value, even when it is no longer suitable for everyday use. The final offer will depend on the vehicle and the buyer’s assessment.
2. Avoid Expensive Car Repairs
If your car needs costly repairs, spending more money on it may not be the best choice. You can consider selling it in its current condition instead of paying for repairs first.
For example, your car may have engine trouble, gearbox damage, worn tyres or rust. Fixing these problems can cost more than the car is worth.
Before deciding, compare the repair cost with the car’s current value. If the repairs are too expensive, selling it to a wrecker may be a more practical option.
3. Sell Your Damaged or Non-Running Car
Is your car damaged or not starting? You may still be able to sell it to a wrecker. Even if the car cannot run, some parts like the engine, gearbox, wheels and doors may still be useful.
When asking for a price, the buyer may need to know:
- Does the car start?
- Is it damaged?
- Are any parts missing?
- Does it have wheels and keys?
- Does it have a current WOF or rego?
You can also share photos of the vehicle to show its condition. If your car has no WOF or rego, read more about selling a car without a WOF or rego in Dunedin.
4. Save Time Compared with a Private Sale
Selling your car privately takes time. You need to post an ad, answer calls, talk to buyers and arrange car inspections. Some buyers may also change their minds after seeing the car.
Selling to a wrecker can be more direct. You share your car details, discuss an offer and decide whether to accept it. If you agree, you can arrange the collection and payment details.
This can be helpful if your car is old, damaged or no longer running. However, a private buyer may offer more for a vehicle in good condition, so compare your options before deciding.
5. Arrange Convenient Car Collection
If your car does not run, taking it to a wrecker can be difficult. You may need to arrange a trailer or towing service, which can add to the cost.
Some car wreckers offer vehicle collection, making it easier to sell a car that cannot be driven. Before accepting an offer, check whether collection is available, whether any fee applies and what arrangements are needed.
When discussing pickup, share these details:
- The vehicle’s location.
- Whether the car starts.
- Whether it has wheels and keys.
- Whether it can roll and steer.
- Whether it is parked in a garage or a hard-to-reach place.
These details help the buyer understand what is needed to collect the vehicle.
6. Free Up Your Driveway or Garage
Is your old car taking up space in your driveway or garage? If you no longer use it or plan to repair it, selling it can help you clear that space.
You can use the area for another car, storage or other everyday needs. This can be especially helpful when a vehicle has been sitting unused for months.
Before the car is collected, remember to remove your personal items, tools and anything else you want to keep. Check the glove box, boot, door pockets and under the seats. [NEW] If you live in North Otago, our Oamaru car wreckers team can collect your car.
A mechanic struggling to part out old cars instead of selling to a wrecker.
7. Avoid the Work of Selling Car Parts One by One
Selling your car part by part takes time and effort. You need to remove each part, take photos, post ads, answer buyers and arrange separate pickups.
You also need the right tools and skills to remove car parts safely. Some parts may sell quickly, while others may remain unsold for a long time.
An auto dismantler can assess the complete vehicle and identify parts that may be useful. This gives you another option: selling the whole car instead of managing many separate part sales.
8. Give Usable Car Parts a Second Life
Even if your old car cannot run, some parts may still be in good condition. Parts such as engines, gearboxes, doors, mirrors and alternators may be useful for repairing other vehicles.
For example, someone repairing an older Toyota, Nissan, Mazda or Subaru may look for suitable second-hand parts instead of buying new ones. However, each part must match the vehicle and be in suitable condition.
Reusing car parts can also help keep useful materials in use for longer. This supports the idea of a Circular Economy, where products and materials are reused instead of becoming waste straight away.
9. Support Responsible Car Recycling
Selling your unwanted car to a wrecker can help reduce waste. Instead of sending the whole vehicle to scrap, a car dismantler can check which parts can be reused and which materials can be recycled.
Old cars may contain useful metal, tyres, batteries and parts. They also contain oil and other fluids that need proper handling. The New Zealand Ministry for the Environment supports reducing waste through reuse and recycling.
The Waste Minimisation Act 2008 provides a framework for reducing waste in New Zealand. Proper handling of used oil is also important because poor storage or disposal can harm people and the environment, as explained in WorkSafe New Zealand’s used or waste oil guidance.
Choosing a buyer who handles unwanted vehicles responsibly can help make sure the car is dealt with properly after collection.
10. Complete the Sale with Clear Terms
Before selling your unwanted car, make sure you understand the price, payment and collection arrangements. Clear terms can help prevent confusion when the vehicle is handed over.
Ask these simple questions before agreeing to the sale:
- How much will you pay for my car?
- Is car collection included?
- Are there any extra charges?
- When will I receive payment?
- What paperwork do I need?
After the sale, remember to notify NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) that you have sold the registered vehicle. The seller must complete the required notification, so check the official NZTA instructions and keep a record of the sale.
What Happens to Your Car After Selling It to a Wrecker?
After you sell your car to a wrecker, the team checks it to see which parts can still be used. Even if your car does not run, some parts and metal may still have value.
The process may include:
- Check the car: The team looks at the car’s condition and identifies parts that may be useful.
- Remove fluids: Oil and other fluids are handled safely.
- Save useful parts: Parts in good condition may be removed for resale.
- Recycle metal: Suitable metal is separated for recycling.
- Handle tyres and batteries: These items may need separate collection or processing.
Not every part can be reused, and the exact process depends on the vehicle and the dismantler’s facilities. The Ministry for the Environment’s waste information explains why reuse and recycling are important in New Zealand.
Final Thoughts on Selling Your Unwanted Car
Selling your unwanted car to a wrecker can help you avoid costly repairs, save time and clear space at home. Even if your car is damaged or no longer runs, some parts may still have value.
Before selling, compare the offer, check the collection terms and confirm the payment details. Also, remember to notify NZTA after selling your registered vehicle. These steps can help you make a better decision and complete the sale with fewer problems. Contact Dunedin Auto Parts for a free quote and pickup details on your car.
