Wondering what your old, damaged or non-running car is actually worth?
Find out what affects scrap car prices in NZ
and get a free, no-obligation quote from Auto Vera.
So, how much is a scrap car worth?
There is no single price for every vehicle. A small non-running hatchback,
a damaged SUV and a heavy ute can have very different values.
Your offer can depend on the vehicle’s
make, model, year, weight, condition, usable parts, location and current market demand.
Your Scrap Car May Be Worth More Than You Think
A car does not have to be roadworthy, registered or running to have value.
Even an unwanted vehicle can contain valuable metal, reusable components
and parts that are still in demand.
How Much Could a Scrap Car Be Worth in NZ?
There is no standard scrap car price that applies to every vehicle.
A small non-running hatchback, a damaged SUV and a heavy ute can have
very different values. The table below explains what can influence your vehicle’s value.
| Vehicle Type | What Can Affect Its Value? |
|---|---|
| Small Hatchback | Weight, condition, completeness and demand for usable parts. |
| Sedan / Medium Car | Make, model, mechanical condition, accident damage and parts demand. |
| SUV / 4WD | Vehicle size, weight, condition and the potential value of reusable components. |
| Ute / Light Truck | Weight, vehicle type, condition and demand for parts or materials. |
Every vehicle is assessed individually. The information above is general guidance,
not a price list or guaranteed offer.
Scrap Value vs. What Your Car Could Actually Sell For
There is an important difference between the scrap-metal value
of a vehicle and the price a vehicle buyer or wrecker may offer for the complete car.
If you want to sell the whole vehicle rather than simply value its metal, our cash for cars service may be a better option.
♻️ Scrap-Metal Value
This is primarily linked to the recyclable metal contained in the vehicle,
including steel and other materials.
🔧 Parts Value
Engines, transmissions, wheels, panels, lights and other usable components
may add value depending on the make, model, condition and demand.
💰 Vehicle Offer
A complete vehicle may be worth more than its basic metal value because
a buyer can potentially recover value from multiple parts.
What Determines the Value of a Scrap Car?
Two cars of the same age can be worth completely different amounts.
Here are the main factors that can affect your offer.
🚗 Make & Model
Popular makes and models can have stronger demand for replacement parts,
which can increase their value beyond basic scrap metal.
⚖️ Vehicle Weight
Heavier vehicles generally contain more recyclable material,
although weight is only one part of the overall valuation.
🔧 Condition
Mechanical problems, accident damage, rust and the condition of major
components can all affect the final offer.
🧩 Completeness
A complete vehicle may have more value than a stripped shell because
more components can potentially be recovered or recycled.
📍 Location
Your location and the difficulty of collecting the vehicle can affect
the economics of the offer and collection.
📈 Current Demand
Scrap-metal prices, used-parts demand and market conditions change over time,
so vehicle values can change too.
Is a Non-Running Car Still Worth Money?
Yes. A car does not necessarily need to start or drive to have value.
Non-running vehicles can still contain reusable components and recyclable materials.
- ✓ Failed engine or transmission
- ✓ Accident-damaged vehicles
- ✓ Old vehicles no longer worth repairing
- ✓ Vehicles that have been sitting unused
- ✓ Vehicles without a current WoF
- ✓ Unwanted vehicles you simply want removed
Don’t assume your car is worthless because it doesn’t run.
The best way to find out is to provide the vehicle details and request an actual quote.
How Does Auto Vera Work Out Your Car’s Value?
There is no generic price that fits every vehicle.
The more accurate information you provide, the easier it is to assess your car.
For the quickest and most accurate quote, provide:
- Make and model
- Year
- Approximate kilometres
- Current condition
- Whether the vehicle runs and drives
- Major mechanical or accident damage
- Your location
- Registration or plate details
- Photos, if available
Should You Remove Parts Before Selling Your Scrap Car?
Usually, don’t start stripping the vehicle yourself just to try to increase its value.
Removing major components can make the vehicle less complete and may reduce the overall offer.
- ✓ Keep the vehicle as complete as possible
- ✓ Tell the buyer about valuable or recently replaced components
- ✓ Mention engine, gearbox or major mechanical condition
- ✓ Send photos when requesting your quote
How to Get the Best Price for Your Scrap Car
- Give accurate vehicle details – Make, model, year and condition matter.
- Be honest about damage – Explain mechanical, accident or body damage.
- Tell us if it runs – Whether the car starts and drives can affect its assessment.
- Keep the vehicle complete – Don’t remove valuable components before getting a quote.
- Send photos – Photos can help provide a faster and more informed assessment.
- Compare the complete deal – Look at the offer together with collection arrangements and convenience.
How Selling Your Scrap Car to Auto Vera Works
- Tell Us About Your Car
Send the make, model, year, condition and location.
Photos are helpful, especially for damaged or non-running vehicles. - Get Your Quote
We review the information you provide and let you know what we can offer. - Accept the Offer
If the offer works for you, we can arrange the next step. - Arrange Collection
We organise a suitable time to collect the vehicle in the available service area.
For more information, see our free car removal service. - Complete the Sale
Payment and the required vehicle paperwork are completed as part of the sale process.
Can You Sell a Scrap Car Without WoF or Registration?
A vehicle does not need to be roadworthy simply to be considered for disposal or sale to a wrecker.
If your WoF or registration has expired, tell Auto Vera when requesting your quote.
If the vehicle is no longer roadworthy, it should not be driven on public roads.
You must notify NZTA when a registered vehicle is sold or disposed of.
If registration needs to be cancelled, the registered person can discuss the process with the wrecker or complete the required cancellation process with NZTA.
Why Choose Auto Vera?
- ✓ Free quote – Find out what your vehicle could be worth without obligation.
- ✓ Different vehicle conditions considered – Running, damaged, unwanted or non-running.
- ✓ Simple process – Quote, collection and payment without unnecessary hassle.
- ✓ Vehicle removal available – Ask about our free car removal service when requesting your quote.
- ✓ Private and commercial vehicles – Cars, utes, vans, trucks and other vehicles can be considered.
- ✓ Professional service – Clear communication from your first enquiry through to collection.
Looking for Cash for Cars Near You?
Auto Vera buys unwanted, damaged and scrap vehicles across selected service areas.
If you’re ready to sell your car, you can find your local
cash for cars service below.
Frequently Asked Questions About Scrap Car Value
How much is a scrap car worth in New Zealand?
There is no fixed price for every scrap car. The value depends on factors such as
the vehicle’s make, model, weight, condition, completeness, location, usable parts
and current market demand. The best way to know what your specific car is worth
is to request a vehicle assessment.
Is a non-running car worth anything?
Yes. A non-running vehicle can still contain valuable parts and recyclable materials.
Its condition, completeness and the demand for its components can all affect its value.
Can I sell a damaged car for scrap?
Yes. Accident-damaged and mechanically damaged vehicles can still have value.
The extent of the damage and the condition of the remaining components will be
considered when assessing the vehicle.
Can I sell a car without a current WoF?
A vehicle does not necessarily need a current WoF to be considered for scrap or
vehicle disposal. Tell us the vehicle’s current condition and WoF status when
requesting a quote.
Does registration affect scrap car value?
Registration status can be relevant to the vehicle and its paperwork, but it is
only one part of the overall assessment. Other factors such as condition, weight,
make, model and usable parts can also affect the offer.
Should I remove parts before selling my scrap car?
Usually, it is better to keep the vehicle as complete as possible. Removing major
components may reduce the value of the remaining vehicle. If the car has valuable
or recently replaced parts, mention them when requesting your quote.
Is scrap car removal free?
Free vehicle removal is available in applicable Auto Vera service areas.
Collection arrangements can be discussed when you request your quote.
How quickly can my scrap car be collected?
Collection depends on your location, vehicle condition and availability.
Same-day collection may be available in some areas.
What information do I need to get a quote?
Start with the vehicle’s make, model, year, condition and location.
Registration details, approximate kilometres and photos can also help provide
a faster and more accurate assessment.
How do I find out exactly what my scrap car is worth?
The most reliable way is to have your specific vehicle assessed.
Provide the vehicle details, condition and location so an offer can be prepared
based on your individual car.
Don’t Guess What Your Car Is Worth
Your old, damaged or non-running vehicle could still be worth money.
Tell Auto Vera what you have and get a free, no-obligation quote.
Ready to sell?
Get your free Auto Vera quote and find out what your scrap car could be worth.