Do not try to start it
If water reached the engine or cabin, attempting to start the car can hydraulic-lock the engine and turn a sellable car into a parts-only car. Leave it off.
Is a flood car worth anything?
Yes. Even fully submerged vehicles have value: undamaged panels, wheels, suspension parts and scrap metal. The engine and electronics are usually the losses, but a complete flood car still typically fetches $200–$1,000+ depending on the vehicle.
Insurance first
If the car is insured, lodge the claim before selling. Your insurer may write it off and pay you out — selling a car you have already claimed on can void your policy. If it is uninsured, selling direct to a wrecker is the fast option.
Disclose the water damage
Always tell the buyer it was flood-affected and how high the water got. Wreckers price flood cars differently from crash cars, and honesty gets you a firm quote that does not change at pickup.
The process
Flood cars are collected by truck regardless of whether they run — same-day pickup across most of NZ, payment on the spot, and no need for the car to start, roll, or even have wheels inflated. Get a quote and have it gone this week.