1. Work out whether the car is worth repairing
If the repair bill is higher than the car's market value, scrapping is almost always the better outcome. Common tipping points in New Zealand are a failed warrant of fitness with structural rust, a blown head gasket on an older Japanese import, automatic transmission failure, or accident damage that an insurer has written off.
- Rust in chassis rails or sills — expensive and usually terminal for WOF
- Engine or gearbox failure on a car worth under $3,000
- Insurance write-off you have bought back
- Deregistered vehicle that has sat unused for years
2. Gather what little paperwork you need
You do not need a warrant of fitness or current registration to scrap a car. What helps is proof you own it: your driver licence and, if you have it, the registration papers. A wrecker will ask you to sign a simple sale note.
If you cannot find the papers, that is fine — most wreckers deal with missing documentation every week, as long as your name matches the registered owner on record.
3. Get quotes from licensed wreckers
Prices differ between yards because each one has different parts demand. A yard that already dismantles Toyota Corollas will pay more for another Corolla than a yard that does not. That is why it pays to have your details go to more than one buyer.
Junker takes your car's details once and matches them to licensed wreckers in your area, so you get a realistic figure instead of ringing around all afternoon.
4. Book free pickup and get paid
Reputable New Zealand wreckers do not charge for towing a whole vehicle — the scrap steel and parts cover it. Payment is made at pickup, usually cash or bank transfer. Never pay a fee to have a complete car removed.
- Remove your personal belongings and any aftermarket stereo you want to keep
- Take the plates off if you plan to hold the registration
- Hand over one key if you have one — it is not essential
5. Tell Waka Kotahi the car is gone
Once the vehicle leaves, notify NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi that you are no longer the owner, or apply to cancel the registration. This stops future licensing reminders and any liability for the vehicle. It can be done online or at any agent.
Common questions
- How much is a scrap car worth in New Zealand?
- Most complete cars fetch somewhere between a couple of hundred dollars and about a thousand, depending on weight, make, parts demand and whether the engine turns over. Popular Japanese models with in-demand parts sit at the higher end.
- Can I scrap a car that does not run?
- Yes. Non-runners are the most common type of vehicle wreckers buy. The tow truck will winch it on, so it does not need to start, steer or hold a warrant.
- Do I need the registration papers?
- They help but are not compulsory. Photo ID matching the registered owner is normally enough.