Got a broken car sitting around and not sure what to do with it? Cash For Car NZ buys broken, non-running and mechanically faulty vehicles across our service areas. If your car will not start, has engine trouble, gearbox issues, transmission problems, failed WoF, or is no longer worth repairing, you can request a quote and sell it as-is.
You do not need to fix the car before asking for an offer. Send us the vehicle details, tell us what is wrong with it, and we’ll let you know whether we can buy it and arrange pickup.
Can You Sell a Broken Car in NZ?
Yes, you can sell a broken car in NZ. A vehicle does not need to be running, roadworthy, or in tidy condition to have value. Broken cars may still be useful for parts, salvage, resale, dismantling, or scrap metal.
This page is for car owners who have a vehicle with mechanical faults and want a practical way to move it on. It is different from selling a tidy used car privately, because many private buyers do not want to deal with a car that needs repairs, towing, or mechanical work.
If you want a broader selling guide, visit our page on how to sell your car in NZ.
What Counts as a Broken Car?
A broken car is any vehicle that has a fault making it hard, unsafe, expensive, or impossible to drive normally.
This can include:
- a car that will not start
- a vehicle with a blown engine
- gearbox or transmission problems
- overheating issues
- electrical faults
- failed WoF problems
- serious mechanical faults
- a car stuck in limp mode
- a vehicle that starts but cannot be driven safely
- a car that has been parked for months or years
- a car where repairs may cost more than the vehicle is worth
A broken car is not always the same as a scrap car. Some broken vehicles still have usable parts, panels, wheels, batteries, catalytic converters, engines, gearboxes, or other components with resale or recycling value.
We Buy Cars That Won’t Start
If your car will not start, you can still ask for a quote. Many people get stuck because the car is sitting in a driveway, garage, workshop, car park, or yard and cannot be driven away.
Common reasons a car may not start include:
- flat or faulty battery
- starter motor problems
- alternator issues
- fuel system faults
- seized engine
- electrical problems
- key or immobiliser faults
- long-term storage issues
You do not need to diagnose the exact problem before contacting us. Just tell us what you know, including whether the car turns over, starts sometimes, has warning lights, or has already been checked by a mechanic.
If the vehicle cannot be driven, we can discuss pickup options through our car removal and car wreckers in NZ service.
Cars With Engine, Gearbox or Transmission Problems
Engine and transmission faults are some of the biggest reasons owners decide to sell a broken car instead of repairing it.
We can quote on vehicles with issues such as:
- blown engine
- seized engine
- overheating engine
- head gasket problems
- oil leaks
- timing belt or chain failure
- slipping transmission
- bad gearbox
- clutch failure
- automatic transmission faults
- major mechanical repair costs
These faults can make a car hard to sell privately. Buyers may worry about repair costs, towing, parts availability, and whether the car will pass another WoF. Selling to a car buyer that accepts broken vehicles can be a simpler option when you want the car gone without spending more money on it first.
Should You Repair a Broken Car or Sell It As-Is?
The right choice depends on the vehicle, the repair cost, and how much time you want to put into it.
| Situation | Repair may make sense if | Selling as-is may make sense if |
|---|---|---|
| Minor fault | The repair is cheap and the car is otherwise reliable | You do not want to spend more money on the car |
| Engine issue | The car is valuable enough to justify the repair | The repair cost is close to or higher than the car’s value |
| Transmission problem | You plan to keep the car long-term | You want to avoid a major repair bill |
| Failed WoF | The repairs are small and affordable | The WoF list is long or includes structural/mechanical issues |
| Non-running car | You can fix it easily and safely | You need pickup and want the car removed |
A simple rule: if the repair bill is more than you are comfortable spending, ask for a quote before approving the repair. It gives you another option.
How Much Cash Can You Get for a Broken Car?
The value of a broken car depends on the vehicle and the fault. There is no fixed price for every broken car, because two cars with the same issue can still have different values.
The offer may depend on:
| Factor | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Make and model | Some vehicles have stronger parts demand |
| Year | Newer vehicles may have more reusable parts |
| Mileage | High mileage can affect resale and parts value |
| Fault type | Engine, gearbox, electrical and body faults are valued differently |
| Whether it starts | Running and non-running cars are assessed differently |
| Vehicle completeness | Missing parts can reduce value |
| Location | Pickup distance and access can affect the process |
| Overall condition | Rust, damage, interior condition and tyres may all matter |
The best way to find out what your broken car is worth is to send accurate details and photos if available.
For broader vehicle buying information, visit our cash for cars in NZ page.
Broken Car vs Damaged Car vs Scrap Car
These terms often overlap, but they are not exactly the same. Knowing the difference helps you choose the right page and the right selling option.
| Vehicle type | What it usually means | Best next step |
|---|---|---|
| Broken car | Mechanical or electrical fault, may not start or drive | Request a broken car quote on this page |
| Non-running car | Cannot be driven or does not start | Ask about quote and pickup options |
| Damaged car | Accident, body, structural, flood, fire, or major fault damage | Read about how to sell a damaged or non-running car |
| Scrap car | End-of-life, very old, rusted, stripped, or mainly recyclable | Read about how to sell your scrap or old car |
| Unwanted car | No longer needed, too costly to keep, or taking up space | Request a quote or compare the related pages |
This page should mainly be used when the car is broken because of a mechanical or electrical issue.
Best For / Not Best For
This page is best for you if:
- your car is broken and you want to sell it as-is
- the vehicle will not start
- the car has engine, gearbox, transmission or electrical faults
- repair costs are getting too high
- the car has failed a WoF and is not worth fixing
- you want to avoid private selling hassle
- you need help with removal or pickup
This may not be the best fit if:
- your car is in excellent condition and easy to sell privately
- you want to spend time repairing it before selling
- you are trying to get the highest possible private-sale price
- you are looking to buy broken cars rather than sell one
How to Sell Your Broken Car for Cash
Selling a broken car is straightforward.
1. Tell us about the car
2. Get a quote
We assess the details and let you know whether we can make an offer.
3. Accept the Offer
If you are happy with the quote, we arrange the next step.
4. Arrange pickup
5. Complete the sale
Once the details are agreed, the vehicle can be collected and the sale completed.
FAQs About Selling a Broken Car
Can I sell a car that does not start?
Yes. Cars that do not start may still have value. The quote will depend on the vehicle, the likely fault, location, condition, and whether it can be collected safely.
Do I need to know what is wrong with the car?
No. It helps if you know the fault, but you can still request a quote if you only know the symptoms. For example, you can tell us it will not start, overheats, makes a noise, has warning lights, or was diagnosed by a mechanic.
Can I sell a car with a blown engine?
Yes, you can ask for a quote on a car with a blown or seized engine. The offer will depend on the make, model, year, condition, location, and whether other parts are still usable.
Can I sell a car with a bad transmission?
Yes. Cars with gearbox or transmission problems can be quoted. These repairs can be expensive, so selling as-is may be a practical option for some owners.
Is a broken car the same as a damaged car?
Not always. A broken car usually has a mechanical or electrical fault. A damaged car may have accident damage, body damage, flood damage, fire damage, or other physical damage. If your car has accident or body damage, see our page on how to sell a damaged or non-running car.
Is a broken car the same as a scrap car?
No, not always. A broken car may still have reusable parts or repair potential. A scrap car is usually older, end-of-life, badly rusted, stripped, or mainly valued for recycling.
Do I need a WoF or registration to sell a broken car?
Not always. Many broken cars do not have a current WoF or registration. Share the current status when asking for a quote so the vehicle can be assessed properly.
Can you pick up a broken car from my house?
Pickup may be available depending on your area, vehicle access, and condition. Let us know where the car is and whether it can be reached safely.
Should I repair my car before asking for a quote?
You do not have to. If you are unsure whether repairs are worth it, ask for a quote first. Then you can compare the offer with the repair cost and decide what makes sense.
What details should I send for the fastest quote?
Send the make, model, year, location, mileage if known, whether it starts, whether it drives, WoF/rego status, the main fault, and photos if available.
