Written by: Kevin, an expert tow truck driver and car removal specialist.
About the author: Kevin is a car removal expert with over 12 years of experience traveling across New Zealand, negotiating and buying cars of all sorts and conditions. From wrecked utes in Waikato to non-runners in BoP, Kevin has mastered the art of fair deals and quick pickups, helping Kiwis turn their unwanted vehicles into cash.
Got an old car sitting around doing nothing but taking up space?
Whether it’s rusty, damaged, deregistered, or simply not worth repairing anymore, you can turn it into real cash today, without the hassle of selling privately.
Quick summary:
▪ Get cash for old cars in minutes
▪ We buy vehicles in any condition (wrecked, broken, no WOF, no rego)
▪ Pickup available across Hamilton, Cambridge, Tauranga & Rotorua
▪ Get paid up to $12,000 depending on vehicle value
▪ Free towing + paperwork sorted
What Can You Do With an Old Car in NZ?
Most people don’t know what the best option is once a vehicle becomes too old or unreliable.
Here are the main choices:
Sell it privately
Works only if the car is still running well, but comes with time-wasters, unsafe meetups, and endless negotiation.
Trade it in
Convenient, but usually the lowest payout.
Scrap or remove it for cash (fastest option)
If the vehicle is damaged, rusty, or not roadworthy, a cash for old cars service is often the best way forward.
If you’re unsure about the proper process, this guide explains the right way to dispose of a car in NZ:
Cash for Old Cars (Any Vehicle Type Welcome)
We don’t just buy small cars, we buy almost anything with wheels, including:
- Old cars (sedans, hatchbacks, wagons)
- Vans and commercial vehicles
- Utes
- SUVs and 4x4s
- Trucks (light + work vehicles)
- Trailers
If it’s old and needs to go, we can usually make an offer.
We Buy Old Cars in Any Condition (Even the Ugly Ones)
A lot of vehicles we pick up are:
- Wrecked or accident damaged
- Rusted beyond repair
- Broken down or non-running
- Failed WOF inspections
- Written off or flood/fire damaged
- Sitting unregistered or deregistered
Even if your car has no paperwork or is no longer on the road, you may still be able to sell it.
For NZ specific clarity, this guide helps:
👉 Deregistered vs Unregistered Cars in NZ ↗
Who Pays Best for an Old or Junk Car?
The best buyers are usually the ones who can do the most with the vehicle, not just scrap it.
That includes:
- Recyclers who recover valuable metals
- Wreckers who reuse working parts
- Buyers who understand market demand
We aim to pay top cash because we assess:
- Vehicle weight + parts value
- Condition and completeness
- Make/model demand
- Pickup location
That’s how some old vehicles are worth hundreds… and others are worth thousands.
How Much Can I Get for Scrapping My Old Car?
This is one of the most common questions we get.
The honest answer: it depends on the car, but here’s what affects value most:
- Size and weight (vans and 4x4s often pay more)
- Demand for parts
- Damage level
- Missing components
- Location and towing needs
To get a rough idea instantly, you can use our estimator here:
👉 Scrap Car Value Calculator ↗
We pay up to $12,000 for vehicles with strong resale or parts value.
How to Get the Most Cash for Your Old Car (Quick Tips)
Want the highest possible offer? Do these 5 things:
- Be honest about damage and rust
- Send clear photos of the vehicle
- Confirm whether it starts or drives
- Don’t remove parts before selling
- Compare offers based on cash in hand, not “up to” claims
Most importantly: avoid paying towing fee, we include free pickup.
Same-Day Cash for Old Cars in Hamilton, Cambridge, Tauranga & Rotorua
We provide fast vehicle pickup throughout:
- Hamilton
- Cambridge
- Tauranga
- Rotorua
- Surrounding Waikato & Bay of Plenty areas
Need urgent removal in Hamilton? This page covers local pickup options:
👉 Car Removal Hamilton ↗
How It Works (Simple 3-Step Process)
Step 1 – Get a Quote
Call or message us with your car details.
Step 2 – Book Pickup
We can often collect the vehicle the same day.
Step 3 – Get Paid + Vehicle Removed
We handle towing, paperwork, and payment on the spot.
No listings. No strangers. No stress.
Frequently Asked Questions
Buyers who reuse parts and recycle efficiently often pay more than scrap-only yards.
Yes, many old cars we buy have expired WOF, no rego, or are off-road.
That’s totally fine. We buy accident-damaged, broken, and non-running vehicles.
In Hamilton, Cambridge, Tauranga, and Rotorua, same-day pickup is often available.
Ready to Turn Your Old Car Into Cash?
If your vehicle is old, damaged, rusty, or just not worth keeping anymore, we’ll help you get rid of it quickly and pay you fairly.
📞 Get your instant quote today and turn that old car into cash.
