Summary
Yes, you can sell a salvage car in New Zealand if you have the right to sell the vehicle. Cash For Car NZ buys salvage vehicles and can assess yours based on its make, model, year, current condition, damage and location.
If an insurer has treated the vehicle as a total loss and you kept the car, first make sure it is yours to sell. Once you’re ready, tell us about the vehicle and request an offer.
Get an offer for your salvage car:
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What Is a Salvage Car?
For selling purposes, a salvage car is generally a vehicle being sold for the value that remains in it rather than as an ordinary road-going used car. That may include a vehicle that:
- has significant accident or structural damage
- has been treated as a total loss
- has been retained by the owner after an insurance claim
- is being sold based on its remaining vehicle, parts or recovery value
The important thing is to tell the buyer what has actually happened to the vehicle and its current condition.
If your car is simply damaged, broken or non-running rather than being sold as salvage, our damaged car selling page is likely a better fit.
If the vehicle has reached the end of its useful life and you specifically want to scrap it, see Scrap My Car.
What Affects the Value of a Salvage Car?
There is no single fixed salvage value for every vehicle. The amount a salvage car may be worth depends on the actual vehicle and what remains usable or recoverable from it. Important factors can include:
- make, model and year
- type and extent of damage
- overall condition
- whether the vehicle is complete
- whether it starts or can be moved
- vehicle location and access for collection
- whether major components are still with the car
Who Buys Salvage Cars in New Zealand?
Salvage cars can be bought by specialist vehicle buyers, automotive recyclers, wreckers and other businesses that deal with vehicles in damaged or end-of-use condition.
Cash For Car NZ is a direct vehicle buyer. If you want to sell your salvage car rather than advertise it privately, you can send us the vehicle details for assessment. You do not need to make the car sound better than it is. Clear information about the damage and current condition helps us understand what you are selling.
If you have photos showing the damaged areas, they can also help when the vehicle is being assessed.
How to Sell Your Salvage Car
The process can be kept straightforward.
Tell us about the vehicle
Provide the rego or VIN number and location along with a clear description of its current condition.
Review your offer
We assess the vehicle and give you a fair offer. The offer should reflect the actual vehicle being sold, so disclose known damage or missing components.
Arrange collection
If the offer suits you, the next step is to arrange the vehicle sale and collection. If the salvage vehicle cannot be driven, we'll remove it for free.
What Information Should You Have Ready?
You do not need a long vehicle history before asking for an offer, but having the basics ready can reduce follow-up questions. It helps to know:
- make and model
- year
- vehicle location
- current condition
- where the main damage is
- whether it starts or drives
- whether anything significant is missing
- whether the vehicle is still yours to sell
Salvage Car Selling FAQs
Can I sell my salvage car in NZ?
Yes, provided you have the right to sell the vehicle. Give the buyer accurate information about the car, its condition and any significant damage.
How much is my salvage car worth?
Salvage value depends on the individual vehicle. Make, model, year, condition, damage, completeness and remaining usable components can all affect an offer.
Can I sell a salvage vehicle that doesn’t drive?
A salvage vehicle does not necessarily need to be driveable to be assessed. Tell us if the car cannot be driven so its condition and collection requirements can be considered before an offer is accepted.
Who buys salvage cars in New Zealand?
Salvage vehicles may be bought by specialist vehicle buyers, automotive recyclers and wreckers. Cash For Car NZ can assess salvage vehicles from owners looking to sell directly.
What if my insurer wrote the car off?
Check what happened to the vehicle after the claim. If you retained the salvage and still have the right to sell it, you can request an offer. If ownership passed elsewhere as part of the settlement, you should resolve that before trying to sell the vehicle.
Get an Offer for Your Salvage Car
Provide the make, model, year, location and current condition, including the main damage or anything significant that is missing. We can then assess the salvage vehicle and let you know whether we can make an offer.
Request an offer for your salvage car
