Selling your car to the wrong wrecker in New Plymouth could cost you hundreds.
Think that’s bad? It gets even worse.
It could also get you in the crosshairs with the law.
Many vehicle owners assume car wreckers are all the same, but the truth is, not everybody is looking out for your best interests. Who you choose matters more than you think. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know before handing over your keys—and share insider tips to ensure you’re never leaving money on the table.
Hidden Secrets No One Tells You About
1. You Might Be Getting Lowballed
Car wreckers are running a business—and like any business, they’re in it to make money. So don’t be surprised if their opening offer is as low as $50; remember, it’s based on what they think you’ll accept, not what your vehicle is actually worth.
2. You Don’t Need a WOF to Sell Your Car
A Warrant of Fitness (WOF) confirms that your car meets the safety standards required for driving on public roads. But when you’re selling a vehicle for wrecking, a current WoF isn’t a requirement set in stone—unfortunately, not every seller is aware of it.
Some car wreckers New Plymouth take advantage of that to drive down their offer.
3. Some May Charge Hidden Fees
Free towing is the norm, but some wreckers in New Plymouth may add administrative fees or charges for car removal at the last minute. This typically occurs after the assessment, when the vehicle turns out to be less salvageable than initially expected.
Avoid any unpleasant surprises by confirming the price upfront—preferably in writing.
4. Not All Wreckers Operate in Good Faith
Even if your vehicle is no longer roadworthy, you need to deregister it by filling out form MR15 from the NZ Transport Agency once your car is picked up. Some wreckers may delay filing paperwork for transferring ownership, leaving you liable to fines and penalties if the vehicle is misused or involved in any incidents after the sale.
5. Putting the Planet First Isn’t Standard Practice
Many car wreckers don’t guarantee eco-friendly disposal.
Which affects the planet in more ways than one:
Hazardous fluids leak into the soil and waterways.
Lead-acid batteries release toxins into the environment.
Recyclable materials go to waste, increasing demand for mining.
If you care about reducing your carbon footprint, make sure you’re selling to a wrecker who follows environmentally responsible recycling practices.
Want to Maximise Your Payout? These Tips Will Do The Trick
Get Multiple Quotes
Different car wreckers can offer very different prices for the same vehicle.
That’s why we recommend contacting multiple businesses to obtain quotes. Provide accurate information about the make, model, year of manufacture, and condition to get a fair assessment, then compare the offers to ensure you secure the best deal.
Give Your Car a Quick Wipe Down
Wreckers buy cars as is, where is—in any condition, so this isn’t a required step.
But do it anyway.
A clean exterior and interior make your vehicle seem more appealing to the buyer; it signals that the car has been cared for, which can lead to higher offers. It’s also a good chance to remove personal belongings like wallets, jewellery, sunglasses, and cash from nooks and crannies before the car is towed away by the wrecking company—because once it’s gone, retrieving lost items can be nearly impossible.
Remove Modifications
Personalised your car for better aesthetics or functionality? Remove the modifications (cosmetic changes) before selling to car wreckers New Plymouth; they may require specialised tools or expertise for dismantling, which can hurt its scrap value.
Highlight Your Car’s Features
Changed tires recently?
Added safety features like sensors?
Made aftermarket changes to the infotainment system?
When requesting a quote, highlight these aspects as well as the condition of components like the engine, transmission, and catalytic converter. If these parts are functional and have resale value in the second-hand market, you may be able to negotiate a higher price.
Check Prices for Scrap Metal
Market prices for metal scrap fluctuate—sometimes, several times a day.
If you can afford the wait, sell when demand for metal in sectors such as industrial, construction, and technology is high, but supply is low to increase your payout.
As a bonus, it will reduce the amount of energy required to mine, extract, and refine virgin ores. To put things into perspective, the production of new steel through recycling uses up to 10 times less energy than producing it from raw materials.
Ask for Free Towing
Towing costs vary depending on distance, time of day, and type of vehicle, but you can typically expect to pay $100 or more for a tow within 20 km of the vehicle’s location. This can take a noticeable chunk out of your payout—especially if you’re selling a non-running car or structurally damaged car, which might fetch lower prices.
Prevent this expense from creeping up on you by selling your car to a reputable buyer who provides free car removal as part of the deal, like Taranaki Car Removals.
Ready to Get the Best Value For Your Vehicle?
Selling your old or unwanted car to a wrecker doesn’t have to be rocket science.
At Taranaki Car Removals, we’ve made the process fast, easy, and hassle-free with quick quotes, instant cash payments, and immediate car removal services.
We are committed to environmental responsibility, strictly following regulations that promote a circular economy. Metals are recycled into new products, while usable parts are refurbished and resold for reuse. This process minimises landfill waste and conserves both: energy and natural resources, helping to build a more sustainable future.
Call us at 022-133-1198 today to make selling simple and stress-free.