Don’t let that old, non-running, or damaged vehicle turn into a costly lawn ornament. While its days on the road may be over, your broken car holds significant hidden value as a collection of reusable and recyclable parts. Selling your vehicle to a professional dismantler, like Bil Autos, is often the smartest, quickest, and most profitable way to move it on.
This comprehensive guide breaks down exactly how to sell your broken car for parts in New Zealand, ensuring you get the best cash offer while handling all the necessary legal steps.
When a professional car wrecker evaluates your broken car, they are looking beyond its condition and primarily assessing two main factors:
The true value of your vehicle often lies in components that can be cleaned, refurbished, and resold as used parts. The higher the demand for a specific part, the more cash your car is worth.
| Component | Why It’s Valuable |
| Engine & Transmission | If in reasonable condition, these are the most valuable parts. |
| Body Panels | Doors, bonnets, boot lids, and bumpers (especially on popular models). |
| Interior Components | Undamaged seats, dashboards, electronics, and gauges. |
| Accessories | Headlights, tail lights, alternators, starter motors, and catalytic converters. |
The Valuation Sweet Spot: Cars that are commonly driven in New Zealand (like popular Toyota, Ford, Mazda, or Honda models) tend to fetch higher prices because their parts are constantly in demand for repairs on other similar vehicles.
Every vehicle, regardless of damage, has a base value based on the current market price of metals like steel, aluminium, and copper.
Selling a broken car for parts is far easier than trying to sell a damaged vehicle privately. The process with a professional wrecker is designed for speed and convenience.
You don’t need to know the price of a second-hand transmission, but you do need key details for an accurate quote.
Vehicle Identification: The Make, Model, Year, and Registration Plate are essential.
Damage Report: Be honest about the condition. Specify if the engine is seized, the transmission is faulty, or the damage is only cosmetic (e.g., “front end collision,” “blown head gasket,” or “no WOF, bad rust”).
Once you accept the competitive quote, the process moves immediately to scheduling.
Cash on the Spot: We confirm the agreed-upon cash price (paid via bank transfer or cash on arrival).
Free Towing: Since your car is broken, arranging transport is our responsibility. We offer free car removal nationwide, saving you significant towing costs.
Schedule a Time: We arrange a pickup time that works best for you, often with same-day or next-day service.
This might seem obvious, but it’s crucial. Before the wrecker arrives, check every nook and cranny of the car one last time:
Glovebox (old receipts, CDs, documents)
Under the seats
Boot and spare tyre well
Centre console
Remember to remove your license plates if you wish to keep them or dispose of them safely (see legal requirements below).
When the tow truck arrives, the driver will quickly verify the condition of the vehicle matches the description.
This is the most critical part of the transaction for you as the seller. In New Zealand, you must officially notify Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) that you have disposed of the vehicle to legally remove your name as the registered person.
| Step | Action | Why It’s Important |
| Notice of Disposal (NOD) | Inform NZTA immediately online via their website (nzta.govt.nz/sold-a-vehicle) or by calling them. You will need the wrecker’s details. | Removes your legal liability for the vehicle, preventing you from being fined for future tolls, parking tickets, or expired registration. |
| Deregistration | Since the car is sold for parts/scrap, the wrecker will handle the formal deregistration process, which takes the vehicle permanently off the road and removes it from the national register. | Ensures the vehicle cannot be put back on the road in New Zealand. |
| License Plates | If you are not keeping your personalised plates, it’s best to hand the standard plates over to the wrecker or surrender them to an NZTA agent. | Prevents the misuse of the plates. |
Important Fact: The moment you officially complete the Notice of Disposal with NZTA, your legal responsibility for the car ends, even if the wrecker hasn’t processed the final deregistration yet.
When selling a broken car for parts, choosing a reputable, New Zealand-based wrecker offers peace of mind:
Ready to unlock the hidden value in your broken car? Contact Bil Autos today for a free, no-obligation quote and get cash for parts fast!
