What Is Your Scrap Car Actually Worth on the North Shore?

What Is Your Scrap Car Actually Worth on the North Shore?

"Scrap" doesn't mean worthless. A North Shore scrap car typically pays $300–$1,500 cash, sometimes substantially more depending on the vehicle. Here's the real maths behind scrap pricing in 2026.

The $300 Minimum on the North Shore

Any complete vehicle on the North Shore — running or not, damaged or sound — has a minimum value of $300 with us. This is our floor price for any vehicle that arrives with engine, transmission, body, wheels and battery substantially intact. Below that floor it's not economically viable for anyone.

What Pushes Scrap Pricing Above $300?

1. Vehicle Weight (Scrap Steel Content)

NZ scrap steel pricing varies with international metal markets but currently sits around $200–$350 per tonne for processed mixed metal. A typical small car (1,000kg) contains 750–850kg of recoverable steel. A ute or 4WD (1,800–2,500kg) contains 1.5–2 tonnes.

• Small hatchback (~1,000kg) — $150–$300 in raw scrap metal value
• Sedan / wagon (~1,400kg) — $250–$450
• SUV (~1,800kg) — $350–$600
• Ute / 4WD (~2,200kg) — $400–$750
• Truck (3,000kg+) — $600–$1,200+

2. Salvageable Parts

Most "scrap" cars still have working components someone wants. Common high-value parts on the North Shore:

• Catalytic converters: $50–$400 (precious metals)
• Working alternators, starters: $50–$120 each
• Sound gearbox: $200–$1,500
• Sound engine: $300–$3,000+
• Good wheels and tyres: $100–$400
• Body panels in colour: $50–$400 each
• Working ECUs: $100–$800

3. Make & Model

Some "scrap" vehicles aren't really scrap — they're sought-after older models with strong parts demand. An old Hilux with a blown head gasket is still a $1,500+ proposition, not $300, because the rear diff, gearbox case, body panels and chassis are all worth real money.

4. Catalytic Converter

One of the biggest single-component values in modern cars. Cats from European vehicles (BMW, Mercedes, Audi) can fetch $200–$400 alone. Hybrid cats sometimes hit $600–$1,000.

What Pulls Scrap Pricing Down?

• Missing engine or transmission (parts value collapses)
• Stripped of catalytic converter (~$300 reduction typical)
• Stripped of wheels/tyres (~$200 reduction)
• Fire-damaged (parts unsalvageable; only metal value remains)
• Extreme rust (less recoverable metal weight)

Real Examples From Recent North Shore Pickups

• 1998 Toyota Camry, non-runner, complete, Glenfield: $650 cash
• 2002 Mitsubishi Pajero, head gasket failure, Albany: $1,200
• 1995 Nissan Bluebird, rust holes, Beach Haven: $350
• 1989 Toyota Hilux, no engine, Devonport: $850 (body and chassis still wanted)
• 2005 BMW 5 Series, gearbox failure, Takapuna: $2,800 (European parts premium)
• 2001 Ford Falcon wagon, complete write-off, Browns Bay: $750

Should I Strip Parts Before Selling?

No. Working components add directly to your offer. A car you've stripped of the alternator, battery, wheels and cat will pay $300–$500 less than the same car intact. Our offer accounts for those parts. You won't recoup that on Trade Me selling individual components — too much time investment for too little net return.

Eco-Friendly Recycling

Every North Shore scrap car we collect is processed to NZ environmental standards. Fluids drained safely (oil, coolant, fuel, refrigerant). Battery removed and recycled. Tyres processed separately. Working parts salvaged to the second-hand market. Only the depolluted shell goes to metal recycling. Full lifecycle here.

Get Your Scrap Quote

Wondering what your scrap car is worth? Call 0800 705 243 with year, make, model and condition — firm cash offer in 2 minutes. Free pickup anywhere on the North Shore.