Here Is The Summary
Yes, you can legally sell a deregistered car in NZ, even if it’s wrecked, rusted, non-running, or has no WOF or rego. You just can’t drive it on the road. The easiest option is selling to a licensed vehicle buyer or wrecker who offers free car removal and handles the process properly.
If your car’s been sitting in the yard, driveway, or paddock collecting rust, you’re not alone. Let’s walk through exactly how this works in NZ, without the jargon or runaround.
What does “deregistered” actually mean in NZ?
Common reasons cars become deregistered:
▪ Long-term expired rego
▪ Failed WOF due to rust or structural damage
▪ Accident write-off
▪ Stored or unused for years
▪ Owner cancelled registration (MR15)
Once deregistered:
❌ It cannot be legally driven
❌ It cannot be re-registered cheaply
✅ It can still be sold or scrapped
Can I legally sell a deregistered or non-running car?
Yes, 100% legal in New Zealand.
You’re allowed to sell:
✔ Deregistered cars
✔ Cars with no WOF
✔ Cars with no rego
✔ Wrecked, rusted, flood-damaged vehicles
✔ Non-running cars (engine blown, gearbox gone, flat battery, etc.)
The key rule:
🚫 You just can’t drive it on public roads
That’s why most people choose a buyer who provides free car removal or towing.
Best ways to sell a deregistered car (and what to avoid)
❌ Private sale (usually a headache)
▪ Most buyers walk away once they hear “deregistered”
▪ Endless messages, no-shows, tyre kickers
▪ You still need to organize towing
▪ Risk of liability if paperwork isn’t done properly
❌ Trade-in
▪ Most dealers won’t touch deregistered or non-running cars
▪ If they do, the value is often minimal
✅ Selling to a car buyer / wrecker (best option)
This is usually the fastest, safest, and simplest route.
A reputable NZ car buyer will:
▪ Buy deregistered & damaged vehicles
▪ Offer free vehicle removal
▪ Pay based on scrap value + usable parts
▪ Handle the process professionally
▪ Pay same day (often cash or bank transfer)
This is why many people searching “cash for cars today NZ” or “car wreckers near me” end up choosing this route.
Step-by-step: how to sell your deregistered car in NZ
Here’s the no-stress process most people follow 👇
Step 1: Gather basic details
You don’t need much:
▪ Make, model, year
▪ Condition (non-running, rust, accident damage, etc.)
▪ Location
▪ Photos (helpful but not always required)
Step 2: Get a quote
A good buyer can give you a quote over the phone or online. Price depends on:
▪ Vehicle weight (scrap value)
▪ Reusable parts
▪ Condition
▪ Location & access for pickup
👉 Some vehicles can fetch up to $12,000, depending on type and condition.
Step 3: Book free car removal
If the quote works for you:
▪ Pickup is arranged at a time that suits you
▪ Same-day or next-day removal is common
▪ No towing fees if it’s genuinely “free removal”
Step 4: Get paid
Payment is typically:
▪ Cash on pickup or
▪ Instant bank transfer
Step 5: Notify disposal (important!)
If the vehicle was still registered before deregistration, you should notify Waka Kotahi that the vehicle has been sold or disposed of. This protects you from future fines or liability.
How much is a deregistered car worth?
Short answer: it depends – but it’s rarely “worth nothing.”
Read more about what your car is worth ↗
Value is based on:
▪ Scrap metal weight
▪ Demand for parts
▪ Vehicle type (cars, vans, utes, SUVs, 4x4s, trucks)
▪ Ease of access/removal
Even:
▪ Rusted cars
▪ Flood-damaged vehicles
▪ Cars sitting for years
…can still have value.
If you’re unsure, it costs nothing to ask for a quote ⬇
Why people choose us (and buyers like us)
We’re in this business to help Kiwis:
▪ Clear unwanted vehicles from yards, driveways, and farms
▪ Recycle vehicles responsibly
▪ Keep properties tidy and the environment cleaner
What we offer:
✔ Buy vehicles in any condition
✔ Cars, vans, utes, SUVs, 4x4s, trucks, tractors
✔ Free car removal NZ-wide
✔ Competitive payouts (up to $12,000)
✔ Friendly, no-pressure service
If your vehicle’s been “on the to-do list” for months, this is usually the easiest box you’ll tick all year.