At Car Wreckers Invercargill, this is the very first question most people ask us:
“I’ve got an old car that doesn’t run anymore — is it actually worth anything?”
In most cases, yes. Even cars that are broken, deregistered, or sitting unused still have value. The amount you’re offered depends on how we assess the vehicle, not guesswork or inflated promises.
Here’s how it works from our side.
How We Work Out the Value of a Scrap Car?
When someone calls us on 0800 600 067, we look at a few practical things straight away.
1. Type of Vehicle
The size and type of vehicle matters.
Utes, vans, SUVs, and 4WDs are usually worth more than small cars because they contain:
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more recyclable metal
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heavier components
That doesn’t mean small cars aren’t worth anything — just that vehicle type plays a role.
2. What’s Still on the Car
We also check whether the car is complete.
Vehicles that still have:
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engine
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gearbox
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wheels
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battery
generally have better value than cars that have already been stripped or left sitting for years.
Even if the car doesn’t start, it can still be worth money.
3. Condition (Not Whether It Drives)
A common misunderstanding is that a car needs to be drivable.
It doesn’t.
We regularly deal with vehicles that:
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don’t start
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have failed WOF
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are deregistered
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have mechanical or electrical faults
What matters is what’s there — not whether you can drive it to us.
4. Scrap Metal Prices
Scrap car values change because metal prices change.
This is why:
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offers can vary over time
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different buyers may quote different amounts
When someone tells us they’ve been quoted different prices, this is usually the reason.
Why Some Scrap Cars Get Lower Offers?
We’re always straight with people about this.
Lower offers usually happen when:
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major parts are missing
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the car has already been dismantled
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it’s been exposed to weather for a long time
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access for removal is difficult
The more accurate the details you give us upfront, the easier it is for us to give a realistic and fair offer.
A Common Situation We See in Invercargill
Many people spend months — sometimes years — putting money into an old car, hoping the next repair will fix everything.
By the time they call us, they often say:
“I should’ve stopped fixing it earlier.”
If a car keeps breaking down, failing WOF, or causing stress, continuing repairs often costs more than the car is ever worth.
Does Being in Southland Make a Difference?
Yes, it does.
In Invercargill and across Southland:
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rust is more common
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cold and moisture speed up wear
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older vehicles deteriorate faster
That’s why local assessment matters. We see these vehicles every day and understand how Southland conditions affect them.
So, How Much Cash Can You Get?
There’s no one-size-fits-all number.
But if your car is complete and ready to go, it’s almost always worth something — and often more than people expect.
The best way to know is to talk to someone who actually deals with scrap vehicles daily, rather than guessing or delaying while the car deteriorates further.
Final Word From Us
If you’re unsure what your old car is worth, you’re not wasting our time — this is exactly what we help with.
A quick conversation can save you:
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unnecessary repairs
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ongoing frustration
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wasted space
📞 Call Car Wreckers Invercargill on 0800 600 067
We’ll give you a clear, honest idea of where your vehicle stands and what your options are.
