Written by: Kevin, a local car removal specialist.
About the author: Kevin is a NZ-based car wrecker and car buyer, specializing in auto recycling business with over 12 years of hands-on experience in buying, dismantling, and valuing vehicles across New Zealand. He’s passionate about helping Kiwis get fair, transparent offers for their unwanted cars while promoting responsible car recycling.
Quick Summary
I’m Kevin, I pick up unwanted cars every day across Hamilton, Waikato and beyond. When people ask where do I get the most money?, what they’re really asking is:
What option gives me the best payout for my situation, without wasting my time?
Because the best option changes depending on whether your car is tidy, damaged, unregistered, or just plain done.
The 3 Main Options:
1. Private sale (TradeMe / Facebook Marketplace)
Usually pays the most when your car is:
- Running well
- Warrant/rego sorted
- Presentable enough to test drive
- Not hiding mechanical issues
But you pay in time and hassle:
- Endless messages
- No-shows
- Lowballers
- Strangers wanting your address
- Payment risks
If your car is clean and you’ve got time, private sale can win.
2. Trade-in at a dealer
Trade-ins are convenient, but dealers need margin.
- You’ll usually get less than private sale
- The trade-in number often gets blended into the deal (discounts, finance, add-ons)
Trade-in can be fine when:
- You’re buying another car from the same dealer
- You value convenience over maximizing dollars
3. Car wreckers / Cash for Cars buyers
This is where people are surprised.
A wrecker isn’t always “scrap money”. Good wreckers pay based on:
- Parts demand (popular models are worth more)
- Resale potential
- Metal recycling value
- Key components (battery, catalytic converter where applicable)
Wreckers usually win when your car is:
- Failed WoF
- No rego / deregistered
- Accident damaged
- Engine/gearbox fault
- Flood/fire damaged
- Not running or not safe to sell privately
What actually determines the best payout?
From the wrecker/buyer side, these are the biggest value drivers:
- Make/model demand in NZ (Toyota, Nissan, Mazda, Holden, Suzuki etc.)
- Year + mileage (but condition matters more than most think)
- Running vs not running
- WoF/rego status
- Completeness (wheels, battery, catalytic converter etc.)
- Location + access for pickup
- Current market demand (parts + recycling)
Quick rule of thumb
▪ Tidy + WoF/rego + time to sell → private sale
▪ Buying another car today and want simple → trade-in
▪ Damaged / failed WoF / no rego / non-runner / want it gone fast → wreckers
How to avoid getting ripped off
- Get 2 – 3 quotes (especially for non-runners)
- Avoid anyone who won’t confirm pickup and payment method
- If selling privately: don’t hand over keys until cleared funds
If you want the most money without the drama
You could try Trade Me, Facebook Marketplace or a private sale, but most owners find it:
- Time consuming
- Full of tire-kickers
- Messy haggling
- Security risk with strangers
- Delayed payments
If your Mazda isn’t showroom ready, the interest drops fast and most buyers want running vehicles only.
With us, you just: Get a quote → We come to you → You get paid → We take the car.
No ads, no waiting, no hassles.
If you want the most money without the drama
At Auto Wrecker NZ, we aim to sit in the sweet spot:
- Top payouts (up to $12,000 depending on vehicle)
- Free pickup 24/7
- Cash or bank transfer
- Paperwork handled
- No time-wasters
📞 Call 0800 314 142 or 📝 get a free quote online ↗
FAQs: Mazda Wrecking & Vehicle Disposal
Where will I get the most money for selling my car?
If it’s tidy and running well, private sale often pays most. If it’s damaged, failed WoF, no rego, or non-running, wreckers can pay more than people expect and save you weeks of hassle.
Who pays the most for old cars in NZ?
Is it better to scrap or sell?
If you can sell it safely with honest disclosure and it’s roadworthy, selling can win. If it’s unsafe, broken, or not worth repairing, scrapping/wrecking is often the better deal.
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