Frequently Asked Questions

To calculate what your scrap car is worth, we’ll need your rego and postcode. If you don’t have these details you’ll be able to enter your details manually.

We may also ask you some questions about the condition of your car. If you’re unable to answer any questions, we may make some assumptions. Your answers and our assumptions will be shown to you alongside your quote. In addition, your car must meet certain minimum requirements.

When we have the details we need we use them to compare the scrap car prices available at CarTakeBack wreckers in your area, to find you the best deal for your car.

When we provide a quote, it will be based on the following minimum requirements:

• you are able to provide photographic ID and proof of address;
• your car is free of all finance charges, such as a hire purchase or loan agreement;
• your car is free from any additional waste, such as litter, refuse or rubbish;
• your car is powered by a petrol, diesel, electric or hybrid powertrain as originally manufactured;
• your car (or light van) has no more than 9 seats (i.e. not a motorbike or HGV); and
• your car is accessible (in the case of a collection) meaning that it is parked on solid ground with inflated tyres, so that it can be safely winched onto a recovery vehicle.

If any of the above criteria are not true, the instant quote initially provided may need to be revised. You’ll be given the opportunity to provide further details.

We may ask you some questions about your car’s condition such as:

• What’s the approximate kms?
• Do you have the keys?
• Has it ever been written off?
• Does it start and drive?

If you’re unable to answer any questions, we may make some assumptions about your car’s condition. Your answers and our assumptions will be shown to you alongside your quote.

These questions are in addition to the minimum requirements.

CarTakeBack wreckers buy cars and vans of any age, and in any condition. It doesn’t matter if your car doesn’t work, is still roadworthy with plenty of miles left on the clock, it has a high mileage, or it’s beyond repair and ready to be scrapped – our buyers will compete to offer you the best price.

No, we buy damaged cars. However, we may ask for information about the extent of any damage. These explanations should help you.

Major damage means the car has been damaged due to incidents such as an accident, collision, fire, flood, act of theft or vandalism.

Wear and tear means reasonable minor issues for the age of the car, which may include rust, small dents and scratches but no major damage.

Undamaged means there’s no visible wear and tear or damage.

After you’ve got your quote you’ll have the opportunity to discuss your quote and provide further details.

No, we buy cars that have missing parts. However, we may ask for information about any missing parts. You should declare any missing major parts to us as this can affect your quote.

These explanations should help you.

Your car is complete if all minor and major parts are present. Don’t worry about the odd missing wheel trim, interior trim, body trim, badge, parcel shelf, aerial, spare wheel or aftermarket audio player, but these should not be excessive in number.

Major parts are those which may have a value when recycled, such as the engine, electronic control unit, gearbox, bodywork, seats, battery, catalytic converter and wheels. The catalytic converter must be an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) version, as opposed to an aftermarket replacement.

Minor parts are essential components such as the lights, mirrors, wipers, steering, braking, suspension, safety and emissions components.

After you’ve got your quote you’ll have the opportunity to discuss your quote and provide further details.

Yes, we buy cars that have high kms.

No, we buy cars without keys. However, if you’ve told us your car starts and drives, you’ll need to provide the keys.

No, your registration is not essential and this will not affect your quote. If you don’t have your registration we’ll ask you to provide personal identification.

No, we buy cars that don’t start and drive. By telling us that your car starts and drives you’re declaring that there are no mechanical or electrical problems. After you’ve got your quote you’ll have the opportunity to discuss your quote and provide further details.

No, we buy cars without service history.

No, we don’t accept cars with outstanding finance. You’ll need to settle this before you accept the quote.

When your scrap car is collected or you drop it off at a local wrecker, you’ll need to have a few things ready:

1. your reference number or a copy of your quote (either on paper or your mobile);
2. your identification;
3. your keys, if you have them;
4. your documents (such as the registration certificate, service history and manuals) if you have them;
5. and finally, don’t forget to remove any personal belongings and rubbish.

On the day we’ll:

1. check the car details and condition;
2. help with the paperwork;
3. sort out the payment.

Your reference number uses the format ‘CC-0000-000000’. We’ll give this to you when you get a quote and it will be shown on any emails we send to you. Your reference number makes it easier for us to pull up your details, and guarantees the price we’ve quoted.

No, we’ll try our best to collect your car even if it’s in a difficult location. However, unless you tell us otherwise we’ll assume that your car is accessible.

Accessible means that your car is parked on solid ground with inflated tyres, so that it can be safely winched onto a recovery vehicle. It is important for you to tell us if your car is not accessible, for example if your car is blocked in, the steering is locked or the tyres are flat, as this could affect the collection of your car and the validity of the quote.

If you tell us that your car might not be accessible after we’ve provided a quote, we’ll let you know whether or not we need to adjust the price. If we do adjust the price, there’s no obligation for you to go ahead.

You’ll usually be paid by cash or bank transfer. Please let us know if you have a preference when you get your quote and we’ll try to meet your request.

You’ll usually be paid on the day of collection, however with some wreckers and banks it may take up to two working days. You should contact our Customer Services Team or local branch if you haven’t received payment after two days of your car being collected.

To cancel or rearrange collection, you need to call or email us. Ideally let us know at least 24 hours before the scheduled collection. To cancel or rearrange, you’ll need to let us know your name and registration or reference number. If you’re cancelling, we like to know the reason to help improve our service.

Don’t worry if your car doesn’t have a registration, or if it has been cancelled, you can still sell your scrap car with us.

If you have your registration you should hand it over so that we can check the details. Don’t worry if your car doesn’t have a registration, or if it’s been cancelled, as we can still take your car without it.

Yes, you are required to cancel your registration with an NZTA approved agent when you scrap your car. Cancelling your registration removes your car from the Motor Vehicle Register.

To cancel your registration you need to complete an ‘Application to cancel registration of your motor vehicle’ form (form MR15) and present it to a New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) approved agent, along with the vehicle’s registration plates.

An NZTA approved agent can be recognised by them displaying the NZ Transport Agency logo. Approved agents include, but are not limited to:

• The Automobile Association (AA)
• Post Shops (excluding number plates)
• Vehicle Inspection New Zealand (VINZ)
• Vehicle Testing New Zealand (VTNZ)

There is more information on cancelling your registration on the New Zealand Transport Agency website.

CarTakeBack is a network of scrap car recycling centres. We specialise in buying scrap cars, as well as cars with high mileage, damaged, broken and faulty cars, plus old cars with some miles still left in them. We’ll find you the best price for your car, no matter how old your car is – or the condition it’s in.

Our customer services team is on hand to offer loads of help and advice along the way when you sell your car with us.

We operate internationally. Find out more about our other brands >

No, unfortunately we do not sell spare parts.

We always appreciate hearing comments from our customers. If you have any comments or suggestions about our service then please feel free to contact us. We’ll only publish your review if you’ve given us your permission.

We have press releases, media information and contact details for our press officer on our media page.