Selling a Deregistered Vehicle in NZ: Key Things to Know

Having a deregistered vehicle lying in your garage feels like a huge burden. Your car may be deregistered for a number of reasons, including the fact that the model is outdated. However, keeping it parked in the garage and letting it rust and rot is not a very pleasant site.
Now, you may think that your deregistered car is of no good use and that it is best to dump it in landfills. But wait! You will surprised to know that you can actually sell it off. Yes, you heard it right. But how? Let us find out.

What Does Deregistered Car Mean

A deregistered car means that your vehicle’s registration has been cancelled, and without a valid registration, you can’t legally drive it on the road. Now, your vehicle can be deregistered for numerous reasons, including if it has been totalled or damages have been caused by water or written off for various reasons.

In New Zealand, the transport authority is responsible for all vehicle deregistrations, deeming every deregistered vehicle “unfit” for the roads.

Things to Know Before Selling Your Deregistered Car

Having a deregistered vehicle doesn’t mean that you have to keep it lying in your garage to rust. To put it to good use, you can sell it off. Here, you need to remember that selling it promptly when you are getting a good price is a good idea.

1. If Selling to a Car Wrecker

If the car cannot be repaired and put to use, selling it to a car wrecker is the best decision. Yes, we understand that giving it away to a car wrecker is a sentimental decision. But it is much better than keeping it in your garage to catch rust and, ultimately, rot.

A. Transport Authority to Avoid Fines

Before selling the vehicle, don’t forget to notify the transport authorities. You don’t want to face any legal troubles for not informing the authorities and paying a heavy fine for the same.

B. Notify The Scrap Car Dealer

Notifying the scrap car dealers about selling your deregistered car is important. They will help you understand whether your car is actually eligible and the price you can obtain for it.

2. If Selling to a Normal Car Buyer

Your options to sell deregistered car is limited. The probability that a serious buyer would be interested in buying a deregistered car is grim. But it is not impossible because you will always find someone who will find gold in your scrap.

A. Inform the Buyer About Your Car’s Status and Settle Any Outstanding Fees

Usually, interested buyers for deregistered cars are scanty. But if you find that one odd person, don’t keep them in the dark. Inform them about any outstanding licensing fees. Also, always ask the buyer to pay cash because they usually want a donor car and may not even be very serious about the purchase.

Deregistered vs. Unregistered Vehicles: What’s the Difference When Selling?

Most people get confused between a deregistered vehicle and an unregistered vehicle. Find out the difference between the two to have a smooth transaction and compliance with legal requirements.

Deregistered Vehicle

• Legal Considerations
  To sell your deregistered vehicle, always check the legal considerations related to selling it because you don’t want to fall into any trouble for wanting to sell your car.
• Market
  The market for deregistered vehicles is very limited. You will mostly find people who are interested in scrap parts of the vehicle, then those who want to restore it for use.
• Documentation
  Even though your vehicle is deregistered, always provide all the information, such as service records, for a transparent deal.

Unregistered Vehicle

An unregistered vehicle is listed in the national vehicle registry but doesn’t have a current registration. Selling an unregistered vehicle is comparatively easy, and you find a lot of buyers as long as you keep the following things in mind:

• Renewal of Registration
  If you want a good price for the vehicle, renew the registration. Doing so will increase its market value, and you will receive the price you desire.
• Transfer of Registration
  You also need to transfer the ownership of the vehicle, which is much simpler if it is unregistered.
• Disclosure
  Provide them with a certificate of fitness (COF) and warrant of fitness (WOF) to build confidence that buying your vehicle is a great deal.

How To Sell Your Unregistered Vehicle

See, selling your unregistered car is definitely not simple. But yes, it is much simpler than selling a deregistered car. Here is what you should keep in mind:

• Before you sell your car, take some time to understand the legal requirements in New Zealand.
• Disclose the vehicle’s unregistered status and any other useful piece of information to win the buyer’s trust.
• Selling a car is the same as selling any other property. It should be in its best condition to attract buyers. So prepare the car and conduct any necessary repairs to get a good price.

How to Get the Best Return on Your Deregistered Car

A deregistered vehicle doesn’t mean you can’t get the best return. Yes, it is going to be difficult, but not impossible. Here is how you can find a good deal:

Get Multiple Quotes from Buyers

When you shop for an item, you check out multiple dealers to find the best one. The same goes for selling. Approach different dealers and scrappers to understand which one will pay you the best price.

Sell Valuable Parts Individually

If you are unable to obtain a good price for the entire car, you can sell the parts individually. Find out which components are in good condition and have a high market value and sell them separately. This can also help you obtain a better price.

Check Classified Ads for Interested Buyers

Classified ads are a great place to find buyers who will interested in your deregistered car. So don’t shy away from putting an ad in the newspaper about selling your car because you never know where you will find someone who will be interested.

Sell to a Car Wrecker or Recycler

One thing is for sure: if you can’t find a buyer, you have the option to sell it to a wrecker or recycler. They are always in search of scrap cars that they can put to good use. This way, you can also give your vehicle the respect it deserves and ensure it transforms into something useful.

Why Car Wreckers Are the Best Choice

Choosing a car wrecker for your deregistered car rather than finding a buyer is a better option. There are several reasons for this:

• The entire process is hassle-free. Usually, having a deregistered vehicle lying in your garage feels like a huge burden. Fortunately, wreckers provide you with an easy solution to get your vehicle out to good use.
• Wreckers also provide immediate payment, and you may get a little extra money compared to selling it off.
• Wreckers recycle your vehicle and utilise the parts that are still in good condition. So, by choosing to sell your vehicle to a wrecker, you are making an environmentally friendly choice.

Conclusion

There are multiple options for making good use of your deregistered vehicle. Some are easy, and some take time and patience. Two options that stand out are selling your car to a buyer and giving it to a car wrecker. The second option is the most straightforward and ensures that you get a good price for your precious possessions.