Sell Your Car in New Zealand: Places, Prices, Tips, Scams
Turn Your Ride into Cash
As much as fun as it is to zoom around New Zealand in your car, eventually, the time comes to say farewell and head home. But wait, what will happen to that car you bought for quite a bit of money at the start of your journey? Have you thought about how you’re going to sell it?
Don’t panic! We’ll explain how and where to best swap your wheels for cash, what to consider, and what to keep an eye out for.
Good luck!
Intro
My First Impression
I’ll never forget my first car in New Zealand. I snagged an older Mitsubishi Galant for just $1500, hoping it would safely take me from A to B. It wasn’t fancy, but it could fit 5 people, and the few signs of aging were manageable.
But as things often go, the “Silver Bullet,” as we named the Mitsi, eventually felt too cramped. We spent so much time in the bush and off-road that we definitely needed a 4WD. Parting with the Mitsi was tough. But how?
We still had 3 months left on its Warrant of Fitness and registration, making it perfect for someone traveling short-term in New Zealand. Our first thought was to post it on the Backpackerboard on Facebook, where we quickly listed an ad.
Within days, we had numerous inquiries, but only 2 people actually came to see the car. One was a German backpacker keen to explore the country for exactly 3 months. We went for a test drive, haggled the price a bit, and finally waved goodbye to our Silver Bullet.
Step 1 - Plan Ahead
Unfortunately, it doesn't always go as smoothly as our experience. Selling a car in New Zealand can be time-consuming, so it's best to plan well in advance. The following factors can greatly affect your chances of success.
A little insider tip:
If you purchase a camper for New Zealand through our Camper Concept, it comes with a "Buyback Option" included. Convenient, so you won't have to handle the resale at the end of your journey.
If you're selling on your own, definitely consider the following factors:
Season
In peak season, you generally have better chances of selling your car at a good price, as backpacker demand is significantly higher. From October to February, many tourists travel around New Zealand to make the most of the warm months.
Condition
The longer your car has a valid Warrant of Fitness and registration, the higher your chances of finding a buyer and making a profit. Visible damage, dents, or other flaws, on the other hand, can significantly lower the price.
Time
The less time you have to sell your car at the end, the more pressure you put on yourself, likely resulting in less money. After all, a few hundred dollars are still better than leaving a car without a buyer in New Zealand.
Location
Most tourists and backpackers arrive in Auckland. Consequently, you have the best chances of selling your car there. Whether privately, online, in a hostel, at a car dealer, or at one of the car markets, your options in this city are practically endless.
Step 2 - Get Your Car Ready for Sale
As mentioned earlier, ensure your car is in top shape and ready to drive on New Zealand’s roads long-term before selling. Get a check-up, even if it costs a few hundred dollars, as it can greatly impact the selling price.
Step 3 - Where to Sell Your Car
Online
List your car on TradeMe (similar to eBay), post free ads in numerous backpacker groups on Facebook, and use backpacker boards online. Plan for at least 2 to 3 weeks, as it might take a while to find the right buyer.
Ellerslie
The weekly car market in Auckland is great for both buying and selling cars. Just book in through the website and you’re good to go. The market is extremely popular and attracts lots of buyers. However, you should also plan for at least two weeks.
Hostels
Especially in Auckland, hostels often have a notice board for backpackers. It's worth posting an ad with your vehicle info and your contact details. This option can also be time-consuming and may take several weeks.
Dealerships
If all else fails, companies like Chilli Rentals offer a 'buyback option'. However, you often receive only a fraction of the purchase value back, making this a last resort.
Step 4 – Formalities
Found a buyer for your vehicle? Great! Now there's just one thing left to do, make everything official and handle the paperwork. Here's a checklist of things you absolutely shouldn't forget:
- pay off all outstanding fines, parking tickets, and diesel mileage charges
- update the Warrant of Fitness (no older than 1 month)
- update the registration (we recommend at least 3 months)
- notify New Zealand Transport about the sale
Frequently Asked Questions
What other KiwiQuesters wanted to know...
User question:
I want to sell my car, but the Warrant of Fitness check found issues. Do I need to get them fixed myself?
User question:
How much money can I expect for my campervan?
What else is there?
We wish you an amazing adventure!
Welcome to Team KiwiQuest!
Team KiwiQuest
🔥 Beliebt: Camper-Presale➜ Dein Camper für NZ
Hey,
Wir hatten vor ca 6Monaten ein Auto über eure Website gekauft (bei TrekCampers..) und versuchen es jetzt wieder zu verkaufen. Wie läuft die Buyback-Geschichte ab? leider werden wir es für viel ja nicht zurückbekommen.
Läuft das über euch oder lieber über Trek-Campers
vG
Levi Rother