This is a question we hear all the time at Car Wreckers Nelson.
People call us and say:
“I rang another place and got a different price — why is that?”
It’s a fair question. To someone selling a scrap or unwanted car, it can feel confusing or even suspicious when prices vary.
The truth is, scrap car pricing isn’t random — and it’s not a trick.
Here’s how it actually works from our side of the business.
Scrap Car Pricing Is Not Fixed
Unlike selling a used car privately, scrap car values don’t come from a price list.
When we assess a vehicle in Nelson, we’re looking at real-world factors that can change from one buyer to another.
That’s why two wreckers can look at the same car and come back with different numbers.
What Affects the Price We Offer
1. Vehicle Type & Size
The size of the vehicle plays a big role.
Larger vehicles like:
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utes
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vans
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SUVs
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4WDs
generally contain more recyclable material, which often means higher value than smaller cars.
2. What’s Still on the Vehicle
We also look at whether the car is complete.
Cars that still have:
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engine
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gearbox
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wheels
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battery
are usually worth more than vehicles that have already been stripped or partially dismantled.
Even non-running cars can still hold value if they’re intact.
3. Condition (Not Whether It Drives)
A common misconception is that a car needs to run to be worth anything.
In reality, many of the cars we buy in Nelson:
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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 more is what’s there, not whether it can be driven.
4. Scrap Metal Market Prices
Metal prices change — sometimes weekly.
This alone can explain why:
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a quote today is different from last month
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one buyer offers more than another
Different businesses also have different operating costs, which can affect pricing.
Why Some Quotes Feel “Too Low”?
From our experience, low offers usually happen when:
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details about the car weren’t clear upfront
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parts were missing
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access for removal is difficult
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the vehicle has been sitting exposed for a long time
Accurate information helps avoid surprises on both sides.
A Situation We See Often in Nelson
Nelson has a lot of:
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older daily drivers
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second vehicles
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cars parked up after failing WOF
Many owners delay making a decision, hoping the car will somehow become more valuable later. Unfortunately, the opposite usually happens — weather exposure and time tend to reduce value, not increase it.
How We Approach Pricing?
At Car Wreckers Nelson, our goal is to:
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assess the vehicle honestly
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explain how the value is worked out
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give a realistic offer based on the car itself
We’d rather be clear upfront than overpromise and disappoint later.
How to Avoid Confusion When Getting Quotes
If you’re comparing prices, the best thing you can do is:
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be honest about the condition
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mention if parts are missing
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explain where the car is located
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let the wrecker ask the right questions
That usually leads to a smoother and fairer outcome.
Final Word From Us
Different prices don’t mean someone is trying to trick you — they usually reflect different assessments and costs.
If you’re unsure why quotes vary or just want a straight answer, a quick conversation can clear things up.
📞 Call Car Wreckers Nelson on 0800 600 080
We’ll explain how we see your vehicle and what realistically affects its value.
