Nelson Scrap Car Price Guide 2026 — What Your Car Is Really Worth

"Just give me a number" is what everyone really wants. Exact prices depend on the specific vehicle and the metal market on the day, but here's an honest 2026 guide to what different vehicles fetch in Nelson — and what moves the figure up or down.

Rough ranges by vehicle type

• Small cars & hatchbacks (non-running, stripped or rusted): lower end — a few hundred dollars for the metal and any salvageable parts.
• Sedans & station wagons (complete, common models): mid-range, lifted by parts demand on popular makes.
• SUVs & 4WDs: higher — more metal weight and strong parts demand.
• Utes, vans & light trucks: the top of the range — heaviest, and their parts are in constant demand across the region's farms and trades.

Across all of these, most unwanted vehicles in Nelson fall between $300 and $9,990. The right complete, heavy, in-demand vehicle sits near the top; a small stripped non-runner sits near the bottom.

What moves the number

Make and model — common vehicles (Toyota, Ford, Nissan, Mazda) have strong parts demand. Completeness — a whole car beats a stripped one. Weight — more metal, more value. Condition — running beats non-running, and rust lowers value. The metal market — scrap prices move with global demand and the NZ dollar.

How to get the top of your range

• Don't strip the car first — sell it complete.
• Be honest about the condition so the quote holds at pickup.
• Sell before it deteriorates further.
• Get more than one quote and compare.

Prices move through the year, so the only truly accurate figure is a current quote on your specific vehicle. Get a free one or call 0800 600 080 — the number we give you is the number you're paid.