The Honest Comparison
| Factor | Cash For Cars | Trade Me |
|---|---|---|
| Time to cash | Same day | 1–6 weeks average |
| Effort required | One phone call | Photos, listing, messages, viewings |
| Towing cost | Free — we come to you | Your cost (buyer picks up or you deliver) |
| Listing fees | None | $0–$50 depending on price |
| Success with no WOF | Always | Very hard — buyers want compliance |
| Non-running vehicles | Always bought | Very limited market |
| NZTA paperwork | We handle it | Both parties responsible |
When Trade Me Makes Sense
Trade Me is worth the effort if your car: has a current WOF, runs perfectly, is under 150,000km, is a popular model in good condition, and you have 2–6 weeks to wait for a buyer and handle viewings. In that scenario you'll likely get $500–$2,000 more than our offer.
When Cash For Cars Makes Sense
For most Whangarei sellers, cash for cars is the right choice when: the car has no WOF or rego, it doesn't run, it has salt or flood damage, you need cash this week, you don't want to deal with buyers or viewings, or the repair cost to make it Trade Me-ready exceeds what you'd gain.
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