Aucklanders dump cars as costs rise
Dumped cars are on the rise in Auckland as rising running costs bite.
Auckland Transport said 1753 cases of abandonment were closed last year. This year, with more than two months to go, there are already 1771 cases closed and 398 still active.
This excludes vehicles — some heavily damaged — left on roadsides but still having current registration.
Automobile Association general manager motoring services Stella Stock said high running costs — at times higher than the car’s value — is why so many are being dumped.
She could not say if fuel costs were contributing to the increase because the AA hasn’t had people asking for advice or talking of dumping cars because of it.
“Disposing of an unwanted car can be difficult and expensive,” Stock said. “If it’s not mobile or roadworthy, the cost of transport would often be more than the value of the vehicle, if the vehicle had any value.”
She said some car disposal companies would collect old cars, but this was not well-known, so dumping could seem easier.
Glenfield resident Pauline Soo said a damaged car left opposite her house on Shanaway Rise was an “eyesore” to the neighbourhood. “Neighbours have called Auckland Council multiple times, but we’ve been told it can’t be towed away because it’s got current registration.”
Jon Uele, of Otara, said his friend dumped a car when he found out the cost to replace his radiator was more than what the car was worth. “Makes more sense to just abandon it.
“And with petrol prices these days, it’s cheaper to take the bus.”
But Stock said dumping was irresponsible and should never be an option for those wishing to dispose of their cars. “They should sell it, if it still has a value, or give it to another family member who could use it or sell it to a wrecker.”