Finding A Car
There is a wide variety of cars available in New Zealand. If you intend to buy a new car, the options and procedures are quite similar to other places around the world. Most new migrants, however, start off by buying a second-hand car.
New Zealand has a wide variety of second-hand cars available and they are extremely well priced. There are several options available when looking for a car, depending upon the type of car you want, how much money you are willing to spend and how much you know about cars. The options include purchasing through a LMVD registered car dealer, at a car auction, car fair or privately.
Purchasing A Car
Once you have decided to purchase a car, you will need to complete all the paperwork to ensure that the car is legally able to be on the road and to change ownership. If you purchase a car through a dealer or at an auction they will normally take care of the paperwork but if you are buying privately you will have to do the paperwork yourself.
A warrant of fitness is a check on the safety of the car and must be carried out by a certified issuer. Older cars are required to undergo a warrant of fitness (WoF) every six months, whilst newer models need only be inspected each month. A car for sale must have a WoF that is less than one month old unless it is advertised 'as is'. The cost of a WoF inspection is approximately $30.
Vehicle licences can be purchased for two month, six month or annual periods. The average cost of a year's licence is $210. You can buy your vehicle licence only when a car has a current WoF.
Owners of diesel-powered cars must pay Road User Charges. The average cost for a light vehicle is $26 per 1000km purchased.
Insurance
While you are not legally required to insure your car, you should do so, not only to protect your own car, but also to protect yourself from any costs if you have an accident involving another vehicle. The cost of insurance will depend on the age and model of your car, your age, your insurance history and the size of your excess. Your car must have a WoF and a vehicle licence.
It is a good idea to bring with you confirmation of any no claims bonus you have as most likely your NZ insurance company will honour this bonus.
Web Resources
Land Transport Safety Authority (LTSA)
www.ltsa.govt.nz
Automobile Association of New Zealand
www.aa.co.nz
