Buying a car
There are many different ways to buy a car in New Zealand. You can buy privately – through newspapers, magazines or online sites. You can also buy at auction or through a car dealer.
Some tips on how to protect yourself
A number of organisations in New Zealand offer a pre-purchase inspection for car buyers that allows you to have the vehicle checked over mechanically before you buy. VTNZ is the largest operator with over 80 outlets throughout the country. Find out more at www.vtnz.co.nz. You can also get a pre-purchase inspection through the Automobile Association. Find out more at www.aa.co.nz
Consumer have devised a checklist to help when buying a used car.
Car sales companies with LMVD after their name are Licensed Motor Vehicle Dealers. These firms are bound by a code of ethics. If you buy a car from them, the vehicle must display the model name, year of manufacture, number of previous owners, warranty category and full price. By law, these dealers must offer you a warranty for a set period, although this varies with the age of the car. To check if a dealer is licensed, go to www.motortraders.med.govt.nz
All vehicles sold and operated in New Zealand must have a current registration and WOF. For more information about these, read the Road Code - available online at www.nzta.govt.nz/resources/roadcode
Further information
You can get more advice on motor registration, car licensing, and change of ownership at www.nzta.govt.nz
