chickenboy

Hi (first posting) - I'm moving from UK to NZ, expected landing Christchurch in November on SMC visa. The plan is to work for 2 years in South Island, with 2 months a year back in the UK (June & December visiting family), then decide re where to put down roots.

Looking at cars this week - whether to lease or just buy and then sell if I go?
Also, any recommendations for car insurance - obviously I have no NCD (no claims discount) in NZ - in fact what is this even called in NZ??

Any tips from those who have done it please?

Charismatic

Buy: Cars here don't devalue as fast as the UK (they just don't rust!) but you can usually pick up a used Japanese car for a reasonable price ($5-$10k NZD.)

Insurance: Mine was actually cheaper here in New Zealand than the UK.

MrsFychan

they dont really care about no claims, also cars can rust quickly here especially if you live near salt water so a regular wash is recommended. Be mindful of the fact that you will have to declare import tax on a vehicle if you have owned it less than a year and you will also have to pay if you decide to sell within 3 years.
I'm with the AA and must they have been very good, with the two accidents my car has had, one not my fault the other was mine. I'm fully comp so just excess to pay and it been just few phone calls and mended.

chickenboy

thanks. Any particular insurance comparison websites for NZ?

Kotare

Just log on to the AMI and AA sites and run through the questions to get a quote - they will give you credit for no claims (in UK) but it will be a bit more expensive without an NZ licence. In Oct (with no NCD) mine was about $650 for a $30k RAV4 fully comp.

Probably not worth bringing a car if you just want transport. I am bringing in an MX5 at the moment. £950 freight plus £280 insurance, add about £500 for all the NZ import/handling charges etc. I am guessing it will cost me another £500 for MOT, road tax, compliance checks etc to get it on the road so say £2300 all up (excl GST if you have to pay it - car owned less than a year).

Peter

moving2NZ2013

Definitely buy. They are cheap to insure and run.
We spent $1700 two years ago on a ford mondeo. Has no problems with it


My rego (tax) is $100
And insurance is $15 a month warrant (MOT) $50 every 6 months

escapedtonz

Try TradeMe insurance. All done online. Simple as to follow and very competitive plus you can pay monthly/fortnightly by direct debit at no extra cost. Underwritten by Tower Insurance but beats their premiums hands down. Always had both cars covered by Tower but they just couldn't beat the TradeMe quote at renewal for the Outlander that's already gone over to TradeMe. The other will follow in December when it's due.
...and when we get in the new house I'll be transferring the house and contents insurance.

snaps

Insurance cheaper usually.