ollstar

Hi,

I've been in Sydney now for a week and found work freelancing. I want to get a car but haven't got the capital to buy out right and doubt any lender will give me the cash on a working holiday visa, when potentially I may have to go back to England after 12 months. (This would also rule out buying as I would lose money on depreciation.)

Does anyone know of any good long term hire deals or lease companies where I could get a car? Or any other solutions you may know of?

Many thanks,

Oll

bcworld

Depends on the standard of car you are looking for.

You'll generally find a constant trade in cars among backpackers as people's journeys start and end....normally you'll see them advertised on hostel noticeboards.

If you're after something newer it might be worth looking into car sharing schemes that operate in Sydney.

ollstar

Thanks for the response. I have heard of the car sharing scheme but its not for me as I would need it all the time. I would want a new(ish) car and fairly good one as well. I can't seem to find any companies online that lease cars like in the UK. Is it called something different in Australia or is it just not something they do over here?

lapin_windstar

"novated leases" are what's common in Oz, I believe, but iirc they're tied to your employment. Check for yourself, though, because I have no direct experience.

I suspect you may have to adapt to your situation, though: buying a flash, newish car without either the cash or the credit history/local presence to borrow money for it is going to be a tough ask.

hoofie2002

Novated leases aren't tied to employment per se - the employer agrees to set it up and process the deductions but if you leave employment you take the car with you [but you still have to pay for it]. If you are on a WHV though I really don't see any employer agreeing to do it and the lease company wouldn't finance it anyway.

I've never heard of someone of a WHV getting finance for a vehicle, I would have thought your VERY temporary employment status would rule you out immediately.

ollstar

Looks like its public transport for me then!

Working in construction so if I impress enough in the 3 - 6month contract they would probably sponsor me and I can extend my stay.

Been looking at a long term rental of a car but they still don't seem cheap for the standard of car you get!

this charming man

try and google "hot-wiring a car .com.au", im pretty sure you can pick any car you want under this agreement.


ps without prejudice.

lapin_windstar

Ah, well, there you go - we've discovered another topic I know bugger all about!