So, we're gonna buy a new car when we get to Adelaide, and expect there to be about a 3 to 4 week wait once ordered. This means lots of hassle getting transport untill it arrives (don't want to buy a run around for just a month).

Do you think it is possible to buy the car whilst still in the UK, so its there for our arrival? Probably a dumb idea.........

I'm sure you'd be able to rent a good cheap car for a month...somebody posted some prices recently on here...(last week or so)
CORKER

If you know the model you want email some dealers and ask if they are in stock or need to be ordered ? If the wait is a few weeks then ask if they can let you use a loan car. If you dont ask you dont get
Some areas of oz ie citys have good transport. I used the train in sydney for a month the weekly ticket costs like 53 or so bucks and you can use all trains buses and ferries that are state owned. Bargin

I have just been to a Holden Dealer in Perth today and bought a brand new Holden Barina (Vauxhall Corsa). Its imported from Spain. They will have it ready tomorrow afternoon to collect. It could have been ready today but it takes a day to register the vehicle. The Drive away price including all on road costs is A$15000.00. I paid for this on my credit card. There would be no problem in ordering a car over the phone to collect when you arrive, just pay a deposit with your credit card over the phone to secure the vehicle, its a waste of money to hire a car when you are going to buy one anyway. Maybe even go and test drive a few cars in the UK before you get here, they sell much the same cars there. Be sure to bring proof of your no claims discount to claim it here.

Somebody did this. Possibly Go Bananas (Jill). Try sending her a PM?

I suggest you come here and look at what you are buying before u actually get set on a car. I moved here from the US in mid-feb, rented for a week from Hertz and then tested some cars and decided on the Holden Astra. Walked into a dealership, told him I wanted the car right then and there. They did not have it and so I told them to give me a loaner and I would buy the car from them or else go to some other dealer for some other car altogether.

Actually, I had setup my mind for the Astra after a test drive, but all the dealers told me I would have to wait for 3-4 weeks. Its been almost 4 weeks today since I've been driving the loaner from the dealer and he just called me today evening to tell me the car will be ready tomorrow. He even gave me a bigger car as a loaner than the one I've bought from them.

I came from the US thinking I should be able to walk in and drive out of a dealership when I wanted to, but seems thats not exactly the case here. I was also thinking of getting a Toyota Camry when I get here, but find that the roads are quite smaller/narrower compared to the US. Settled for a smaller and cheaper car. Also, its not as boring as the Camry.

If you're coming to Sydney and want to buy a Holden, I can refer you to the Holden dealer that I went with.

All the best,

Keyur

One of the blokes I work with did this.
Ordered two new cars and transferred the money.
They had them ready at the airport when they landed.

Does it matter if your no claims proof is dated a few months before you arrive ?

Jo

Not such a Dumb idea after all then