Brizzie

Hello! New member here and glad to have found you.
I'm moving to Brisbane from the UK within the next month and have a question about transport. I don't want to be relying on public transport as I will have a lot of running around to do so was wondering how easy (or difficult) it will be to buy a car on finance when I first get there. I'll be starting work as soon as I get there, so will have a regular income, but I don't want to use up a big chunk of the money I'm taking with me to splash out on a car. So what's the situation about getting a car loan as a new arrival?
Also, any ball park figures on what a new car will cost? Say, a small SUV like a Toyota RAV or something similar?
Thanks, and looking forward to being a part of your expat group

CooloolaKate

I live in Brisbane and I wouldn't rely on public transport either.

We moved here from South Africa 12 years ago. We had applied for a permanent visa but came over on a work visa in the meantime as my husband was offered a job in Sydney. We were shocked by the prices of cars here and, like you, didn't want to dip into our limited reserves. We went along to the ANZ bank (one of the larger banks here) and chatted to them and they were more than happy to grant us a loan ($11 000, not a lot of money but you could get more for your dollar back then) for a second hand car. We just had to show them latest South Afican bank statements and the letter of offer from the company my husband was to start work with. This was some time ago though so if I were you I'd contanct ANZ or a similar large bank online and ask them what they require to give you a loan.

As far as car prices go this is a good website to get an idea www.carsales.com.au

Goodluck!

KJCherokee

There are plenty of specialist companies such as We Finance Any Car and Aussie car Loans - I have no personal experience of them but they may be worth looking at on-line before you arrive.

ldticp

I bought a new car on finance last October and am on a 457 visa from the UK no problems at all.

I bought a brand new Mazda 6 wagon for $31k with $15k of that on finance

Hope this helps

Tramps_mate

Iv struggled so far. Iv been told I have to be here for 3 months, or no loan on temporary visa blah blah..

bingobob777

Enquire whether your employer has a novated lease provider. A novated lease is a means of paying for a car and running expenses out of pre-tax salary and can save you a fair bit.

Turban Explorer

Have you been up to Mackay much yet Tramps Mate?

jothefw

My brother bought his car using a loan and he's on a 457. The main point he found was that (and whilst it seems obvious I suspect it isn't always ) but the loan cannot be for a longer period than the visa, ie you couldn't have a 7 year loan on a 4 yr 457.

Tramps_mate

Not yet! When I arrived they said I could choose either Brisbane or Mackay. Iv got 2 friends from back home in Bris so stayed here. Just finishing some training then will be up there for a bit! Will have to say hello!!