4 month touring visitor to NZ - what car?
Discussion
Hello
Following my last post (thank you for replies), having listened to people and researched, I've changed my mind!
Now looking to buy a car upon arrival (1st December), tour NZ for 4 months, sell it again in Auckland.
AirBnb and staying with friends is the new plan, instead of motorhome.
Two people, plus luggage and NZD 7500 budget (£4000)
Second thought a general motor dealer near the airport, more choice, AA appraised, simplicity to sell back to them before leaving.
Someone like Budget in Manukau
I know Trademe would be cheaper, but I'm struggling to gauge local prices, different vehicle types, logistics.
Probably should go for a Honda Fit or Nissan Tiida but seem to be a few of these for sale which look more fun ...
Subaru Legacy 2.5i 4WD
Ideally, want to buy and sell with no repairs inbetween - along with as few costs as possible. And an easy car to sell couple of days before flying back.
Any ideas and advice, please?
Following my last post (thank you for replies), having listened to people and researched, I've changed my mind!
Now looking to buy a car upon arrival (1st December), tour NZ for 4 months, sell it again in Auckland.
AirBnb and staying with friends is the new plan, instead of motorhome.
Two people, plus luggage and NZD 7500 budget (£4000)
Second thought a general motor dealer near the airport, more choice, AA appraised, simplicity to sell back to them before leaving.
Someone like Budget in Manukau
I know Trademe would be cheaper, but I'm struggling to gauge local prices, different vehicle types, logistics.
Probably should go for a Honda Fit or Nissan Tiida but seem to be a few of these for sale which look more fun ...
Subaru Legacy 2.5i 4WD
Ideally, want to buy and sell with no repairs inbetween - along with as few costs as possible. And an easy car to sell couple of days before flying back.
Any ideas and advice, please?
Have a look here for ideas.
http://www.backpackerboard.co.nz/transport/car-cam...
http://www.backpackerboard.co.nz/noticeboard/Auckl...
Edited to add another option.
When I first visited NZ before moving here, we did a buy back option. Essentially we bought the car for 50% of purchase price from a dealer and just handed it back when we left.
Here’s a firm that does buy back - http://www.backpackercarworld.com/buy-back-guarant...
I’ve no recommendations as I’ve not used any of these companies.
http://www.backpackerboard.co.nz/transport/car-cam...
http://www.backpackerboard.co.nz/noticeboard/Auckl...
Edited to add another option.
When I first visited NZ before moving here, we did a buy back option. Essentially we bought the car for 50% of purchase price from a dealer and just handed it back when we left.
Here’s a firm that does buy back - http://www.backpackercarworld.com/buy-back-guarant...
I’ve no recommendations as I’ve not used any of these companies.
Edited by mark387mw on Monday 9th October 04:45
mark387mw said:
Have a look here for ideas.
http://www.backpackerboard.co.nz/transport/car-cam...
http://www.backpackerboard.co.nz/noticeboard/Auckl...
Edited to add another option.
When I first visited NZ before moving here, we did a buy back option. Essentially we bought the car for 50% of purchase price from a dealer and just handed it back when we left.
Here’s a firm that does buy back - http://www.backpackercarworld.com/buy-back-guarant...
I’ve no recommendations as I’ve not used any of these companies.
Thank you! Appreciated. I'll investigate...http://www.backpackerboard.co.nz/transport/car-cam...
http://www.backpackerboard.co.nz/noticeboard/Auckl...
Edited to add another option.
When I first visited NZ before moving here, we did a buy back option. Essentially we bought the car for 50% of purchase price from a dealer and just handed it back when we left.
Here’s a firm that does buy back - http://www.backpackercarworld.com/buy-back-guarant...
I’ve no recommendations as I’ve not used any of these companies.
Edited by mark387mw on Monday 9th October 04:45
You may possibly be better off renting - especially if you are relying on a dealer's buyback.
I went for 2 months at end of last year and paid $18 a day for a Mitsubishi Lancer. Basic motoring, but did the job, not to mention someone else's problem for WOF / repairs etc. Some NZ roads are TERRIBLE so nice to have assistance / swap out potential.
Several local firms run cheap deals on older cars and long term hire discounts like this, I went with New Zealand Rent a Car. Always email for specific quote, don't rely on website quotes.
I went for 2 months at end of last year and paid $18 a day for a Mitsubishi Lancer. Basic motoring, but did the job, not to mention someone else's problem for WOF / repairs etc. Some NZ roads are TERRIBLE so nice to have assistance / swap out potential.
Several local firms run cheap deals on older cars and long term hire discounts like this, I went with New Zealand Rent a Car. Always email for specific quote, don't rely on website quotes.
Boz123 said:
You may possibly be better off renting - especially if you are relying on a dealer's buyback.
I went for 2 months at end of last year and paid $18 a day for a Mitsubishi Lancer. Basic motoring, but did the job, not to mention someone else's problem for WOF / repairs etc. Some NZ roads are TERRIBLE so nice to have assistance / swap out potential.
Several local firms run cheap deals on older cars and long term hire discounts like this, I went with New Zealand Rent a Car. Always email for specific quote, don't rely on website quotes.
Interesting - sounds good - I'll get some quotes - Thank you!I went for 2 months at end of last year and paid $18 a day for a Mitsubishi Lancer. Basic motoring, but did the job, not to mention someone else's problem for WOF / repairs etc. Some NZ roads are TERRIBLE so nice to have assistance / swap out potential.
Several local firms run cheap deals on older cars and long term hire discounts like this, I went with New Zealand Rent a Car. Always email for specific quote, don't rely on website quotes.
Rent a Dent are now RAD.
https://www.radcarhire.co.nz/
They have a range of older and newer vehicles at around $50 - $70 per day.
Possibly cheaper if you get a deal. That’s in your budget BUT, for the peace of mind and convenience you get $0 back as you can’t sell it.
I’m sure a PH’er here would assist looking after your car and help selling it for you when you’ve gone home. I would.
There is that risk of vehicle failure in the 4 months but a lot of second hand cars are fairly reliable Japanese stuff that I’d expect are the same vehicles the cheaper rental companies would be using.
Buying from the dealer link you gave, Budget, you could get a warranty for $500, if not included, and then sell the car privately with warranty to recover the initial outlay.
Or buy well privately from the backpackers, Trademe, autotrader NZ or Facebook marketplace and hopefully sell at similar money. Or take a hit and give it to Turners auctions to sell for you.
And then there’s bangernomics. Go the cheapest until it breaks. Must have a wof and rego. Insurance optional.
There you go, more options to unsettle your mind!!
Edited to add from that Budget dealer looks good and do haggle.
https://www.radcarhire.co.nz/
They have a range of older and newer vehicles at around $50 - $70 per day.
Possibly cheaper if you get a deal. That’s in your budget BUT, for the peace of mind and convenience you get $0 back as you can’t sell it.
I’m sure a PH’er here would assist looking after your car and help selling it for you when you’ve gone home. I would.
There is that risk of vehicle failure in the 4 months but a lot of second hand cars are fairly reliable Japanese stuff that I’d expect are the same vehicles the cheaper rental companies would be using.
Buying from the dealer link you gave, Budget, you could get a warranty for $500, if not included, and then sell the car privately with warranty to recover the initial outlay.
Or buy well privately from the backpackers, Trademe, autotrader NZ or Facebook marketplace and hopefully sell at similar money. Or take a hit and give it to Turners auctions to sell for you.
And then there’s bangernomics. Go the cheapest until it breaks. Must have a wof and rego. Insurance optional.
There you go, more options to unsettle your mind!!
Edited to add from that Budget dealer looks good and do haggle.
Edited by mark387mw on Wednesday 11th October 00:02
Hi, sorry this is off topic, but I wish to contact you directly concerning the airships photograph album that you posted about in August. I have added it to this topic in the hope that you will see this message and reply. I am a long-term researcher in airship history, and very interested in finding out more concerning the album. You can email me via pistonheads by clicking on the email me link on my user name. This will give you my home email.
Many thanks,
zeppbuddy.
Many thanks,
zeppbuddy.
Just an idea.
You could buy a car, do your tour, sell it onto the next PHer and so it goes on.
Helping each other with the same dilemma. Kiwis here can help with looking after the car between visitors.
MoT equivalent about £25, a years road tax equivalent about £40. Insurance optional.
PH stickers plus this number plate is available
What possibly could go wrong
You could buy a car, do your tour, sell it onto the next PHer and so it goes on.
Helping each other with the same dilemma. Kiwis here can help with looking after the car between visitors.
MoT equivalent about £25, a years road tax equivalent about £40. Insurance optional.
PH stickers plus this number plate is available
What possibly could go wrong
We're in a similar situation and arriving at a similar time (but into Christchurch). Unfortunately we've only got about 5 weeks before we start work in Auckland...
Spoke with several friends out there and done way too much research (had a bit of time available whilst working out my notice!) And come up with the plan to buy a Japanese "luxury MPV" thing. I've always wanted one anyway, and my choice is really between the PH option of a 3.5 V6 elgrand or similar, or the slightly smaller and more sensible 2 litre Serena or similar.
Fresh imports seem to be between 7 and 12k NZD at a dealer with warranty, and they often come well speced with 4wd, cruise, reverse camera, electric curtains etc.
The seats fold to a bed of sorts, and apparently a cheap memory foam mattress from Kmart or warehouse smooths out the lumps. We'll then mostly use campsites, with the odd Airbnb or similar when required.
If you're set on a car then I would avoid a fit. This is PH! Buy a gallant VR4 or the Subaru...
Spoke with several friends out there and done way too much research (had a bit of time available whilst working out my notice!) And come up with the plan to buy a Japanese "luxury MPV" thing. I've always wanted one anyway, and my choice is really between the PH option of a 3.5 V6 elgrand or similar, or the slightly smaller and more sensible 2 litre Serena or similar.
Fresh imports seem to be between 7 and 12k NZD at a dealer with warranty, and they often come well speced with 4wd, cruise, reverse camera, electric curtains etc.
The seats fold to a bed of sorts, and apparently a cheap memory foam mattress from Kmart or warehouse smooths out the lumps. We'll then mostly use campsites, with the odd Airbnb or similar when required.
If you're set on a car then I would avoid a fit. This is PH! Buy a gallant VR4 or the Subaru...
mark387mw said:
Just an idea.
You could buy a car, do your tour, sell it onto the next PHer and so it goes on.
Helping each other with the same dilemma. Kiwis here can help with looking after the car between visitors.
MoT equivalent about £25, a years road tax equivalent about £40. Insurance optional.
PH stickers plus this number plate is available
What possibly could go wrong
Judging by how the first secret santa went, it would end up full of dildos.You could buy a car, do your tour, sell it onto the next PHer and so it goes on.
Helping each other with the same dilemma. Kiwis here can help with looking after the car between visitors.
MoT equivalent about £25, a years road tax equivalent about £40. Insurance optional.
PH stickers plus this number plate is available
What possibly could go wrong
Best check in Auckland http://www.travelcarsnz.com
They buy cars and campervans, you can also leave it there for sale.
They buy cars and campervans, you can also leave it there for sale.
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