importing mercedes to new zealand
Discussion
Hi
uk based and own a 2005 merc C270Cdi. Am coming to live in NZ later this year (hopefully) and wonder if its worth paying to ship this car over or sell it over here before I depart? Sorry if this is a daft question but I've got thousands of other similar "stupid" questions if any of you NZ expats fancy giving some straight answers!
Thanks.....Alex
uk based and own a 2005 merc C270Cdi. Am coming to live in NZ later this year (hopefully) and wonder if its worth paying to ship this car over or sell it over here before I depart? Sorry if this is a daft question but I've got thousands of other similar "stupid" questions if any of you NZ expats fancy giving some straight answers!
Thanks.....Alex
Hi Alex, Hit us with the short list but use the search facility on this forum first as you might find some have been asked before.
No idea what your Merc is worth here - you might find something similar on our version of ebay www.trademe.co.nz but not as many diesels here to compare with. Diesel is cheaper than petrol here but there is a per-km road user charge also, net effect is that like the UK you need to be doing quite high mileage to make a compelling case over the petrol equivalent. I don't think you'd have a problem bringing it in legally (but do check with the authorities here - www.ltsa.govt.nz is our DVLA.
Do you know when/where you're coming to here?
Don
No idea what your Merc is worth here - you might find something similar on our version of ebay www.trademe.co.nz but not as many diesels here to compare with. Diesel is cheaper than petrol here but there is a per-km road user charge also, net effect is that like the UK you need to be doing quite high mileage to make a compelling case over the petrol equivalent. I don't think you'd have a problem bringing it in legally (but do check with the authorities here - www.ltsa.govt.nz is our DVLA.
Do you know when/where you're coming to here?
Don
Odd thing is it kinda pays to have a large and inneficient diesel here lol...
I know someone who brought their skoda over...
IMO if you like your car and want something similar here then bring it, it'll cost ~£3k or so and I doubt you'd get the same for used UK price + 3k here, not German.
Theres plenty of decent cars hare but mostly Jap or Jap import, anything Euro tends to be a little pricier.
This could all change as the new emmisions based import laws start to bite this year.
I know someone who brought their skoda over...
IMO if you like your car and want something similar here then bring it, it'll cost ~£3k or so and I doubt you'd get the same for used UK price + 3k here, not German.
Theres plenty of decent cars hare but mostly Jap or Jap import, anything Euro tends to be a little pricier.
This could all change as the new emmisions based import laws start to bite this year.
It would have to be Euro4 compliant to get in now but being a late model it is likely to be. Details here, table 4:
http://www.ltsa.govt.nz/publications/infosheets/in...
A diesel Merc is rare over here so value will be difficult to work out. The nearest you will find to compare is the petrol version versus its UK value. If you do sell in the UK you will find it difficult to find a similar diesel here. On the other hand, you may find petrol is so cheap here compared to the UK (fast approaching $2 per litre = 80 pence) you will get an AMG instead!
Dan
http://www.ltsa.govt.nz/publications/infosheets/in...
A diesel Merc is rare over here so value will be difficult to work out. The nearest you will find to compare is the petrol version versus its UK value. If you do sell in the UK you will find it difficult to find a similar diesel here. On the other hand, you may find petrol is so cheap here compared to the UK (fast approaching $2 per litre = 80 pence) you will get an AMG instead!
Dan
Don
Planning on coming for 3 weeks in June/July to convince myself I'm making the right move, hope to be out there by early 2009.
First indications are Auckland or surrounding areas but I fancy the countryside really! It will depend on locations of job offers. I have final interview with Downer EDI works with no location agreed as yet and also interview with Fletcher construction.
Would love to bring the Merc out but shipping and taxes will decide for me I guess. Not really worried about not getting the costs back when I sell, the car has done 40,000 miles so has a good few years left in it. I would run it to death if I brought it. Would parts be readily available?
Would love to bring the wedge!!
Alex
Planning on coming for 3 weeks in June/July to convince myself I'm making the right move, hope to be out there by early 2009.
First indications are Auckland or surrounding areas but I fancy the countryside really! It will depend on locations of job offers. I have final interview with Downer EDI works with no location agreed as yet and also interview with Fletcher construction.
Would love to bring the Merc out but shipping and taxes will decide for me I guess. Not really worried about not getting the costs back when I sell, the car has done 40,000 miles so has a good few years left in it. I would run it to death if I brought it. Would parts be readily available?
Would love to bring the wedge!!
Alex
alex290568 said:
Don
Planning on coming for 3 weeks in June/July to convince myself I'm making the right move, hope to be out there by early 2009.
First indications are Auckland or surrounding areas but I fancy the countryside really! It will depend on locations of job offers. I have final interview with Downer EDI works with no location agreed as yet and also interview with Fletcher construction.
Would love to bring the Merc out but shipping and taxes will decide for me I guess. Not really worried about not getting the costs back when I sell, the car has done 40,000 miles so has a good few years left in it. I would run it to death if I brought it. Would parts be readily available?
Would love to bring the wedge!!
Alex
You can bring the Wedge! If it's 20+ years old then it doesn't need to pass frontal impact standards. If it's less than 20 years old then as of next month there is a new rule allowing exemptions for certain imported cars - if you've owed it for a year or more and have lived in the UK for 21 months or more before moving here then you're OK. See the the other thread here - 'gonna see more TVRs...' - for details.Planning on coming for 3 weeks in June/July to convince myself I'm making the right move, hope to be out there by early 2009.
First indications are Auckland or surrounding areas but I fancy the countryside really! It will depend on locations of job offers. I have final interview with Downer EDI works with no location agreed as yet and also interview with Fletcher construction.
Would love to bring the Merc out but shipping and taxes will decide for me I guess. Not really worried about not getting the costs back when I sell, the car has done 40,000 miles so has a good few years left in it. I would run it to death if I brought it. Would parts be readily available?
Would love to bring the wedge!!
Alex
If the Merc is a model not sold here (probably is being a diesel) then you may have to wait and pay a bit more for parts to come in from Oz or Europe but shouldn't be too big a deal.
Good luck with the job hunting.
Don
Talking with colleagues, you should bear in mind that not many garages will be able to do an extensive service on a diesel Mercedes, especially outside of the big cities. If you do get a fault it may take time to get it diagnosed and fixed.
As Don said, the wegde should soon be valid to bring in as an immigrant's vehicle, if it's not already 20+ yrs old.
Dan
As Don said, the wegde should soon be valid to bring in as an immigrant's vehicle, if it's not already 20+ yrs old.
Dan
If it was me, I'd flog it and buy something Japanese when I got here - a big Toyota 4x4 if you're in the construction industry (even if it's not hands-on construction). Apart from prices it'll be a whole lot of hassle you'll probably not be keen to go through on top of moving countries, starting a new job, finding somewhere to live etc etc.
Also, if you can get a decent offer salary-wise, go for somewhere other than Auckland. I suspect you're hoping to move here to get away from the rat-race? If so, you'll find Auckland has one of it's own! If at all possible try and extend your holiday to a month and really take a good look around. Try to look at it from a workers point of view not a tourist - hard to do I know but it's the only way you'll get an idea.
Feel free to ask us any questions and good luck!
Also, if you can get a decent offer salary-wise, go for somewhere other than Auckland. I suspect you're hoping to move here to get away from the rat-race? If so, you'll find Auckland has one of it's own! If at all possible try and extend your holiday to a month and really take a good look around. Try to look at it from a workers point of view not a tourist - hard to do I know but it's the only way you'll get an idea.
Feel free to ask us any questions and good luck!
I had a friend bring his Merc ML Diesel over a few years ago, cost 2-3k GBP, didn't pay GST (tax) on the import as he was in the process of becoming a resident and promised not to sell it for a few years!!
Main dealer is a 2 1/2hr drive away from us, but normal stuff can be done locally.
I only go to Auckland if I want to see a traffic jam
Bring the Wedge
Main dealer is a 2 1/2hr drive away from us, but normal stuff can be done locally.
I only go to Auckland if I want to see a traffic jam
Bring the Wedge
Edited by alex.tvr on Wednesday 7th May 23:54
New Zealand is the perfect place if;
1. You want to pay top $$ for house made of cardboard
2. You want a house to make money with , not live in
3. You believe public transport is for poor people who can't afford cars
4. You don't know how to do anything for yourself - (we have government Tv commercials to explain
everything so don't worry
)
5. Being paid 1/3 less than Australians is ok with you
Now, regarding driving in NZ - first and foremost - on motorways, the right lane is the 'slow lane'
Secondly, (similar to point 4 above) when on said motorways, we have large signs giving you pointers for safety, for eg. when it's foggy "Caution: Fog Ahead" or when approaching the Auckland Harbour Bridge on a windy day "Caution: High Winds" - but my personal favourite, the one I find most helpful, is when it's raining "Caution: Surface Water" - awesome huh?
Now when you arrive you'll no doubt want to buy a lot of new stuff, furnature etc (unless you bring your own of course) We have the perfect solutions for you! We have a giant shopping centre for every 16 people in New Zealand. What's even more handy is the fact that they are all identical!
Sarcasm aside, when you come to check it out, stay for as long as you can to really get a feeling for NZ. I know many people who came here from the UK and Europe who thought it was great at first who have since left, while others love it to bits and would never leave!
Good luck
1. You want to pay top $$ for house made of cardboard
2. You want a house to make money with , not live in
3. You believe public transport is for poor people who can't afford cars
4. You don't know how to do anything for yourself - (we have government Tv commercials to explain
everything so don't worry
)5. Being paid 1/3 less than Australians is ok with you
Now, regarding driving in NZ - first and foremost - on motorways, the right lane is the 'slow lane'
Secondly, (similar to point 4 above) when on said motorways, we have large signs giving you pointers for safety, for eg. when it's foggy "Caution: Fog Ahead" or when approaching the Auckland Harbour Bridge on a windy day "Caution: High Winds" - but my personal favourite, the one I find most helpful, is when it's raining "Caution: Surface Water" - awesome huh?
Now when you arrive you'll no doubt want to buy a lot of new stuff, furnature etc (unless you bring your own of course) We have the perfect solutions for you! We have a giant shopping centre for every 16 people in New Zealand. What's even more handy is the fact that they are all identical!
Sarcasm aside, when you come to check it out, stay for as long as you can to really get a feeling for NZ. I know many people who came here from the UK and Europe who thought it was great at first who have since left, while others love it to bits and would never leave!
Good luck
carbonfootprint said:
New Zealand is the perfect place if;
1. You want to pay top $$ for house made of cardboard
Havent seen any cardboard houses here in NZ other than kids making home made huts! Your referring to these perhaps
2. You want a house to make money with , not live in
Thats a strange one - perhaps you can only manage one thing at time - try multi tasking - hard for some I know!
3. You believe public transport is for poor people who can't afford cars -
Wrong again - Cars are cheap to buy and run here. Oh and space to drive them have you not read the favourite driving roads thread. Try drving around London - of course they dont do they!
4. You don't know how to do anything for yourself - (we have government Tv commercials to explain
everything so don't worry ) Nah not worried as what we can see from your judgements above it sums you up really. Ill pass on to Simon what you said about his skill base shall I?
5. Being paid 1/3 less than Australians is ok with you
Well you can either moan like a pom and do nothing about it or get off your ass and make a decent crust like many people have done, but so easy to moan and point finger at smaller nations isnt it(easy target), is it because your own life has gone tits up at the moment.
And good luck to you
1. You want to pay top $$ for house made of cardboard
Havent seen any cardboard houses here in NZ other than kids making home made huts! Your referring to these perhaps
2. You want a house to make money with , not live in
Thats a strange one - perhaps you can only manage one thing at time - try multi tasking - hard for some I know!
3. You believe public transport is for poor people who can't afford cars -
Wrong again - Cars are cheap to buy and run here. Oh and space to drive them have you not read the favourite driving roads thread. Try drving around London - of course they dont do they!
4. You don't know how to do anything for yourself - (we have government Tv commercials to explain
everything so don't worry
) Nah not worried as what we can see from your judgements above it sums you up really. Ill pass on to Simon what you said about his skill base shall I?5. Being paid 1/3 less than Australians is ok with you
Well you can either moan like a pom and do nothing about it or get off your ass and make a decent crust like many people have done, but so easy to moan and point finger at smaller nations isnt it(easy target), is it because your own life has gone tits up at the moment.
And good luck to you
Kylie said:
carbonfootprint said:
New Zealand is the perfect place if;
1. You want to pay top $$ for house made of cardboard
Havent seen any cardboard houses here in NZ other than kids making home made huts! Your referring to these perhaps
2. You want a house to make money with , not live in
Thats a strange one - perhaps you can only manage one thing at time - try multi tasking - hard for some I know!
3. You believe public transport is for poor people who can't afford cars -
Wrong again - Cars are cheap to buy and run here. Oh and space to drive them have you not read the favourite driving roads thread. Try drving around London - of course they dont do they!
4. You don't know how to do anything for yourself - (we have government Tv commercials to explain
everything so don't worry ) Nah not worried as what we can see from your judgements above it sums you up really. Ill pass on to Simon what you said about his skill base shall I?
5. Being paid 1/3 less than Australians is ok with you
Well you can either moan like a pom and do nothing about it or get off your ass and make a decent crust like many people have done, but so easy to moan and point finger at smaller nations isnt it(easy target), is it because your own life has gone tits up at the moment.
And good luck to you
1. You want to pay top $$ for house made of cardboard
Havent seen any cardboard houses here in NZ other than kids making home made huts! Your referring to these perhaps
2. You want a house to make money with , not live in
Thats a strange one - perhaps you can only manage one thing at time - try multi tasking - hard for some I know!
3. You believe public transport is for poor people who can't afford cars -
Wrong again - Cars are cheap to buy and run here. Oh and space to drive them have you not read the favourite driving roads thread. Try drving around London - of course they dont do they!
4. You don't know how to do anything for yourself - (we have government Tv commercials to explain
everything so don't worry
) Nah not worried as what we can see from your judgements above it sums you up really. Ill pass on to Simon what you said about his skill base shall I?5. Being paid 1/3 less than Australians is ok with you
Well you can either moan like a pom and do nothing about it or get off your ass and make a decent crust like many people have done, but so easy to moan and point finger at smaller nations isnt it(easy target), is it because your own life has gone tits up at the moment.
And good luck to you
As I stated, it's obviously down to one's opinion BUT the vast majority of people I know who come from the UK or Europe to NZ end up leaving. (I used to be in a position where I met many new arrivals)
They all appear to say the same things; Poor housing, terrible roading/public transport system, and the generally find Kiwis quite unfriendly. Do some research on this, it's all there.
Admittedly it's the Euros who moan the most about the housing. New Zealand houses are simply rubbish by comparison.
Now Australia is only slightly better, but it 'is' better... That is why over 1000 kiwis leave NZ for Aust permanently each week!
Each to their own
Um, in a word, No.
Stats say 90% of immigrants from the UK end up staying 5 years or longer , and that lines up more to my experiences.
And (from one of your other posts) your looking to live in the UK, and haven't yet, and I've lived in both places, I think I'm more qualified to comment thanks :P
UK has good points, and bad, as does NZ. Most people I know who don't end up staying in NZ are split 50/50 between family ties and money.
I even know people who've returned to the UK, then shortly after come back to NZ, because the reality doesn't match with the memory.
Stats say 90% of immigrants from the UK end up staying 5 years or longer , and that lines up more to my experiences.
And (from one of your other posts) your looking to live in the UK, and haven't yet, and I've lived in both places, I think I'm more qualified to comment thanks :P
UK has good points, and bad, as does NZ. Most people I know who don't end up staying in NZ are split 50/50 between family ties and money.
I even know people who've returned to the UK, then shortly after come back to NZ, because the reality doesn't match with the memory.
Kylie said:
carbonfootprint said:
5. Being paid 1/3 less than Australians is ok with you
Well you can either moan like a pom and do nothing about it or get off your ass and make a decent crust like many people have done, but so easy to moan and point finger at smaller nations isnt it(easy target), is it because your own life has gone tits up at the moment.
Moan like a pom ! I'm hurt.
carbonfootprint said:
New Zealand is the perfect place if;
1. You want to pay top $$ for house made of cardboard
2. You want a house to make money with , not live in
3. You believe public transport is for poor people who can't afford cars
4. You don't know how to do anything for yourself - (we have government Tv commercials to explain
everything so don't worry )
5. Being paid 1/3 less than Australians is ok with you
Now, regarding driving in NZ - first and foremost - on motorways, the right lane is the 'slow lane'
Secondly, (similar to point 4 above) when on said motorways, we have large signs giving you pointers for safety, for eg. when it's foggy "Caution: Fog Ahead" or when approaching the Auckland Harbour Bridge on a windy day "Caution: High Winds" - but my personal favourite, the one I find most helpful, is when it's raining "Caution: Surface Water" - awesome huh?
Now when you arrive you'll no doubt want to buy a lot of new stuff, furnature etc (unless you bring your own of course) We have the perfect solutions for you! We have a giant shopping centre for every 16 people in New Zealand. What's even more handy is the fact that they are all identical!
1. You want to pay top $$ for house made of cardboard
2. You want a house to make money with , not live in
3. You believe public transport is for poor people who can't afford cars
4. You don't know how to do anything for yourself - (we have government Tv commercials to explain
everything so don't worry
) 5. Being paid 1/3 less than Australians is ok with you
Now, regarding driving in NZ - first and foremost - on motorways, the right lane is the 'slow lane'
Secondly, (similar to point 4 above) when on said motorways, we have large signs giving you pointers for safety, for eg. when it's foggy "Caution: Fog Ahead" or when approaching the Auckland Harbour Bridge on a windy day "Caution: High Winds" - but my personal favourite, the one I find most helpful, is when it's raining "Caution: Surface Water" - awesome huh?
Now when you arrive you'll no doubt want to buy a lot of new stuff, furnature etc (unless you bring your own of course) We have the perfect solutions for you! We have a giant shopping centre for every 16 people in New Zealand. What's even more handy is the fact that they are all identical!
If you don't like it here, nobody's forcing you to stay.
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