Incoming NZ Newbie

[Mansells Tash]

Hey everyone, I'm moving from the Middle East to NZ some time around the end of March/April (collecting papers now for a Visa) however there shouldn't be any issues due the job being an internal company transfer and my occupation/qualifications being on the necessary lists.

ANYWAY I'll be moving to Auckland and I wouldn't mind some input asto what car to buy, I'm already all over TradeMe and my needs are as such:

I want something that we can throw some kit in for a weekend away with the wife and 8 month old baby. We want to cover some pretty long distances and we want something that will be capable of trips to the south island too, including being able to handle any of the gravel roads around the country.

My immediate go to is a Landcruiser Diesel which seems to be pretty expensive although residual values are fantastic.

Nissan Patrol Diesel 3.0D (but I've read they are massively underpowered and the engine grenades for fun)

Land Rover Discovery LR4 Seems to cover all the bases however I'd have to budget for the air suspension needing an overhaul at some point

Land Rover Defender 110 - uncomfortable, rusts, utilitarian but so full of character I think it may be worth it.

...any and all input appreciated.

[Pelo]

99% of the gravel roads here you can drive in a normal family car. SUVs are overkill and a plague! Get a Subaru.

[Mansells Tash]

Pelo said:

99% of the gravel roads here you can drive in a normal family car. SUVs are overkill and a plague! Get a Subaru.

I did a lap of the north island before in a legacy and never had any problems, there are a few amazing overland passes that I really wanted to explore though that a Subaru wouldn't do for, that being said I have been looking at estate cars too.

[GravelBen]

Mansells Tash said:

there are a few amazing overland passes that I really wanted to explore though that a Subaru wouldn't do for

Which ones? Some of us may be able to advise about Subaru suitability.

[GravelBen]

Mansells Tash said:

My immediate go to is a Landcruiser Diesel which seems to be pretty expensive although residual values are fantastic.

Good trucks but yes, they hold their value a little too well. Drivetrain not quite as strong as the Patrol but still tougher than most people ever need (I assume you're talking about the full fat Landcruiser not the lighter built Prado).

Mansells Tash said:

Nissan Patrol Diesel 3.0D (but I've read they are massively underpowered and the engine grenades for fun)

The ZD30 makes reasonable power for what it is (~170bhp IIRC) but it is a big heavy vehicle. They do have the hand grenade reputation but apparently the risk can be minimised by upgrading the earth on the MAF sensor. The other common issue with that engine is fuel pumps tend to wear out around 180-200k km and its an engine out job to refurb them. The TD42 is a much stronger engine, have a look for a 4.2.

[Mansells Tash]

Thanks for the feedback,

I've seen a few youtube videos of guys travelling along amazing mountain passes that certainly require a good few inches of ground clearance like the Nevis Road.

We'd also like the space that something like a Disco 4 can afford you if the weather gets harsh while we're camping so we can fold the seats down flat and be comfortable.

The alternate plan is to buy a cheap(ish) camper that is a 4x4 and a regular runaround.

[GravelBen]

The middle part of the Nevis Valley can be quite variable depending on recent weather conditions, I know someone who took a Honda Civic through one summer but sometimes the fords get scoured out after heavy rain and thats when you need a bit more clearance. The hills at each end are fine with any car most of the year, its just the snow in winter that might stop you there.

Heaps of people take Subaru Outbacks and Foresters through (around 200mm clearance) but I'd be hesitant about doing it with my Legacy GTB - it would probably do it easily enough, but I'd feel bad about scraping its belly on rocks.

Fair enough re wanting a bit more space though.

Edited by GravelBen on Friday 3rd February 00:19

[TheGuru]

Landcruiser - generally bulletproof, low depreciation as you've seen and easy to service. This would be my practical choice out of those vehicles.

The depreciation on the Patrol's and Discovery would put me off, plus the questionable reliability.

[Mansells Tash]

Thanks for the tips! I'm also looking at accommodation, seems anywhere north of Auckland is relatively low crime and from the trademe website for rentals there appear to be some half decent places from 650 a week. Anyone up to speed with accommodation around Auckland? Ideally looking to rent a house.

[Wanchaiwarrior]

I'm down in Wellington and rentals are pretty busy.

Last year there were news items about families renting illegally converted garages for NZ$400 a week.

Welcome to NZ though.

[klootzak]

Mansells Tash said:

Thanks for the tips! I'm also looking at accommodation, seems anywhere north of Auckland is relatively low crime and from the trademe website for rentals there appear to be some half decent places from 650 a week. Anyone up to speed with accommodation around Auckland? Ideally looking to rent a house.

Rather depends on what areas you're thinking about and how big a house you're looking for.

That said, it's not an ideal time to be looking for a rental as the universities are just about to go back and students will be hoovering up anything even vaguely affordable (with knock-on consequences throughout the rental sector).

That said, I wouldn't worry too much until you're here. Things don't usually hit the rental market until they're empty, and tenants are expected to move quickly to secure. Typically just a week from viewing to moving in.

k

[Mansells Tash]

klootzak said:

That said, I wouldn't worry too much until you're here. k

Okie doke, thankyou.

[TheGuru]

klootzak said:

That said, it's not an ideal time to be looking for a rental as the universities are just about to go back and students will be hoovering up anything even vaguely affordable (with knock-on consequences throughout the rental sector).

Yes, I'm in the process of moving back to NZ, fortunately we have family to stay with so accommodation is not urgent, but it does seem this is the worst month - I notice Auckland University semester 1 starts on March 6th (forgotten how easy students have it) so suspect will be busy for a few weeks after that too. Still, could be ok if you are nowhere near a university or other sort of tertiary college.

However, I have noticed a few properties have been on Trade Me for a few weeks, not sure if they are actually available and the agents are just keeping them on to get inquiries.

[Mansells Tash]

Do students really have 650 a week to burn on 2 bedroom houses?!

[klootzak]

Mansells Tash said:

Do students really have 650 a week to burn on 2 bedroom houses?!

Some do, yes. It's only 325 each for two after all, and that's about base rate for a studio or one bed flat in town.

But $650 is probably a bit on the high side for most students. Three beddies typically go for $600pw+ which is probably more the student type of place though, and you can get a two bed ex-statehouse in Mount Roskill (or somewhere like that) for $450 a week.

Basically Auckland property is pretty fked-up. Glorified garden sheds with no heating or insulation selling for $1million+ with rents to match.

k

[Mansells Tash]

klootzak said:

Some do, yes. It's only 325 each for two after all, and that's about base rate for a studio or one bed flat in town.

But $650 is probably a bit on the high side for most students. Three beddies typically go for $600pw+ which is probably more the student type of place though, and you can get a two bed ex-statehouse in Mount Roskill (or somewhere like that) for $450 a week.

Basically Auckland property is pretty fked-up. Glorified garden sheds with no heating or insulation selling for $1million+ with rents to match.

k

I'm paying 4513nzd a month rent on a 2 bed apartment at the moment in Qatar. I'm sure we will find something.

[Zadkiel]

I think the Discovery is a good choice, they are pretty good value for what they are. Another viable option is a Porsche Cayenne with a warranty. They depreciate like no bodies business from new but level out eventually and are actually quite good off-road. With the security of a warranty covering potential mechanical disasters they are worth a look.

Since you mentioned you are coming from Qatar, I am stopping off there for 2 nights on my way to Europe shortly, any suggestions of good things to do?

[Mansells Tash]

Zadkiel said:

I think the Discovery is a good choice, they are pretty good value for what they are. Another viable option is a Porsche Cayenne with a warranty. They depreciate like no bodies business from new but level out eventually and are actually quite good off-road. With the security of a warranty covering potential mechanical disasters they are worth a look.

Since you mentioned you are coming from Qatar, I am stopping off there for 2 nights on my way to Europe shortly, any suggestions of good things to do?

Hi Zadkiel,

When exactly are you out here? I'd be more than happy to take you for a pint and show you around in my Ford Raptor if I am free.

It depends on the weather as to what there is to do. The hop-on hop-off bus covers all the sights to visit (I believe it goes to the desert too).

The museum of Islamic are and the Souq Waqif at night are ok, Katara is nice for a walk around and if you are interested in seeing something like 30 Ferraris of all different shapes and sizes in a car park then the Pearl is a must.

[Zadkiel]

Mansells Tash said:

Hi Zadkiel,

When exactly are you out here? I'd be more than happy to take you for a pint and show you around in my Ford Raptor if I am free.

It depends on the weather as to what there is to do. The hop-on hop-off bus covers all the sights to visit (I believe it goes to the desert too).

The museum of Islamic are and the Souq Waqif at night are ok, Katara is nice for a walk around and if you are interested in seeing something like 30 Ferraris of all different shapes and sizes in a car park then the Pearl is a must.

Sorry about the much delayed response I have been hectic here trying to get on top of work before I go. Thanks for that info, I think we will do most of those things . Thanks for the offer but I think my wife is hoping for it to be a bit of a romantic trip (not exactly my forte) so sunset walks and all that fun stuff!

Have you considered bringing your Raptor to NZ? It would be a unique vehicle here but is importable?

[Mansells Tash]

Hi buddy, yeah I had considered it but I fancy something different and we have alot on our plate at the moment so bringing cars is just one more problem.

If you are shopping with the Mrs Rolex at lagoona mall has some of the cheapest new rolexes in the world.
Mall of Qatar is a bit out of the way but highly rated. Villagio has a VIP section that has every high end brand in one location.

Taxis are cheap so don't worry about prices, if you have uber thats even cheaper still!

For romantic meals nobu is the best but priciest and the st regis jazz bar is unmissable but book first.

Any questions just ask!

We did our medicals and are collecting our police reports on Wednesday. Then just waiting for NZQA to return my docs ans ill be filing my papers. Should be in NZ in mid April