Christian Perez's Travel Journal

Buying a Car in NZ, Sat Apr 29, 2006

I found a car! But then the jerks went back on our deal after they found someone else to pay only $150 more. It's an '89 Nissan Bluebird with about 280,000 km. Whew! But a lot of backpacker cars are like that, and I was get for only $500 NZD. That's ridiculous; a working car for under $300 US. The plan was to take it to the mechanic tomorrow to get it checked, then hand over the money. Of course, being an American with a sense of business integrity, I respected our verbal contract. But they, being dirty Belgians, have no such convictions, and betrayed a business agreement that was even honored by a toast and round of beers! I will never trust a European again.

Buying a car to travel NZ in is a very popular transportation option here. A warning: petrol cause are on the rise, and it is getting less economical to drive yourself. (More tips on how to ease fuel costs in a bit.) The problem lies in when and where to purchase a car, what to look for, and how much to pay. I've seen a lot of articles on the web about getting cars in NZ, but I will attempt to lay out what I think is the best way based on my experience and advice from locals and other travellers.

Which car?

I wouldn't recommend a campervan for those going solo. Usually, one stays at a campervan site for $24 or so, but with only one person, its cheaper to stay in a hostel. Besides, it gets quite lonely when always by yourself.

That said, the station wagon or 4 door japanese import is ideal. Never buy American or European. Japense cars are cheap, plentiful, and run forever, and getting them serviced is cheaper. Estate wagons, as they are called, can easily fit 4 people plus luggage, or the back seats can fold down and you can sleep in it if you want. I've seen wagons with thick mattresses and comforters laid out in the back; it's downright cozy.

Where/when to buy?

Without a doubt, buy a car in Christchurch and sell it in Auckland. Most travellers go the other way around: they fly into Auckland, buy a car, and travel south. After a few months, they sell the car in Christchurch because they're flying out. The best time is in April, when most backpackers are ending their stint. They become desperate because everyone is trying to sell and no one is trying to buy. Car prices plummet, especially backpackers who need to sell in a matter of days. Auckland has a much larger market for cars, and is also where most backpackers start looking for one to purchase, so prices are higher and the cars are fewer.

The Plan

The ideal itinerary for a year-long stay: arrive in March or April in Christchurch, buy a car, travel the South Island a bit before the cold sets in, then hole up in Wanaka for the winter and enjoy the ski fields; or run north, pick kiwifruit and apples, and work at a hostel in the Bay of Plenty or Northland where its always warm.

In spring/summer, do as much tramping and outdoor activities as you can before all the tourists show up. Then, settle down in your favorite spot in the South Island and work through high season which runs from October to February. If you're tired of the South Island (which is ridiculous, the place is great), find work or farmstay in the Bay of Plenty on the North Island. Its easy to get to Auckland, Rotorua, Tongariro (for tramping), and has beaches for swimming and surfing.

Selling the Car

You can easily make money on the car you bought if you are in the right place at the right time: Auckland during high season. Put up ads in January or February, or take it to a backpacker car market. A car bought for $500-1000 in Christchurch in April will go for double in Auckland at that time. Use the profits to bus around for the rest of the time, or get rides from people you meet in hostels.

Other Tips

Petrol is getting quite expensive here. To help assuage that sharp pain in you wallet everytime you fill up, always post a note on hostel notice boards detailing your travel plans and dates, and charge a set rate (say $5) per 100 km travelled (for petrol costs.) You'll easily fill your car with other backpackers and make driving more economical and fun.

Get insurance: its much cheaper here (~$100 for 3 months) than in the States or UK, and its better than getting into an accident without a policy.

If you can arrange it, get your car checked by a mechanic for about $50 before purchasing it. They'll tell you what needs work, how much life is left, and how much its actually worth.