Buying a car in New Zealand is not an easy task, especially if you’re unsure whether to buy a “NZ new” or an “imported car”. Both are beneficial and have drawbacks. Knowing the variation will help you make a well-informed decision based on your financial condition, lifestyle, and long-term ownership goals. Here, we will discuss everything —from the price to the pros and cons of NZ’s new and imported vehicles, repair, spare parts, and resale value.
NZ new car is an entirely new vehicle sold by a New Zealand dealer and not yet registered in another country. They are produced for the domestic market and covered by dealerships and warranties. It means it’s all NZ safety compliant on day one, including emission and odometer certification.
Pros of NZ New Cars
Warranty and Support: New cars meet NZ safety standards and come with a full manufacturer’s warranty, providing peace of mind in case of any hidden issues.
Easier Resale: NZ buyers often prefer locally sold vehicles, making them easier to resell.
Lower Possibility of Hidden Faults: Since the car is new, there is a lower risk of any significant mechanical faults.
Dashboard Navigation: One of the most important advantages is that the dashboard navigation is in English, making it very simple to use.
Cons of NZ New Cars
Higher Upfront Cost: The purchase cost is much higher than that of an imported one.
Slower Depreciation Benefit: Although new cars retain their value longer initially, their overall depreciation may not be the best investment for budget-saving buyers.
Imported cars are most popular due to their lower prices and availability of unique and rare models that are not sold locally.
Pros of Imported Cars
Lower Purchase Cost: Very low, reasonable costs for any make and model compared to NZ new vehicles.
Availability of unique models: Rare and unique models are also available, which are not available locally.
Cons of Imported Cars
Resale Problems: Occasionally, especially for high-end models, resale can be challenging due to the high cost of maintenance.
Parts and Repairs: Some parts are difficult to find locally, resulting in expensive repair bills.
Hidden History Risk: Imported cars may have had an accident history, been water-damaged, or been left abandoned before reaching NZ.
When choosing between imported cars and NZ new cars, the long-term cost of ownership, aside from the purchase price, should be considered.
Key factors to consider:
Insurance: Insurance for imported cars is extremely high, depending on the age, model, and availability of replacement parts.
Age and Mileage: Used imported cars older than a certain age typically have higher mileage, which can impact their reliability.
Vehicle Condition: Inspect for signs of wear and tear, accidents, and maintenance records.
Documentation: Check import compilation, registration details, and vehicle history.
Fuel Efficiency: The fuel efficiency of certain imported cars can vary depending on the engine model and the country of origin’s fuel efficiency rating.
Resale Value: Consider how the vehicle will perform and retain value in the long term, and factor in part availability and repair cost.
The decision between NZ new and imported vehicles depends primarily on your budget and personal preferences. Both choices have their pros and cons, so it’s important to think about what’s most important to you.
One of the critical concerns that automobile purchasers often overlook is the price and quality of used parts. Understanding the difference between original equipment, used, and aftermarket parts can save money on maintenance in the long run.
Used or Aftermarket Parts
Used parts are significantly cheaper than OEM parts. Environmentally friendly, as they reuse existing parts. Recycled or third-party parts that may fit your vehicle. Often comes with a warranty from reputable dealers.
OEM Parts
OEM parts are new and more expensive than used parts. Designed specifically for your car model. Provide a guaranteed fit and last longer. Helps maintain the car’s resale value and reduce maintenance costs. Often comes with a manufacturer’s warranty.
Key Considerations: The age and condition of used parts can affect performance. Imported cars often have limited local availability of OEM parts, making used or aftermarket options a necessary alternative. Balancing cost and reliability is very important for NZ’s new or imported vehicles. For used or aftermarket parts, you can consider car wreckers, which offer an extensive range of inspected used parts for sale.
You can follow these tips for making the right choice.
Think about Resale: Make sure you have decided on the car’s resale value. You can move forward with models that are in high demand for resale.
Check Vehicle History: Ensure you have reviewed the vehicle’s history, including service records, accident history, and any other relevant documents.
Compare Support and Warranty: Ensure you account for the warranty offered for new and imported vehicles.
Measure Long-Term Expenses: Add costs for repairs, insurance, fuel, and maintenance.
Yes, imported cars, especially those from Japan, are cheaper than new ones.
Toyota Aqua, Suzuki Swift, Toyota Corolla, Toyota RAV4, and Mazda CX-5 are the easiest to resell because of reliability and a higher population in Auckland.
Not exactly. It depends upon the specific vehicle and its history. Usually, premium vehicles may need repairs in certain situations.
No, buying a new car doesn’t guarantee lower maintenance costs in the long term. But it does significantly reduce service and repair expenses in the first few years.
Before buying imported cars, consider the total costs, including GST, duty charges, shipping, and compliance regulations.
Contact Details