B4.4.2 Moving to New Zealand: Importing a Car
Description
This article is from the New Zealand FAQ, by Phil Stuart-Jones and Lin Nah with numerous contributions by others.
B4.4.2 Moving to New Zealand: Importing a Car
Martin Lange wrote:
"I imported my left-hand drive Fiat Uno from Germany after I was granted
residency. That was three years ago.
The rules in 1993 where:
a) You can get a "Left-Hand Drive Exception Permit" if
- You are a Permanent Resident, Holding a Work Permit or have a long-term
Visitors Permit
- Owned the car for at least two years overseas.
b) You are not allow to sell the car unless it is older than 20 years
OR converted to a right-hand drive.
c) Your car must pass a technical check through the Land Transport
authority.
For up-to-date information, contact the
Land Transport Safety Authority,
Head Office,
7-27 Waterloo Quay,
P.O. Box 27-459
Wellington
Ph: +64-4-494-8600
Fax: +64-4-494-8601
Anyhow, unless your car is something VERY special, it is not worth the
hassle.
Especially Japanese assembled car are not expensive. If you arrive in
Auckland, rent a car for a few days and shop around at the "Japanese
Assembled Car Dealers".
Be aware of the fact that most "Japanese Assembled Cars" have tinkered
clocks. Do not believe the mileage the dealer tells you - it has been
manipulated in every second import.
The dealers have huge ranges for negotiations. A friend of mine in
Auckland negotiated the price down by 45% THREE times. After purchasing
such a car he brings it to a PIT Stop, gets the brakes fixed and drives
around.
Another hint: The New Zealand Automobile Associations runs at least one
independent workshop in Auckland. You can bring your potential "next car"
there and get an non-partisan assessment."
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