 |
 |
New Zealand used or second-hand
cars are categorized into two types: New Zealand
New, and imports. Cars which are "New Zealand New"
were initially sold New Zealand brand new. These
cars’ odometers are checked regularly in New Zealand
and the annual readings can be seen on the vehicle's
AA Lemoncheck or VIR.
Imports are bought at Japanese auctions and shipped
by car dealers to New Zealand. The readings of
odometers on imports cannot be affirmed using a
Lemoncheck or VIR and ought to be handled with
caution. |
A
number of car dealers will assure the readings of the
odometer of their imports. Penalties are stiff for dealers
who falsely guarantee odometers. Car dealers have a legal
responsibility to explain the reading of the odometer to you
when you buy a vehicle.
You will discover that the readings of the odometer on
several Japanese cars are less than what you would expect of
cars from such a busy country. Car usage in the major cities
of Japan is very restricted.
|
|
A majority of people commute via public transport.
Therefore, cars are utilized less often than
everywhere else.
If the car you wish to purchase is imported from
Japan, ensure that the dealer has re-programmed the
radio to the broadcasting frequencies of New
Zealand. Otherwise, you won’t be able to tune into
some NZ radio stations.
Wherever the origin of the new car, ensure that you
acquire 2 copies of the transponder key. The
transponder key is the electronic key that controls
the central locking of the car and turns off the car
alarm should it be set off. An enormous number of
new cars employ transponder keys. If the seller can
give you only one transponder key, ask to have it
duplicated by the dealer at no extra cost from you
before you seal the deal to purchase the car. |
Several of the cars that you see in your own country
are also found in New Zealand. Many cars
manufactured in the US aren't sold in New Zealand
because New Zealanders drive on the road’s left
side; same as in the UK, Australia, and Japan. Thus
the countries market for used cars is dominated by
British, Australian, and Japanese cars.
|
New residents of New Zealand from other countries
discover that cars found in their own home country
are also found in New Zealand but under another
name. Such as what is known in Australia as the
Toyota 4Runner is known in New Zealand as the Toyota
Hilux Surf.
Websites like Trademe.co.nz and Autotrader.co.nz
list used cars for sale in New Zealand.
The auction site Trademe.co.nz is New Zealand’s
version of Ebay. A large majority of the vehicle for
sale on this site are being sold by used or
“pre-loved” car sellers at a fixed rate. Several
cars are sold or auctioned by private sellers at
fixed prices. |
 |
Another way private owners and sellers advertise their used
cars is by posting their items in Trade and Exchange, a
newspaper published weekly in every major city in New
Zealand with local listings.
|
|
