In light of this, it is imperative to own a car in Australia, whether as a visitor or a resident. Having your vehicle gives you the freedom to move around, travel across cities, and visit rural villages. In Australia, owning a car can also make you eligible for specific jobs such as farm and fruit picking work. However, before buying a car in Australia, it is vital to find out more information about car history, in order to ensure that you do not fall into unnecessary trouble. In the same vein, it is pivotal to know the basic rules or guidelines for buying a car in Australia. Here are 5 things to know about buying a car in Australia.
How to Buy A Car in Australia
1. Cost of having a Car
Although it is a great idea to have a car in Australia, you need to consider the cost of having and maintaining a vehicle which varies from one state to the other. For instance, it is more expensive to own a car in Sydney than it is in Perth. On average, owning a car in Australia will cost you about $7,000 to $11,000 in a year. This cost is accrued from gas purchase, registration, and car inspection fees as well as general maintenance. The price of fuel in Australia constantly fluctuates and is determined by current economic situations.
2. Where to buy a car
Australia is a very big country, and buying a car can be a real hassle for foreigners. Where to purchase a vehicle is determined by the type you want, used, or new. You can get used cars at backpacker car dealers, although, most of them are located in the large cities. A few dealers are popular because they offer a buyback guarantee during purchase; this means that they buy the car back from you (at an agreed lower price) after your stay. You can also get used or new cars from regular dealer’s shops, private seller, or online stores. Additionally, during purchase, ensure a mechanic checks your car to make sure there are no major issues.
3. What Type of Car to Buy
Before buying a car in Australia, you need to determine the type of car that best suits the environment. Another factor you should consider is the purpose the car will serve, do you plan to travel long distances, remote areas, or simply for errands. Also, keep in mind the number of people that your car will be accommodating regularly. Station wagons are strongly recommended if you are taking long journeys. In addition, you must decide if you want a used or new car, this will determine where you find one.
4. How to pay for your car
There are a couple of ways to pay for your car in Australia. However, it is important you know the pros of each method so you can make a wiser decision and save money. First, you can use your savings to cover the cost; the advantage of this is that you do not need to pay interest as long as you are paying upfront. You can also opt for dealership finance. This entails paying for your vehicle in installments. Dealership finance may not be the wisest choice. It is often cost-intensive because the dealer usually tries to make additional profit from the deal. An alternative to the aforementioned is a car loan. (Bank, broker and pre-approved)They aren’t cumbersome to attain but might require you to fulfill certain conditions.
5. Registration Process
Processing your car registration differ between territories. To know how to register your car in a particular state, visit the transportation department website or office for complete information. However, there are general requirements that cut across every metropolitan area. To register, you must provide a valid passport, proof of purchase, identification forms, and valid driver’s license and roadworthiness documents. Additionally, you may not have to go through the stress of registration if you purchase your car from a reputable dealer. They often obtain essential information and manage all legal requirements.
Conclusion
Finally, apart from the buying guide listed above, it is also vital to have a good knowledge of the driving requirements and regulations that govern the territory or state where you reside In Australia. Also, note that the Australian government imposes stringent guidelines on car importation. If you wish to bring in your car from a foreign country, you must apply and get approval from the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development.
