[H & Rick]

This is a very simple question, but just want to make sure we have our facts right on buying a car when we get over there.

In the UK:
Tax -variable on the size of your engine
Insurance -essential 3rd Party of full comp
MOT - essential every 12 months

In NZ
Licensing/Tax - is this dependant on engine size?
WOF/MOT - essential every 6 months?
Insurance - is this essential, where do you buy it?

Any advice or info would be useful.:)

[aggelon]

Common registration fees - from 1 July 2007
MR2A/2B Registration of motor vehicle (issued with standard plates) 6 months 12 months
Passenger car/van
Private passenger Petrol driven - 1301-2600 cc
235.59

323.42
Petrol driven - 2601-4000 cc
265.97

353.80
Non-petrol driven - 1301-2600 cc
284.72

421.66
Non-petrol driven - 2601-4000 cc
315.10

452.04
Trailer
Other (standard) goods 1-3500 kg GVM
82.77

96.55
Motorcycle
Private passenger Petrol driven - Less than 61 cc
150.35

253.08
Petrol driven - Over 61 cc
177.35

285.71



A warrant of fitness (WoF) is a periodic safety inspection that is compulsory for light vehicles (eg, most cars, vans, utes and 4WDs).

* Vehicles first registered anywhere less than six years ago must have WoF inspections every 12 months.
* All other vehicles must have WoF inspections every six months.


Insurance is not compulsory but advisable.
It's cheaper than in the UK (cos its not compulsory) ACC takes care of personal injury claims so the insurance covers car repairs.

[IanW99]

All said by aggelon is good.

For car insurance, if you bring over your no claims discount from the UK then it should be honoured so well worth bringing.

If you buy a diesel car then you also need to pay Road User Charges (RUC).

Ian