Australia has always been a top destination for both tourists and business-minded people. If you belong to any of these group, you may have asked this question at some point: “Can a tourist buy a car in Australia?”
First off, you’ll have to understand that you can’t just walk in and buy a car straight right off if you’re a foreigner in Australia. There are ins and outs to this that you must follow thoroughly. Luckily, the process is not too hard.
That being said, here are the things you need to keep in mind when it comes to buying a car in Australia for foreigners.
How to Buy a Car in Australia
Type of Vehicle
The first thing you’ll have to figure out when buying a car in Oz as a tourist is knowing what type of car will best fit your travel requirements. If you’re not going elsewhere but the city, a sedan will work just fine. But if you know beforehand that your journey will take you to some challenging trails, then you’ll need an off-road car for sure.
Where to Buy Your Car
The next step you’ll need to undertake is to know where to get your car. Thankfully, we have a lot of easy options these days via the Internet. Start your search in Australian sites that offer car buying service, then check the classifieds, and then in Facebook groups. Take your time when searching for an auto dealer so you can estimate how much you’ll need to shell out for the car you’re eyeing.
If for some reason you don’t want to start your search online, check some local maps and ask around for the second-hand vendors or the nearest car dealerships. There’s also the option of getting a broker. A car broker can help you find the right vehicle even before your arrival and can also make arrangements if you’re planning to sell the car after your stay. This will take another chunk out of your budget, but it can make the whole process easier.
Registration Concerns
By now you already know that tourists can buy a car in Australia, but only if its properly registered. To know that, check the current owner’s paperwork before making a purchase. Australian car registrations are valid for one year. Naturally, if the car isn’t registered, then there’s no way you’re allowed to drive it wherever in Oz.
For unregistered vehicles, the Australian Department of Transport site has forms that you can fill out. It won’t take much of your time, but be sure to indicate a fixed address of some kind.
The Condition of the Car
We all know that cars are not at all affordable no matter what the kind of marketing auto dealers do, so you’ll have to ensure that what you’re getting can take you safely from point A to point B. You don’t want to bust your car in the middle of an outback, do you?
When buying a car, check the car’s exterior for gaps, patches of rust, or scratches on the surface. Take a look underneath as well to make sure there’s no patch of oil in sight. If all is well, check the interior, windshield wipers, exhaust, brake lights, headlights, the tread on the tires, and the brake pads. You’re at an advantage if you know a lot about cars, but if your personal knowledge is limited then seek help from a qualified mechanic.
To ensure a successful car search, create a checklist and meticulously review each item. And don’t overlook requesting a test drive—this step is crucial for evaluating braking and handling performance. Plus, does it snow in Australia? Consider your driving needs in all conditions.
