Cost of transporting Vehicles

kayla · #1 (**permalink**) 14th May 2009, 10:50 AM

Hi, does anyone have a rough idea on how much it would cost to ship two cars out to NZ, or would we be wiser to sell and buy when we get there. Also approx how long does it take for shipping from the uk to NZ.

Martin Tuhill · #2 (**permalink**) 14th May 2009, 07:00 PM

We have already been looking into this. The research we found is that it is expensive to ship your cars as the cost is linked to the size of containers you use up, therefore, your belongings plus 2 cars would be around the £5K-£7K mark. We also found out that second hand cars are reasonably priced, so we have decided to sell the cars before we go and buy in NZ. As for timescales for shipping, allow 6-8 weeks.

kayla · #3 (**permalink**) 14th May 2009, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Martin Tuhill

We have already been looking into this. The research we found is that it is expensive to ship your cars as the cost is linked to the size of containers you use up, therefore, your belongings plus 2 cars would be around the £5K-£7K mark. We also found out that second hand cars are reasonably priced, so we have decided to sell the cars before we go and buy in NZ. As for timescales for shipping, allow 6-8 weeks.

Thanks for the info, i thought it would be very expensive, so we will probably look to sell then buy when we get there. Have you and you partner got jobs lined up or are you going to look when you arrive. What kind of work are you both in if you dont mind me asking. We are hoping to get jobs before we move if possible.

Martin Tuhill · #4 (**permalink**) 14th May 2009, 08:22 PM

My wife does not work (Well - she doesn't get paid, she is a housewife), I work in manufacturing and already have found a number of companies that I have started to apply jobs for. There appears to be a good level of employment opportunities, my plan is to get into country and then go for it! I have applied for jobs but it appears to be a catch 22 situation, they want you to have a visa, difficult to get visa without a job offer! However, I have just been selected for the skilled migrant category with no job offer, so it can be done.

topcat83 · #5 (**permalink**) 14th May 2009, 11:49 PM

I agree with Martin.

Unless you have a car (or motor bike) which is your pride and joy and part of the family, leave it behind.

The average car here is much cheaper than the UK - especially if you don't mind Japanese! We bought a one year old Honda Jazz from a garage for about $15,000 NZD. That was substantially cheaper than the same aged car in the UK.

We recently bought a 1998 MGF (a bit of an impulse buy, this one!) in excellent condition for $6,000 NZD.

Look at Trade Me Motors - trademe.co.nz for an idea of what to expect.

With the much more reasonable insurance costs (especially for teenagers), petrol at $1.69 NZD per litre, and some wonderful empty roads (once you're out of Auckland) it's much more affordable too!

Ross Bro · #6 (**permalink**) 12th June 2009, 08:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kayla

Hi, does anyone have a rough idea on how much it would cost to ship two cars out to NZ, or would we be wiser to sell and buy when we get there. Also approx how long does it take for shipping from the uk to NZ.

Hi Kayla, (yet again). I suggest you visit trade me and compare vehicle prices. We have a deregulated industry that allowed low price, but quality, imports from Japan that lowered prices many years ago , so prices for cars may be low here. My brothers mother in law was going to bring her mercedes convertible out years ago but he laments he got her instead, at a much higher price. It wasn't worth it for her then. Now? Car carriers do visit UK from Japan so you may get a back load then back to here?