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New Zealand frequently offers different trim levels, cheaper new cars, and sometimes models we don't get here at all.
Following a recent trip across the ditch, one Drive reader turned to us for help after calculating the costs involved with buying a new Toyota C-HR hybrid in Australia versus importing one from New Zealand.
"I don't know if this is an anomaly with Toyota Australia and NZ or if it is across the board, but recently, I have been looking to buy a Toyota C-HR Sports Hybrid AWD with a panoramic roof and was quoted $AUD63,390."
"I just happened to go on a trip to NZ, and while I was there, I asked how much it was and if it was possible for me to buy it there for the exact same model plus Australian insurance and NSW rego. I was quoted $AUD51,531 with $AUD1800 in shipping and $180 in taxes, which still saves me approximately $10,000."
Can it be done, though? Is it as simple as buying a car for less money and bringing it over on a ship?
We turned to the professionals to see what's possible.
Can I buy a car in New Zealand and import it into Australia?
There are rules surrounding what can and cannot be imported into Australia.
Kristian Appelt, Director at Iron Chef Imports, says it can only be done with certain models.
"[Australia's] importing legislation, in very simple terms, states that if a vehicle is sold here through the manufacturer's preferred network (in the case of the C-HR, through Toyota dealers), then it can't be parallel-imported privately. This applies to new and used cars up to 25 years of age," he said.
"The C-HR is an interesting case because Toyota initially opted not to sell the hybrid variants here when they were officially released, meaning that early C-HR hybrids are eligible for import through SEVS.
"It depends on whether or not there is a variant that wasn't sold here and whether that variant then meets the criteria for SEVS eligibility. For example, there are some current Mercedes-Benz variants that are probably eligible, but the next hurdle is whether importing that particular variant is financially viable.
"A Mercedes-Benz may be cheaper on the dealer website overseas, but once shipping and taxes are factored in, the price may end up being so similar that it's easier to just buy one from a local dealer."
What does it cost to import a car from New Zealand?
While cars may be cheaper in another country, the costs involved with importing a vehicle can often exceed your budget. The cost of shipping, compliance, taxes/duties, and registration all need to be considered.
According to Appelt, it's better to look in Japan if you want to save money on an imported car.
"Japan is still the easiest and cheapest source market, relative to other countries such as the UK or New Zealand," he told us.
"But, shipping on a roll-on, roll-off vessel direct from New Zealand usually starts at around the $3000 mark for a small vehicle, and if the vehicle was purchased for $NZD51,000, there would be taxes of approximately $AUD7700 payable on arrival into Australia.
"From there, complying the vehicle via SEVS would cost around $AUD2500, at which point it could be registered for road use in Australia [which is another additional cost on top of the compliance]."
Which cars are cheaper to import than buy in Australia?
If you're looking to save some money on your next car and are happy to wait two to four months to import one, Appelt gave some insight into which cars you should consider.
"One recent trend has been a shift to performance European wagons such as the W212 Mercedes-Benz E350 and E550, the W213 E400 and E43 AMG, and the C7 Audi S6 Avant. They all offer a lot of car for the money," he added.
"For fuel-efficient cars, the Nismo Note is a great hybrid that runs on the smell of an oily rag, looks fantastic and is a hoot to drive through the hills.
"Beyond that, the sweet spot financially is usually around five to seven years old, where the vehicle has usually gone through most of its depreciation cycle overseas, so hybrids from 2018–2020 are a safe bet in terms of value for money."
Zane Dobie comes from a background of motorcycle journalism, working for notable titles such as Australian Motorcycle News Magazine, Just Bikes and BikeReview. Despite his fresh age, Zane brings a lifetime of racing and hands-on experience. His passion now resides on four wheels as an avid car collector, restorer, drift car pilot and weekend go-kart racer.
