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Reviewed by If you’re looking for your dream car but struggling to find it in your area, you may want to consider widening the net. The model you’re after may be just across the border, at a cheaper price too.
However, there are some additional considerations to keep in mind compared to buying locally. We'll walk you through everything you need to know about buying a car from another state or territory in Australia to help ensure a smooth and successful transaction.
How do I buy a car from another state or territory?
Step 1: Find your ideal car
- Search online marketplaces: many popular platforms allow filtering by state. Refine your search with details like make, model, year and budget.
- Look for reputable sellers: check the seller's history and reviews (if available) on the platform. Be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true.
- Consider a car broker: the best car brokers will have contacts with dealerships across Australia. They can be crucial in helping you find the make and model you’re after at the best available price. Savvy has its own in-house car broking service, Vehicles Direct, with a wide network of dealer partners.
- Think about dealerships: dealerships can often arrange for interstate stock to be purchased and delivered to your city or town.
Step 2: Do your research and due diligence
- Research market value: use resources like online valuation tools or independent mechanics' appraisals to get a sense of a fair price for the car.
- Get a detailed vehicle history report: if you’re buying a used car, having this report will reveal past accidents, registration details and odometer readings, giving you a clearer picture of the car's condition. You don’t want to be buying a lemon, after all.
- Get a pre-purchase inspection: since you likely won’t be there to see the car in person, it's crucial to have any used car inspected by a qualified mechanic. This will uncover any mechanical issues and potential repair costs. Plus, you’ll have an expert looking over it, which is generally better than you alone (even if you know your stuff).
Step 3: Finalise the purchase
- Negotiate the price: once you have all the information you need, you can work towards agreeing on an appropriate price with the seller. If there are past issues but you’re still willing to push ahead with the purchase, you can use these as leverage to negotiate a better deal.
- Understand the legal requirements: familiarise yourself with the laws and regulations governing vehicle purchases in both the seller's state and yours.
- Make your payment: if you’re financing the vehicle, arrange for pre-approval from a lender beforehand. Be cautious of payment methods that may pose a risk, such as wire transfers, and ensure that the transaction is conducted securely.
Step 4: Get your car home
- Decide how to move your car: depending on the situation, you may want to drive the car back yourself, have it shipped by a specialist company or have the seller drop it off or ship it (if you’re buying from a dealership).
- Consider the costs: each choice has its own associated costs, so this is an important point of consideration when buying interstate.
- Unregistered vehicle permit: if you are driving the car back yourself, you may need to arrange for an unregistered vehicle permit to cover you as you transport the vehicle.
- Make sure you’re insured: establish who’s responsible for insuring your vehicle. If you’re driving it back home, you’ll need to take out adequate car insurance before you hit the road if you want to be covered. If your car is shipped, though, make sure it’s either covered by the shipping company or you have appropriate transit insurance.
Step 5: Register your new vehicle
- Understand interstate car registration transfer: research the specific requirements for transferring the car's registration to your state. You can find out more information about your state or territory’s rules below.
Vehicle registration transfer by state or territory
- Australian Capital Territory
- New South Wales
- Northern Territory
- Queensland
- South Australia
- Tasmania
- Victoria
- Western Australia
The pros and cons of buying a car interstate
Pros
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More choice
Shopping interstate opens up a broader range of options, increasing the chance of finding the make, model and specifications you want.
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Potential cost savings
Prices may vary between states due to factors like demand, supply and taxes, potentially resulting in lower costs and better deals.
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Avoid local market saturation
If your local market is saturated with a particular type of car, searching interstate opens doors to fresh options and potentially better deals.
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Opportunity for adventure
Travelling to purchase your new car can turn the buying process into an enjoyable road trip with family or friends.
Cons
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Distance and travel costs
If you’re picking up the car yourself, be mindful of the fact that it can incur expenses such as transportation, accommodation and time off work.
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Challenges with inspection
Assessing the condition of the car is challenging if you choose not to get a professional inspection (or if you have trouble booking one).
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Higher risk of scams
When you aren’t there to see the car yourself, it’s easier for bad actors to do the wrong thing by you. That’s why it’s crucial to take steps to ensure you aren’t being scammed.
What paperwork will I have to fill out?
The process of transferring your vehicle from one state or territory to another varies depending on where you’re registering it. Here are some of the things you may need to complete during this process, as well as documents you may have to provide:
- Vehicle registration/transfer of registration application
- Roadworthy inspection
- Vehicle compliance check
- Proof of identity and residency
- Proof of purchase (such as bill or contract of sale, receipt of sale, Notice of Disposal or Unregistered Vehicle Permit)
Will I have to change my car’s number plates when I register it in my state or territory?
Yes – all states and territories will issue you with new number plates when you register your car where you live. For example, if you buy a car from Queensland and register it in South Australia, you’ll need to replace the existing plates with your new SA ones.
However, depending on where you live, you may be allowed to keep your old plates after they’re removed from your car. Here’s what you can keep in your state or territory:
- Australian Capital Territory: all number plates
- New South Wales: no plates may be kept
- Northern Territory: all number plates
- Queensland: all personalised and custom plates
- South Australia: all personalised and custom plates
- Tasmania: all personalised and custom plates
- Victoria: all personalised and custom plates
- Western Australia: no plates may be kept
Tips for interstate car purchases
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Think carefully about the cost
There’s a lot more than just the cost of the car to consider. Transport fees, temporary permits, registration fees and stamp duty should also be factored into your budget.
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Don’t forget to insure your car
Contact your current car insurance provider to see if your policy extends to temporary coverage for a new car while you transport it back home. Otherwise, take out a new policy.
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Maintain a paper trail
Hold onto copies of all receipts, inspection reports, contracts and any other relevant paperwork. This can be crucial for future reference or in case of any unforeseen issues.
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Trust your gut
Be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true. Never send money upfront without a secure payment method or a signed contract in place.
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Be wary of cars sold after a natural disaster
Cars sold in the immediate aftermath of a cyclone, flooding or another disaster are a red flag. Be extra cautious of these vehicles. Inspections are a must in these situations.
