What to do when I get to Aus for transport??

**Etienne** · 26-06-2010, 08:25 PM

Hi,

We have a Merc C180K Kompressor Sport 2003 model here in the UK. It s a pretty nice car, but taking it to Aus just seems like one massive mission, so we are considering selling it just before we move out there, getting something there.

But cars seems so expensive in Aus, is this the case? What are our options? I can obviously just get a run around, but they tend to be more trouble than they are worth?

Are private car leasing (for lets say a year) a big thing there?

Anybody with experience please gimme your thoughts?

Should we be taking our car??

**b2jgc** · 27-06-2010, 04:52 AM

Bring it with you, I had a BMW M3 and sold it before we moved over here...BIG mistake, it's hastle but worth it. Good Luck

**dufont** · 27-06-2010, 05:10 AM

The reason that european cars are really expensive in Australia is that the government have imposed a really high import duty on them, to discourage people from buying them. Other makes are not overly priced.....second hand cars are expensive though

**Dwayne Pipe** · 27-06-2010, 05:44 AM

buy a holden

**Etienne** · 27-06-2010, 07:11 AM

How much would a "non European" car be, such as a Holden in comparison to (for example) a Vauxhall in the UK?

**DMV** · 27-06-2010, 07:15 AM

There are some cars, like Citroëns, that have prices similar to what you find in Europe or even cheaper - at least taking the websites as reference. Maybe you can find one in Australia that is both enjoyable to you and makes no need to bring your Mercedes pricewise.

If not, Dwayne Pipe has mentioned an interesting option. Holdens are Opels with mostly cosmetic differences, and many are made locally - so they should be cheaper. If you like any Opel you might be able to get one with a Holden badge for a good price. The Calais is an upgraded Australian Opel Omega/Senator with rear weel drive and nice engines for the price equivalent to a less equipped version of a VW Passat, for instance.

**Mongrel** · 27-06-2010, 07:24 AM

Originally Posted by DMV

There are some cars, like Citroëns, that have prices similar to what you find in Europe or even cheaper - at least taking the websites as reference. Maybe you can find one in Australia that is both enjoyable to you and makes no need to bring your Mercedes pricewise.

If not, Dwayne Pipe has mentioned an interesting option. Holdens are Opels with mostly cosmetic differences, and many are made locally - so they should be cheaper. If you like any Opel you might be able to get one with a Holden badge for a good price. The Calais is an upgraded Australian Opel Omega/Senator with rear well drive and nice engines for the price equivalent to a less equipped version of a VW Passat, for instance.

WTF is an opal ???

**Etienne** · 27-06-2010, 07:30 AM

Dont worry, I know what an Opel is = a Vaxhaull in most countries except the UK

**jeza** · 27-06-2010, 07:44 AM

Have you considered the cost of repair. If it is not a 'usual local' car, or is a european model, it can be VERY expensive to repair. Certainly is the case in NZ where we are from. Probably the same is Aus I imagine, but I could be wrong. Just something to consider. . . .

**Etienne** · 27-06-2010, 05:20 PM

Hi Jeza

Yes this is true, and searching car deaaler sites in Aus, I cannot see my specific model, so this may well be the case. I think I will have to buy a non "european" car (such as Nissan, Toyota, Holden, etc) when I get there, but will not be able to afford the whole proce outright. Is vehcile finance possible with a big deposit? Does anyone know??