RN2RAAF

Well, it goes without saying that I wouldn't buy a car unless I WAS happy with it! lol I'm thinking of righting off the idea anyway. Being present means I can haggle. I wouldn't be able to do that having not actually seen the car. I do value your somewhat candid input.

Thanks for your reply. Yeah, I realise getting finance or bank loan would be impossible until all is sorted with paperwork. I would possibly look at sourcing the funds here and transferring it. You raise a valid point about Public Transport though. We used it for years here in the UK until buying our first car and just hired when we needed to. Unfortunately, an injury leaving my wife disabled forced a purchase. The need for a car will be the same for us in Australia as in the UK for this reason me thinks. Wifey couldn't walk a couple of miles without shopping in any kind of heat. Neither could she wait an hour for a bus.

That's a really nice idea, thank you. The only trouble is keeping it as a second car. My wife doesn't drive and has no inclination to learn either! So I'd end up having to sell the second car as there wouldn't be much worth in keeping it. Not that much of a problem granted but I've also had some bad (expensive) experiences with 'banernomics'. lol Will still consider it mind. Thanks again.

It only seems 'wacky' to you because there's so much you don't know about my situation! I think you've made far too many assumptions. Whilst I know nothing about how the car market differs from that of the UK's, I have bought cars on-line in similar circumstances before in the UK. So, if it is considered 'wacky' in Australia to do this, then 'wacky' it is and I'll scrap (no pun intended) the idea. This is why I asked the question. Not to be ridiculed. If the car isn't as advertised, the dealer is obliged to put it right or reimburse you somehow. In all my experiences (3 such purchases), I've only ever had one issue and that was when, due to an oversight by the dealer, a car was advertised as having Cruise Control only later to learn that it did not. So I forced the dealer to have it retro-fitted at their expense! I also know plenty of people local to where I'm moving to and would trust them to look at and test drive a near new/quality used car on my behalf. Also, knowing what make and model of car I intend to buy means I can even have a look at examples of that model here in the UK. The photos on car selling websites aren't the best, granted but it's certainly better than nothing. Also, who said anything about 'storage'? I didn't. If doing a deal like this is even possible, I would time my transaction, having explained my situation to the dealer, so that no storage would need to be involved. Obviously, buying a car in this manner doesn't come without some risk and I would only use a dealer but as my wife has limited mobility and relies on me for transport, getting a car as quickly as possible after arrival is our top priority. Now you know more about my situation, does it still seem 'wacky' to you?

Hi all, I came across this post in a search and, appreciating how important it is to source a car as soon as possible after arrival in OZ, thought there would be tons of responses from people willing to share their car buying experiences. I've been on 'carsales' etc and seen some nice cars. I would like to buy before I move in April 2014 so that the car is either ready to collect or delivered on my arrival. BUT, getting finance in OZ while still in the UK, if guessing, isn't possible. So, is it possible to buy a car ready for arrival? I'd really like to hear if anyone has achieved this and how they went about it. Thanks. Ady (Edited to re-insert the line-breaks)

The same thing every other fiat currency is 'pegged against'. DEBT!

Experience has proved that they'll want a copy of a death certificate.

Some really useful stuff here. Thanks everyone. I was considering upgrading knowing that I wouldn't be in the UK for the length of the contract and trying to cancel but keeping the phone and getting it unlocked ready for use in Australia. I can see how this may or may not work. I'm due an upgrade soon so think I might just buy a new phone sim free and just go PAYG when my contract expires until I leave the UK. An expensive way of doing it but buying myself out a 2 year contract with 18 months left to go at £37 per month will cost £666. I can get the latest Galaxy S4 sim free NOW for £418! Bargain!

I currently have a small investment in Physical Gold and have been told by the Customs Information and Support Centre that, because it isn't coinage in current use, (gold bars) that it would be subject to Goods and Services Tax on import but, given the fineness of the metal, they would be duty free. No details were given as to the percentage of value of GST that would be applied and I'm looking for any advice on what to do with it prior to making the move to oz or indeed any personal experience anyone has. If gold prices go up before I emigrate, no problem, I'll sell but if they don't... lol Thanks

Thank you for this 'real time' experience answer on the issue. I haven't made the move to oz yet and I have a daughter in the final year at Uni. She doesn't want to join us but your actual experience has provided a definitive answer. We now appear to have the right advice if she changes her mind. Thanks again

That's really helpful, thanks.

Hi everyone We are fairly new to this site and am looking at re-locating to OZ. We initially wanted to cross over to the Royal Australian Air Force but my skills do not match their requirement and the Royal Australian Navy have stopped recruiting my branch and am now starting back at square one with a new career but really don't know where to start. Is there a one stop shop on the forum explaining the process from start to end. I've search the net for visa details and have come across some sites offering 'consultation services' but don't know if these are scams. We really think a life in OZ would be great for us but just don't know where to start. Any advise anyone can offer would be gratefully appreciated. Thanks Ady & Jackie