Shortly after arriving in Auckland we started the process of selling our car. After 4 months of driving around New Zealand, our car was looking a bit travel worn and in desperate need of a bath.  After re-loading our backpacks, and giving away sleeping bags and other items we purchased along the way, the car was finally empty and ready to be detailed from the inside out.

We purchased our 1998 Subaru Legacy at the Backpackers Car Market in Christchurch, New Zealand in November (2008).  It was a gamble. We debated purchasing a campervan instead of the Subi but we calculated the cost of petrol vs. the money we could save by living out of a camper van and opted for the Subi instead.

Arriving in March to sell our car at the Backpackers Car Market in Auckland was not the best idea.  We pulled onto the lot  only to discover it was almost full and another green Subaru Legacy was for sale. (Luckily it was a 1995 automatic so it only made our Subi looked that much more appealing.) I had the foresight to email the Backpacker’s Car Market a few days before arriving so Sam saved us a spot on the lot.  The last spot left was ours.  With the lot full and few backpackers arriving we decided to wait around hoping someone would show up looking to buy a car.

In New Zealand, the summer season runs from mid December until the end of February.  By mid March, everyone is desperate to sell their car/camper van and flea the country.  If you want to buy a cheap camper van/car, arrive in March.  You will be traveling during the winter, but this can be attractive to anyone who is wants to work the ski season.  Once the winter concludes, and numerous backpackers are flooding the country looking for that perfect vehicle to purchase, you can sell your vehicle and make a profit.

We were selling in the wrong season. We knew that with summer coming to an end selling our car could prove difficult.  We didn’t realize how few travelers were arriving, seeking a vehicle to purchase.  Fortunately, within the first few minutes of arriving on the lot, we met Barrie from the UK.  Barrie knows a lot about cars.  He started up the engine, spent about 20 minutes inspecting the car and fondling the engine, and decided to take it for a test drive.  Two days later Barrie returned to buy our green 1998 Subaru Legacy.

November 2008 – we purchased the green 1998 Subaru Legacy for $2800 NZ.

March 2009 – we sold the green 1998 Subaru Legacy for $2100 NZ.

Although we took a loss on the vehicle, we were some of the fortunate few backpackers actually able to sell our car (since the high season is over).  My best advice for buying and selling a car in New Zealand is to “go safe”.  Our Subaru, despite its 275,000 kilometers, was a great car that never gave us any problem. Many of the vehicles at the Backpackers Car Market were old, abused and going for peanuts.  In fact, I would rather have some peanuts (and cashews) instead of purchasing many of the vehicles for sale.  Barrie was able to recognize the old, decrepit vehicles and found confidence in purchasing our vehicle because he knew it would be safe and reliable.

Many backpackers arrive in New Zealand, decide to buy a car and purchase the cheapest vehicle they can find. If you don’t want to spend the money for a good car, buying a car is not the right option. Consider a Magic Bus pass instead.  Or, you could find a travel buddy.  With another backpacker (you are willing to travel with for several months) the cost of a car can be cut in half.  Everything will be 50% off.  The price of gasoline/petrol, tolls, parking meters, camp sites, and any necessary repairs or oil changes.

After calculating our losses, Justin and I realized that we drove and enjoyed a very cheap 4 month car rental.  Renting a car while spending an extended amount of time in a New Zealand is ridiculous.  Unable to justify the cost of renting a car for several months we took a gamble and bought a car.

If you are planning to backpack or travel for a month or more in New Zealand, purchasing a vehicle could be a viable option for you.

Tags | budget travel