How to Buy a Car in Australia Vs the UK

• Apr 09, 2022

Although Australia and the UK boast extensive and effective public transit infrastructure, most working Australians and British people, particularly those living outside of urban regions, believe automobile ownership to be a necessity.

Despite the fact that the UK and Australia have numerous developed urban centers, they are typically separated by a huge gap in country roads. People who own a car have the opportunity to move independently from one major city to another and to discover less-traveled locations, which typically contain the country's most stunning natural wonders.

Individuals who use UK's and Australia's public transit systems may discover that it involves more walking and wasted time than they anticipated, which is inconvenient for folks.

How to buy a car in the UK

There are a number of easy ways you can buy a car in the UK, you can buy them from individuals, dealerships, and websites. It's difficult to pinpoint an average cost because there isn't really a market for inexpensive traveler automobiles like there is in Australia, for instance. This also means that there isn't the same seasonal price volatility as in New Zealand, which is a plus.

If you're planning a road trip throughout the UK or Europe, it's critical that you buy your car a few weeks before you depart. This gives you time to fix or upgrade any sections of the car that require it, but it also gives you time to wait for the V5C paperwork to arrive in the mail.

Things to look out for when buying a car in the UK

Checking when the upcoming MOT (Ministry of Transport test, though it is now technically named the Department of Transport) is scheduled is among the most crucial aspects to watch for when looking for a car.  An MOT inspection is required every twelve months for cars older than three years to ensure that they meet a basic standard of roadworthiness.

If a vehicle fails the test, you must enhance what is required and repeat the exam. Most individuals do not sell their cars with the full amount of time left on the MOT, so you'll probably be looking for cars with six months or so till the next inspection is due. All of this is basically non-existent in Australia just like the Life in the UK Test.

How to buy a car in Australia

Buying a car in Australia can be tricky in comparison to other places because of the terrain, and the huge distance between metropolises. You will have to buy a car that is not only great for short-distance driving, from office to home, but also one that is good for rare marathon driving.

If you are looking to buy a car via online search, there are various popular websites where you are likely to find the vehicle of your preference. These sites offer both used and brand-new cars.

As for the payment, you can pay with cash or you can use your credit card as well. The majority of the dealerships in Australia accept major credit cards, so you need not worry about payment issues.

How to register your car in Australia

This is where it gets a little complicated, where it differs from getting a car in the UK. Every Australian region seems to have its own automobile registration laws, some of which differ dramatically from territory to territory. For further information, foreign buyers can go to their individual territory's transportation department's webpage.

When buying a car from a showroom in the state where it was acquired, new car owners usually do not have to bother about the registration procedure. Reputable vehicle dealers will gather the required data and handle formalities such as registration. Buyers must provide evidence of ownership and identity in order to register a car in any state. A legitimate driver's license and a passport are typically sufficient.

The road laws of Australia

This is where Australia and the UK really differ, there are some strange laws you need to be aware of. If you are driving somewhere and you do not see any speed limit sign, just assume that the speed limit is 50 km/hr. And yes, Australians use the metric (kilometer) system. However, the same rule does not apply if you are in a residential or school area. The Aussie authorities are very strict when it comes to speed regulation so always be wary of your car’s speed.

Whether you buy a car in Australia or the UK, the most important thing to keep in mind is the price range and justification.