Key questions answered for importing cars UK to NZ

Can I buy a car VAT free from a non-export dealer?

Yes. We are very happy to step in and buy the car on your behalf to help you make the VAT saving. Get in touch and we will manage your purchase and export for you.


Can I place a factory order ?

Yes. And because we regularly place factory orders for our export clients we can get you the best discounts available for your car across all major manufacturers.


Can I buy a new car?

Buying a car from stock is easy. We can source your ideal car from UK stock and access the best discounts to help you buy it at the best trade prices.


Can I buy a car at auction?

Yes. We do buy cars from the UK and Japanese auctions. Simply talk to the team and we can take it from there.


Can I buy from Japan?

Yes. We have a Japanese import company MHH Japanese Cars. Take a look at the latest wholesale stock on our website or talk to the team and they will help you buy your ideal Japanese car from wholesale or auction.


How does VAT reclaim work?

See our blog for details on how VAT reclaim works.


What is included in the price quoted?

We quote you for our CIF service unless asked otherwise. This covers you for everything you need for your car to be imported into NZ and delivered to the compliance doorstep. Full details of costs included in our CIF service are broken down on our NZ import services page.

It doesn’t include GST, compliance and registration. Compliance and registration can be included if you would like us to.


How do I know my money is safe?

We have imported hundreds of cars to New Zealand with our shipping agent McCullough over the past 10 years. McCullough are happy to accept payments on behalf of our clients to make transactions easier and safer.


What checks are carried out before I buy a car?

All cars are HPI checked prior to any purchase confirmation. Our cars are collected buy our in house collection team. They thoroughly inspect the car throughout prior to approving it for purchase. All cars must also have a minimum 3 month MOT (UK mandatory roadworthiness inspection) which required 120+ check.


How is shipment arranged?

Our team manage your shipping booking and will confirm the dates and share the bill of lading.


What is FOB and CIF?

FOB stands for free on board. It is an inco term which includes the purchase of the vehicle, UK transport and insurance to the port. It excludes shipping or marine insurance.

CIF stands for cost, insurance and freight. It is an inco term which includes the cost of the vehicle, UK transport, UK insurance, shipping and marine insurance to the agreed port.


Can I have a door to door import service?

Yes we are delighted to offer a door to door import service from the UK to NZ. Simply ask the team for details.


What information do I need to provide after I have confirmed a purchase?

To complete your shipping booking we will need to provide:

- Consignee name and address

- Full contact information such as Contact No., Fax No., Email Address etc...

If the consignee and the purchaser are different it is vital that we are informed before the shipping booking is confirmed.


Who packs and ships my car?

We employ specialist automotive companies to provide the highest levels of service for your car. Can being shipped in a contain are delivered to the specialist packing company to ensure it is carefully secured prior to shipping


Should I have my car wrapped prior to export?

Some clients like to have their car bumpers wrapped and the steering wheel covered prior to shipping. Whilst this is not a requirement, it provides an extra layer of reassurance for the highest value cars.


How will I know the shipping date and arrival date for my vehicle?

Our team will confirm the estimated departure and arrival dates when you booking is made. Our shippers will also give you access to their shipping portal so you can track your vessel’s progress. They will also contact you 2 weeks prior to your car arriving to re-confirm the arrival date and begin managing your car’s import procedure for you.


How is my car delivered to the port?

All our cars for New Zealand are transported on professional car transporters unless agreed otherwise.


What happens when my car arrives in NZ?

McCullough oversea your cars import. Your car is transported to their yard where it is carefully unloaded away from the port. Once unpacked they oversee the MPI and IVS inspections, NZTA vehicle compliance and NZ registration according to your import service level.


Who does the compliance, registration?

You are welcome to manage your own compliance and registration, or our team will manage it for you.

What is a trim exemption?

It is possible to request an exemption to part of the compliance process being automatically approved. This applies for new and near cars which already meet the required standard. The trim exemption is carried out by the specialist inspector and may slow your compliance inspection.

Do cars imported to NZ get warranty?

BMW, Porsche, Mercedes, Volkswagen and Volvo offer an international warranty for new cars which is immediately valid within NZ. Jaguar and Land Rover cars have a European warranty which is transferrable on arrival in NZ. When your car arrives, you simply make the transfer via your local JLR dealership. For older cars or those without an international warranty, you can buy a warranty from Autosure. For most people, this is easily worth it given the cost saving they have made by importing their car.

Can I get my sat nav converted to NZ maps?

Yes this can be transferred by local specialists. Although Apple Car Play and Android Auto allow you to run your phone apps in your car to you can access Google maps and Waze in your car’s display, so avoiding this cost.

Can I get my car changed from MP/H to KP/H

Modern cars now have digital cockpit displays which allow you to change your car’s setting from MPH to KMP via the car’s settings. Older cars can have their controls changed by a local specialist provider.

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