Buying a Victorian vehicle from interstate can be a headache to organise and is a little more complicated than buying in the same state. It is not as simple as handing your money over and driving the car to your state. There are a few reasons why you might want to buy your car interstate. For example, you have your heart set on a specific make and model, maybe the car you want is difficult to find or you’ve found an everyday vehicle going for an unbeatable price. You’ll need to have attention to detail, be really organised and get all your ducks lined up – buying a car interstate is no easy feat. Here is an overview of some factors to consider when buying a Victorian vehicle and how this could work for you.
How to Buy Victorian Vehicle from Interstate
When buying a car from another state, the vehicle cannot remain registered in Victoria and must be registered in the new state within 30 days of transfer. If the car is registered, seller will not be able to transfer the registration and car insurance for their home state unless you have a garage address in the same state. Below are the considerations to make, and how to organise your vehicles delivery.
Documentation, Car Inspection & Vehicle Background Checks
Research is vital when you’re finding a car to purchase interstate. You should put in the legwork to find all the information about your car’s condition, features, service history and warranty.
If you are buying a used car interstate, you must get your vehicle properly inspected. There are two options for this:
- View the vehicle yourself: Physically viewing a vehicle is a must for many consumers, particularly as a vehicle is a large cost investment. However, this can be time consuming and expensive when buying interstate. Flight and accommodation costs can add up, so this could even cost you more than you saved in the long run.
- Pre-purchase vehicle inspection service: Organisations such as the National Roads and Motorist’ Association (NRMA) and the Royal Automobile Clubs of Victoria and of Queensland (RACV and RACQ) offer services that check if your vehicle is roadworthy and in good condition. Another option is paying a trusted local mechanic to give the car a thorough inspection before you go through with the sale.
It can sometimes be tempting to buy a car without ‘kicking the tires’ first. We do not recommend this because it can be a risky option. Even if the seller has a good reputation or seems trustworthy, there is no sure way of knowing if a vehicle is in top condition, or if you are getting a fair price. If the car you buy is not what you expect, you could have a lemon on your hands that will cost more to repair in the long run.
Cost for Buying a Victorian Registered Vehicle from Interstate
The cost of car registration and transfer can vary between states. In some states you will need to cover the cost for registration, transportation, RWC, Blue Slip and CTP. This can often involve researching and collecting quotes for the different charges. You will need to be on top of this information and be organised to make sure nothing gets missed or overlooked. Not only can this be overly time consuming, but this can be a stressful process – especially if you are running a business or just busy with life!
Requirements for a roadworthy certificate can differ between different states and territories. For example, a car may receive a safety certificate in Queensland but may not pass the test in Victoria. You’ll be able to find out the information on the roads and transport department of your state – but there is an easier way.
Be on the lookout for companies that can offer this as a service for you. You could save a lot of time, hassle, and legwork in the future. A trusted transportation company will make sure none of these specific requirements gets overlooked, giving you peace of mind.
Getting your new car home: Vehicle Transport
After buying your new car in Victoria, how can you get it home from interstate?
There are a few straightforward options which include you driving it home yourself or having a friend or family member drive it to you. You will of course need to factor in fuel costs and ensure that you have an unregistered vehicle permit. If you don’t register the vehicle in your name in your home state, you will need to apply for a UVP so you can legally drive it on public roads. The exact process and cost of getting an unregistered vehicle permit will depend on which state or territory the car is in.
The most hands-off option for vehicle transport is having it freighted to you. This involves a vehicle transport provider that will quote you based on the size of your car, the distance it has to travel and how soon you require the vehicle. You may need to add insurance in case anything happens to your car during transportation. See if the company you use has a pre-delivery service too. Some transportation companies will clean your vehicle to showroom condition prior to delivery.
The paperwork: Vehicle Registration
Buying a car interstate adds a bit of complexity and possible will add some cost as well. You will need to organise the insurance and change of registration before you hit the roads. You’ll need to have a valid roadworthy or safety certificate for your vehicle – also known as a ‘roadworthy’ or ‘RWC’). The first step is having your vehicle inspected by a licensed professional.
Generally, the cost of Compulsory (CTP) insurance is added in the cost of registering your car. However, in states such as NSW and Queensland, you’ll need to take out CTP insurance separately. Like registration, you will not be able to drive your car on a public road without it. If you are in NSW, you will also need a Blue Slip – or an Authorised Unregistered Vehicle Inspection report. This document ticks the official boxes on safety, design, ownership, and identity requirements for an unregistered vehicle.
Advantages of Buying a Vehicle Interstate
The main pros of buying a car interstate are that you have a larger number of options than you would in your home state. You may want a specific car model that is only available in a different state. Maybe the car you want is at an unbeatable price. Whatever your reasons are, you’ll need a personalised delivery service that can tailor a plan made just for you. If you do use a transportation service, they’ll need to know the exact requirements of every state.
Register and transfer your vehicle at Vehicle Registration and Transport Management
At Vehicle Registration and Transport Management we are your one stop solution for buying cars interstate. We will deal with transportation, RWC, Blue Slip, CTP, and registration. Rather than wasting time and comparing quotes, VRTM is here to make registration and transportation easier for you and your business. With years of experience in registration and transportation, we are here to offer you a personalised solution when it comes to moving your vehicle. We’re here to give you the best and cost-effective option by simplifying the process and giving you peace of mind. Get in touch with us today if you’re interested in our services, or if you’re a little further in your vehicle journey, request a quote with our team today. Vehicle Registration and Transport Management is here for you and your business!