Ask an expert

We have just negotiated the purchase of a 2011 demo car from a reputable dealer. At no point were we informed that the on-road costs were part of the purchase price, yet when we look at the purchase agreement we find to our surprise, we are incurring $580 on-road costs as part of the purchase price. Could you please advise if this is legally accurate or otherwise.
Thank you

You say this is an ex demonstrator model, does this mean the vehicle is road-registered (fitted with number plates)?

If it is, then you should not be paying any on-road costs apart from a possible full tank of fuel.

If the vehicle is still unregistered, then Dealers can add this and other costs onto the buyer as on-road-costs. The fact it is mentioned in the purchase agreement would indicate they have done nothing illegal.

By the sounds of things however, the salesperson could have been a little more up-front about what the total costs included.

Hard to comment further without a little more information.

If you want to provide me with more specific information then email aatechnicalservices@aa.co.nz.

Any information provided will not be published on the AA website and we can corrospond further one-on-one.