Ask an expert

For our family of eight we have been looking at vans. The 2000 Nissan Elgrand diesel that we saw today appealed.

Can you advise us about the diesel emission regulations?

The car dealer mentioned that there may be some compliance requirements to be met in the future for diesels older than 2004.

Rex

From the "Ask Jack" archives - 20 November 2009

Emission standards for used vehicles entering New Zealand were revised on January 1st 2009. For all vehicles imported into New Zealand after that date, the new legislation requires Petrol vehicles to meet Euro 3 Emission Standards and Diesel must meet Euro 4.

As a generalisation, vehicles manufactured from around 2004 meet the new standard, although every vehicle goes on its own merits and proof of a manufacturing standard must be provided before the vehicle undergoes the certification and registration process.

Vehicles which were already registered and on the road prior to 2009 are not required to meet the new standards, regardless of when they were manufactured.