Ask an expert

Hi Jack,

What is the difference in buying a NZ New car vs an import? Are you entitled to more after-sales care from a dealership if you buy a NZ New car second hand? I'm looking at a 2003 Primera with a CVT transmission, however it is NZ New. Does this reduce the risk somewhat?

Thanks
Jerry

Generally speaking, buying NZ New will give better peace of mind as the vehicle is likely to have a known service history, usually with a service booklet stamped by the servicing dealer, therefore a proof of past maintenance is easily verified.
On a newer vehicle, the dealer is in a better position to offer any post-warranty goodwill assistance with an NZ new vehicle. However this is unlikely on a vehicle of this age whether NZ new or an Import.
A word of caution though - the CVT transmission on a Primera of this era does not enjoy a great reputation for reliability and repair costs can be as high as the value of the car, so you may wish to reconsider the type of vehicle too.