Ask an expert

I am planning to buy a Toyota Celica which runs fine and looks sound, but needs to be re-registered as it has lapsed.

What are the processes involved in re-registration? How long does it take to register a vehicle and what is the cost?

Megan

From the "Ask Jack" archives - 9 December 2009

Be very careful.

How long has the vehicle been unregistered for, or has the registration been officially placed on hold?

If the registration has just lapsed, somebody will be responsible to pay the fees dating back to when it expired as well as the fees going forward (12 months approx $200).

If the registration has been officially placed on hold then no drama, you can register as per normal.

If the Warrant of Fitness has expired, this will require renewing before the car can be registered however.

If the registration has lapsed for some time and not officially on the LTNZ data base, then the vehicle may have to be complied similar to a used import.

This is an in-depth and expensive procedure which you would want to avoid.

If you are still keen to buy, ask the seller to make the car road legal before you hand over the money is my best advice.