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Looking for a van!!!

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I just arrived to New Zealand and need to find a van to travel around New Zealand. Can anyone recommend me the place where i can find a van?
14 years ago, July 30th 2009 No: 1 Msg: #81444  
N Posts: 1
Hi, im new on this blog and just arrived to Auckland. I am going to travel around New Zealand for 3 months and looking for a van. I am staying in hostel, but didn't find anything on a notice board that suits me. I would appreciate if anyone can recommend me the place where I can look for a van. I need your replies asap cos need to buy one very soon.

Thanks Reply to this

14 years ago, July 30th 2009 No: 2 Msg: #81481  
Hi there

Check out Trade Me - it's the NZ equivalent to ebay and usually has lots of second hand vehicles listed. Also there is a car auction type thing at Ellerslie Race Course every Sunday from 9am til 12 noon where people go to sell their cars and vans. It can depend on the time of year what is available and we got the impression that it's also where a lot of people go to offload dodgy cars that they can't get rid of otherwise! Make sure you get a vehicle inspection done if you don't know much about cars - it'll probably save you money in the long run. There are also a few internet cafes in and around Queen Street in Auckland where travellers post up their vans for sale once they have finished with them.

Also - have you considered buying an estate car instead of a van? If you are planning on sleeping in it, quite a few estate cars work fine as long as the seats will fold down flat and it gives you a bigger choice of vehicles.

Good luck!
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14 years ago, July 30th 2009 No: 3 Msg: #81502  
B Posts: 11.5K
TradeMe.co.nz

Good luck with the search! Reply to this

14 years ago, August 5th 2009 No: 4 Msg: #82137  
Ellerslie car fair is not an auction place, it is just a market where sellers display their vehicles for sale. You might find something there but be careful as there are many car dealers. Bob is right about mechanical inspection. You need to do it before buying a vehicle as there are many people that just get warrant of fitness certificate without even have their vehicles checked. I was told this story by locals. I bought and sold my van at the Backpackers car market in Auckland. I put lots of effort by going there every day to see if they've got what suits my needs. Bought a van from nice people, served me well and sold it quickly.

Best of luck
Reply to this

14 years ago, August 5th 2009 No: 5 Msg: #82145  
B Posts: 11.5K
They used to have a HomeTune representive(s) at the Ellerslie car fair for people who wanted mobile inspections done on the spot. I'm sure they still would do. Reply to this

14 years ago, August 19th 2009 No: 6 Msg: #83629  
What about a ferry from Australia to NZ - to bring your own vehicle over if you are going to stay for a longer period of time - I really dont want to sell mine... Reply to this

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