The AUSubaru.com.au Forums

this time, I wanna hear from everyone about advantages and disadvantages about buying cars from interstate, I'm aware about registerations, RTA checks and remaining payment (lease/finance) owing on the car etc... What are other things that might've forgotten/left out? Looking at cars from interstate (3rd gen Subaru Liberty Heritage or RX)
Cheers
AP

advantage - more choice.
disadvantage - getting it home.

More choice is pretty much the only advantage, but it is a compelling one if you're after a particularly uncommon vehicle. That's what motivated me to fly to Melbourne to pick up my XR6 a few years ago.

I have heard of people going interstate to save money, through both a lower purchase price and lower stamp duty. It'd have to be a pretty blood good saving though.

Getting it home isn't as much of an issue if you can justify the trip as a holiday as well.

The other disadvantage is not getting to do a pre-purchase inspection yourself, so a RAC/V/Q/whatever inspection is probably a good idea.

Dane.

GOD wrote:
The other disadvantage is not getting to do a pre-purchase inspection yourself, so a RAC/V/Q/whatever inspection is probably a good idea.

Dane.

Adelaide vehicle check vehicle inspection service 0412 779 164 covers the adelaide area for anyone wanting to buy here in SA

I think the biggest advantages come from buying in the east when you are from the west - or vice-versa. Even though you need to add $1000-1200 for freight there are some cars that are just so much cheaper from one side of the country to another.

RS Liberty's and Brumby's are generally cheaper in WA.

Later model Liberty's and Outback's are cheaper over east.

I wouldn't think there would be much advantage buying from NSW if you are in Victoria unless the car you want is just not available in your state. The added costs can quickly outweigh the cheaper price, especially if you are driving back in an unknown car and something breaks.

niterida wrote:The added costs can quickly outweigh the cheaper price, especially if you are driving back in an unknown car and something breaks.

That's where something like RACV total care comes into play! I love the service and piece of mind it gives - I can be driving any car and have it break down - the RACV will help me out no questions asked even if the car isn't covered simply cos I was driving it, its all a part of the deal.

My brother and I spent a night in Tintanara in SA after breaking down and got towed home in central vic under the total care system and it cost us the food we ate - we saved $40 in fuel money!

Its a crazy service for that ~$180 annual fee

Cheers

Bennie

Mmm... there is an Liberty Heritage that i am interested in, its in Parramatta and I am prepared to fly over to Sydney and inspect it, but I'm sending a mate of mine over there to have a look first, if its promising then I'll fly over and see it myself. Before that I would require the VIN details and call RTA in NSW to get details off that car if it has good history or anything, and would also need to know if it has finance on it. If its all clear, I'll buy it and drive it home... Its always a bit of a gamble & risky to find a car from interstate! (just that I want to give my wife an comfortable car which is limited what I'm looking for (an Liberty Heritage with side airbags & dual airbags etc)
Cheers
AP

El_Freddo wrote:That's where something like RACV total care comes into play! I love the service and piece of mind it gives - I can be driving any car and have it break down - the RACV will help me out no questions asked even if the car isn't covered simply cos I was driving it, its all a part of the deal.

My brother and I spent a night in Tintanara in SA after breaking down and got towed home in central vic under the total care system and it cost us the food we ate - we saved $40 in fuel money!

Its a crazy service for that ~$180 annual fee

Cheers

Bennie

yeah agreed.. I have RACV cover and I can nominate other car by using my membership if I break down.
Cheers
AP

You have to like an L Series for no other reason than it has no drivers hand bags ...

My RX L came from Weribee in Melbourne , I'm on the southern outskirts of Sydney .
RX's were hard to come by a couple of years ago and I was lucky to find mine on line . I did the REVS checks and bought the thing after a bit of a test drive - and a trek down the Hume .
The previous owner assured me that the almost 1000k drive home shouldn't be a prob and off I went home , with the missus and her Pulsar in tow .
I changed the rego after a degrease , blue slip inspection in NSW , transferred the insurance off the old daily and it's plates as well .

First interstate car I've had and luck was on my side .
Only shortfalls were to so so scenery on the Hume freeway in Cactoria and supposed ease of accommodation in Melbourne - previous owner forgot about the Avalon Air Show didn't he ...