Checklist: 10 Things to do After Deciding to Buy a New Car

You’ve decided to buy a new car. You might be trading in an old car, replacing a damaged one, expanding your household vehicles, or even buying a car for your business. Your finances are sorted and you've determined the right vehicle for your needs. So, what comes next?

1. Understand on-road costs

When buying a brand new vehicle or a new used import, there can be additional charges or on-road costs to get them ready to drive on New Zealand roads. Ask the dealership for confirmation on the amount and what they cover.

Most dealers will include on-road arrangements and related costs within the Vehicle Offer and Sales Agreement. However, it is important to make sure these details are definitely taken care of before driving your new car away.

On-road costs should be checked to include:

• Warrant of Fitness (WoF)
• Vehicle Registration
• Road user charges if you buy a diesel vehicle
• Vehicle preparation and pre-delivery inspection for a new vehicle
• Grooming
  
  

2. Understand and sign the finance agreement

If you are borrowing money to pay for your car, your finance agreement is the documentation for your vehicle loan. Make sure you fully understand the terms of your loan before signing to ensure you are fully financially and personally prepared for the expense and payment schedule.

Getting a full overview of the terms, conditions, rates, fees, etc. will ensure that you are not caught off guard. Once you have reviewed and fully understand the terms and conditions, you can sign your finance agreement with the dealership or another financial institution.

There are other options of financing your car purchase, such as buying it outright with cash, trading in your old car, or borrowing from the bank and family.

3. VOSA: Vehicle offer and sale agreement

At the same time of signing a finance agreement, you will also complete a VOSA or Vehicle Offer and Sale Agreement. This Is prepared by the dealership after you have made it clear which car you intend to buy.

The VOSA must include specific information including the time and place of purchase, the amount and method of payment, the agreed value and description of any vehicle you are trading in and the details on the new vehicle you are buying. It can be hand-written, but ideally, a digital version is created, and a copy is both printed and given to you as the buyer.

Be sure to read the sales agreement or offer carefully. If something doesn't add up or make sense, ask the dealer to explain it. If you're still unsure about the details, don’t sign it. Request a copy and ask for independent advice from your lawyer or trusted automotive professionals.

Before signing, be sure to check that these details are accurate:

• The agreed-upon total of the car purchase
• The buyer and seller details

The vehicle details:

• Odometer
• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
• Chassis number
• Warrant of fitness expiration
• Consumer Information Notice (CIN) details in the window (for a used vehicle purchase)

• Add-ons and accessories that you want
• The down payment and finance details
• Trade-in information and values
  
  

4. Registering your new vehicle - MR2A application

In order to drive a vehicle on the road in New Zealand, it must first be registered and then remain licensed at all times. . In order to be registered, a brand new car or used import that has just arrived in New Zealand must be inspected for safety and certified, then added to the Motor Vehicle Register. Once the number plates are assigned, the car is registered for 6 or 12 months, depending on the option selected. .

When you are completing the other paperwork, the motor vehicle trader or dealership will ask you to complete and sign a MR2A application to register the car on your behalf.

For the MR2A, you will need to provide your:

• Full name
• Date of birth
• New Zealand physical address
• New Zealand mailing address (if different)
• Identification that confirms your name, birthdate, and signature (your New Zealand driver's licence is standard)

Organisation's buying a vehicle must also provide:

• Organisation's full name
• Organisation's physical and mailing address
• Corporate Identification Number
• New Zealand business number, company number, or Certificate of Incorporation
  
  

5. Get insurance before picking up the car

You’d be surprised to hear about the stories of people who never quite got around to getting insurance, then drove off in their new car, only to have an accident just down the road.

That’s why it’s highly recommended to have an active insurance policy in place before you pick up your new car. You may also find that many financing companies require insurance as part of the finance agreement too.

This means you will want to research, choose, and secure your car insurance policy before you pick up the car. This ensures your vehicle is covered every moment that you own and drive it.

6. Scheduling maintenance

Staying on top of your vehicle maintenance schedule is something you can do from day one. Timely inspections and tune-ups help keep your vehicle in tip-top shape for future sales and to mitigate expensive repairs. Following the service schedule also means that your car is covered under the manufacturer's warranty.

The dealership can send you email or text reminders on when to schedule your next service, and some even offer service packages at the time of sale to make your first few years of car ownership easier and more affordable.

Vehicle servicing is based on an annual or set kilometre schedule (whichever occurs first), and checks the other conditions that may affect your warranty.

7. Save the paperwork

Keep all the paperwork from your car purchase, including the VOSA, financial and insurance agreements in a safe place ideally somewhere that is not in your car. Take a photo and keep a digital copy too. That way if you ever need to refer to the details at a later date you can.

If you do need a copy of any agreements that you’ve signed, contact the dealership or finance or insurance companies and they will be able to provide you one too.

8. Connect your device

Before leaving the dealership, connect your phone to your car via Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

Follow the car's computer or app instructions or if you're unsure, your car dealer can help you.

Once it is set up, you can make calls, and listen to music hands-free while focusing on safely driving your new vehicle. Some may even have the ability to check maps if you have an infotainment screen.

9. Familiarise yourself with the owner's manual

Once you get home, have a read through the owner's manual. Get to know your car inside and out.

In the owner’s manual you’ll find all the information you need relating to the components and care of your new car, so you can get the most out of your investment. Learn what the warning lights and symbols on your dash mean, how your infotainment system works, what kind and how much fuel it needs, and so on. The more you know about your car, the more prepared you will be should something go wrong.

10. Take it easy and drive safely

Last, but never least, get to know your new car by driving it carefully and slowly, especially straight after you pick up the keys. You may have changed from a small car to a larger one or an older model to a more modern one, so it may take some time to adjust and get your bearings.

Gently test out the acceleration, braking, and how the vehicle handles compared to the previous vehicle you were driving.

If you have any questions about the buttons, features, gadgets, and technology in the car, check your manual or call up your dealer. They're not just available to sell you the car, but also to help you enjoy it and gain the full value of car ownership.

Buying a new car is a careful process, and one you can complete with confidence. This checklist can help you dot every "i" and cross every "t" to ensure your new car purchase is as successful, and as satisfying as you had planned. Get ready for new car ownership with our Guide to Buying a New Car.