Japanese Imports & NZ New Cars: What’s the Difference?

If you’re shopping for your next car in New Zealand, you’ve probably come across both NZ New and Japanese Import vehicles. While they often look similar, there are a few key differences that can affect price, features, and long-term value. At Budget Car Sales, we stock both – giving you the freedom to choose what suits your needs and budget best.

What Is an NZ New Car?
A New Zealand New car is one that was originally sold brand new by a dealer here in New Zealand. That means it meets all local standards from day one, including safety, emissions, and odometer certification.

Benefits of NZ New Cars:
– Usually serviced at local dealerships, so you are likely to have access to full New Zealand service history.
– Everything from the dashboard to the navigation is in English, so it’s easy to use.
– Built and registered to meet New Zealand requirements for safety and emissions.

Things to consider:
– There’s sometimes a smaller selection of NZ New used cars on the market – especially for specific makes or trims. If you have a particular car in mind, our team will do our best to help you find it.

What Is a Japanese Import Car?
A Japanese Import car is one that was originally registered and used in Japan before being imported to New Zealand. These cars must pass NZ compliance checks before being sold, ensuring they’re safe and road-ready.

Benefits of Japanese Imports:
– You can often find later model cars with low mileage at a lower price than an NZ-New equivalent.
– Japan’s car market is huge, meaning you can find unique models, trims, and features that weren’t sold new in NZ.
– Many imports are in excellent condition and are well maintained due to Japan’s strict vehicle inspection system and lower annual mileage.

Things to Consider:
– Some dashboard and stereos systems may be in Japanese (though many can be converted to English).
– Maintenance records may not always be complete or easy to translate.

Which Option Is Right for You?
It really depends on what matters most to you. Both NZ New and Japanese Import cars have their advantages, and the best choice comes down to your preferences, budget, and how you plan to use the vehicle.

At Budget Car Sales, we stock both NZ-new and quality Japanese-import vehicles – all checked and ready for New Zealand roads. Our friendly team is here to help you find the right fit for your lifestyle, whether that means explaining the differences or letting you test drive a few options to see which one you prefer.

Visit us at Budget Car Sales to explore our full range of used cars today or come see us in Manukau or Takanini!

 

Chloe Jackson Blog Author