Car Purchasing: To Buy, Not To Buy, or What's the Best Option?
Hey Mate,
Ya've touched down in Australia on ya Work & Holiday visa and ticked off the initial necessities like grabbin' an Aussie mobile, TFN, and bank account. Well bloody done, ya legend! Now yer brainin' bout whether to snag a land-capable vehicle or a spacious campervan, or even hop on a bus... I reckon we should chat about the pros and cons of each option, mates. Let's dive in.
First off, there's the Greyhound or Premier bus. If ya only plan to stick around for a few weeks or wanna check out the Aussie landscape 'n people first, these buses are an excellent choice, mate. Ya can either grab a pass for a certain time frame or purchase individual tickets for each ride. If ya know ya gonna see a chunk of the East Coast, a pass is worth the investment, me mate. It might seem pricey on the front end, but it adds up quick when ya make a heap of stops and compare it to payin' for each ticket individually.
These buses are coverin' over 180 stops in almost every Aussie state, with the largest route network being provided by the Greyhound. One major advantage of traveling by bus is that ya don't gotta worry about mechanical issues or hidden costs, 'cause ya ain't drivin' a bloomin' vehicle! All ya gotta worry about is where ya wanna go, which is easy to figure online.
However, Ya'll need to keep in mind that ya completely reliant on the bus service, mate. Ya can't just turn left or right and go wherever ya please - ya can only reach places that Greyhound serves. For some blokes, this is ideal, while others might find it restrictive, depending on their travel plans. For me, I always wanted the independence to explore the more off-the-beaten-path locations.
Next up, van life attracts many Work & Holiday travelers. That's what I did on me first Aussie adventure back in 2020 - bought a van and lived and roamed in it. Of course, ya can also rent a van if ya only got a few weeks to spare, but in my opinion, it only makes sense if yer hoppin' around for a short time, 'cause the rental fees can be steep. When ya buy, though, ya gotta shell out more cash upfront, but ya usually get a good chunk of that back when ya sell it again.
Aussie Van Tips
- Comfortably live alone or with a partner full-time
- Ideal for extensive travel, off-the-grid exploration, and a simpler camping lifestyle
- Two-wheel drive doesn't allow for as much off-road exploration as four-wheel drive vehicles
- Find a dependable van on popular websites like Gumtree, Facebook Marketplace, and Carsales, or visit dealerships (but be aware that prices are usually higher there)
- Look for a Toyota Hiace, the most popular van in Australia, known for its durability and easy-to-find spare parts
- When purchasing a used van, focus on finding as few kilometers as possible, a diesel engine, regular service history, minimal rust damage, and a Roadworthy Certificate (RWC) for registration/transfer
- Consider having the van checked by a mechanic before purchase for a detailed report on potential flaws
Finally, there's the option of a spacious four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicle. If ya hankerin' for goin' off-road, venturin' to places where other folks din't go, and cruisin' down endless beaches with the waves at ya feet, this is the one for ya, mate. The advantages ofownin' a 4WD are clear: off-road capability, freedom to explore the Aussie Outback, and a raw, authentic Aussie experience.
Just keep in mind that a 4WD will be more expensive in terms of initial cost and ongoing maintenance. Be sure to inspect the underside for rust, test the four-wheel drive function and drivetrain, and consider joining the RACQ for a tow if somethin' goes wrong.
Whether ya end up hoppin' on a bus or buyin' a van or a sick 4WD, ya gonna create memories that'll last a lifetime, mate. Keep rollin' and stay safe out there.
Cheers,Jesko
When considering the other modes of transportation, consider a spacious four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicle, ideal for those seeking off-road adventures, exploring the Aussie Outback, and experiencing the raw, authentic Aussie lifestyle. Remember that owning a 4WD involves higher initial and maintenance costs.
If you value independence and off-the-beaten-path exploration with a touch of simplicity, other travelers might find van life appealing. Look for a dependable van on popular websites or dealerships, focusing on low kilometers, a diesel engine, regular service history, and a Roadworthy Certificate (RWC) for registration/transfer.
