Vehicle buying advice | Trade Me Motors

Getting ready to buy

A young woman holding up the keys to her first car with her father.

Feature article

The Best First Cars in NZ: Our Guide for Beginners

Looking for your first car? We'll help you choose the right ride for your new independence.

14 November 2025 | 3 min read

Buying guide

Buying From a Car Dealer vs. Private Seller in NZ: The Pros & Cons

23 September 2025 | 4 min read

Buying guide

What to know when buying a new car

21 October 2024 | 5 min read

What’s the right car for you?

4 min read

Buying guide

Should I buy a car from a private seller?

The key to buying privately is to do your research – make sure you’re getting a good car at a fair price.

5 min read

Buying guide

What features should I look for when buying a car?

15 February 2020 | 4 min read

Buying guide

Buying a car with confidence

4 min read

Buying guide

Using reviews to find the right car

13 February 2020 | 3 min read

Buying guide

Searching for your next car to buy

3 min read

Finance and costs

Kiwi couple buying a second-hand car from a dealer in New Zealand.

Buying guide

What is the Average Price of a Second-Hand Car in New Zealand?

We’ve crunched the numbers to find the average price of second-hand cars in NZ across the most popular categories.

23 February 2026 | 3 min read

Kiwi couple deciding how much to spend on car.

Buying guide

How Much Should I Spend on a Car in NZ?

2 February 2026 | 3 min read

Feature article

A guide to car finance in NZ

15 January 2025 | 4 min read

Buying guide

How can I estimate my car finance costs?

4 min read

Buying guide

Ways to pay the car seller

3 min read

Closing the deal

Buying guide

What paperwork will I need when buying a car?

We explain all the paperwork involved when buying a car.

4 min read

Buying guide

What are my rights when buying a car?

4 min read

Buying guide

Paying the right price for your next car

3 min read

Post purchase steps

Buying guide

What are the ongoing costs of owning a car?

Always take the time to check the running costs of different cars and decide what you can afford/want to spend.

3 min read

Buying guide

How do I solve issues after buying a car?

3 min read

Buying guide

How do I set up car insurance?

2 min read

Buying guide

What is a car sale receipt?

2 min read

Car dealer advice

Feature article

What to know when buying a car from a dealer

When buying a car from a dealer, there are a few things to consider. This experience can differ from buying privately.

2 October 2024 | 5 min read

Buying guide

Buying from a car dealer

2 min read

Woman inspecting car interior through window

Feature article

What’s the best time of year to buy from a car dealer?

4 min read

Buying guide

Should I buy a car from a private seller?

5 min read