This time around we have decided to take the no messing approach and get straight on the road, so we needed to buy a car. We knew that buying a car was different depending on which state the car was from but we never realised just how complicated it was. It took a lot to get our heads round each state’s rules about selling, buying, registering as well as all of the safety and roadworthy certificates. We are now experts on how to register, buy and sell a car in most states in Australia!
We viewed a lot of cars and nearly bought a couple, but didn’t as the owners were trying to do it illegally or go back on the deal for a higher price (insert your choice of expletive here – Jo). After a week and half we saw a car we liked that was legal and within the budget. The guy was really nice and allowed us to get a mechanic to check the car. She came back with a near clean bill of health (about $60 worth of repairs). We were happy and so was the seller so we bought her.
She is a Ford Falcon station wagon (estate to all us Poms) built in ‘92 and has a fair few Ks on the clock but is in good condition mechanically. We went with a Ford Falcon as all the taxi drivers swear buy them and the parts are easily available and cheap even in remote areas. A station wagon also allows us to sleep in the back (Jo fits even when stretched out!) to save some $$$. The engine is big (4 litres) and it has an automatic gearbox which is taking a bit of getting used to but we are absolutly loving the freedom that it gives us and are very excited about taking her on a road trip.
