Buying a car in New Zealand? Don’t forget about those on-road costs! They’re the extra expenses that get your vehicle road-ready, like registration and a warrant of fitness. Whether you’re eyeing up a shiny new ride from a dealer or scoring a sweet deal on a second-hand car, knowing these costs ahead of time can save you stress and keep your budget on track

What’s Included in On-Road Costs?

On-road costs typically cover vehicle registration, a Warrant of Fitness (WoF), and Road User Charges (RUC) for diesel and electric vehicles. Dealers may also include extras like a full tank of fuel, vehicle grooming, or servicing, but this varies between sellers. Always ask for a breakdown of these costs to know exactly what you’re paying for.

Typical On-Road Costs for New and Used Vehicles

New Vehicles

For new cars, ORC can be around $1,000, but this depends on the make, model, and dealership. Some brands offer driveaway pricing that includes all ORC components, such as WoF, registration, and fuel. If you're considering a new vehicle, check whether ORC is included in the listed price or charged separately.

Used Vehicles

ORC for used vehicles varies depending on where you buy. Dealership purchases usually include registration, WoF, and possibly vehicle grooming. If buying privately, you'll need to factor in WoF, registration, and RUC (if applicable). Comparing ORC between similar models can help you avoid unexpected costs.

Factors Influencing ORC

Fuel Type

In New Zealand, diesel vehicles incur Road User Charges, typically costing about $76 per 1,000km plus an administrative fee. Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) were previously exempt from Road User Charges, however, since April 1 2024, owners of BEVs and plug-in hybrid vehicles are required to pay Road User Charges, and must display their current RUC label on the vehicle's windscreen. If you're planning to buy a diesel vehicle or battery electric vehicle, be sure to factor RUCs into your on-road costs

Fuel Pump

 

Luckily, you do not need to pay Road User Charges on hybrid petrol vehicles that are not built to plug in for charging, or very light electric vehicles, weighing less than 1000 kilograms — such as electric motorcycles or mopeds.

Dealer’s Vehicle Pricing Strategy

Some dealers apply a fixed ORC, while others adjust it based on the vehicle type. If you’re buying from a dealer, ask whether ORC is included in the listed price or charged separately.

Get Clear On ORC Before You Buy

When purchasing a vehicle, always request a detailed breakdown of on road costs NZ to ensure you’re only paying for what’s necessary. This helps with budgeting and avoids unexpected fees.

The Easiest Way to Find Your Next Car

Ready to buy? Browse our extensive listings of cars for sale, including a range of used cars for sale to suit every budget. Looking for something affordable? Check out our selection of cheap cars for sale. If you're upgrading, you can also sell your car online with ease. Start your search today and drive away with confidence!