Options - Hire, Buy, Hitch, Vehicle Types.

Safety -    Do's and don'ts. Hazards.

Advice - Buying, Rego, Selling, Spares.

OPTIONS

Hire
If you are in Australia for a short period (under 3 months), Hiring could be for you. It takes alot of the worries out of buying a car e.g. breakdown costs. It will also save time in looking/buying/selling your own car which on a short trip you don't wish to worry about. You may be restricted under the agreement about what roads you can travel on, which in the outback may pose a problem.
It pays to shop around, there are plenty of hire companies targeted at backpackers with very competitive rates. OZROADTRIP hopes to bring you a definitive list of hire companies soon.

Buy
Buying a car is a great option if you are in Australia for a long period. It gives you the freedom to choose where to go and to travel at your own pace. You also have the added bonus of having the vehicle as an asset to sell at the end of your trip. (If you have looked after your vehicle it could be worth nearly as much as you paid for it.) There are obvious expenses associated with owning a car but these can be cut by travelling in a group. We at OZROADTRIP believe that buying your own car is the best method to see all Australia has to offer.
Check the OZROADTRIP database for cars for sale in your area HERE. Selling a car click HERE.

Hitching a Ride
Warning: OZROADTRIP does not recommend standing at the side of the road with your thumb in the air, this can be very dangerous.
Looking to travel with a backpacker car owner is a good alternative to both the above options if you don't have the money to buy/rent or feel those options are just not for you. This is a popular option for the solo traveller, it gives the option of a road trip without the major initial outlay. You share the costs of the trip and if you have a license the driving. If you choose this option make sure you meet with the others on the trip before leaving. You don't want to be stuck with people you don't like.
This is a good option but can have its drawbacks e.g. For groups it is impractical, it may limit your input on the trip itinerary.
Check out available rides on the OZROADTRIP database HERE. Need companions? Post a ride HERE.

Important note: Most backpacker vehicles come with camping gear resulting in the option of cheaper accommodation than hostels.

Car Options The options for backpacker vehicles to buy/rent fall into 4 main categories.

It is important to think about the places you wish to visit when choosing a vehicle, some places can only be accessed on unsealed roads which will require a 4WD.

1) Station Wagon - The most popular choice. Powerful, spacious, reliable. Many people put the back seats down     and sleep in the boot. FORD FALCONS are the backpacker staple although there are many other makes around.

2) Sedans - Same as above but different boot configuration resulting in less room.

3) Vans - The surfers choice. Plenty of room to sleep/live in, not as powerful as the cars and smaller driving area.

4) 4x4 - The bushmans choice. If you really want to go deep into the outback this is the car for you. Usually more     expensive than the above choices.

Note: Choose a make with easy to source parts, you don't want to be stuck in the middle of nowhere waiting for a replacement hose for your obscure make.

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SAFETY

• Always check the road conditions before you set off. This is especially important when travelling in northern Australia in the wet season. (October-April) You do not wish to drive 200ks only to find a road flooded and impassable. (We know, we've done it!)
• Avoid driving from dusk 'til dawn, many animals become active at this time and can cause large amounts of damage to your vehicle if you hit one.
• Always be on alert in the outback for wondering farm animals and wildlife. If you do encounter animals on the road slow down and give them space to move. You will see alot of road kill.
• Road-trains are another hazard, these huge articulated lorries transport goods across the outback. They travel at high speeds, take up alot of the road and don't stop very quickly. If you encounter one give it plenty of room.
• Try to have your car regulary serviced. It may cost a few bucks but is worth it to keep basic problems at bay and will help when you come to sell the vehicle. Keep reciepts of any repairs.
  

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Buying a car

• Always search extensively. Check the OZROADTRIP database HERE and see a few cars, get a feel for what your bucks will buy you.
• If you wish to buy from a dealer remember some are very unscrupulous. Try to go to a reputable traveller dealer, they will usually offer good cars with buy back contracts and if you are lucky, offer warranties. Dealers will be more expensive than private sales but do have some sort of guarantee. (This however does not mean their cars are any better)
• Try to buy a car with a long rego (see below about transfering/renewing rego.)
• Once you have purchased your vehicle it is advisable to think about insurance. (All registered vehicles should have a compulsory third party insurance slip). This does not cover you for damage to other peoples property, which may be expensive if you ding that Ferrari. Contact your travel insurance supplier as your policy may cover this. The Sydney Car Market is the only company that will insure backpackers.

Information required to Transfer/Renew registration

You will be required to show some or all the following information to transfer/renew a vehicles registration, depending on which state your car is registered in.

• Proof of I.D. (Passport, Drivers license International Drivers Permit)
• Proof of aquisition (receipt, disposal notice on rego certificate)
• A current roadworthy certificate
• An application to transfer rego signed by buyer and seller.
• Compulsory third party insurance slip
• Payment (A percentage of the vehicles value, usually 2-4%.)
• A gas certificate if applicable.

To find further details on registration transfers/renewals please go to the following links.

• New South Wales Road Traffic Authority
• Northern Territory Transport
• Transport Authority of Queensland
• Vicroads
• Transport Authority of South Australia
• Transport Authority of Western Australia

This info is to act as a guide. Each state has its own regulations regarding the renewal/transferal of registration. OZROADTRIP suggests you try to buy and sell your vehicle in its home state. This will make it easier to Transfer or renew the registration.

Selling a car

When selling your vehicle try to keep these pointers in mind.

• Have all relevent paperwork ready. (Including any reciepts for repairs/new parts)
• Clean and if possible service the vehicle.
• Try to sell in the vehicles home state, or make sure it has a long rego.
• Price competatively. See what price other cars are. Don't think your car is worth more than it is, be realistic.
• Use the OZROADTRIP database, it allows you to advertise your car before reaching your final destination so you can book appointments well in advance. Click HERE to register and post your advert.

Spares

Spares are a vital element in undertaking a long road trip in Australia. You don't want to have a split radiator hose 250ks from the nearest garage and not be able to fix it.
OZROADTRIP recommends you carry these spares.

• Fan belt
• Full set of water hoses
• 2 Spare tires
• Tow rope
• Tool Kit
• Oil and plenty of water.

Other items worth considering but not vital are: Fuel (Not vital if you stick to main roads as petrol stations are reasonably frequent, but a must if going off road) and spark plugs.

It is also well worth considering joining the Australian Automobile Association just in case of a break down. Many people will find they are already members through associations in their own countries. Check before you leave.

Well you've bought your car, got your spares a full tank of gas and a need for an OZROADTRIP. Enjoy.

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