Getting scammed when buying a van in New Zealand: Laurine’s story

Hi, my name’s Laurine, I’m 23 years old and I’m from France. I recently finished my master’s degree in finance at business school, but after my studies I felt the need to take a break and go on an adventure. I wanted to step away from classrooms and offices and try something completely different. So I packed my backpack and headed off on a working holiday in New Zealand!

After finishing my finance studies, I felt the need for a change and wanted to discover a new country, learn more about myself and improve my English. New Zealand had always fascinated me with its breathtaking landscapes, its unique culture and the warmth of its people. Everything made me want to settle there for a while and experience an unforgettable adventure.
The Working Holiday Visa felt like the obvious choice, as it allows you to travel while working. It’s the ideal way to fund your stay while taking the time to explore at your own pace.

Van life is an affordable option and, in my opinion, the best way to discover New Zealand freely. Travelling by van allows you to stop wherever you want, get closer to nature and explore every corner of the country. It’s a truly nomadic lifestyle that makes you feel completely immersed.

It wasn’t easy! We were looking for a van in September, which is a very busy period so vehicles sell quickly. In the end, we decided to buy from a dealer to save time, thinking it would be safer… but it turned out to be a big mistake.

The dealer scammed us. The van had hidden defects: the chassis was badly rusted, and the Warrant of Fitness (WOF) had been tampered with, which is a common trick used to mislead tourists. When we discovered all this, we realised the vehicle was far from roadworthy.

We reported the issue to the New Zealand Transport Agency and asked the dealer for a refund. Fortunately he agreed, mainly because in New Zealand you can take a case to the Commerce Commission if the purchase was made less than 40 days earlier. This allowed us to avoid a huge financial loss.

My main advice would be not to rush and buy a vehicle from a dealer, even if it seems easier. It’s essential to have a pre-purchase inspection carried out by the AA, who will thoroughly check the vehicle’s condition. Take your time and be cautious, even when the seller seems trustworthy. Many people have had bad experiences, including engines breaking down. These repairs can cost up to $3,800.

If you realise you’ve been scammed, don’t hesitate to report it to the local authorities, such as the NZTA. New Zealand offers strong consumer protection, especially if the transaction is recent. Stand up for your rights and don’t be afraid to contact the Commerce Commission for help.

Yes! We were volunteering with some Kiwis who were incredibly supportive and helped us deal with everything. Their experience was invaluable. My partner and I also speak good English, which made the process much easier. It was really reassuring to have kind people around us during such a stressful time.

We’ve decided to buy another van from a trustworthy New Zealander and convert it ourselves. It will take a bit more time, but at least we’ll know exactly what condition it’s in. We’ve also had a full pre-purchase inspection done to make sure there are no unpleasant surprises this time.

New Zealand is an incredible country, but like anywhere, there can be challenges and unexpected issues. Don’t lose hope, you’re there for a reason. And even when things get complicated, remember that every challenge is a learning experience. Thanks to this adventure, I’ve met wonderful people and will leave with great memories.