drive away meaning

In Australian car ads, “drive-away” means the price that gets you out the door and legally on the road, no arguing with the tax man on the way out. It typically includes GST, stamp duty, registration, number plates, compulsory third-party (CTP) insurance, dealer delivery, and even Luxury Car Tax if you’ve been particularly generous with the options. What it usually doesn’t include are optional accessories, metallic paint, extended warranties, comprehensive insurance, or finance costs. It’s often based on a specific postcode/state and a particular trim or colour, so crossing borders or picking fancy wheels can nudge it north. For private sales, “drive-away” isn’t a formal thing—expect to handle transfer and duty yourself. If you see “plus on-road costs” instead, that’s the opposite—budget extra, then add a coffee to steady the nerves.