Buying a Used Car? Here’s are some of our top tips…
Buying a Used Vehicle in South Africa is the perfect way for someone who is working within a budget to afford a quality vehicle at a lower than new vehicle price. However, when purchasing a Used Car, SUV or LCV there are certain risks involved with the process. To minimise these risks we’ve provided you with our Top 5 Used Car Purchasing Tips to assist you with finding the Best Quality Used Vehicles in South Africa.
Tip 1: Establish Your Budget (and keep to it)
Forget budget busting, when looking to buy a used car you need to establish your budget and stick to it! Once you’ve set a realistic price range then search online for vehicles within your budget. Remember however that you might need to factor in additional costs for a roadworthy test, possible repairs (in a private sale) and even registration. We suggest that once you’ve found the right used vehicle you chat to the dealership about your budget and possible additional costs that could be incurred.
Tip 2: Think With Your Head (and not your heart)
Almost everyone has a dream car, but don’t let this influence what should be a rational decision. Do your homework, weight up the pros and cons and search far and wide to ensure that you are making the right decision. The internet, and sites like ours, are a great place to start your search for the perfect car so use the information at your disposal to make an informed decision. Additionally, if you have any friends who are mechanically minded or knowledgeable about automobiles, then ask them their opinion. Remember, too much information is never a bad thing!
Tip 3: Stay Mainstream (exotics can cost you the earth)
Imported sports cars, little known vehicle brands and rebuilt hotrods might look cool and get people talking, but they could also cost you the earth. These types of cars are best bought new and when sold in South Africa there is a good chance that there is little or no factory warranty and maintenance costs can be astronomical. Locally produced cars (such as the Toyota Corolla) are also more economical to maintain as parts are readily available and don’t cost the earth.
Tip 4: Always Do an Engine Check (watch this video to see how)
Even someone with little or no mechanical knowledge can check the engine to see what type of condition it is in. Look out for worn hoses, evidence of an oil leak or cracks in the belts. These are obvious signs of possible engine issues as a well kept engine would have none of these. Also check to see if the battery is free of corrosion and build up. If any of these signs are present then walk away from the vehicle. Take a look at the video below to learn more about used vehicle engine checks:
Tip 5: Do a Test Drive (and pay attention)
Taking a new or used vehicle for a test drive is always going to be fun, but ensure that you keep a level head and pay attention to any potential issues. Spend a minimum of 20 minutes doing a test drive and pay close attention to the vehicles driving characteristics, its steering, braking, the shifting of gears and any unusual noises. You should even test the windows, the lights and the wipers to ensure that they all work correctly.
