Identifying Which Cars Are Really Affordable
If you’re planning to shop around for an affordable vehicle in South Africa in 2020, we have excellent news – there are plenty of great options on offer from Group1 Cars dealerships throughout the country. However, when you’re faced with this amount of choice, it can become a bit of a headache to figure out which pre-owned vehicle is right for you. After all, when you drive that car, bakkie or SUV off the lot, it needs to suit your lifestyle, not the other way around.
Fortunately, we know a thing or two about the second-hand car market in SA! Here are a few top tips from our team that will help you to find a car that not only suits your initial budget but will slot into your lifestyle, in the long run:
5 THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN SHOPPING FOR AFFORDABLE CARS
Fuel consumption
In terms of recurring expenses, fuel should be one of your top considerations. Whether you choose a diesel model or petrol model is up to your personal preferences – both types of fuel are rather expensive in South Africa and prone to frequent, unexpected price increases. Be sure to check the fuel consumption of the makes and models you have in mind, calculate your average monthly mileage and do the math to ensure that you will be able to keep the tank full without stretching your budget uncomfortably.
Services
Next up, services. While it’s impossible to know exactly what a given service will end up costing since there are many variables in terms of consumables, etc., the dealership selling you your car should be able to give you a ballpark figure on at least the next three services for the car, bakkie or SUV you intend to purchase. Factor this into your decision-making process.
Rates on parts
Do you know how much you’d have to dock up if your second-hand vehicle should require new parts further down the line? The 2019 Kinsey Report was released recently, and it shows that parts prices have soared. An entry-level Datsun GO, for example, had a total parts basket of R44,372 in 2017. This year it is R63,310, an almost 43 percent increase. See their findings here for more info.
Online car reviews
Not sure whether a particular make or model is likely to give you expensive issues down the line? Take some time to read up on online car reviews. There are many platforms out there where fellow petrolheads share their insight on the longevity and affordability of vehicles of all shapes and sizes.
Insurance policies
Once you have your options narrowed down to two or three cars, put in a call to your insurer. They will be able to tell you how the addition of a new vehicle will impact your monthly premium so you can see if it will suit your household budget.
There you have it – five important things to bear in mind when you are shopping around for affordable second-hand vehicles in South Africa. In the meantime, feel free to get in touch with a member of the professional team at Group1 Cars if you would like to find out more about the cars we have on offer. We have branches throughout South Africa and would be happy to assist you at every point along your purchase journey.
