10 Tips on Buying a Car in South Africa
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You’ve worked hard, saved up, and now it’s time to buy that special something. Although not cheap, buying a car is an investment. You will probably use it for many years to come. This may be true in most countries, but the same cannot be said in South Africa. The cost of buying a new car in the country is mind-boggling. In addition to this, road taxes are astronomical, and fuel costs are insane. These factors make owning a car in South Africa less of an investment and a burden. Even so, it doesn’t mean you can’t own your own car here – you need to know where to look and what questions to ask before committing to anything. Even if you have financial challenges, there are financing options available from dealerships like INFINITI Centurion and VW VENDOR Financial Services (VWFS) with smaller monthly repayments that are easier on the pocket.
Research before you buy
First things first, before even looking at the car lot, do your research. Finding the right car for you and your needs will make buying more manageable. There are many things to consider when buying a car in South Africa, so make sure you know what they are. First, you must decide whether you want to buy new or used. Consider the long-term ownership costs, such as resale value and insurance, when deciding. When purchasing new, ensure the car you want is offered in the correct fuel type. If not, expect to pay a hefty premium. When buying used, check the car’s service history and the odometer reading. You will need a mechanic’s report if the vehicle has been in an accident.
Test the car for a long time
If you buying a used car, make sure to test it for any hidden faults. In most cases, you should test the car for at least a week. If you can’t afford to drive the car for long and are still committed to buying the car, you can ask a mechanic to check it out.
Don’t pay in cash (unless you have to)
If you have the option, don’t pay in cash. This will leave you vulnerable, and you could be open to being scammed or ripped off. If you must spend some money, ensure you only pay what the car is worth, not the asking price. You cannot expect the seller to be honest if you pay in cash. And if you do pay some money, ensure you have a receipt to prove later that you paid the correct amount.
Make sure you are protected.
When buying a brand new car, you will receive a standard warranty. This is usually for 12 months or 24,000 km. Make sure you ask for a longer extended warranty when buying the car. This will ensure you are protected in the event of any mechanical faults.
Check whether the car is certified and what condition it’s in
If you are buying imported cars, check that it has been certified. This will ensure that the car is in the right condition and up to the standard required by the government. You can check the vehicle inspection report for locally manufactured cars to see the car’s condition.
Ask for a warranty and an extended warranty.
As mentioned above, you will receive a standard warranty when buying a new car. You can also ask for an extended warranty on top of this. The warranty is a promise from the manufacturer that the parts covered will be replaced if they fail or break within a specific time frame. The extended warranty enables you to have your car repaired at a reduced cost if something goes wrong.
Make sure the car has its service records.
When buying a new car, ensure the dealer gives you its service records. This will show you what work has been done and how often various services need to be done. This is important because you need to know how the dealer maintains the car and if it still has a long service life ahead of it.
Final tips
When buying a car in South Africa, it is essential to remember that you will most likely be financing the purchase—before visiting a dealership, getting pre-approved for a loan is a good idea. This will ensure you have the funds necessary to make a purchase, even if you have bad credit. You will have to pay more interest, but it is worth it. Before you even go to the dealership, having a budget in mind is a good idea. With a budget, you can quickly eliminate cars from your price range. Knowing what car you want is also essential before going to a dealership. This will make the buying process much faster and easier.
