Expert opinion needed

[user786]

@Willie Trombone very good suggestions but when it comes time to upgrade I might only get half of what I paid.

 

[airborne]

Personally, I don't feel comfortable with private sales

Why, your odds of getting sold a lemon are far less than via WBC or a dealer, you can at least gauge the guys responses and demeanour and probably get some accurate info regarding the history and servicing vs dealinag with a desperate bottom feeder car salesman who will say anything to get the sale.

 

[user786]

Why, your odds of getting sold a lemon are far less than via WBC or a dealer, you can at least gauge the guys responses and demeanour and probably get some accurate info regarding the history and servicing vs dealinag with a desperate bottom feeder car salesman who will say anything to get the sale.

There's at least a Dekra report with WBC. Private sales are very risky as I don't know who I'm dealing with. And it's time consuming. Also, I'm no expert when it comes to cars.

 

[rh1]

Thank you and @WoW for the advice. But for me, finance or anything with usury is out of the question due to religious beliefs. I avoid interest at all costs.

Then you should consider Sharia compliant financing:

Vehicle Finance

Have you found the car that’s right for you? Or maybe you’re ready for an upgrade?Al Baraka has the finance solution for you. With fixed or flexible payment options we will have you in the driver's seat in no time.

www.albaraka.co.za

 

[rh1]

There's at least a Dekra report with WBC. Private sales are very risky as I don't know who I'm dealing with. And it's time consuming. Also, I'm no expert when it comes to cars.

If my ex colleagues are on this forum, the next story will explain why Dekra aint worth **** and probably out me to them:

So many years ago, a colleague was buying his first car. The two ladies (sisters) show up with the car and the Dekra report at our place of employment. Note we in Cape Town the car is Cape Town based, the report is issued in Ventersdorp (1st red flag).

Anyway both sisters have leggings on so tight none of the car guys are checking out the car, i.e. Camel Toe's is on full display. I am not a car guy, so I keep quiet as there are more knowledgeable guys present.

The sisters played them like a piano, friendly, flirty and always had a reasonable explanation for everything.

I told the colleague who knew even less than me the Dekra Report was suspicious and he should follow up with that. He came to me about how they explained it to him and it made sense. Anyway he buys the car. Needless to say the car was a complete mess.

To this day, I like to think those sisters are laughing at how they convince guys not to do a thorough inspection of the car and just to accept everything at face value.

Short Version: KoekSusters showed thier koekies off to the carguys and managed to sell a lemon to the young guy.

 

[airborne]

There's at least a Dekra report with WBC. Private sales are very risky as I don't know who I'm dealing with. And it's time consuming. Also, I'm no expert when it comes to cars.

Lol, their Dekra report isn’t worth sht, it only reveals the most basic or obvious flaws and offers no guarantee of any sort, it’s handy for quickly seeing which vehicles are total write offs but not much else. If you are clueless about vehicles then you’d definitely want to take a mechanic you trust to look over whatever you decide to buy before you pay. I far prefer buying from the original owner over a dealer, for one you can see who the person is, what their house looks like, do they take of things, do they bs.

 

[Gtx Gaming]

its always been the 320D F30 from that start!

 

[airborne]

Buy the Honda

Alternatively by a previous shape suzuki swift.

Ps. I'm not an expert. This is by no means professional advice.

That gen Jazz in 1.2 cvt is terrible, probably reliable but horrible to drive, it’s just to underpowered and waaay overpriced in that ad but the same model but in 1.5 Cvt now that’s amazing

 

[Rouxenator]

Some much needed context. Here is what a good Astra J automatic should look like and sell for : https://www.gumtree.co.za/a-cars-bakkies/sandton/2016-opel-astra-auto/10011905929961013042436009

2016 Opel Astra 1.4T enjoy Automatic
132000km
Full service history
No accidents or resprays
Excellent interior and exterior

Extras: Bluetooth radio, Automatic lights, Automatic wipers, Cruise control, Electric windows, power steering, Steptronic gearbox, Daytime running lights, Multifunction steering wheel, 16" Opel Alloy Rims and more
Spare wheel, jack and tools intact

Economical, Spacious and comfortable car
R145 000
Selling below book value

Nothing wrong with these, it's my 5th Opel (3rd Astra). I would have preferred a different colour as white and silver are all too common on SA roads.

Just don't buy another boring mainstream car (pretty much all suggestions so far). The only alternative I would consider is a Mazda 3 sedan, which I personally think looks a tad nicer than the Astra.

 

[newby_investor]

Thread hijack, I am thinking of replacing my Alfa 159 with something more economical.
I've always liked the Jazz for its all-round practicality. I'm hoping to get away with something less than R100k.
Anything else in that segment to consider? Or is Jazz really the only one?
I like the Mobilio (for family car/space reasons) but I can't find anything in my price bracket.

Don't really want to spend more because I need to put money towards my solar install!

 

[EL'Diablo]

Thread hijack, I am thinking of replacing my Alfa 159 with something more economical.
I've always liked the Jazz for its all-round practicality. I'm hoping to get away with something less than R100k.
Anything else in that segment to consider? Or is Jazz really the only one?
I like the Mobilio (for family car/space reasons) but I can't find anything in my price bracket.

Don't really want to spend more because I need to put money towards my solar install!

Plenty different Jazz engines options out there, one of the engines use 8x plus/8x coils (cant recall if its the L13 or L15) but kak gets real pricey real quick, besides that ive been in the motor trade for 10 years now, i cant recall someone having to overall one of these, services etc might be a lil pricey, but im sure the reliability is right up there

Friend of mine actually wants one of these now, in Auto! for his mom! they are selling their 1.6 RunX to fund this

But yes, im new to honda myself with a 1999 CRV, previously a BMW owner!!!!! i LOVE my CR-V,

Im 99.9% sure you can bag a VERY decent Jazz under 100k,

Mobilio, mmmmh my parents have one, had 2 steering issues, poor interior, 1 clutch replacement and a missfire issue on 2 coils, even tho they share the L15 engine, it is different engines,

also, the mobilio comes outta India, parts are NOT easy, let me know when you find a timing kit for it

 

[airborne]

Thread hijack, I am thinking of replacing my Alfa 159 with something more economical.
I've always liked the Jazz for its all-round practicality. I'm hoping to get away with something less than R100k.
Anything else in that segment to consider? Or is Jazz really the only one?
I like the Mobilio (for family car/space reasons) but I can't find anything in my price bracket.

Don't really want to spend more because I need to put money towards my solar install!

If you are looking for a small cheap auto there’s not much else out there other than a Jazz but unfortunately they are in demand and not cheap. For a decent condition one you won’t get much change from R100k if anything.

The best model in that price range is the 2nd gen pre-facelift 1.5 auto.

 

[newby_investor]

If you are looking for a small cheap auto there’s not much else out there other than a Jazz but unfortunately they are in demand and not cheap. For a decent condition one you won’t get much change from R100k if anything.

The best model in that price range is the 2nd gen pre-facelift 1.5 auto.

I'm noticing that, I'd prefer an auto (man I hate watching my wife change gears) but the manuals are considerably cheaper. I guess I'll have to see what's available when I finally pull the trigger.

 

[airborne]

I'm noticing that, I'd prefer an auto (man I hate watching my wife change gears) but the manuals are considerably cheaper. I guess I'll have to see what's available when I finally pull the trigger.

I’d watch what’s available for a few months, a decent one will eventually crop up, the auto is awesome I wouldn’t go with manual. If you get one start a thread and we can give you some good tips on maintenance.
Hopefully you are not in Cape Town because they sell for a premium down here.

 

[Rouxenator]

R100k in todays money is not a lot. Coincidentally it's what I paid for my first Astra in 2004 and my 2nd Astra in 2014.

If you are nearing 70 years of age or your body is starting to show the symptoms of being elderly, by all means get a Honda.

Seeing as we are trying to keep things semi-classy and sorta-sporty :

2008 Corsa automatic for R90k with 144,000 kilos.

 

[airborne]

R100k in todays money is not a lot. Coincidentally it's what I paid for my first Astra in 2004 and my 2nd Astra in 2014.

If you are nearing 70 years of age or your body is starting to show the symptoms of being elderly, by all means get a Honda.

Seeing as we are trying to keep things semi-classy and sorta-sporty :

2008 Corsa automatic for R90k with 144,000 kilos.

The Corsa C was a truly great vehicle for what it was, extremely reliable and low maintenance and great to drive, what are those newer models like In that regard?

 

[Rouxenator]

The Corsa C was a truly great vehicle for what it was, extremely reliable and low maintenance and great to drive, what are those newer models like In that regard?

I had a Corsa D 1.4 from 2010 up to 2017 and it was an epic little car. Very lively for a NA 1.4 and it had absolutely no issues.

Based on that I can recommend that 2008 automatic. Only downside is it's not VVT, so 64kw VS 74kw in the 2010 I had.


Would have still had it if I did not fall so deeply in love with my French affair that ended up costing me the price of the car.

 

[airborne]

I had a Corsa D 1.4 from 2010 up to 2017 and it was an epic little car. Very lively for a NA 1.4 and it had absolutely no issues.

Based on that I can recommend that 2008 automatic. Only downside is it's not VVT, so 64kw VS 74kw in the 2010 I had.
View attachment 1503289

Would have still had it if I did not fall so deeply in love with my French affair that ended up costing me the price of the car.

What type of auto gearbox is it, torque converter? How reliable are they?

 

[Moto Guzzi]

Would you mind telling me why it would be a cash drain?

For starters its EU the 1st clue, its a MEDIUM the fact that it moves on wheels is secondary, your pocket never lies to you..

 

[newby_investor]

I’d watch what’s available for a few months, a decent one will eventually crop up, the auto is awesome I wouldn’t go with manual. If you get one start a thread and we can give you some good tips on maintenance.
Hopefully you are not in Cape Town because they sell for a premium down here.

Sadly, (or thankfully) I am in Cape Town. But I don't mind a trip to Jozi because I have family there, so I can shop for a bit and drive the car down if need be.

R100k in todays money is not a lot.

I'm a poor man. And as I said I'd rather not spend more because I don't drive a heck of a lot, the bulk of the car's purpose these days is ferrying kids to-and-from preschool, while load-shedding

If you are nearing 70 years of age or your body is starting to show the symptoms of being elderly, by all means get a Honda.

Well 35 is pretty close to 70 in my estimation. I like the Jazz though, it does something for me that Opels just don't. I love the seats that fold every which way. The drive is also nice and easy, steering is light, and I drive like an old man anyway so I probably shouldn't have an Alfa in the first place.