First car buying tips

[PeterPan420]

Thinking of getting my first car. Any information I should be aware of when buying in SA?

 

[DarkSt0rm]

New or used?

 

[Superman-7]

Buy cheap. If you have to finance, don't do a balloon payment. Don't do more than a 4 year contract if you can afford it. If you can pay extra per month, do It. Don't settle for the first repayment interest rate you get. And don't settle for the first insurance premium you get.

But if you can buy cash, DO IT.

 

[Sayf777]

Thinking of getting my first car. Any information I should be aware of when buying in SA?

Look to the second hand market, please.

Do your research into the car and its issues but rather go for a relative new second hand car.

 

[Mosgi]

Much of it will depend on personal circumstances and what the intended use is. For instance mileage anticipated, and at what stage do you intend on upgrading. I'd personally go for something with decent history, low mileage and used. Target strong resale or at least decent and focus more on functionality over random or nice or haves.

Figo, Micra, that range. A orange is usually cheap along with anything that may go wrong and it's light on fuel.

In summary more info required

 

[PeterPan420]

New or used?

Both are valid options. I am willing to stretch up to 250k.

Look to the second hand market, please.

Do your research into the car and its issues but rather go for a relative new second hand car.

What websites do you recommend? I am weary of cars.co.za as most posts don't seem like proper dealerships.

 

[FiestaST]

Don't be afraid of Gumtree.

Many many quality dealerships post on there.

Just apply common sense & if it's too good to be true...

 

[Sayf777]

Both are valid options. I am willing to stretch up to 250k.



What websites do you recommend? I am weary of cars.co.za as most posts don't seem like proper dealerships.

If you looking for a relatively safe, reliable car in that range and not worried about having a fancy car.

Corolla quest.

Safety comparison: Toyota Corolla Quest vs. Nissan Almera - Buying a Car

Safety comparison: Toyota Corolla Quest vs. Nissan Almera

www.autotrader.co.za

Not new, get a new second hand and save the rest?

Actually looking at the link the Almera looks like a good option as well.

 

[PeterPan420]

If you looking for a relatively safe, reliable car in that range and not worried about having a fancy car.

Corolla quest.

Safety comparison: Toyota Corolla Quest vs. Nissan Almera - Buying a Car

Safety comparison: Toyota Corolla Quest vs. Nissan Almera

www.autotrader.co.za

Not new, get a new second hand and save the rest?

Actually looking at the link the Almera looks like a good option as well.

What are the odds of me getting beat up by taxi drivers driving one of these things?

 

[Lord Flacko]

Look at demo models from reputable dealerships.

 

[PeterPan420]

Never heard of that. Oh, and the new quest release is imminent.
What size car are you looking at?

A small hatch preferably. I see there is a new clio coming

 

[Gozado]

Get to know the a car mechanic. This could be one whose garage is near your home, or near your work, or some central point that's likely to stay stable for a while, and/or from having asked around in the area for recommendations for someone straightforward and honest. Then, when you view a second-hand car, arrange to do with with that mechanic, if at all possible. If not, at least take some one else (a different mechanic, or an experienced car owner who is able to do some basics) along with you.

I recommend this even if you yourself know quite a big about fixing cars. Because four eyes are better than two.

 

[satanboy]

Avoid a big deposit. The bank just eats it. Wait a few months then make arrangements with the finance house to reduce your repayment period with a lump sum payment instead. Sneaky tricksters these finance houses.

How does the bank "eat" your deposit? A deposit is paid to the dealership not your vehicle finance house.

 

[TheChamp]

Bad advice from a dealer just this weekend it seems. Deleted. He may have been trying to say something else about lump sum payments... Apparently you have to phone the bank and make arrangements for a larger than normal monthly payment or lump sum injection to have it reduce your capital or loan repayment period. Anyone know the details?

In my case it was not eaten up but it ended up not being too beneficial, instead of the finance being calculated on the price minus the deposit they calculated it on the original price, added in everything, arrived at the total and thereafter subtracted the deposit.