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Tips on buying used cars
Try our used car search to quickly find matches to your desired vehicle criteria or browse our used cars for sale stock by either your preferred car brand, area, category or our top car model searches.
Please note that tips provided on buying used cars are meant only as a guide to the car buyer.
Of course the thought of buying a used car is not always as attractive as that of buying a new one, but there are many advantages to used cars: You can afford a higher spec'd model with more luxury or performance. Our current market means there are loads of good quality, well priced used cars to choose from. It may also be easier to obtain car finance as prices are lower. Car insurance rates are generally more affordable. Many used cars are still under manufacturer warranty or come with an extended motor plan.
Before looking at used cars decide what is an affordable monthly budget. A good rule of thumb to use is that your total monthly car repayments shouldn't exceed 20% of your salary after tax. This may also be too much for you to afford, depending on other expenses you incur. You also need to consider availability of a lump sum for deposit on the second hand vehicle and monthly fees such as car insurance. Also bare in mind that you should not spend your entire budget every month. As with any car, but more so with used cars make allowance for occasional unexpected expenses.
Depending on your personality and where you are in life, your car needs (and wants) will vary hugely. If you already have a used car brand that you like, take the time to have a look at other car brand competitors which may provide the same features and better suit your financial needs. There are a lot of misconceptions surrounding different car brands, this may be due to bad experiences in the past or exposure to different marketing campaigns. Remember, different car manufacturers have different target markets and offerings, finding the ideal brand of car that suits your requirements will mean you are not paying for features you may not actually need.
The market value of used cars is based on their condition, mileage and of course their popularity and availability. Certain used cars are very popular in the South African market, these cars are usually snapped up quickly or overpriced, which means that if you're desperate to get hold of one of them you may pay a premium. You may also have to sacrifice on certain features as choice is limited. Other cars are readily available and with plenty to choose from, here you may find a car or many cars that most closely meet your needs. Popular, available used cars for sale are usually where the bargains are found.
Do some investigating on the cars you've narrowed your list down to: Visit the Cars.co.za motoring news section and search for the cars you're interested in. Here you will find news and real user reviews. You may also find it useful to visit our new cars section to obtain the purchase price of a new model. This will give you an idea of the value.
Do a search on our site a see which cars are available!
Pre-arrange to see the cars you've found that you think are viable options to suit your lifestyle and budget. Be careful to buy cars from a reputable source where the vehicles have been properly checked and are fully road worthy. If you are buying privately, ensure that you meet the seller in a safe environment and be vigilant.
