Introduction:
Cars have become an essential part of our daily lives, but buying a new or used car can often be a overly complicated process. There are so many things to consider that you often don’t know where to start, but that’s why we are here to help!
We have put together some handy tips for you to consider when next buying a vehicle.
Tips for buying a car in South Africa
Do your homework:
Choose according to your needs and budget. Use any of the comprehensive car guides to check prices. Consider insurance, servicing, fuel economy and the depreciation of the car when setting out a budget up front. Know your facts before you go looking and spend time research the values of various cars by looking at classified ads and by visiting local dealers. Understand what specifications each model has and how this may affect the price.
Searching
Start your search with a healthy scepticism. Ask about the car's mileage, age, condition, service history, and specification. Draw up a short list and make appointments.
Inspecting
It’s a good to take a friend along, especially someone who is not prepared to spend a lot of money, is less excited about the purchase of a new car and more interested in helping you get value for your money. Four eyes can also see more than just two, and because no driver is the same and no two owners maintain their vehicles in the same way you’ll need to look at the vehicle closely. If you take your time and inspect the vehicle closely you will have some idea how the car was treated. Apart from making a thorough inspection of your own, ensure that you take the car to a qualified and independent professional who will tell you all you need to know about imminent repairs, the state of the engine, any potential odometer fraud and the overall condition of the car.
Check for any uneven partitions in the bodywork, body colour that does not match or for spray paint marks on sealing rubber -these are signs that the car was repaired after an accident.
Grab a front tyre in the middle with both hands and shake it to- and fro. If there is play, the wheel bearings or the steering could be worn. Also check the condition of the tyres and whether there are any uneven signs of wear that could indicate worn shock absorbers and incorrect axle tuning.
The brake discs should have no rust signs and be of ample thickness. The tyre thread should at least measure three millimetres. Don't be shy of crawling underneath the car to check for oil leaks in the engine and gearbox. One look at the exhaust for signs of rust will show you whether the exhaust is soon in need of replacement.Lift the floor mats and check for any moisture underneath. Check the workings of all the electrics such as air conditioner, sunroof and windows.
After satisfying yourself about the car interior you should take a look at the engine. The car battery should have a clean look. A low brake fluid level could indicate trouble with the braking system. Check all the piping, hoses and radiator for any signs of lime that indicate leakage. A recent engine wash could have been made to disguise such evidence. Once uncovered, use any faults to negotiate a better price.
Never buy car which you have not test-driven yourself. Spend at least 20 minutes test-driving a car, looking out for any faults and make sure that you are comfortable with it. Make sure that you check all the equipment, and all electrically powered items. Knocking engine sounds, a humming gearbox, worn out wheel bearings, uneven braking or an exhaust in need of replacement are things you cannot find out by just looking at the car from the outside. Be sure to turn down the window, so you can hear suspicious sounds and don’t let the seller turn the radio on, he might be trying to disguise sounds. Note: the clutch is worn out if you can drive the car off from second gear with the hand brake on without stalling.
Drive more than one car before you buy so that you have a benchmark against which to evaluate your test-drive.
Check the documents of a private seller
Make sure the registration documents have the correct seller's name and address. Ask to see the identity document of the seller so that you know he is the person selling you the car. Check the service history with care and make sure that the chassis number corresponds to the papers. Ask to see the service and maintenance records and compare receipts and the roadworthy certificate with the actual mileage of the car. Remember that a closer inspection of worn seats and pedals are sure signs that the car has done a lot of mileage.
Negotiate
Negotiation is an art that can save you money. The only way to come out on top is to stay cool, be aware and remain polite. Never be pressured into closing the deal, remember the buyer has the advantage. If unhappy, walk away, there will always be another car around the corner.
Dealing with the money
Find the finance method that suits you. Remember to get a receipt which also needs to state that the vehicle is free of any outstanding payments and to sign the Change of Ownership document. You keep half, the other goes to the seller.
Assessing a warranty
Some warranties are great, others are useless. Read and understand the fine print. Never take anything for granted. If you are unsure, make sure you get the salesperson to explain and explain again until you are completely satisfied. There's no shortcut.
Registering your vehicle
When buying a vehicle, there are a number of things you need to consider, but the most important one is registering your vehicle! This is especially important when purchasing a second hand vehicle. These forms are available from the local traffic authorities. All used cars must pass a roadworthy test, which will cost about R 200.00.This test is best done at AA Test & Drive Centres, which are located around South Africa.
Your vehicle needs to be registered at the "Department of Licensing and Registration" within 21 days of signing a purchase contract.
For this you need the following documents:
- Change of Ownership / Sale of motor vehicle form
- Roadworthy Certificate
- Original Registration Certificate
- Bank Release Certificate
- Current License Disc
- Driver’s License
- Passport or ID Book
- Traffic Register Number
- Address in South Africa
Insurance
Now that you know all about the admin that’s involved, we can get down to something that could potentially save you undreds of Rands should something go wrong: insurance.
In South Africa, it is not compulsory to have vehicle damage cover which means that as many as 70% of drivers are uninsured. Keeping this in mind, things can get quite pricey when it comes to repairs. In order to help protect yourself in the case of an accident, taking out fully comprehensive insurance is recommended by a number of experts. However, if you cannot afford comprehensive insurance, experts advise that insurance cover for Balance of Third Party, fire and theft is taken out.
Without a permanent South African address, a local bank account and driver’s license it is nearly impossible to obtain insurance. Being young can also have an impact on the premium you pay and, of course, where your vehicle is parked over night also plays a part.
That is why it is so vital to compare insurance quotes from different providers in order to insure you get the best deal. Also remember to review your premium once a year and inform your insurance company should anything go wrong.