A Guide to Help You Buy Used Cars

Choosing to buy used cars rather than out-of-the-box vehicles can save you thousands of rands. And, if you buy wisely, used cars can offer you the same quality and comfort, meaning you do not have to compromise on what you truly desire.

However, if you are not vigilant and prepared when you buy used cars, you are also exposing yourself to risks. These include being overcharged for the vehicle you get or buying a vehicle with underlying problems that might cost you a lot more in the future. To help you navigate the market when you set out the buy used cars, we have put together a few tips. This is certainly not an exhaustive list, but it does help to put you in the right mindset to make an informed decision before committing to a purchase:

Set a budget: This might sound obvious, but before you start looking to buy used cars, first determine what your budget is – this can either be a lump sum or an affordable monthly instalment. Remember to take things such as maintenance, insurance, and fuel consumption into consideration.

Do your research: There are a few things for you to read up on. Search for reputable dealers and read testimonials about their service to make sure that they have your best interest at heart. Research the vehicle types you are interested in to make sure you are comparing apples to apples and that you don’t perhaps miss out on an unexpected deal. Research the maintenance of the different models you are interested in to make sure they are affordable and that the necessary service providers are available in your area.

Do comparisons: Unless you regularly buy used cars, you might not recognise a great deal – or a bad one – right away. Take your time to compare different models and different dealerships. You might find the same vehicle at a better price, or at the same price but with lower mileage or a better service plan if you take the time to look around.

Use your head, not your heart: We all dream of a fancy sports coupé or powerful off-road vehicle, but this is not always a practical solution. In addition to the added maintenance costs, models like these may not be practical for city life, long-distance driving, or other requirements you may have.

Keep it mainstream: If you are unsure, or on a tight budget, stick to popular well-known models. Lesser-known models might result in higher maintenance costs or difficulty in sourcing parts.

Put it through its paces: Never buy used cars without test driving them. First, if it is a model you have never driven before, you want to be sure that you are comfortable driving it. Second, you want to make sure that the vehicle is in top condition. Pay careful attention to things such as strange noises (rumbles, knocks or rattles); excessive smoke coming out of the exhaust; and flat spots in the acceleration.

For more tips and advice on how to buy used cars, talk to one of the friendly team members at Atterbury Motors. We are at your service.