How to Buy Used Cars with Minimal Risk

The high prices and immediate depreciation of new cars are two very good reasons why more people are opting to buy used cars instead. While second-hand cars offer a variety of benefits, it is still important to be smart in your choices. If you do not go into the selection process wisely, you could end up with a “lemon”. A lemon is a car that is sold with hidden damage and problems, and these can become costly in the long run.

Below are a few tips to help you make the right choice when you buy used cars:

Support Dealerships

Unfortunately, not all private sellers are trustworthy, and they can offer you a deal that is unfair or unsound. By using a dealership, you can rest assured that the vehicle has gone through a series of thorough tests to ensure that it is safe, reliable, and worth the price tag attached. If something does go wrong a few weeks or months down the line, a dealership will have a warranty or guarantee in place to ensure that you are assisted. When you buy from a private seller, there are no guarantees in place at all.

Check the Details

Too many people have been caught out by buying second-hand cars that have been stolen or involved in criminal activity. When you check out the vehicle, make sure that the details, such as the seller name, address, and VIN number match the details on the registration papers. It is also a good idea to scrutinise the service history log book to ensure that the vehicle has been taken for its regular services.

Verify the Value of the Vehicle

When buying a vehicle from a private seller, you might be paying too much. Most second-hand dealerships (such as Atterbury Motors) will offer competitive market-related prices. You can verify the actual value of the vehicle quite easily online, but you can also shop around and compare prices. You will find that most dealerships are willing to negotiate on price, even if it is just a slight negotiation.

Ask to See the Pre-Purchase Inspection Test Results

Dealerships will have put the second-hand vehicle through a series of tests. Ask to see the results of these tests, as it will reveal if the vehicle has any issues or needs repairs before you purchase it.

Where to Buy Used Cars in Gauteng

At Atterbury Motors, we pride ourselves on keeping a wide range of vehicle options for our customers to choose from. Our showroom, which is in Wonderboom, Pretoria, is easy to access, and our friendly team is always available to assist you with test drives and information on our stock. Feel free to pay us a visit or get in touch with us via email or telephone today.

How to Buy Pre-Owned Cars in Five Easy Steps

There are a number of good reasons to buy pre-owned cars instead of brand-new ones. When opting for pre-owned cars, your biggest challenge is to make sure that you make a wise choice. If you do not, you could find yourself faced with expenses and frustrations in the years to come. Below, we have compiled five easy steps to help you buy pre-owned cars with confidence.

1.     Set A Budget in Place That Is Realistic for Your Needs.

You might want a sportscar, but you do not need (and your budget probably cannot afford it). Make a note of what your maximum spend can be, and make sure that you do not torture yourself by viewing cars that are more expensive than that. Always be honest about your budget and affordability. The last thing you want is to be tied into a vehicle loan that starts to become a burden when the “new car excitement” wears off.

2.     Visit a Reputable Dealership

Working with a dealership provides peace of mind, as you know the vehicle has been checked and tested. When buying from a dealership, there is usually a warranty offered, and you can feel confident that the car has not been stolen or involved in criminal activity (the dealership will do all of these checks before they purchase the vehicle from the seller).

3.     Research the Maintenance Needs of The Potential Car

If the car is not under a service plan anymore, you will need to pay cash for services and maintenance. It is a simple fact that some cars cost more to service and maintain than others. Some vehicles might be unavailable in the country and in those instances, parts and spares can become rare and costly. Ask around to find out what it will cost to do ongoing maintenance for potential cars that you are interested in.

4.     Negotiate the Price

Sometimes, the only thing standing in the way of owning a car that is a few hundred or thousand Rands more than your budget is your ability to negotiate. If you are up front with the dealership and ask to negotiate, you could get the car at the price that is right for you.

5.     Save Time – Ask Questions.

When you first make contact with a dealership or seller, make sure that you gather essential information to avoid wasting your time and theirs. Ask about the vehicle’s service history, the previous owner, the mileage, if it has been in any accidents, and what the financing arrangements are. A reputable dealership will be upfront about potential issues, so that you can weigh up the pros and cons of buying the car.

Buy Pre-Owned Cars at Atterbury Motors

If you are tired of wasting time and money while hunting for the perfect car, and are only finding lemons, Atterbury Motors would love to help. Pay us a visit at our showroom in Wonderboom, Pretoria, and we will present you with a variety of options. We can also assist you with financing.

Alternatively, to chat to a car sales representative at Atterbury Motors, simply give us a call or send us an email today.

Benefits Second-Hand Cars for Sale Offer You

A shiny new car has caught your attention. The adverts on television have drawn you in, and you simply cannot wait to get behind the wheel of a new car that has got all the bells, whistles, and frills you have been dreaming of. You have not even given second-hand cars for sale any consideration. You arrive for a test drive, fall in love with the car, and then comes the shattering moment when you realise just how much of an impact the monthly installments will have on your budget and cash flow.

There are few feelings that can match the one of despair that accompanies this particular realisation, but before you get too despondent, there is a way that you can get a car with all the bells and whistles, without having to sell all your possessions and find a new high-profile job! What is the solution? Second-hand cars for sale will offer you the opportunity to drive away in a high-quality vehicle while paying a much lower price. When you shop at the right dealership, your used car will look just as good as new. It will turn heads.

The fact of the matter is that when you find the right second-hand cars for sale, you can save money, enjoy an image boost, and have access to reliable, quality transport for many years to come.

Below are three benefits that second-hand cars for sale offer you:

·      Cost Savings: pre-owned cars cost a lot less than new cars, even if they are just a few months old. The bulk of a vehicle’s depreciation happens as it is driven off the showroom floor for the first time. The lower cost also enables you to pay off the car quicker, which saves on financing costs too.

·      Certified and Approved: many people worry about buying pre-owned cars, but when you purchase from a dealership, the car on offer has gone through thorough testing. Most second-hand cars for sale also come with extended warranties.

·      Environmental Impact: when a new car is manufactured and transported, there is a certain amount of carbon dioxide released into the environment. By choosing to buy pre-owned cars, you are reducing the amount of carbon dioxide released into the environment.

Where to Find Second-hand Cars for Sale in Gauteng

If you are looking for second-hand cars for sale in Gauteng, Atterbury Motors is just the place to go. Come in to view our range and go for a test drive. Give us a call or send us an email for further assistance today.