When it comes to copping a sweet set of wheels, you’ve got more options than a kid in a candy store: dealerships, auctions, or private sellers, both in person and online. But no matter where you look, asking the right questions is key.
Buying from a private seller, where you deal directly with the current car owner, comes with risks since you won’t be protected by the Law. Not everyone can buy a new car, though—except for the lucky 36,794 South Africans who bought new wheels in January 2017.
While new car sales in SA have hovered around 35,000 for the last five years, used car sales are making a killing. According to WesBank, there were 38,343 applications for new vehicles versus a whopping 89,390 for used vehicles in May 2016.
Yes, everyone loves the smell of a new car, but a second-hand car offers better value and keeps your wallet happy if you follow a few simple steps. Used cars also tend to have lower insurance premiums than new ones, and you can usually get more bang for your buck feature-wise.
Let’s put aside fears of getting stranded on the side of the road and focus on how to pick your new (used) car without getting taken for a ride.
Follow these steps:
Step 1: Don’t fall in love at first sight
Don’t let your heart do the driving. For a used-car dealer, a smitten customer is easy prey. Resist falling head over heels for a car. Instead, search far and wide, considering all your options. The internet is your friend here.
This may not work for everyone, but you have a rule of not even considering the first three cars you look at. Those initial viewings are just scouting expeditions. Not the actual sale as yet.
Step 2: Stick with the classics
If you’re buying new, go wild and get something exotic. But if you’re browsing the second-hand market, stick with mainstream—it’s safer. Why? You may have minimal or no factory warranty, so maintenance costs come straight out of your pocket.
An oil filter for a Toyota Corolla can cost as low as R60, but for a Renault, it’s over R200. And that’s just the start. Once the dealer waves goodbye, you’ll need to find independent service stations to keep your car in top shape. Mechanics usually charge a premium for working on cars where the engine bay is more covered up than a mummy.
Performance-wise, ask yourself, “If this GTI, Type R, or M3 is so great, why are they selling it?” High-performance cars are more likely to have been driven hard before they’re sold. Unless you’re a car expert, have a good mechanic, and are ready to pay extra for parts, it’s best to steer clear from fancy sports cars.
Step 3: Watch the seller, not the car
This strategy has served some well. Watch the seller closely while discussing the car. Shifty behaviour usually means something’s off with the car. Look for signs that the seller is uncomfortable, and trust your gut. It’s better to walk away than get stuck with a car that you no longer want because it has problems.
Step 4: Test, test, and test some more
Have the seller talk about the car’s good points—and be sure to check the things they don’t mention. That’s important. Check brake discs for uneven wear, the colour of the oil (it should be golden brown, not dark), battery terminals for cleanliness, and the condition of the tires.
While the handbrake is up, give the car a mighty heave—it shouldn’t move. Be wary of a “new” battery or tires, as they could be hiding serious issues.
Step 5: The test drive
Never start your test drive by jumping in and heading off. Have the seller switch on the ignition and let the vehicle idle. Walk around the car and test the wipers, lights, and listen to the engine noise. Take your time.
During the drive, test all gears and include an incline on your route. Listen for any strange noises and feel for any “flat spots” in acceleration. After the drive, check for leaks on the ground. Oil or coolant leaks could indicate serious issues.
Finally, does the vehicle “feel right” to you? If so, go ahead and seal the deal. Trust your instincts and drive off into the sunset with your new (used) ride.
Main image: BusinessLIVE
