To ensure reliability, start by identifying brands and models that have a good track record.
The Volkswagen Polo Vivo is renowned for its reliability, fuel efficiency and sleek design. It’s a popular choice for first-time buyers in South Africa, offering a comfortable ride and low maintenance costs.
The Toyota Starlet has recently become one of the most popular cars in South Africa due to its excellent value for money, with its spacious interior, smooth driving experience and advanced safety features. The Suzuki Swift has a price tag that won’t break the bank and has an impressive fuel efficiency. It’s equipped with features such as parking sensors, fog lamps, an audio system with USB and AUX inputs, a tachometer and electrically adjustable mirrors.
To ensure you’re getting a good deal, look out for window stickers that may contain details like warranty or repair obligations and inspect the car thoroughly, looking deeper into even the smallest of inconsistencies, especially if there’s no mechanic, to ensure no hidden conditions.
Do an Exterior inspection
When inspecting the exterior of the car, look closely at the body condition, paintwork, door and fenders, glass, lights, suspension, tyres and engine bay. Look for dents, scratches, rust, misaligned panels and sloppy work. Always inspect the glass for cracks, holes or stone chips, and ensure all the lights work.
Do an Interior inspection
The interior of a car is as important, so you should always check the seats for damage and strange odours, and that the pedals, instrument panel and infotainment system are working. Check the lighter for smoke odour and test the CD player and connectivity ports. It is also important to check the roof for leaks and that the sunroof/moonroof is working properly.
Do an Engine Bay inspection
Check for oil splatters, corrosion, loose wires and any wear on bolts. Inspect the housings and hoods for any signs of wear and tear or signs of the vehicle’s structure having been previously repaired. This could mean it was in an accident or is a dud car.
Do a third-party & VIN Number Check
With limited tools to check the history of a vehicle, buyers should have the vehicle checked by a qualified third-party to ensure its roadworthiness and that it has been repaired to an acceptable standard. At most times, a simple VIN number check with the relevant dealership can sometimes present inconsistencies.
However, more often than not VIN numbers not matching (on the body of the car, the engine and license disk) are signs of a vehicle that may have either been previously stolen and recovered or even ‘re-built’, which is something seen almost weekly when viewing cars for Screan.
Other to-dos are to always request a comprehensive service history; it reveals the vehicle’s maintenance routine and can indicate how well the car has been taken care of. Also consider test-driving the car in different conditions (city and highway) to get a feel for any performance issues that might not show up in a static inspection.
And finally, avoid deals that seem too good to be true; they usually are, and the hidden costs may outweigh the savings.
