Can you feel the wind through your hair as you're driving down the highway in your sportscar with the top down?
Or are you looking for a sensible, stationwagon to fit all the kids' schoolbags and sports kits.
Whatever your situation is, we can help you buy those dream set of wheels.
Can you afford it?
The very first step in buying a car, is making sure you can afford it. Most of the banks in South Africa have a calculator that will show you your "affordability".
Be very careful that you don't over-extend yourself. Only buy a car that fits within your budgetFind your dream set of wheels
There are so many ways of finding your dream set of wheels. If you're buying a brand new car, you could drive from dealership to dealership. Or you could visit some used car dealerships if you want to save some money. Another way is to buy a car privately from somebody that you know.
An important consideration is also the type of car that you are buying. If you love offroading, then maybe a sports car isn’t the greatest idea. Or if you have to transport your son’s football team, then a small sedan doesn’t make sense.Inspection time
Before commiting to a deal, do a thorough inspection.
Check the mileage of the car. Cars with high mileage will inevitably cost more in maintenance than cars with low mileage.
Does the car have a service history? You can determine this by having a look at the service booklet usually kept in the glove compartment (cubby hole).
Check the exterior of the car for any dents, scratches or missing parts.
Listen to the engine while it is running to for any rattles, knocking sounds or any other peculiar noises.
Lastly, take the car for a test drive. Make sure that the car handles correctly around corners. Check that the brakes work efficiently and that there are no sounds coming from tthe wheels while you are driving.The car needs a roadworthy certificate
According to South African law every car needs a roadworthy certificate. Besides being a legal requirement, this certificate gives peace of mind that the car is in good condition. Generally, this is the buyer's responsibility, but if you are buying from a dealer they might take care of this on your behalf.Be careful with the money!
Unfortunately we live in a society with thugs and crooks, so be careful with the exchange of money!
Always transfer the funds via a bank transfer or an EFT so that there is a trail to follow when things go wrong!
If you find yourself in a dangerous situation, remember to contact the police or a lawyer to assist you.
Remember, if you feel unsure or unsafe, you can always walk away from a deal. There will always be other cars for you to buySubmit the Change of Ownership forms
By South African law you have to submit a Notification of Change of Ownership (NCO) form to the relevant authority within 21 days of the sale of the vehicle. You can either submit it yourself at your local licencing centre, or use a third party to do it for you, for a small feeDon't forget to insure your car!
Before you drive your car off the showroom, make sure that is properly insured. What a scary thought that you spend all your hard-earned money on your dream set of wheels, and losing it all because you forgot the insurance!
