Make sure you check carefully for any clutch problems. Smelly, slipping or otherwise faulty clutches seem to crop up fairly regularly, so make sure the clutch bites smoothly and you can change gear easily. You should also check that the turbo is working properly on examples with one fitted; you should feel a small but noticeable surge of power while accelerating when the turbo cuts in.
Fiestas are often used in town, so check carefully for scuffs, scrapes and parking dings, and make sure you examine alloy wheels for kerbing and scuff marks. Some early cars’ alloy wheels have also been known to buckle easily, so be sure to pay close attention to their condition and walk away from any car with juddering steering, odd repetitive noises from the wheel area, or other strange symptoms.
Also, check to see if the service history is complete. Some ex-fleet and lease cars may have missed maintenance work.
Diesel versions of the Fiesta have been known to suffer from fuel injector issues which can be expensive to sort out, so keep this in mind if you decide you want one of these versions.
The plastics used for the dashboard and door cards mark easily, especially when children are regular passengers. Some owners have complained about the quality of the interior materials. Stereos are known to develop faults, and the heating and ventilation system can malfunction.
There have also been several reports of water leaks, resulting in damp front footwells – this can cause mould in cars that sit for long periods of time. Lift the mats and check carefully when inspecting a car.
What are the most common problems with a used Ford Fiesta hatchback?
Rear axle
Poor welds on the rear axle of some Fiestas made on 5 July 2011 could fail and potentially cause the axle to detach from the vehicle. Affected examples will need to be inspected by a technician, so speak to your dealer for further information.
Rear suspension bolts
Some of the bolts used on the rear suspension of cars manufactured between 13 and 23 September 2011 could shear. Find out from your Ford dealer if your car is part of this recall.
Fire risk – diesel glow plug control module
There have been three recalls issued relating to water getting into the glow plug control module of diesel models and causing a short circuit, with a potential fire in some circumstances. It mainly affects vehicles constructed between 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2011, along with some made between 1 January 2012 and 29 August 2013. The fix is to install a waterproofed module at a dealer, and most will have been fixed by now, but it’s still a good idea to check since some that received a repair were recalled again because the original fix wasn’t suitable.
Cracked cylinder head – Fiesta ST
This applies to the sporty ST model that used the turbocharged 1.6-litre engine, and specifically to examples built between 2 June 2010 and 20 December 2014. The cylinder head of the engine may crack and allow oil to leak out onto hot engine components and start a fire. A technician will need to inspect the engine to determine what needs to be replaced; a coolant level sensor will also need to be installed and a software update carried out to provide better audible and visual warnings to the driver if the engine is overheating.
Rear seat belt buckle
Some Fiestas manufactured between 23 September and 11 November 2014 might have defective rear seat belt buckles that won’t properly restrain occupants in a frontal collision. Examples affected by this will need to have new buckles fitted to prevent potential future injuries.
Seat belt bolt
The top bolt on one of the seat belts fitted to the right-hand side could be incorrectly tightened and could put the occupant at an increased risk of injury in a collision. This applies to Fiestas made from 26 February to 26 August 2016, and will need to be checked over by a technician to make sure the bolt is tightened correctly.
Brake servo failure
An internal fault in the brake servo of some vehicles built between 5-20 December 2017 could lead to a loss of braking assistance. If your car is suspected to be affected by this, a technician will need to check the manufacture date of the servo to determine if it needs to be replaced.
Is a used Ford Fiesta hatchback reliable?
Out of 28 rivals, the Fiesta came 19th in the small and city car class of our most recent reliability survey. Ford as a brand finished in 27th place out of 32 car manufacturers.
Make sure you buy your next pre-owned Fiesta from a reputable used car dealer that performs quality checks on their vehicles, so you can rest assured you won’t battle with the above issues after your purchase.
Just when it looked like the whirlwind of used-car shopping had settled into a gentler breeze after a few months of falling prices, some signs indicate the storm hasn’t passed just yet. Traditionally, buying used cars for sale in Kuils River was the more budget-friendly choice versus buying a comparable new one, but falling inventory, rising interest rates and the uncertainty of future used-car prices continue to challenge this paradigm. Many benefits of buying used still apply today, but shoppers should also be prepared to contend with some emerging risks.
Why It’s a Smart Choice
Used-car prices jumped significantly in response to the inventory shortage: At its peak in February 2022, the median price for a used car among Cars.com dealers saw a 44% spike from the prior year when the median price was approximate. Prices of cars for sale in and around Kuils River have started to ease in recent months, however, and buying used still offers some tangible benefits for budget-conscious shoppers.
Still More Affordable Than New
Even with the rising prices, used vehicles still carry an affordability advantage compared to their new counterparts, which also saw prices rise as a result of reduced incentives and vehicle markups. As of February 2023, the median price for all used cars among Cars.com dealers, even compared to newer-model-year used cars, buying a brand-new car brings a hefty premium: For instance, 2020-22 model-year used cars had a median price of approximately 25% less than all new inventory.
Prices Falling (for Now)
Another promising sign is that used-car prices have been trending down over the last six months, according to Cars.com data, falling 5% from August’s median. Another example is the consumer price index from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which tracks monthly changes in consumer spending on goods and services. The latest report shows a continued downward trend for used vehicles: Used-car spending fell 2.8% from January to February 2023 and is down 13.6% from February 2022. Whether this trend continues remains to be seen, however, as used-vehicle inventory remains sparse.
Affordable CPO Options Expand
Another benefit to buying a used car is that it gives shoppers the option to balance affordability with added peace of mind through an expanded certified pre-owned vehicle program. Typically, CPO vehicles come with a higher price tag than non-certified used cars, but in response to slowing sales, several automakers have expanded their programs to include older, higher-mileage cars, according to Automotive News.
For example, Hyundai expanded their CPO pool from 5-year-old to 6-year-old vehicles or vehicles with up to 80,000 miles — up from 20,000 miles. Ford added an expanded CPO program called Blue Advantage, which certifies vehicles up to 10 years old with less than 150,000 miles. Recently, Honda and Nissan also extended their programs to vehicles up to 10 years old. The CPO designation takes some of the risks out by buying a used car with the added assurance of a multipoint inspection and a manufacturer warranty, among other perks.
Elevated Trade-In, Resale Values
While used-car prices and trade-in values have been falling recently, the average trade-in amount remains well above the levels seen prior to the inventory shortage. Shoppers looking to upgrade to a newer model may find they can get more than they expected when they sell or trade in their current vehicle. According to David Greene, Cars.com principal of industry and marketplace analytics, it’s unlikely that used-car shoppers will see their vehicle’s value drop drastically soon after the purchase.
“While used-car prices may feel higher than expected, it’s also likely that resale values in the future will stay elevated for a long time, as it will take years [for] new-auto sales to get back to normal before used-car supply will catch up,” says Greene.
What Are the Risks?
Before rushing into a used-car purchase, shoppers should weigh the benefits against risk factors such as shrinking inventory (which can impact future price trends), the recent rise in auto financing costs and elevated maintenance and repair costs.
Falling Inventory
The supply of used vehicles is dwindling due to fewer new-car sales and a significant reduction in leasing since the pandemic, according to Greene. Among Cars.com dealers, March 2023 started with 24% fewer 1- to 3-year-old used vehicles than there was the same time a year ago, and that leaner supply has resulted in an average higher price this year. “Shoppers looking for [newer] used vehicles may have to be more patient and flexible to find a vehicle they like, and pricing may be harder to negotiate on those vehicles,” he advises.
Auto Loan Rates on the Rise
While used-car prices have recently seen a downward trend, the same can’t be said for the average auto loan rates for pre-owned vehicles. Interest rates for both new and used cars have been rising following the Federal Reserve’s recent interest-rate hikes. While an auto loan rate is heavily influenced by a shopper’s credit score and other factors, used cars on average cost more to finance than new ones. The average rate for a used vehicle reached 10.26% in the fourth quarter of 2022, according to Experian, up from 8.22% a year prior. Meanwhile, the average used-car monthly payment reached a record high in 2021. Higher interest rates can contribute to larger monthly payments, higher overall loan costs and an increased risk of falling behind on payments.
Inflated Maintenance and Repair Costs
Used cars are more likely than their new counterparts to require maintenance and major repairs, and the cost of these services can add up fast. Not only did the inventory shortage impact vehicle prices and availability, but it also caused parts and labour shortages, thereby raising prices and wait times at repair shops. According to the consumer price index, these costs are still on an upward trajectory: Spending on vehicle maintenance and repairs climbed 12.5% from February 2022 to February 2023.
Navigating the Risks
Planning ahead for a used-car purchase amid the current conditions can help to mitigate some of these risks. As inventory on used cars remains tight, especially on newer-model-year vehicles, shoppers may need to forgo some desired features or go with an older, higher-mileage model. An alternative CPO program or extended warranty offers added protection for older vehicles that are more likely to need costly repairs. Budgeting is also more important now as interest rates rise and vehicle prices remain uncertain. Searching for affordable used cars and shopping around for the best interest rate from multiple lenders can help shoppers stay within their budgets.
With the volatility in used-car prices seen in recent months, getting gap insurance for a used vehicle purchase may be a good idea. Gap insurance covers the difference between what you owe on a vehicle and its value should it get totalled; although it is typically associated with new cars that depreciate quickly, the spike in used-car prices following the inventory shortage and the uncertainty of used-car values in the coming months makes gap insurance worthy of consideration even for pre-owned vehicles.
The sedan version of the Volkswagen Polo has been the car of choice for thousands of South Africans, and rightly so. It is an affordable sedan which is decently frugal, easy to use and reliable. So, it is no surprise that the new Polo Sedan is here with many new bells and whistles.
As is becoming the new norm with VW, the Polo leans heavily on digital implementation. There is a lack of buttons and dials, as everything is either accessed via the infotainment screen or the streamlined air-conditioning slides, which take some getting used to. The clever design of the dash and other aesthetic pieces does give you a cool visual, especially for such an affordable car.
It’s stylish, particularly from the front. The LED headlights bring the front end together with the chrome grill in a detailed collective which I was rather fond of. The back end, however, is surprisingly large and doesn’t entirely fit the style of the rest of the car. The 16″ alloys are nothing to write home about but do fit the overall aesthetic. The ground clearance was rather impressive, not that it’s a concern for most owners.
Layout, finish and space
The first thing I noticed upon receiving the Polo Sedan was its cream interior, and although bold, I wasn’t a massive fan. Almost everybody who saw the car commented on the colour. Typically, younger occupants didn’t enjoy the colour, but the more mature passengers were sold. If you have kids, I would definitely opt out of the cream as it stains easily.
It comes with two front airbags, which was a concern of mine, but it does keep costs down. It also comes standard with ESC, a multi-collision braking system, park distance control and a reversing camera in the Life spec.
The 7″ touchscreen blended in well with the dash and was easy to use. If the car is parked in the sun or the screen gets hot, I found that you would lose the ability to use it. It didn’t want to pick up touch inputs, and the colour changed to purple. Most of the time, though, it was a good system with pleasant sound and easy connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
One thing which impressed me massively but didn’t come as much of a surprise was the amount of boot space you get. At 521 litres, it lives up to the sedan reputation, but the effect on the overall styling is a rear end that looks somewhat bloated.
What is it like on the road?
The ride quality of the Polo is probably its best feature in the driving department. It handles the bumps well and remains stable on trickier roads, plus there’s very little drama at highway speeds. As you can imagine, with 81 kW and 152 Nm, the Polo’s 4-cylinder 1.6-litre naturally aspirated motor feels sluggish and could do with slightly more power, especially at reef altitude.
It completes the 0-100 km/h sprint in a not-so-impressive 11.2 seconds. The 5-speed manual gearbox is decent at best; I found the throw was rather long, forcing you to sit at higher revs on the highway. Hopefully, the 6-speed automatic gearbox will help alleviate this issue. Assists like cruise control make an extended trip more bearable, coupled with the all-around comfortable driving experience from the Polo Sedan; there’s not much to complain about, despite the lack of power.
Running costs and reliability
Traditionally Polos have been the benchmark for good entry-level vehicles, and the same can be said for the current Polo sedan. It starts at R318,300 for your manual and tops off at R365,500 for your automatic with the Life spec. I have been testing the Life manual, which is in the middle at R360,900. The Polo also comes with a 3-year/120,000 km warranty and a 3-year/45,000 km service plan. This is on the short side, especially since many sedans will be raking up big numbers on the odometer. I would have preferred to see a 4-year plan with more than 45,000 km of service support.
Get the popular Polo sedan at the best price when you buy a used VW Polo.
Final thoughts
The new Polo Sedan is stylish for a run-around sedan. It has a striking front end, and the interior has a quirkiness about it, despite the colour. It is a comfortable drive despite the transmission’s notchy character.
There is enough space to fit five passengers with few complaints, and the tech adds to its modernized atmosphere. Although cars are getting increasingly expensive, the Polo sedan comes in at around R40,000 cheaper than its Toyota Corolla competitor, which is impressive. If you are looking for a family run-around or a fleet vehicle with more than enough boot space, a comfortable ride and a modernized atmosphere, then the Polo Sedan or a used VW Polo model may very well be for you.
Automotive engineer Josh Regis, 34, has spent 18 years as a mechanic and regularly shares car advice with his 18,000 TikTok followers.
Here he reveals his top tips for buying a second-hand car and the question you must always ask.
Know what you want
Josh says the first thing to do is to decide on the car you really want before you start looking and research it thoroughly.
Failing to do so can leave you vulnerable to paying over the odds.
He tells us: “The first thing to look at is the year, make, model and value of the vehicle.
“Research how reliable it is, what are the common issues, how expensive maintenance can be, and how much it is to lease or finance the vehicle.
“You cannot go into a car dealership without having the vehicle that you want in your mind because you are at risk of falling for anything the salesperson says.
“Through research, you will already understand the vehicle inside and out, so will be aware of its selling points.”
Josh recommends finding out as much as you can about the vehicle – and there are a number of websites that can help you do it.
Josh says: “Take down the registration plate and you can find out how many accidents it has been in, what’s been going on and if it was a salvage (previously written-off).”
Don’t be afraid to ask that crucial question, especially if buying from a private seller, as finding out further down the line could massively affect its resale value and your insurance.
Most reputable car marketplaces will state whether their vehicles have a category.
Alternatively, there are car check tools online that can give detailed information about a vehicle’s history and if it has previously been category marked – though you often have to pay a small fee.
Buying from a pre-owned dealership will also help ensure the car you buy is accident-free.
Hidden problems
Having a keen eye for detail is important when inspecting your future car and it could help you knock off money when it comes to the negotiations.
Josh says: “You need to check the condition of the car – look for scratches, dents and rust as this can signify further issues.
“You should also test drive the vehicle to see if you can hear any unusual noises and to see how it feels while you’re on the road.”
Josh believes vehicles with well-maintained exteriors are more likely to be in better shape under the bonnet – as owners who do so typically take better care of their cars.
Hired help
While we may think we have a reasonable understanding of cars, we’re not professionals and can easily miss major issues.
Josh advises: “Get a mechanic on side, because they can be such a lifesaver. They will be able to see and hear things that you would never notice.
“To do this, you can go to a car repair shop and ask, ‘Hey can I pay for a mechanic to come to a dealership with me to inspect a vehicle?’
“Alternatively, you talk to the car dealership itself and say, ‘I would like to do a mechanical inspection.’
“Typically they will then allow you a day or a few hours so that you can take the car to a garage and get the vehicle inspected.”
After getting your report back from a mechanic, you will be able to assess whether the vehicle is right for you and discover any hidden problems.
Important tag
Josh recommends looking for used cars that are ‘approved’ by the manufacturer – which are known as ‘certified pre-owned’ (CPO) vehicles in the US.
He explains: “This is so important because a certified pre-owned tag or stamp means it has been inspected to a high level.
“I used to do CPO inspections, so I know for a fact that if it passed there should not be any issues.”
Approved cars have gone through standardised quality checks, which are set by the manufacturer. If the vehicle fails any of the criteria, it will be refurbished and repaired until it passes.
Typically, approved cars will also have a more expansive warranty than other second-hand motors and it often covers most major repairs within a limited timeframe.
Key negotiations
If you’re happy after finishing all of your checks, it’s time to enter negotiations – but as our expert points out, you should be willing to walk away, too.
Josh says: “You need to negotiate on the price, especially if you notice a bunch of issues.
“Having already done your research, you will know the market value of the car and should try to get it for a lower price.
“The last thing I would say is to be willing to say ‘No’ and if you don’t feel comfortable just say, ‘I don’t want it’ and then get up and leave.
“You can always come back another day because guess what? Regardless of what happens, that vehicle needs to be sold sooner or later.
“And if you don’t get the car from them, you can go somewhere else. There will be multiple versions of the same car at other dealerships.”
Buying a used car for sale in Alberton has typically been considered a smart way to save by avoiding the steep depreciation costs that go hand in hand with new cars.
However, a limited supply of new cars and trucks due to the ongoing chip shortage caused demand for used cars to skyrocket, pushing prices much higher and reducing the value of buying pre-owned.
Now, although costs have cooled slightly, older used cars in Alberton are still sought after and priced accordingly.
Top tips for buying a used car
Beyond the standard advice to check for excess wear and tear, request a vehicle history report and bring the car to a repair shop for an inspection, according to Ivan Drury, director of insights at car-shopping comparison website Edmunds. He offered these five tips for anyone in the market for a used car.
1. Mileage is a myth: “Don’t be afraid of the close to 200,00 km marker on your odometer,” Drury said. Because durability has improved significantly over the last decade, “200,000 is not the mileage threshold it used to be.”
“Used car values do not fall off a cliff at 200,000 kilometres,” he said. “Instead, they continue to follow a very linear reduction in value up to and past 200,000, almost all the way to 250,000.”
2. Being “basic” has its benefits: Going with widely popular models has an added advantage when it comes to buying a used car, Drury said.
“Buying mainstream, high-volume models almost ensures you’ll be near a dealership or repair shop that is familiar with your model and has replacement parts readily available for repairs, translating to easier and more affordable maintenance,” he advised.
3. Stick with what you know: Similarly, buying from a brand you have had a positive experience with could give you added reassurance compared to purchasing something else that might save you money upfront “but stresses you out each time you start your car,” Drury said.
4. Check the comps: Check out comparables — or older model years of the same vehicle — on marketplaces like AutoTrader, Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree to see which models are really capable of going the distance, he said.
“Even if you’re looking at something like a 2015 model year, research even older model years of that vehicle to see how many miles others have racked up and their prices for future predictions of value retention,” Drury advised.
5. Be ready to jump on a good deal: With demand still elevated, lower-priced used vehicles will not make it more than a few weekends before selling, so be prepared to act quickly, he said.
A five-year-old, R300,000 car will only last 39 days on the lot, on average, according to data from Edmunds. For a 10-year-old, R150,000 car that number falls to just 27 days.
According to statistics, an average car owner runs their car almost 200,000 km each year. To know if the car has good mileage, you need to multiply 200,000 km by the car’s age.
For example, if a used Honda a 4-year-old car has a mileage of 800,000 km, it indicates that the car has good mileage. Anything less than that means that the car might give you a hard time in the future.
If you are planning to buy a used car in Mossel Bay, the most important parameter you should check is if the car has good mileage. You can negotiate the car’s value depending on how high or low the car’s mileage is.
But often, the mileage of a car can also mislead you. Consider the number of owners the car has when you are determining the quality of the car. If you are considering buying a car with a mileage of 160,000 and 10 years old, we can vouch that it is a good deal.
However, if the 10-year-old car has 4-5 owners, one of these owners might not be good with maintenance. On the other hand, if you get a deal to buy a car with only one owner over 10 years, but the mileage is 85,0000, you can play your cards and buy the car.
Why Is Considering Mileage Important?
The mileage on the odometer is a great way of determining the car’s use over the years. You can decide the price of the car by following a simple thumb rule, i.e., the higher the mileage higher the value, and vice-versa.
Another significant factor in why the mileage is important is that it indicates the engine’s condition and the suspension. The serviceability of the car depends on the mileage they have run. The mileage parameter is great for determining how well-maintained the car was over the years.
How Many Miles On A Car Is Too Much And Too Little?
The first thing you need to consider when browsing cars for sale in Mossel Bay is that the odometer is working properly and the parameter it reflects is accurate. No strict rule decides how many miles is too little or too much.
Going by the 200,000 km mileage rule, if you have a deal where the car has lower mileage, you can determine whether to buy the car. If the mileage exceeds 200,000, you might consider it before buying the car.
Look into the vehicle’s history report to determine whether investing in the car is good. For instance, you can look at the car’s appearance while buying it. If there was less damage, dents, and wear and tear, you can conclude that the vehicle was not driven too often during its lifetime. It also indicated that the odometer reading is correct, and you can rely on the readings.
However, if you doubt that the odometer is not rendering you accurate parameters, call in a professional mechanic with a technical understanding of cars. The mechanic will also detect if all car parts are working properly. Jumping to a conclusion if you see a lower mileage might be misleading sometimes. The lack of usage might dry out certain car parts when a car owner is not using the car.
A car technician will have a checklist that they will use to determine if the car is fit for buying. They will consider all the major facts from the mileage and working part to the finishing of the car’s body. They will further take the vehicle out on a test drive to determine the steering wheel’s suspension and alignment.
The technicians might conclude whether you should not buy the car, or the car needs some repair before buying, or the car is unfit.
Which Factor Is More Important To Consider While Buying A Used Car, Mileage, Or Age?
There are some red flags that you will understand easily when you buy a second-hand car. If a car is 10 years old and the owner has priced it more than a 6-year-old car, with the younger car a higher mileage than the older car, it is clear that you should not proceed with the transaction.
The car’s age and mileage both have a great impact on the functioning car. The impacts of these two factors have been different. Though both factors are crucial to deciding the car’s value, these are not co-related.
To get good suggestions, you might hire a mechanic to help you determine what actions you should take.
Used Car Buying Guide
Here’s curated a checklist to guide you on your quest to buy used cars.
Shortlist the cars you want to buy: Depending on your budget, invest some time in shortlisting the ones you desire to buy.
Look for cars in your locality: There are several websites where you can find used cars. Go to the website and filter the used cars you can find within your locality.
Have a word with the owner: Once you have shortlisted the used cars you want to buy in your locality, contact the owners.
Ask the seller if there is room for negotiation: If you are confident about your industry knowledge, ask the seller if there are any chances they can offer a lower price.
Talk to a car tech: Once you have talked to the owner, contact a car technician. With the owner’s permission, take the car tech to view the car and take it on a taste drive. You can proceed with further dealings if you get a green signal from the car technician.
Conclusion
When you are buying a used car, a lot depends on your determining skills, negotiating skills, and luck. This article has mentioned many important factors to consider while buying a car. Thus, do not only go by the car’s mileage and buy it. Check the car’s history with various owners and all the parameters in the odometer. If you have decided which used car you want to buy, maintain the car buy quick fixes and servicing to ensure the car is in good condition and safe for driving.
Fun, easy to drive and spacious, the Kia Picanto is a practical and versatile city car with an efficient engine.
The Kia Picanto for sale is a five-door hatchback that offers lots of space for you and your passengers, even the boot is pretty big for a car of this size. It has efficient engines which are also fun and easy to drive, while running costs like tax and insurance are low. It’s also super reliable.
There are three petrol engines to choose from and Kia has a straightforward way of describing its trim levels. The trims start at the Picanto 1 entry model and rise to 2 and 3 which include extra equipment. Look out for special editions, including a sporty GT-Line, an off-road inspired X-Line, the Wave and Titanium. With many added extras, these could well be the best bargains.
The current Kia Picanto models for sale arrived around 2017, but if you’re looking at older cars the previous generation Mk2 Picanto offers many of the same advantages. It’s a good value, spacious and practical city car that’s easy and fun to drive around town. It also comes with the choice of three or five doors, while later cars are five-door only.
What’s the interior like?
The latest Picanto’s interior has a sporty feel and a welcoming ambience thanks to great design and quality materials.
There’s a tablet-style console rising up from the dash which gives you better access to the controls. The seven-inch touchscreen option makes things even easier and it also comes with Android Auto and CarPlay which is one of the best setups around.
The driving seat is comfortable, with plenty of adjustment so you’ll have no problem seeing out from quite a high driving position. Back-seat passengers will have plenty of space and a good amount of legroom.
The boot isn’t the largest, but it beats most rivals at 255 litres, which is big enough for a number of bags. You can increase capacity further by folding the back seats down.
What’s it like to drive?
If you like light controls and easy driving, the Picanto is the car for you. The pedals are ideal for clutch-pumping city driving and the steering is direct and assured. The suspension has been tweaked to improve the car’s ride and comfort.
There’s a straightforward line-up of engines with three and four-cylinder petrol units, each one of them providing a great drive. The lower-powered versions are fine for most people and the most powerful 100 hp (horsepower) version is fitted only to the GT-Line.
Is it cost-efficient to buy and run?
The Picanto has slightly higher depreciation than some rivals which is great news if you’re searching for a used one because it’ll be great value.
It’s hard to fault the Picanto when it comes to running costs. As you would expect of a city car, its engines are frugal, with all three petrol options approaching 50 mpg economy according to official figures. There’s an automatic version, which still manages to return around 43 mpg.
Insurance costs will be low with group ratings ranging from four to 10, while Kia dealers will offer you a selection of servicing deals to help maintain your car.
How reliable and safe is it?
The Kia brand has done very well in recent reliability surveys, which perhaps explains how the company can afford to protect its cars with an industry-leading seven-year warranty. Maintenance and repair costs are likely to be low.
Higher-spec cars have autonomous emergency braking fitted, which is a system that works to slow the car down to avoid an accident. These versions earn four stars out of five from the Euro NCAP crash test.
Which one is best for you?
There are bargains to be had when buying a usedKia Picanto so it’s worth looking at all specification models. In most cases, you won’t have to pay much more for a touchscreen-equipped 3 model than you might for a more basic car and the advantages are worth having.
Look at one of the more powerful engines if you’re likely to be doing any long-distance driving. It’s worth looking out for special editions with extra equipment, such as a touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a rear parking camera.
The 2023 Kia Sportage impresses with excellent cargo space, a high-tech and well-crafted interior and a balanced ride and handling. However, it falls short in terms of engine performance, and many common tech and safety features are only available in higher trims.
Is the 2023 Kia Sportage a Good SUV?
Yes, the Kia Sportage for sale is a good compact SUV. It features a spacious cabin, class-leading cargo space and rear-seat legroom, cutting-edge interior tech and a long list of standard amenities. It’s not without issues, though, notably that its sole engine offering is underpowered.
Should I Buy the 2023 Kia Sportage?
The 2023 Sportage is a great choice if you need a family-friendly compact SUV with lots of standard features and cargo room. The highly ranked Hyundai Tucson offers a similar set of standard features, as well as comparable pricing and plenty of cargo space. Rivals like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 also offer good cargo space, as well as better fuel economy than the Sportage.
2022 vs. 2023 Kia Sportage: What’s the Difference?
The redesigned 2023 Sportage has a longer wheelbase, more rear-row legroom, more cargo space, revamped interior and exterior styling, upgraded interior tech and comfort amenities and more standard and available driver-assistance features. Also, the off-road-focused X-Line and X-Pro trims are new for 2023.
Here are the key changes for the Kia Sportage over the last few years:
2023: fully redesigned
2022: Nightfall Edition trim debuts
2021: Nightfall and Nightfall Premium packages available with base S trim
2020: more standard tech and driver-assistance features
2019: fewer standard features; heated rear seats no longer available
The Sportage has a modern, minimalist interior design with excellent build quality. Materials are mostly high quality, with just a few hard plastics detracting from the upscale appearance.
2023 Sportage Infotainment, Bluetooth and Navigation
The Sportage’s base infotainment system has sharp graphics and fairly intuitive controls, and the available dual 12.3-inch displays look spectacular. Looks aren’t everything, though. The dual-mode climate and audio controls can be distracting to operate, and opting for the larger infotainment touch screen means you lose wireless smartphone connectivity.
Standard infotainment features: an 8-inch touch screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a USB-C port, a six-speaker stereo and Bluetooth
Available infotainment features: a 12.3-inch touch screen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, navigation, a Wi-Fi hot spot, wireless device charging, rear USB-C ports and an eight-speaker Harman Kardon audio system
Additional standard features: a 12.2-inch digital instrument cluster and remote keyless entry
Other available features: a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, dual-zone automatic climate control, push-button start, LED interior lighting, a panoramic sunroof, a power sunshade and a universal garage door opener
2023 Sportage Cargo Space
The 2023 Sportage has 1,121 litres of cargo room behind the rear row and 2098 litreswith the rear seats folded down. These are fantastic figures for the compact SUV class. The Sportage also benefits from a low liftover height, making it easier to load and unload cargo in the rear. A hands-free power liftgate is available.
How Many People Does the 2023 Sportage Seat?
The 2023 Sportage seats five people. Cloth upholstery is standard, while synthetic leather upholstery and heated, ventilated and power-adjustable front seats are available.
Seating in both rows is comfortable and spacious, and the rear row offers class-leading legroom. Also, the rear seats can slide and recline.
2023 Sportage and Child Car Seats
There are two complete sets of LATCH connectors for the rear outboard seats and a tether anchor for the rear middle seat.
Sportage Performance: Not So Sporty
2023 Sportage Engine
There’s only one engine option for the 2023 Sportage: a 187-horsepower four-cylinder. It’s fine for daily driving, but it feels strained and underpowered on the highway. It also tends to whine at higher RPM.
2023 Sportage Gas Mileage
The 2023 Sportage gets an EPA-estimated 25 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. With all-wheel drive, these estimates drop to 23/28 mpg city/highway. These are average estimates for the class.
2023 Sportage Ride and Handling
The new Sportage is middle-of-the-road when it comes to riding and handling. Handling is confident, though not very engaging. The Sportage offers a smooth ride, but when equipped with larger tires, you’ll experience increased body roll and more jittery ride quality.
2023 Sportage Off-Road Performance
The 2023 Sportage can handle some light off-roading duties, but it’s more family haulier than a rock crawler. The new X-Line and X-Pro trims have higher ground clearance than standard Sportage models, as well as terrain-specific drive modes (in X-Pro models) and rugged interior and exterior styling. Class rivals like the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco Sport offer more robust off-road performance.
2023 Sportage Towing Capacity
The 2023 Sportage can tow up to 1,100kg when properly equipped.
Sportage Reliability
Is the 2023 Kia Sportage Reliable?
The 2023 Sportage has a predicted reliability score of 88 out of 100. A J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 91-100 is considered the Best, 81-90 is Great, 70-80 is Average, and 0-69 is Fair and considered below average.
2023 Kia Sportage Warranty
Kia covers the Sportage with a five-year/60,000-mile limited warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
2023 Kia Sportage Safety
2023 Sportage Crash Test Results
Neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has crash-tested the 2023 Sportage at the time of writing.
2023 Sportage Safety Features
Standard driver-assistance features:
Forward collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection
Forward automatic emergency braking
Lane-keep assist
Driver-attention monitor
Rear-seat reminder
Rear parking sensors
Automatic high-beam headlights
Rearview camera
Available driver-assistance features:
Intersection traffic detection (detects oncoming traffic while turning at an intersection and applies brakes if necessary)
Blind-spot monitoring
Rear cross-traffic alert
Reverse automatic emergency braking
Stop-and-go adaptive cruise control
Highway driving assist (allows for partially autonomous driving on some highways)
Rain-sensing windshield wipers
Surround-view parking camera system
Front parking sensors
Safe exit assist
2023 Sportage Dimensions and Weight
The Sportage is 4,66m long. Its curb weight ranges from 1530kg to 1739 kg, and its gross vehicle weight rating is between 2120 kg and 2200kg.
2023 models at better prices are available when you browse used model stock!
In the market for used bakkies? With a wide variety right at your fingertips, we have compiled some important tips to ensure that you get the best used bakkie for sale with all the necessary requirements.
Diesel vs petrol
Diesel bakkies provide more power to withstand long-distance travel and carry heavy cargo on challenging roads. Petrol bakkies are more suited to urban day-to-day use. When looking to buy used bakkies, this is a useful point to bear in mind depending on what you require.
Stick vs auto
Going by cost, automatic bakkies are more expensive due to the intricacy of the gearbox. They also require more frequent servicing than manual bakkies. For new drivers, automatic bakkies are easier to drive and cannot stall. Manual bakkies are better preferred for off-road driving as opposed to automatic bakkies.
Get the full backstory
Look into what the previous owner utilized the used bakkie for. A full vehicle history should be available from the seller, whether the used bakkie is bought from a dealership or a private seller. However, it isn’t likely that the information will be given if you don’t request it. A vehicle history will indicate any areas for potential fault, possibly due to prior accidents or maintenance issues.
Try it on for size
Test driving the used bakkie in question is a vital excursion and is often overlooked. Pay attention to any questionable noises, all the way from the gearbox to the exhaust. It should also start, take off and accelerate smoothly. Gear changes should also be smooth, whether in a manual or automatic used bakkie. Test drive the used bakkie on both urban roads and dirt roads to ensure that the shock absorbers are still in good condition.
When looking to buy a used bakkie, there are many things to consult and verify to ensure that you receive your money’s worth.
Isuzu has a lot riding on the success of its 7th-gen bakkie, but is the newcomer good enough to rival the frontrunners in the double-cab market?
Engine: 3.0-Litre, 4-cylinder, turbodiesel
Power/Torque: 140kW/450 Nm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Fuel consumption: 7.9 L/100 km (claimed)
Payload: 995kg
Where does the 2022 Isuzu D-Max fit in?
While the neverending battle on the sales charts between the Toyota Hilux and outgoing Ford Ranger regularly grab headlines, those who take a deeper interest in the sales figures will have noted the continued support for the outgoing (6th-gen) D-Max Isuzu bakkie for sale, right up to the time of its replacement. Its enduring popularity was fueled by a reputation for dependability, as well as a clever spread of derivatives that appeared to cater to every kind of new-bakkie buyer out there.
With the new D-Max, Isuzu has come out all guns blazing once more, with a range that includes no fewer than 24 single-, extended- and double-cab derivatives. And while ruggedness and reliability are core product strengths that Isuzu has been careful to maintain, it is also acutely aware that the D-Max had started to lag the market leaders in certain respects, particularly when it comes to the leisure/luxury aspect of Double-Cab motoring. As such, the major focus areas for the new D-Max were its cabin design, fit and finish, onboard tech, safety and refinement.
Our test unit is the second-from-the-top LSE derivative, so it doesn’t feature all the bells and whistles of the V-Cross flagship. Nonetheless, it should provide us with a good sense of the extent to which Isuzu has raised its “leisure game”. Furthermore, this LSE 4×4 is priced to compete against some of the fastest-selling double cabs on the market, most notably the Toyota Hilux, in Raider specification.
Design and Exterior
The new D-Max is a handsome pick-up, with a particularly striking grille/headlamp treatment, enhanced through the fitment of LED headlamps, LED daytime running lights and LED fog lamps. It lacks the V-Cross’s striking fender blisters and skid plate, among other items, but is nevertheless an attractively styled offering that turned quite a few heads during our test period, particularly those of other Isuzu drivers!
This LSE derivative rides on stylish 18-inch wheels shod with chunky 265/60 General Grabber tyres. At the rear, the stylish LED taillamps catch the eye and the chrome tubular sports bar is standard fitment (if purely cosmetic). A nice touch is the standard fitment of a towbar – the D-Max has a 3 500 kg tow rating (braked). The load bay is nice and deep (30 mm more than before) and the tailgate is wide (1 530 mm). This particular derivative has a payload rating of 995 kg.
Despite being slightly lower than before (by 10 mm), the D-Max’s other key dimensions have increased all-round. The wheelbase is (a seemingly negligible) 30 mm longer, but nevertheless, cabin space in the rear has been markedly improved. In fact, the Isuzu now ranks as among the best when it comes to rear occupant comfort. In addition to the extra legroom, the less upright angle of the backrest further boosts comfort levels. Rear passengers also have access to a USB charging point and ventilation outlets. If you want to transport something in the rear of the D-Max’s cabin (such as a bicycle), you can flip up the seat cushions and latch them onto the rear headrests, which opens a usefully large open space.
Owners of the previous D-Max are always in awe when they see the fascia of the new Isuzu for the first time. Indeed, compared with its comparatively rudimentary predecessor, the new D-Max looks upmarket, with neat finishes all around and good quality materials. It’s also worth noting that the D-Max’s cabin emitted neither a rattle nor a squeak during its tenure in our test fleet, during which time it was used for gravel- and off-road driving. It seems very well screwed together.
Leather upholstery is standard on LSE-spec D-Maxes, and the driver’s seat offers height adjustment (manual), plus lumbar support; combined with the rake- and reach-adjustable steering column, it’s easy to find a comfortable driving position.
Performance and Power
The D-Max is powered by what Isuzu calls an “upgraded” version of the Japanese marque’s tried-and-tested 3.0-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine, but most of it is, in actual fact, all-new. Isuzu’s goals were to achieve improved low-down torque, less noise, better fuel efficiency and superior pull-away performance. It has to be said that its predecessor was a particularly “lazy” powerplant, at least within the context of what else is on offer in the market.
In this LSE 4×4 derivative, the engine is mated with a six-speed automatic transmission. Quoted outputs are nothing staggering: peak power of 140 kW is class-competitive, but nothing more, and the maximum torque of 450 Nm is about on par with the opposition. Both outputs are beaten by, for example, those of the current Toyota Hilux 2.8GD-6, and the forthcoming Ford Ranger and Volkswagen Amarok will have those numbers beaten as well…
Still, on the road, the D-Max does indeed feel a bit more eager from the get-go and a shove of torque is available from 1 600 to 2 600 rpm. The transmission is well-calibrated with the engine’s performance characteristics (it does not resort to hunting for the appropriate ratio) and, best of all, it shifts almost unobtrusively. The engine does, however, retain that typical “grumbly” Isuzu sound, but push down on the throttle pedal and there’s generally more performance to unlock than what the strained engine sound may lead you to suspect. So while the Isuzu is more refined than before, we wouldn’t rate its “perceived” mechanical refinement as being on par with, for example, the Toyota Hilux’s 2.8-litre 4-cylinder unit.
Isuzu claims an average fuel consumption of 7.9L/100 km, which is among the lowest in this category, and during this test, we averaged around 10L/100 km (indicated), which is impressive for this type of vehicle.
Interior and Features
The LSE specification is comprehensive – as it should be. Dual-zone climate control, cruise control, rain-sensing wipers, front and rear park assist, tyre-pressure monitoring and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible, are among the highlights. On the safety side, the D-Max also gets blind-spot monitoring and cross-traffic alert (very handy on a sizeable vehicle), in addition to 7 airbags.
And yet, we feel it might all just not be enough… The game is moving quickly in the leisure double-cab segment, and the upcoming new Ford Ranger and Volkswagen Amarok are likely to set heady benchmarks in the cabin-tech space. The D-Max LSE does have a reverse-view camera, but that in itself is no longer terribly impressive (when there are far more affordable vehicles available that offer 360-degree camera systems as standard). It may seem like we’re nitpicking, but the reality is that a 360-degree camera (or multi-angle views) would notably boost the D-Max’s off-road credentials. It’s not just for show, and we feel a wireless charging pad will also soon become the norm in this segment.
If you want truly advanced safety features such as autonomous emergency braking, lane-keep assist and adaptive cruise control, you will have to fork out extra for the V-Cross flagship.
Ride and Handling
The D-Max has always delivered one of the more forgiving (absorbent) ride qualities in the double-cab market, and this latest model continues the tradition. We have a particularly nasty few speed humps in our office complex, and they usually send tremors down the chassis of any ladder-frame-based vehicle that traverses them – in a bakkie, a little jump from the rear axle is to be expected. The D-Max, however, cruised over those bumps without as much as a hint of drama.
Similarly, on our gravel-road test, the D-Max’s ride and road holding impressed me. On tar, it’s a smooth operator as well, with much lower NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) compared with its predecessor and notably more precise steering.
And then we headed off-road. On paper, the D-Max’s ground clearance of 232 mm is not particularly impressive (Toyota claims 286 mm for the Hilux), but we didn’t experience any “bottoming out” during our off-road test, plus the bakkie’s approach and departure angles (30- and 18 degrees, respectively) appeared to be quite sufficient. Isuzu claims a wading depth of 800 mm for the D-Max.
In general, the D-Max feels unstoppable and virtually unbreakable off-road. Selecting 4H or 4L requires no more than a twist of a rotary knob on the fascia, and a rear diff-lock is standard. Combine all of this with loads of torque from low in the rev range, and you have a vehicle that feels capable of crawling up – and over – anything.
Verdict
Compared with its long-serving (and widely adored) predecessor, the 7th-gen Isuzu D-Max is more spacious and comfortable inside, with greater drivetrain refinement, good looks and impressive off-roading talents. Indeed, the Japanese bakkie ticks many boxes. We’re sure the Isuzu faithful will love it, as it also retains that typically Isuzu “rugged” character. Is it good enough, however, to steal some sales away from the other brands? On that question, we’re not so sure.
Make no mistake, there’s little amiss with the D-Max, it’s just that the leisure double-cab game will move quickly in the coming months, and we wonder whether Isuzu has made big enough strides in terms of particularly cabin infotainment tech and engine power. On the other hand, some D-Max diehards will argue that they prefer Isuzu’s simpler approach, which could result in greater reliability in the long run. Either way, this is a well-built, attractive product that deserves to do well.
If you are in the market for a used Toyota Corolla, this guide is for you. The Toyota Corolla for sale is one of the most well-known and beloved sedan models ever produced by any automaker. To get one of your own, you should know about all the different trim levels, the features you can expect to see, and the most common model years. Continue reading the rest of this entry to learn more.
What Do the Toyota Corolla Trim Level Names Mean?
Toyota doesn’t like to come right out and use a descriptive name for the trim levels on their vehicles like other automakers. With a few exceptions, Toyota simply uses a few letters to indicate which trim levels are which. Generally, the trim levels will follow the scheme described below in every model year:
L: Base Trim Level
LE: Slight Increase in Available Features
SE: Middle-Ground Trim with More Technology and Some Premium Features
XLE: An upgraded version of the LE, Including Some Luxury Features
XSE: Often the Highest Trim Level, Including All the Best Features Available for the Model Year
Some other trim names you may encounter on the Toyota Corolla or other Toyota Vehicles may include the following:
Nightshade Edition: A Black-Themed Variant of the SE Trim
TRD: Stands for “Toyota Racing Development,” and Often Includes “Off-Road” or “Pro” to Indicate the Model is Made for Off-Roading Capability or High-Performance Speeds
Touring/Limited: Uncommon Terms for Luxury Trims
What Toyota Corolla Models Are Easiest to Find Used?
If you go looking at the used stock of Toyota Corolla models at a dealership, you will find most of the used Corolla models are as many as 3 years old and are rarely any older than that. Many people buy new Corolla models and trade them in for the latest model year as soon as it comes out. For example, at the time of this writing in late 2020, almost every pre-owned Toyota Corolla at Phil Meador Toyota is from 2018, 2019, or 2020. A few 2021 Corolla models are also being sold used. If you are focused on saving money, search among the oldest, highest mileage, and lowest trim models available.
Creating a reliable, economical, practical, and affordable vehicle that is also fun and quirky is a tough task for any car manufacturer. Toyota reckons they have the perfect recipe in the Toyota Etios range, designed and built to match all of those requirements.
Small enough to park almost anywhere but still stand out from the crowd, the Toyota Etios for sale comes in a range of vibrant colours. It’s the entry-level vehicle for the pioneering and globally renowned Toyota brand and regularly features on NAAMSA’s best-selling cars list.
A brief history of Toyota Etios
Launched in 2010 specifically for the Indian market, Toyota later expanded the Etios’ horizons and exported it to countries across the world; it has been available in South Africa since 2013.
Viewed as the replacement for the popular Toyota Tazz model, the Etios had a momentous task to fulfil but appears to be doing well. The budget model is available in a five-door hatchback and a four-door sedan.
Throughout the model’s lifetime, Toyota has added several editions to the Etios range including the Etios Cross, a compact crossover model featuring a raised ride height, roof rails, and durable bumpers.
Toyota Etios details
The Etios features an array of specs and comforts including air-conditioning, electric power steering, electric windows, and an alarm/immobiliser. Bluetooth, USB, and AUX ports are standard features on all Etios models.
Exterior styling offers coloured bumpers and door handles, laminated windshield glass, halogen headlights, and a high-mounted LED brake light. The Etios doesn’t skimp on safety; driver and passenger airbags, anti-lock braking system (ABS), and electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) all come standard.
The base Etios 1.5 Xi HB model is powered by a 1.5 L four-cylinder engine producing 66kW and 132Nm of torque. Fuel consumption measures at a combined cycle of 6.0 L/100 km and 138 g/km of CO2.
Buying a Toyota Etios
New Etios models are available at your nearest Toyota dealership in South Africa, which you can find easily using their online dealership locator.
Toyota also offers its in-house Toyota Financial Services Limited, where customers can customise a financing plan that suits their budgets.
If you’d prefer to test drive the model before buying it, consider hiring a Toyota Etios from a reputable car rental service first.
A Toyota warranty comes standard with the Etios and is valid for three years/100,000 km. The automaker also offers a service plan, which is valid for three services/30,000 km, with service intervals every 12 months/10,000 km. This falls under the Toyota Genuine Warranty, which includes roadside assistance, genuine Toyota parts, and a no-hassles claims process.
View the details of the Toyota Genuine Warranty at any Toyota dealership in South Africa or visit their website for more info.
Toyota Etios insurance
Considering the Toyota Etios is among the best-selling vehicles in South Africa, Toyota has gone to great lengths to ensure good parts availability. However, the downside is the car’s high risk for theft and hijacking, according to the Ctrack vehicle theft report.
In-house insurance is available through a MyToyota insurance policy, which covers repair work by a Toyota-accredited service agent. It also insures against accidental damage, hail damage, theft and hijacking, and comes with roadside, legal, medical, and home assistance.
Most South African vehicle insurers offer a competitive premium for Toyota vehicles, including the Etios, and many offer standard roadside, medical, legal, and home assistance. So before you commit, hippo it! Simply visit our online vehicle insurance quote comparison tool and get quotes from multiple insurance companies to find the best deal.
Many drivers aspire to own a particular car. Maybe it’s a dream vehicle they thought about for years or one they recently fell in love with. But often, the dream car must wait.
Perhaps your ideal vehicle costs too much. Average car prices for new and used cars hit new highs during the past year. Additionally, interest rates increased in an attempt to curb the inflation that may be eating away at your savings account.
Let’s face it: Those factors can put a dent in anyone’s big plan for a dream car down payment. For first-time or younger car buyers, building credit from scratch takes time. This market isn’t helping.
Whatever your dream car or budget, you need to start somewhere. We’ll tell you how to start planning and saving for your dream car. We’ll provide tips and information you can use right now so that you can make your dream car a reality when you’re ready to find your match among the many cars for sale in Gauteng.
Dream Car Plan: What to Consider
When car shoppers start to plan for a vehicle they like, some focus on name brands or features available. Others may focus on the body of the car or its exclusivity.
Your dream car can be whatever you define it as, and sometimes there is no rhyme or reason. Whether you like exotic sports cars, modern electric cars, or practical hatchbacks, picking your perfect vehicle is based on what feels suitable for you.
If you did not pick something yet, consider starting with research to determine which ones you like best. During the research stage, check the new models, and research the old ones to learn about cost differences.
PRO TIP: Did you know that you can quickly calculate the 5-year cost to own a specific vehicle model and make? It will help determine fuel, maintenance, repairs, depreciation, and insurance costs.
New Model Cars
New model cars hitting the marketplace can help you narrow your choices. You can look at car reviews and compare models and trim packages.
However, new cars for many seem out of reach because of skyrocketing car prices due to market conditions and factors affecting supply like the microchip shortage. If you prefer a specific model, you should investigate the various trim packages available for the vehicle. For example, the basic trim packages cost less than the higher ones available.
Companies may release newer models of your dream car with new features and innovation. Electric vehicles are becoming more popular. Like many new vehicles, these come with many new safety features that help you drive safer or more efficiently.
Used Cars, Discontinued and Classic Cars
Why not consider older models, too? An older nameplate could also be discontinued and no longer in production. This may become more prevalent as new electric vehicles debut. You might even consider a different generation of a car still in production, like the Honda Civic. After all, your dream car may be a new-looking used car for sale Gauteng dealers have on offer.
Don’t forget that discontinued cars and used vehicles can be great cost-effective options. Just keep an eye on price fluctuations, whether increases due to the scarcity of the model or other factors where it drops in price.
Some people dream of owning a vintage car. Maybe it is based on a reminiscent attachment to a particular model or a limited-edition classic vehicle. Remember that dream car planning is not exclusive to new cars.
You’ll also need to keep an eye on classic car prices. Some are costly due to the “classic” status. In addition, maintenance costs and parts sourcing can be challenging for a used car. Also, vintage car parts may be more expensive and less available than those for a new car.
Buy or Lease Your Ideal Vehicle?
Whether new or used, you can search online to find out how much your dream car will cost in your area. You can search for a vehicle by year, make, and model. You can also search vehicles by price if you know what you want to pay. This will help your browse cars in your price range.
Once you narrow the field and select the car you like, you can begin your next steps, like determining if you want to buy or lease the vehicle.
While it’s a difficult decision, most people choose to buy because you own your vehicle after you completely pay it off. Optionally, you could choose to lease a vehicle. No doubt, leasing a vehicle lowers your monthly car payment. For some, it’s the best option due to higher car prices and interest rates due to the current market conditions.
However, one of the biggest drawbacks of leasing is that when the terms end, you don’t own the car. So you need to decide whether to pay the terms of the deal to buy the vehicle or not. Also, you may get stuck with a penalty if you exceed the lease mileage you agreed to at the start of the contract.
PRO TIP: Did you know you can get an estimate of your monthly car payment for buying and leasing? To determine your car payment – use the car loan calculator on the dealer’s site.
Dream Car Budget: More Tips and Tools
Once you know an estimate of your monthly car payment for your dream car, either aim for that figure or do some soul-searching. What you need to do is flip around the equation. How many cars can you truly afford? That’s where the reality sets in of owning your ideal car. Think Champagne taste on a beer budget.
What your budget says you can afford: Our sister site Autotrader provides an affordability calculator tool to determine how much you can afford for a vehicle based on your budget.
Determine your existing car’s value. If you currently drive a car, use the Kelley Blue Book valuation tool to determine what your vehicle is worth. Once you know, you can use its value as leverage in buying your dream car.
You’ll need to incorporate extras beyond the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) when establishing your vehicle budget. The dealership will do this for you before you commit to buying any vehicle.
But for now, you need to incorporate some estimates for those. Read on to learn more.
PRO TIP: Did you know you can trade in your old vehicle and get an instant cash offer? Many dealers will pay top dollar for your older vehicle in today’s market. You can even shop your trade-in car around at various dealerships with no obligation to purchase.
How to Budget the Extras on the Car Invoice
Although the calculator tools we list above consider car taxes and interest, you will still need to estimate those rates if purchasing the vehicle from a dealership or financing the car. Here’s how to do that and what else you need to account for in your budget.
Car loan interest: While interest rates fluctuate, it’s good to get a handle on typical interest rates. According to Experian, the average interest rate for new cars reached 4.07% in the first quarter of 2022. For used cars, rates averaged 8.62%.
Taxes: Only a handful of places — Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, Oregon, and Washington, D.C. — do not charge sales tax on cars. Some places require you to pay use and excise taxes or collect them when you register your vehicle. Check your state or local area’s revenue department to get the information you need.
Destination charge: Manufacturers set these charges for each new model year car. They are not negotiable.
Dealer, or “Doc” fees: Car dealerships will charge extra processing fees for things like filing all the paperwork for your car tags and registering new or used vehicles. These are negotiable. But you still need a baseline figure.
PRO TIP: While not on your invoice, getting an estimate for car insurance is always helpful, and when financing a vehicle at a dealership, most will not let you drive off unless you prove you got it insured in your name. Be aware that younger drivers typically pay more for car insurance until age 25. After that, rates can go down. But insurers base their rates on various factors, including where you live. Most car insurers will not count a policy estimate as a credit check.
Once you know what you’re working with, you can start saving for your dream car.
Saving for Your Dream Car
If your heart is set on purchasing your dream car now, but your wallet still lacks the funds, you can start now by saving money each month. It will ensure that you can buy your favourite car in the future.
We’ll outline several strategies to help you save money.
1. Build Your Credit
When you build your credit, you’re earning your way to a better car loan interest rate. In essence, you’ll save money. Start by finding out your credit score. You can request free credit reports on Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.
TIP: Research the credit bureaus’ websites to find ways to increase your score. The higher the number, the better the interest rate on your future car loan. Building credit strengthens your financial credibility with car dealerships, banks, credit unions, credit cards, car insurers, and more.
Pay bills on time. To maintain a healthy credit score, always pay bills on time. Sign up for online bill pays for your rent or mortgage, credit cards, utility, and other bills.
Sign up for a secured credit card. You can open a secured credit card with your bank, credit union, or another financial institution of your choice. These cards allow you to build or rebuild your credit to create a solid financial track record. Secured credit cards typically get tied to funds you deposit and keep there, whether in your bank, credit union, or with another financial institution like CapitalOne.
Pay off credit card balance(s) each month. Do you know the old saying to only charge what you can afford? It’s a good idea to build credit by spending on a credit card but only charge what you know you can pay off in a month. Many people who use secured or non-secured credit cards will typically charge groceries or gas but pay those off immediately. It can increase your score when creditors see you pay on time or the entire balance each month.
Keep an eye on credit limits. Credit limits can increase over time, but it doesn’t mean you need to spend up to the top of the limit. Doing so decreases your debt-to-credit ratio or the amount you owe vs. what total credit is available to you.
Limit your debts. Another factor credit bureaus take into account is your debt-to-income ratio. The goal here is to keep your debts low or paid off compared to what you make annually. Lenders, including those for cars, will check your ratio to determine your creditworthiness, and it all goes back to what interest rate you will be required to pay.
PRO TIP: Did you know that creditors consider your student loan payments part of your debt-to-income ratio when applying for car loans? That’s why it’s always a good idea to pay them down and pay them on time.
2. Cut Expenses
A quick way to find money in your budget and build a fund for buying a car is to slash your expenses. If you eat out or buy a coffee each day, set a smaller budget and stick to it. Drink your coffee at home. Here’s a quick snapshot of how the money adds up:
Save R250/week = R91 000/year
Save R500/week = R182 000/year
Save R1000/week = R364 000/year
Even if it takes you two to five years to build credit and save money, you’ll earn your way to a solid down payment.
PRO TIP: Did you know that the typical car down payment is between 10% and 20%? Most financial experts suggest putting down 10% for used and at least 20% for new vehicles. To get the best interest rate available to you, plan to put down the most you can.
3. Get a Second Job
Another easy way to save money is to take on a side hustle or second job. Retailers and restaurants usually need help around the holidays. That’s a sure thing if you like to interact with customers. You might even consider a more permanent situation to stock away funds you wouldn’t usually count on. Additionally, you could save money on clothing, goods, or food if you work in either industry.
4. Pay Down Credit Cards
As with building credit, you will save money when you pay down your credit cards because you will not be paying credit card interest. It’s a significant saving for your bank account when you don’t need to pay interest.
5. Consider a Used Car First
You could buy or lease a used car now before buying your dream car to help finance your ride in the future. If you buy a used car, you could sell it in the future and add the expected resale value to your budget.
Consider that a lease payment could be lower than paying back car loan payments when dream car planning. Leasing also allows you to walk away from a car you might not like.
Buying Your Dream Vehicle
When you’re ready to make the leap and buy your ideal car, you’ll need to take steps to get to the finish line. We’ll tell you about those steps.
1. Reprice the Car You Plan to Buy
Vehicle prices fluctuate, especially in this economy where microchips are in short supply and inventories remain tight. You’ll need to reprice the vehicle you originally considered and the value of any vehicle you plan to trade. At this point, you may also want to see how a newer used model compares in price to determine your next steps.
Don’t forget to check certified pre-owned vehicles. CPO vehicles undergo detailed inspections sanctioned by the manufacturer before becoming certified.
2. Prepare Your Trade-in and Down Payment
If you plan to trade your old car with an cash offer at a dealership, you can use the money toward a down payment. Don’t forget that once you know the value of your old car and get offers in hand from dealerships, you can use the offers as leverage to get the best deal.
PRO TIP: Did you know that in some states, you can trade your car for a new one and only pay taxes on the difference between the two vehicles?
You can also choose to sell your existing car privately, but it may take longer. Other pitfalls, such as dealing with strangers and completing all paperwork yourself, may intimidate some. But selling to someone else can happen with careful planning. Selling a car privately can help you get more money.
3. Car Financing: Line Up Before You Go
Before you buy a new or used vehicle or head to any dealership, it’s best to shop for financing. Since you’re planning to buy a car, you’ll need to know what bank or credit union interest rate you can qualify for based on your credit rating.
PRO TIP: Don’t forget to keep your financing specifics under wraps until you negotiate the car’s final price if buying from a dealership.
4. Initiate the Buying Process
Now that you know what car you want, the expected value of your trade-in and down payment, and your financing is in hand, it’s time to connect with the sellers of the vehicle you want.
Don’t get too specific with the dealership or reveal your hand. Keep things vague. Remember that you lose the upper hand if a salesperson knows how much you want a particular car. Dealers might try to sell you extra accessories, warranties, packages, and different payment plans. Make sure you know your hard boundaries so that dealers do not take advantage of your time or money.
The seller may be a private individual for a used car, or you can turn to a dealership for a new, used or certified pre-owned model. You can start with phone calls to set appointments. If you’re buying a car online, you’ll want to read our story on purchasing a vehicle online to know the process for such a deal. If you selected a new car and plan to order the vehicle, use our advice on factory orders.
PRO TIP: According to the FTC, for a used car, you should check the condition, warranty, and vehicle history report before buying the vehicle. After you find the car you want, request the car’s VIN (vehicle identification number) so that you can run a vehicle history report. Services like Carfax can provide you with the car’s history. You’ll want to look for red flags, such as whether or not it was in an accident or experienced a flooding event. You’ll also want to check that the car was well cared for because vehicle history reports typically include the dates of service.
5. Take a Test Drive
An important step is taking the car out for a test drive. Even if you plan to purchase a vehicle online or directly through the manufacturer, it still helps to get a feel for the car inside and out.
See how the seating feels in front and as a passenger in the back. Check for legroom, headroom, trunk space, roof racks, and any options like safety features or options you want in a vehicle. Bring a car seat if you need to test it out if the vehicle will be for your family.
For a used vehicle test drive, spend as much time as you need and take it to an auto repair shop for a mechanical assessment. You’ll want to ask about and research the manufacturer’s website to learn about any remaining warranties and whether they transfer. You might also ask the seller for a copy of the car’s emissions certificate. It’s also vital to see if the vehicle has any outstanding recalls that need to be rectified.
PRO TIP: Ask a friend to join you on a test drive and only meet in a public space for safety reasons.
6. Negotiate the Price
Negotiating is relatively straightforward when buying a car from a private seller.
If you do find yourself at the dealership, use these tips to help get the process going. In today’s challenging market, most dealerships command at or above MSRP for vehicles. However, you may find wiggle room on certain things during the car buying process. Read on to find out more.
Obtain the final price first before discussing any vehicle financing at a dealership. You completed all the research and know where you want to land on the monthly payment and price of the car. So, don’t tip your hand to anything, including how much you plan to spend on your monthly payment. Keep everything to yourself until you get all costs in writing (see the next tip below). Let the dealership provide you with the final price and then use your financing in hand as a point of negotiation. Most dealers would rather you finance through them. Use that knowledge to your benefit. They don’t need to know anything about what you qualify for at any other financial institution until you initiate negotiations.
Get all costs in writing. When it comes down to the price, ask for your final estimate in writing. You’ll want to ensure the final cost includes the destination fee, all document and dealership fees, the interest rate, and more.
Question any markup costs, sometimes called “market adjustments” or “dealer adjustments.” Shop several dealerships. If they offer the same or similar vehicle, try to use one deal against the other. Don’t be afraid to walk away.
Consider cars out of state to get a better deal. Some dealerships in rural areas don’t mark up car prices.
Order the vehicle from the factory if you’re willing to wait several months (or longer) for your dream car. You’ve waited this long. Why not wait longer? Oftentimes, factory orders cost less than in-stock vehicles.
Don’t agree to pay for unforeseen line items like fabric protection, a paint protection package, VIN etching, or tire/wheel warranties.
If a car comes with extras you do not care for, you may get stuck with them. However, it doesn’t mean you need to pay for those extras. Look to negotiate those extras.
Don’t get an extended car warranty if it’s a new car. Read this car warranties guide to learn how extended car warranties work.
Be prepared to act. If you find an acceptable deal, jump on it. Some vehicles remain a hot commodity. Just remember all of the above points to get yourself the best deal.
7. Obtain Car Insurance
Once you settle on the price and you know you’re purchasing the vehicle, set up the car insurance. Dealers will require it if you finance the vehicle.
To find out what car insurance you need, ask your current insurer. Most likely you will need collision and comprehensive coverage for the new and newer model used cars. Don’t forget to ask your insurer about any car insurance add-ons you may need like rental car reimbursement and windshield protection.
8. Complete the Paperwork
Once you settle on the price, you’ll need to finalize all the paperwork to complete the deal. A dealership will complete the paperwork for you. However, buying a car from a private seller means you’ll need to follow all the steps listed here.
Pay for the vehicle. Use a cashier’s check from your bank to pay for the vehicle. This is the safest method, though if the vehicle price is low enough, you could send money via services like Zelle or PayPal. Check the daily limits of these services before determining the best way to pay.
Obtain a bill of sale. You can typically find a form on the website of your state’s motor vehicle division or department.
Take possession of the vehicle’s car title. Sellers can assign car titles directly to buyers. The seller will sign it over to you. It’s yours to keep.
Register the vehicle. When you drive away with the car, you must register it with your state’s motor vehicle division or department. Some states require a vehicle emissions test and require that you pay taxes during registration.
The winners of the 2023 Carbuyer Best Used Car Awards have been announced. The awards feature a total of 16 used car categories, covering everything from regular family hatchbacks to sports cars, plus electric and hybrid models. As part of this year’s Carbuyer Best Car Awards, all the contenders for our Best Used Car awards were evaluated on their performance in key areas by our team of experts, with all of the winners representing the very best second-hand cars on the market today.
When looking for your next car among the available cars for sale in Johannesburg, it can be difficult to decide between buying new or used. While buying a brand-new car is tempting, there are some great savings to be had on used models simply because they’re not fresh out of the showroom. Another good reason to buy used is depreciation, with second-hand cars having already incurred a hit in value on their original list price.
It means that buying used for sale in Johannesburg can be a very cost-effective method of car ownership – and you don’t necessarily need to make any sacrifices in terms of age or mileage. Cars tend to be upgraded midway through their lifecycle, meaning it shouldn’t prove too difficult to find a low-mileage car with some of the latest technology fitted for a very reasonable price.
Used-car buyers have never had more choice, thanks to a huge variety of hybrid and electric cars now popping up on the used car market, and there’s now a vast range of places where you can buy a used car with confidence.
A guide to choosing a reliable used car – what you should look for, and why it matters
If you’re shopping for a new car, reliability is probably one of your top requirements. A reliable car usually needs far fewer repairs and upkeep that sit outside of usual wear and tear, so it’s a good way to keep running costs low and your driving experience faff-free.
Shopping for a used car in Rexford can fill you with doubts that you’re not getting something that will be as reliable as a brand-new model. While it’s true that buying a used car from any random seller is a risk, you can definitely get a reliable used car from a trusted source. You’ll just need to do your research beforehand, and don’t rush into a sale for a good deal that could cost you more in the long run.
There are a few things you can look for when choosing a reliable used car for sale in Knysna Central, but the best thing you can do is get to know the models you’re considering. Taking some time to look into cars before you take the plunge will ensure you’re getting a model you can rely on.
What does it mean for a car to be reliable?
A reliable car will usually mean that your vehicle doesn’t need any more than the typical maintenance, servicing and repairs. All cars need some upkeep over time, be that replacing tyres, brakes, or schedule in your MOT. Reliable cars will usually only need these repairs, and will rarely have any extra issues if you keep up with the right care and maintenance.
By choosing a car that’s highly rated as reliable, you can expect only the occasional extra repair, with minimal other work needed. This is ideal for keeping running costs low, and maintenance to a minimum.
Are used cars reliable?
You might feel like buying a car brand-new is the best way to make sure you’re getting something reliable, but used cars can be just as dependable.
If you do your research and know what to look for when buying then you should still find a used car reliable. That’s especially true if you buy from a trusted seller that thoroughly checks over their cars before they’re sold, so you know you’re getting a good model. Dealer quality checks ensure our used cars are in top condition.
How to choose the most reliable car
There are a few things you can look for in a car to know if it’s likely to be reliable, and most of those come from listening to those who drive them. Motorists who have experience with the car you’re eyeing will be able to give you the most accurate representation of how reliable it is.
1) Read car reviews
Reading reviews is one of the best things you can do before you buy a car, as it gives you an in-depth insight into the vehicle.
You can even find car review videos online that are helpful with getting to grips with a vehicle and will give you a full rundown of the pros and cons.
The best reviews you can read for car reliability are ones from motorists who own the car, or from reviewers who have driven it in real life. This way you know they have experience with the vehicle and aren’t just going off first impressions.
2) Check the car forums
Online car forums are a great way to learn more about a prospective new car and ask for opinions. Search around for forums dedicated to that specific manufacturer, type of car, or model itself.
You’ll also be able to find groups on social media where motorists gather to share the good and the bad about their vehicles and get advice.
Have a scroll through and you should be able to find common faults, repair work that regularly needs doing, and any other issues specific to that car.
3) Ask people you know (or people you don’t!)
It might be common sense to ask those around you how they feel about the reliability of their car, but why not ask people you don’t know?
If you’re out and about and spot somebody with a car you’ve been eyeing up, you could always ask for their opinion. Stopping a friendly face in a car park and asking them whether they find their car to be reliable is another good way to get a review from first-hand experience. They could have some really useful information that’ll help you choose the most reliable car.
4) Use consumer reports and surveys
There are many online surveys and reports that can give you an insight into the reliability of car models, with handy ratings and statistics that can help you make your choice. A quick search will help you find the most reliable models on the market, so you’ll have some options ready to consider.
What should you check before buying a used car?
To make sure you’re getting the most reliable used car possible, it’s a good idea to do some extra checks. This will give you peace of mind and confirm everything is in order with the car, so you can confidently drive away.
There are other checks you can do online that require a small fee but will help you find out other details like whether the mileage is correct, or if the car has been reported as stolen. Finding out these details ahead of time will ensure you can rely on your car in the future.
You might also want to give the car a thorough check or bring along someone who has the know-how to help you do this. If you’re buying from a trusted and reputable seller then this extra step probably isn’t needed, but it’s something you should consider if you’re buying privately.
Used car reliability
You can easily buy a reliable used car if you know what you’re looking for and take the time to do some research. Just because a car is pre-owned doesn’t automatically mean it’s more likely to go wrong, and you can get some really good deals when buying second-hand.
Ultimate Used Cars 