The allure of a brand-new BMW 3-Series is undeniable – sleek styling, state-of-the-art tech, and that sheer driving pleasure. But with a starting price of R913,000, it begs the question: is a new 3-Series really the smartest choice? The moment you drive it off the showroom floor, depreciation takes its…
Tag: Used Car Buying Advice
Buying Advice
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Fraud Alert: Don’t get caught by fake car sellers on Facebook Marketplace
🚨 Attention all car buyers! 🚨 Thinking of snagging a sweet deal on a second-hand car? Don’t hit the “Buy” button just yet! The South African Police Service (SAPS) has issued a fresh warning – scammers are lurking in every corner of the internet, especially on platforms like Facebook Marketplace….
Buying Advice
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In Conversation: Used Car Sales Expert Shares Insights
Karen Gouws is a highly experienced and award-winning used car sales expert with over two decades of experience. She is a Senior Sales Executive and Assistant Manager at Prestige Auto Sales, a used car dealership in Gqerberha, Eastern Cape, operating for over 30 years. We sat down with her to…
Buying Advice
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Lexus Cars: The overlooked luxury choice on South Africa’s used car market
When it comes to luxury vehicles, the South African market tends to gravitate toward well-known European brands like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi. But there’s another contender in the luxury segment that often flies under the radar: Lexus. Despite offering fantastic reliability, comfort, and a touch of luxury, Lexus vehicles seem…
Ownership Tips and tricks
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How much do cars depreciate in South Africa?
South Africans spend real time behind the wheel, adding up to a mind-boggling number of kilometers driven each year. But every mile and minute chips away at your car’s value, a process known as depreciation. Car depreciation is the loss in value from when you buy your car to when…
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READER QUESTION: Italian cars: Fact or myth? Do Alfa Romeo and Fiat really have lots of faults and problems?
“I’ve always loved the look of Italian cars, especially Alfa Romeo and Fiat, but I’ve heard so many stories about them being unreliable. Are these cars really as problematic as people say, or are these just myths? Should I consider buying one?” – Reader from Johannesburg. This question from one…
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Japanese vs. German used cars: Which is better, Rand for Rand?
When it comes to choosing a used car in the South African market, the debate between Japanese and German vehicles is a heated one. Both have their loyal followers, and each brings unique strengths to the table. But when you’re spending your hard-earned Rands, which offers the better value? Let’s…
Buying Advice
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Volkswagen Amarok First Generation (2010–2021): Ultimate used car buying guide
We love Volkswagens. The brand offers deep German engineering to produce truly wonderful vehicles. The first-generation Amarok, launched to much fanfare worldwide rocked the established bakkie market upon its debut in 2010. Initially ridiculed for its unconventional engine choice, the Amarok emerged as a formidable player in the South African…
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The Used Car Buying Toolkit [2024 Guide]
This website was born from the idea of helping potential used car buyers with sound (I like to think) advice. From various models to avoid, financial pitfalls, and navigating the fine print to how-tos and practical insights into how to check a used car before buying. I’ve worked at vehicle…
Buying Advice
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For R5,000 per Month, We’d Rather Have This…
When it comes to getting the most bang for your buck in the South African used car market, a budget of R5,000 per month opens up a world of possibilities. Instead of settling for the bare minimum, you can actually drive away in style, comfort, and reliability. But which cars…