Many motorists cannot afford to buy new cars, and thus the second-hand car market is the most popular. The question is how do you go about buying a second-hand car?
According to two articles from May 2018, the second-hand car market is continually growing in South Africa. To be able to buy a second-hand car, you need to know what to look for, and what are the advantages of buying second-hand cars compared to new ones.
A SECOND-HAND CAR HAS UNDERGONE MUCH DEPRECIATION
It is good to know that when you buy your second-hand car, it will already have gone through considerable depreciation. This is why second-hand cars are that much cheaper compared to new cars.
DO SECOND-HAND CARS HAVE SERVICE PLANS?
One of the reasons people buy new cars is because they come with a service plan and a warranty. But, there are second-hand cars out there that do come with a service plan – you just need to look out for one. And when you do find a car, enquire if you can extend the service plan.
WHAT IF THE SECOND-HAND CAR DOESN’T HAVE A SERVICE PLAN?
It makes sense that, instead of paying monthly for a service plan, deposit a monthly instalment into your savings account, which cannot be easily accessed. In this way, you’ll be financially prepared for the next expensive service.
CAN WARRANTIES ALSO BE EXTENDED WITH SECOND-HAND CARS?
Yes, most certainly, warranties on second-hand cars can be extended, and you can either pay this by monthly instalments or add the cost of the extension to the car’s purchase price.
SHOULD YOU BUY FROM A REPUTABLE DEALER?
Some motorists may be tempted to go for that exciting bargain they located online, but according to Pricecheck, it’s more advantageous to buy a car from a respected dealer. This is because such dealers take greater care of second-hand cars, which are usually acceptably priced, and appear virtually new. You would perhaps have a better come-back approach with excellent dealers, compared to a recent seller, whom you may no longer be able to trace after the car purchase.
BUYING FROM AN APPROVED DEALER PROVIDES PEACE OF MIND
A financial services group says that if something should go wrong with your car, you’ll have a much greater probability of getting it repaired by a commercial dealer compared to a private dealer.
HAVE THE CAR CHECKED ONCE YOU HAVE MADE YOUR CHOICE
You have hunted high and low, and at long last you’ve found the car of your dreams. However, to avoid any future nightmares, it’s vital for you to have the selected car checked by an independent, reputable garage. This is a great opportunity to make use of the Automobile Association, which conducts thorough examinations of cars at 11 technical centres located all over South Africa.
WHY ACCEPT THE STATUS QUO?
Just because there is a daunting price tag stuck on the car’s window at the dealership doesn’t mean that this is stuck in ‘concrete.’ It costs you nothing to bargain with the dealer, seeing most of them are probably quite happy to do just that. You may be pleasantly surprised and drive away in a car that cost you considerably less than expected. Anything can be negotiated. The car dealer may be even keener to sell you the car than you are wanting to buy it.
NEGOTIATE A PRICE THAT INCLUDES ALL ON-THE-ROAD COSTS
When buying a car from a dealer, you should negotiate a final price that includes all the on-the-road costs, such as costs for a roadworthy test, and registration fees.
Buying a second-hand car takes persistence and lots of homework. Once you have chosen your dream car, don’t forget to have it thoroughly checked by a reputable organisation such as the Automobile Association. Be bold and negotiate with the car dealer a price that includes all the on-the-road costs. But before you drive that wonderful piece of machinery out of the dealership’s front doors, make sure you first protect it by buying car insurance with PMD.
Disclaimer:
This article was prepared by Eric Sandmann in his personal capacity. The views and opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not reflect the views and opinions of Prime Meridian Direct (Pty) Ltd, FSP41040 (car insurance and life cover products). The views and opinions in the article should not be attributed to anyone but the author unless expressly stated. Nothing in this article should be relied upon as advice, this publication is presented for informational purposes only. No person should act or refrain from acting in reliance on any information found in this article, without first obtaining proper financial advice from the appropriate professional. The author makes no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, or completeness, of any information linked from, referred to or contained in this article. The author reserves the right to edit and change the content of this article.
Also view:
Vehicle Finance, Car Insurance and Road Safety
Buying and Selling a Vehicle – Informed decisions and the Vehicle Retailer
The Online Vehicle Retail Market and Safely Selling Vehicles Online
Buying a Quality Used Car and Safety on the Road
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