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Cape Town - Fresh out of matric and heading for varsity, many South African students at this time of year are on the hunt for their first car.
Warranty, resale, servicing... Buying a new vehicle can sometimes be as frustrating as watching politicians attend a State of the Nation address.
With the right advice and guidance it can be a walk in the park.
Both new and second-hand vehicles have their pros and cons and educating yourself will ultimately be the deciding factor in your purchasing choice.
If you're in the pre-owned car market, here are six tips for students and parents to look out for:
1. Safety first.
Whatever your price range do not compromise on the safety of the vehicle. Get the brakes, shocks, lights, mirrors and wipers checked out. Budget for replacing tyres and wiper blades if necessary and also for repairing any flaws in the windscreen.
2. Reliability is a priority.
Check the service history of the car and question the current owner about any recurring maintenance issues. Buying from someone you know, who can vouch for the vehicle’s performance, is a good idea if possible.
3. Don’t be distracted.
Colour and style must take second place to buying a vehicle that will start first time, every time.
4. Don’t over-accessorise.
Expensive sound systems and trendy mags might be desirable for a student driver but they’re also desirable for others. It’s a sad fact of South African life that vehicles, especially when parked where students often park them, are vulnerable to crime. If the vehicle doesn’t have good electronic security then invest in a gear or a wheel lock.
5. Buy the best.
Look for solid brands both for your own confidence and for ultimate re-sale.
6. Shop around – far and wide.
Use online trading sites and tools to look for the vehicle of your choice. If the perfect vehicle is only available in another province, it might still save you in the long run by paying the money to travel the distance to collect it.
