Vehicles are constantly changing hands across the country on a daily basis, whether it's brand-new or pre-owned purchases. When buying any vehicle, knowing what you're buying is important because you're parting way with your hard-earned cash.
Instead of having a private mechanic assess various parts of your vehicle, which can be time-consuming, companies - like Dekra - specialise in evaluating a vehicle's overall condition, complete with a report and certification.
What is a Dekra report?
The Dekra Roadworthy Inspection ensures that your car is safe to drive on the roads and meets all the legal requirements. This inspection is carried out by an authorised technician, providing the customer or reader with detailed and easy-to-understand information regarding a specific vehicle's technical and mechanical condition. Dekra Automotive South Africa operates more than 40 vehicle inspection stations nationwide.
There have been instances where consumers promptly accuse assessment companies of issuing fake certificates. One of the reasons this is done is to warrant a faster sale, neglecting to mention particular faults of the car, leaving the buyer entirely in the dark. While things like a skipped service are relatively minor, it becomes more serious if the mileage has been turned back, for example.
Instead of having a private mechanic assess various parts of your vehicle, which can be time-consuming, companies - like Dekra - specialise in evaluating a vehicle's overall condition, complete with a report and certification.
What is a Dekra report?
The Dekra Roadworthy Inspection ensures that your car is safe to drive on the roads and meets all the legal requirements. This inspection is carried out by an authorised technician, providing the customer or reader with detailed and easy-to-understand information regarding a specific vehicle's technical and mechanical condition. Dekra Automotive South Africa operates more than 40 vehicle inspection stations nationwide.
There have been instances where consumers promptly accuse assessment companies of issuing fake certificates. One of the reasons this is done is to warrant a faster sale, neglecting to mention particular faults of the car, leaving the buyer entirely in the dark. While things like a skipped service are relatively minor, it becomes more serious if the mileage has been turned back, for example.
Important to know
If you are in the process of purchasing a vehicle, a legal roadworthy certificate is required before the vehicle will be registered in your name. When buying from a dealership, they will take care of it on your behalf. Even though a car has been Dekra certified with a physical certificate and stamp as proof, for added peace of mind, have it re-evaluated at a different branch. This could potentially bring up covered-up faults and save you thousands in mechanical repair.
The possibility exists where not all sellers will fully disclose a vehicle's potential problems, and that is simply to get the deal over the line as quickly as possible. Customers are able to have their vehicle undergo a Roadworthiness Check, Safety Check, Technical Inspection and a Multi-Point Check.
The benefits of having your vehicle inspected
- It gives prospective buyers a more in-depth digitalised, imagery based report relating to the technical status of the vehicle.
- Buyers will have a higher level of confidence knowing the vehicle has been independently inspected by a professional company like Dekra.
- Because of the Condition Report and window sticker, customers recognise that the vehicle has been independently tested and value this in their buying decision.
- The client must send the report in an email to report.verification@dekraauto.co.za
- The Dekra team will verify the information received that, including vehicle make, model, VIN, mileage, and dates
- Any faults on the report, like tyres, brakes, and diagnostic
- Photos
- After evaluation, the verification report will be sent back to the client with confirmation and authentication
Car Price Insights
Gumtree's new Car Price Insights platform now allows users to know a car's trade and retail value before putting pen and paper together – all of it at no cost. In addition, the database provides valuable price information for your next sale or purchase.
Now that you've got the knowledge, it's time to shop! Head to gumtree.co.za or your Gumtree app (click for Apple & Android), and don't forget to use your location settings to find local service information close to home.
