One of the world's biggest conundrum is whether to buy a car out of the box or a used one with very low mileage. One is considerably cheaper, while the other is peace of mind driving for atleast five years.
Many drivers started off with either a family hand-me-down or saved up just enough to buy their own 'skadonk'. Either way, buying a car is a proud moment and gives you freedom of movement.
Online shopping has certainly grown in popularity in recent times, but car shoppers should still proceed with caution because scams are real and can happen to anyone if they're not 'wised up'.
As the buyer, you now have to factor in a monthly car repayment for the next five or more years into your budget. As a first-time buyer, there are many things to consider when making this budget-impacting, big ticket item purchasing decision. Affordability and having some sort of a credit history are the two main focal points dealerships and banks look at when you apply for vehicle finance. If you can afford to buy a new car, make sure you get the best value for your money. Shop around, draw up a list of options and compare what you get for the specified price point.
Many drivers started off with either a family hand-me-down or saved up just enough to buy their own 'skadonk'. Either way, buying a car is a proud moment and gives you freedom of movement.
Online shopping has certainly grown in popularity in recent times, but car shoppers should still proceed with caution because scams are real and can happen to anyone if they're not 'wised up'.
As the buyer, you now have to factor in a monthly car repayment for the next five or more years into your budget. As a first-time buyer, there are many things to consider when making this budget-impacting, big ticket item purchasing decision. Affordability and having some sort of a credit history are the two main focal points dealerships and banks look at when you apply for vehicle finance. If you can afford to buy a new car, make sure you get the best value for your money. Shop around, draw up a list of options and compare what you get for the specified price point.
If you're in the market for either, Gumtree lists the plus points of new and used vehicles:
New cars
A new car comes with no prior history, which means you are in full control of how well it’s driven and maintained. You’ll also have options such as maintenance plans and warranties from the manufacturer to protect yourself from any potential mechanical issues that may arise. Many people don't see out the full repayment term and trade in after two or three years for a newer model. Make sure that you understand the details of the contract and ask questions if anything is unclear – once you sign on the dotted line, the contract is binding.
Pre-owned
Being previously driven, pre-owned cars already have a driving history and the onus is on you to make sure whether the previous owner has kept a detailed service history. You have every right to ask questions about the current condition of the car, any issues you should be aware of, or if the car been involved in an accident. OEMs also offer demo vehicles that are sold for considerably cheaper than a brand-new version of the same make - although with a bit more mileage - which can represent good value for money in the long term. Also, make sure you buy from a reputable dealer, and opt for an extended motor or service plan and warranty as part of the purchase agreement.
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 automotive vehicle information close to home.
