Buying a used car can be a smart financial decision, but it’s not without risks. For many South Africans, the used car market offers affordability and a wide selection, yet it can also be a minefield of hidden problems. Knowing the red flags to watch out for can help you avoid making an expensive mistake and take full advantage of the booming pre-owned vehicle market.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common warning signs and explain how choosing an AA Certified dealership can give you peace of mind.
Suspiciously Low Prices
One of the first red flags to watch for is a suspiciously low price. While a good deal might seem appealing, an unusually low price could signal hidden mechanical issues, previous accident damage, or even a car that has been rebuilt after being written off. Sellers often reduce prices to quickly offload vehicles with costly problems. In contrast, dealerships who offer vehicles that have undergone rigorous testing may charge a more accurate and therefore higher price for a quality vehicle you can trust.
In recent years, the AA launched its Pre-Owned Certification programme. Dealerships who partner with the AA are able to subject their vehicles to a 125-multi point, comprehensive inspection. This way, you will know exactly what you’re paying for.
This assessment typically includes:
- A thorough mechanical assessment that looks specifically for any signs of wear and tear common to driving conditions in South Africa, providing accurate insights.
- A detailed electrical systems review to ensure that every safety feature is working optimally.
- An examination of the car’s structural integrity, accounting for characteristic stresses relating to roads in South Africa that could be placed on the car’s body and chassis.
- A thorough examination of the history of the vehicle, a welcome inclusion given that car theft and fraud remain noteworthy concerns in the preowned vehicle market.
The Lack Of History
Another significant concern is the lack of a full-service history. A car’s service history reveals how well it has been maintained and can provide insight into potential future problems. Without it, you’re essentially buying blind. An incomplete or missing service history might also indicate odometer tampering, a practice where sellers roll back the mileage to make a car appear less used.
Again, this is why it’s important to seek out dealerships who prioritise offering vehicles that have verified service histories, providing you with confidence and transparency.
Signs Of Damage
Signs of accident damage are another red flag that can be easy to overlook, especially if the price is super low. While a fresh coat of paint might make a car look good on the surface, poorly aligned panels, mismatched paint, or uneven gaps can suggest past accidents and substandard repairs. Additionally, mechanical issues, particularly with the engine and transmission, can be some of the costliest problems to repair. Warning signs like unusual noises, difficulty shifting gears, or dashboard warning lights should not be ignored.
A vehicle with these kinds of damage can lead to safety risks and costly repairs down the line, but if you’re not familiar with the signs, how are you meant to know if the vehicle is a bad buy? It’s far less risky to only consider vehicles that have already undergone thorough inspections. Thankfully, AA Certified vehicles have been through detailed checks of critical components, ensuring that they are mechanically sound before reaching the showroom floor.
High-Pressure Sales Tactics
Lastly, be wary of high-pressure sales tactics. Honest sellers understand that buying a car is a significant decision and won’t rush you into it. If a seller refuses to let you take the car for an independent inspection or insists on closing the deal quickly, it’s a major red flag.
Choosing an independent dealership which has partnered with the AA to offer Certified Pre-Owned accredited vehicles will certainly help you avoid these red flags. With transparent pricing, verified service histories, and comprehensive inspections, you can make your purchase with confidence.
In a market where transparency is hard to come by and promises are hard to keep, this type of certification serves as a beacon of trust and assurance for both buyers and dealerships.
If you’d like to find out more about the AA Certified Pre-Owned accreditation.