We have good reason to be thankful for the growing pre-owned vehicle market in South Africa. Given the sky-high price of new cars, without this sector, a shocking number of people wouldn’t be able to afford their own transport. Fortunately, we can and in doing so, we keep a wonderfully useful industry alive, have our own transport, and can save money.
Yet, if you’re on the hunt for a reliable pre-owned vehicle, you must approach this situation with due diligence and caution to ensure that you are getting a good deal for your hard-earned money.
With that in mind, here are ten important steps you should be taking before you commit to a pre-owned vehicle.
- Research The History
A vehicle history usually includes important information such as service records, accident history, and previous owners. So, before you set your heart on a particular model, take the time to review its history. The problem is that buying from private sellers can make this task challenging. In fact, it can even be challenging when you buy through a dealership. A new development in the pre-owned market, however, is the introduction of AA accredited dealerships who offer AA Certified pre-owned vehicles. This strict certification process ensures that the vehicles on the lot have a verified history – and armed with all the relevant information means that you’ll be able to make an informed purchase.
- Accurate Documentation
Making sure the documentation is all in order is pivotal before you buy a pre-owned vehicle. By documentation, we mean the roadworthy certificate, service history, confirmation of the legal status of the vehicle, and registration papers. Checking over this information will save you heaps of time as you look for the right car and can even prevent potential legal headaches down the road.
- Don’t Avoid The Test Drive
Not much beats the experience of driving a vehicle firsthand. At a stretch you can ask a trusted family member or friend, but really, it should be you as you are the one paying for the car and driving it the most. During the test, you want to get the feel for the vehicle, so pay attention to how it accelerates, how the brakes feel, and how it handles on the road. You can also take this opportunity to make sure that every feature is working correctly.
- Request A Comprehensive Inspection
A shiny exterior can be attractive, but what goes on under the bonnet is what truly matters. This is where the AA Certification really shines. You see, these vehicles will have undergone a multi-point, rigorous inspection carried out by qualified technicians. This means that every major component, from the suspension to the engine, is checked and reported on. Without this level of transparency, you would be taking a major risk.
- Compare Prices
While you may be tempted by low prices, keep in mind that quality matters when it comes to cars. To avoid buying a car that’s riddled with hidden issues, a spotty history report, and who knows what other kinds of problems, it’s better to view vehicles that have been thoroughly vetted. True, these vehicles tend to have slightly higher price tags, but this is a reflection of the guarantees, thorough checks, and most importantly, the peace of mind that they offer. We suggest using resources such as the TransUnion Auto Dealer’s Guide to familiarise yourself with fair market values.
- Ask About Outstanding Finance
It is not uncommon for cars in South Africa to have outstanding finance. If you make the mistake of buying one of these cars it will mean you could become responsible for the debt incurred by the previous owner.
- Ask About The Warranty
Most used cars are sold without warranties, meaning that you could be exposing yourself to potentially expensive repairs. Another great benefit of visiting dealerships who have partnered with the AA is that you are likely to be able to add on an affordable AA extended warranty. This provides cover that extends beyond the original warranty from the manufacturer and could potentially save you a lot of money in unexpected repair costs.
- Evaluate Fuel Efficiency
We’re probably not going to live in a world where the price of fuel decreases, so when you’re looking for any vehicle (new or used) you should pay attention to its fuel efficiency. Knowing this information goes a long way in helping you to make a more informed decision on the type of car that will suit you best and can afford to drive.
- Don’t Forget About Insurance
An easily forgotten step is to check what you would pay to insure the vehicle you want to buy. In order to get an accurate idea of your running costs, much like you would have done to understand what your fuel expenses would be, you should compare a few insurance quotes. Insurance prices vary significantly according to the model, year, and make of the car, so it’s ideal to compare quotes for your top three picks so that you can confirm if this fits into your budget together with the monthly instalments and fuel costs.
- The After-Sales Service
The reality is that buying from a private seller means you get no after-sales support. On the other hand, a reputable dealership should provide you with exceptional after-sales service, which could include anything from scheduled maintenance to dealing with any problems that arise post-purchase. It used to difficult to pick the right dealership, but now that the AA is partnering with an increasing number of accredited dealerships from across the nation, it is easier to find one with a history of upholding high standards – particularly when it comes to customer service and professionalism.
As a buyer, you can then be surer of a pressure-free, transparent buying experience, coupled with knowledgeable staff who are eager to answer any questions you might have about both the car and the AA Certification process.
So, there you have it. The most important steps to ensure that you are well-prepared to make the best decision on your next pre-owned vehicle. While it may seem like a lot, the effort and time invested could save you thousands of rands and disappointment down the road.
If you’re looking for an AA accredited dealership, click here.