In the last few years, the South African pre-owned vehicle market has undergone significant growth. Unsurprisingly, this is due to the increased number of consumers opting for second-hand cars as a means to securing their own reliable transport without burning a hole in their pockets.
However, despite this upwards trend, there are still those who are concerned with the veracity of vehicles that aren’t brand new. Some of this is as a result of fraudulent sellers and dodgy vehicles being sold as quality buys instead of the sour lemons that they are. But there are also persistent myths surrounding the pre-owned vehicle market which could deter potential buyers.
Today, we are going to tackle these myths head-on, to separate fiction from fact.
Myth 1: Pre-Owned Cars Lack Modern Features
Perhaps one of the most prevalent myths is that purchasing a second-hand car translates into sacrificing modern technology and features. This simply is not the case. Several pre-owned vehicles available on the market are only a couple of years old and most are equipped with the current tech advancements.
From backup cameras and infotainment systems to advanced safety features, including automatic emergency braking and lane departure warnings, you would be surprised at many of the modern features are available in a range of pre-owned vehicles.
Myth 2: Pre-Owned Vehicles Are Unreliable
Another classic myth surrounding pre-owned cars is that they are inherently unreliable. This isn’t true of all second-hand cars, though. For sure, there are sellers who fake service records and trim off the extra mileage to make the cars seem more appealing to buyers. It’s also true that many second-hand cars are older and so may require a bit more maintenance.
That said, not all second-hand vehicles are old. In fact, many are only a few years old and tons of life left in them. Additionally, more and more dealerships are partnering with the AA and joining their AA Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle Programme. This programme ensures that the vehicle undergoes the AA’s stringent 128-point inspection process, which covers each critical aspect of a vehicle, from its safety features and mechanical components to its electrical systems and body condition. Essentially, this rigorous vetting means that only vehicles that match these thorough standards receive certification.
As a buyer, this provides a baseline of quality and reliability – and peace of mind.
Myth 3: Pre-Owned Vehicles Have Hidden Problems
We mentioned the concern of purchasing a ‘lemon,’ which is what we call vehicles that are faulty in some unknown way. These issues are often expensive but necessary to fix if the buyer wants to continue using the vehicle.
It makes sense to be wary, but of course, with the existence of certification programmes, like the AA Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle Programme, consumers don’t have to completely ignore the savings they can enjoy from buying second-hand. The advanced inspection process relies on cutting-edge diagnostic tools and research to produce detailed reports on the condition of the certified vehicles, including accident histories, service histories, and the presence of potential issues.
This type of transparency allows buyers to avoid unexpected surprises and to make more informed decisions.
Myth 4: Buying Pre-Owned Means No Warranty
Very often, the original manufacturer’s warranty will have expired on pre-owned cars that are for sale, but this doesn’t necessarily mean that you are left without any protection. The AA Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle Programme usually includes added benefits, such as the opportunity to include roadside assistance and extended warranties from the AA. These extras provide value to your purchase while offering peace of mind and long-term assurance.
Myth 5: It’s Better To Buy New
While there is certainly nothing wrong with choosing to buy new, the misconception that this is the only way to get behind the steering wheel of a reliable, quality vehicle is false.
Pre-owned cars come with many advantages, namely:
- Lower Depreciation: A new vehicle loses a drastic portion of its value in the first three years. When you choose pre-owned, you sidestep this initial steep depreciation.
- Lower Cost: Pre-owned cars are usually far less expensive when compared to new vehicles, which allows you to get “more car for your money.”
- Certified Pre-Owned Options: A programme like the AA Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle Programme provides many of the advantages of buying new (such as thorough inspections and warranties) at a much lower cost.
- Lower Insurance Costs: Insurance premiums are typically lower for a pre-owned vehicle in comparison to a new one.
The Reality About Pre-Owned Vehicles
The truth is that purchasing a pre-owned car is often a smart economical choice. This is particularly true when the vehicle you want to buy has undergone a rigorous inspection and has been certified, giving you access to all the reports needed to tell you everything single thing about the vehicle.
That’s why it’s such a relief to know that more dealerships across the nation are partnering with the AA, so that more South Africans can find their own trustworthy, feature-rich set of wheels.
If you are ready to buy second-hand car, we trust that this information will give you greater peace of mind and put you in the right direction. Armed with the right resources and approach, you should be able to secure a second-hand car that is ideal for your wallet and needs.