Buying a Car

Consider this. There are currently over 1000 models of passenger cars, MPVs, SUVs, bakkies and double-cabs on sale in South Africa. Manufacturers keep on inventing new niches, and are combining existing ones to create unique crossover vehicles. And don’t forget the strangely named cars from previously unheard of manufacturers.

This is certainly very attractive from the perspective of choice, but making a wise car-buying decision has never been more complex.

But it can get even more complicated. Buying a car is not only about selecting the right vehicle. It is also about insurance, running costs, security and financing. And there are almost as many different companies willing to help you with those aspects as there are carmakers or importers keen to sell you a new vehicle. What should be a fun and rewarding experience can, as a result, quite easily turn into a nightmare if you take a wrong turn.

The aim of this booklet is to provide you with the necessary tools to make sound choices, on all aspects. You’ll find abbreviated versions of the 2005 J D Power and Associates customer satisfaction survey, CAR’s annual parts price survey and also our current Top 12 best buys – great aids to help you narrow down your choices.

For the first-timer, financing a new vehicle can be one of the most confusing aspects of the purchasing process – we give tips on leases, hire purchase, car allowances and company cars etc. Of course, first you have to decide whether you are going to buy new or used, from a dealer or privately, or how about online, or a car auction?

You’ll find all the information you’LL need in a quick, easy to use format, with useful contact numbers and links. So, get a piece of paper and let’s start working on that budget and shortlist . . .