So, you’ve decided that you wanted to buy a new vehicle, but you’re not sure where to start. If you’re not into cars and you’re not on top of what’s happening, it can be a bit overwhelming. Below is a list of where to begin your quest, and what to consider when you are attempting to make this big purchase.
Consider your budget
This might seem obvious, but sometimes people need to be reminded to stick to what they can afford. If your budget is R2 500 a month, then stick to it. Also, keep in mind that you will need to pay insurance on your vehicle and that could add a couple of hundred Rands or more most likely to your monthly costs. There are a number of entry-level vehicles that come with insurance included in the deal, so it would be worth looking at those first.
Buy according to your lifestyle
If your vehicle will be used mostly for commuting to work and back and you’re sitting in traffic most of the time, investigate whether or not an automatic would work better for you as this makes life easier in the traffic. If you’re always camping or outdoors, perhaps a lifestyle vehicle such as an SUV is more for you. Basically, narrow down your needs in a car and take it from there.
Research the service centres in your area
If you’re keen on a car from a random small manufacturer, but the nearest service centre is three towns away, then perhaps you need to consider another brand. Buying a car from a dealership with a wider dealer network means that you can easily service your car, but also you can easily sort out any issues that could possibly go wrong.
Have a look at the safety features
South Africa’s roads have more cars on them than ever before and it’s getting more and more dangerous out there. At the very least, I would personally want two front airbags and ABS in terms of safety. It’s for added peace of mind and in the case of ABS, it prevents so many potential accidents that could occur.
Consider all the brands
You are most likely going to have someone in your family tell you that you shouldn’t buy from certain brands and that you should stick to other more well-known brands. Honestly, most car brands available in South Africa have decent offerings these days and new cars tend to be very reliable. Consider all brands and shop around before you commit. You will be surprised at what you will find at a manufacturer that you were told to avoid.
And, there you have it! While it may seem obvious, human nature seems to dictate that we always live beyond our means, which is ultimately unnecessary when you consider that the entry level segments have never been this brimming with great new offerings.
