Written by Mabuyane Mabuza
The motor industry is probably the most exciting after tech, I guess it depends on who you are talking to. Yes, I am biased. A friend of mine insists that fashion and art are the most exciting.
This is one of those debates that you cannot win. But one thing is for certain, our lives are touched by automobiles in one way or the other. I will even dare say that your life is touched by four wheels whether or not you own one such machine. From the food you eat to just about everything you use in your daily life, an automobile sure has a role to play.
Let me stop with my Mamelodi philosophy and get straight to it.
The shortage of semiconductors has seen an order backlog on new vehicles dating 18-24 months, especially on top-end vehicles.
This predicament, created by the Covid-19 pandemic has pushed the used car market to new heights. People looking to buy cars are looking at the used car market like never before.
This phenomenon has seen the prices of used cars rise. But as they say, patience is a virtue, do your due diligence before paying your hard-earned money on a used car.
Remember, even if you could save a few thousands by buying a used car, the risk is much higher, so it’ll help you to not just jump at the first shiny metal you see at “Essence Auto”. Be patient and shop around.
If you don’t trust your knowledge base, take a trusted “technical head” to accompany you on this important “hunt”.
Remember, buying a used car is risky on its own, so try to avoid making a costly mistake.
There are many things you could do to avoid taking home a bad car (which equals stress).
This is what you could do:
- Take someone who has better knowledge about cars, preferably a mechanic, if you are not certain what to look out for.
- Be prepared to walk away from a bad deal, you don’t owe the dealer any loyalty
- Negotiate a good price
- Ask for the car history
- Inspect the car thoroughly, and check for signs of abuse and accidents (In case you are not equipped to do so, your mechanic companion should come in handy)
- Know what you want and be firm when shopping around.
- Test drive the car
- Do not be fooled by the new paintwork (in fact I’d be skeptical of a newly painted used car)
Kaya 959 On Wheels podcast
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