Are you in the market for a new car? Here's some tips for South Africans
We look at the questions you need to ask yourself before buying your new car.
That moment when you decide to get your first car, or your second, is a crucial part of anyone's life. It's a moment of growth, a moment that shows 'grown up' status, and it can be seen as a coming of age time in one's life.
So when "The South African Guild of Motoring Journalists (SAGMJ) announced its 2021 car of the year finalists" - we thought what a great opportunity to share some key bits of advice and information with you all, especially if you are in the market of getting some new wheels.
The things to consider when buying a new vehicle should be:
- Budget - is the car fuel efficient? There's no point investing in a vehicle that looks great and sounds great and earns you points with the ladies (and the guys), but then you have to take out a loan to fill up the tank (#justsaying).
Also under budget, think about what your monthly insurance premiums are going to be, it's not just paying off your monthly car instalments, what about your premium for insurance? Shop around for competitive rates before making a decision.
- Are you single or do you have a family? It's not ideal to buy a two-door car when you have a family of four, with a toddler who still uses a car seat...
- Purpose - what will you be using the car for, predominantly. Will you be using it for leisure, for work, for carting the kids around, only on weekends? Think about what your main purpose for using the car will be so that you can make an informed decision on the best fit for you.
- Look and feel - think about who you are as a person. As much as you want functionality, you also want your wheels to feel like you. Whether it is the sound system or the car seat colours or whether the rims are 14 or 15 inch or just wheel caps, think about your style and how you want to feel when you are driving it.
- Be informed - phone around and find out about vehicle financing, speak to reputable agents and to family and friends about their experiences, so that you can stay on top of things. There are far too many people out there trying to make a quick buck and can scam you without causing any suspicion.
Remember it's always better to be overly prepared than not prepared at all. Information is king or queen, whichever you fancy...
- Check the mechanics, it's always a good thing to get a trusted mechanic to look over the vehicle if you are buying second-hand vehicles. Things can easily look polished and shiny from the outside, but sometimes things aren't always as they seem. Best to be safe than sorry.
Other than that, you should have fun, buying a car is a fun affair, it is an exciting adventure. It's a momentous occasion and should be celebrated. So go have fun!
Image Courtesy of iStock