Buying a new car is both an exciting and scary experience at the same time. You know, the thrill of paying the bills and getting behind the bright wheels of a new car, then cruising on the road in grand style- you sure feel on top of the world. However, the scary parts of buying a new car can be really daunting. Ranging from the fear of buying a car of low quality; you wonder if the car will last; concerns about the price of the car; the right questions to ask the dealer or even what you should check for in a new car. These concerns can really make buying a new car in South Africa quite tricky.
In this article, http://carmart.ng has put together the top tips you should take advantage of when you want to buy a new car in South Africa. With these tips, you can reduce the hassles that come with buying a car to the barest minimum.
Decide on the type of car you need and can afford
The world is replete with different models and makes of cars. The first thing you need to do when buying a new car in South Africa is to decide on the type that meets your needs. I know this may sound like this shouldn’t be a big deal. But then, it will be a big deal when you get to the car dealer’s shop and you are faced with different kinds of cars that you hardly know what to pick. Then temptation sets in, and you start picking cars you don’t really need or can satisfy your mobility needs.
Asking certain questions will help you decide the type of car you need. Do you have a family? How large is your family? Is the car for personal use or public transport? How much do I have at the moment? You can choose from an SUV, a sedan, a hatchback or coupe etc; however, the golden rule is to pick a car that will meet your needs.
Research extensively
A thorough research on the kind of car you want to buy will save you the danger of buying the wrong kind. This is where you need the internet and experienced colleagues. Read up on customer reviews, expert reviews about the car you want to buy. Be wary of cars that have negative reviews, high rate of recalls or inadequate safety features. Also, research well on the various car dealers near you and make a choice for a credible autodealer. Doing this will free you from the concern of buying a car of less quality or one that won’t last for a while before it needs maintenance or repair.
Budget
Buying a car is a huge purchase, what’s more- a brand new one. Although this is largely dependent on your taste in cars- some cars cost less than others. A good research will help you compare prices amongst various dealers to make you know which to decide on. Chances that you will find it at a lower cost is higher if you search wide enough. You don’t have to overextend yourself if you are low on savings or your income is unpredictable. The wisest thing is to stay within your budget.
Avoid unnecessary add-ons
While this tip might not be necessary if you have the cash, but if you are buying a car on a lean budget or ‘just-enough’ kind of budget, then you shouldn’t consider unnecessary add-ons unless you are willing to take an auto-loan. However, being in South Africa, a recommended add-on you should have is a smash-and-grab film (if it does not come built-in on your car) to protect your windscreen and windows.
Inspect the vehicle thoroughly
Inspection is a big deal when it comes to buying a new car in South Africa. You should inspect the exterior and interior of the car. Check out for paints, watch out for leaks and cracks on the car. Inspect if all the features including tires, interior amenities like AC, touchscreen on the car are in good working condition. Doing a thorough inspection will save the stress of having to spend on maintenance after a while.
Test drive the car
Test-driving the car will help you uncover the likely faults that ordinary eye inspection will not cover. Test driving is a good way for you to determine the engine and transmission health of your car. The fact that the engine looks all shiny does not make it effective. When selecting an engine you should consider the fuel efficiency and the weight of the engine. Check out for leaks and cracks in the engine. You can even cold-start the engine to know how effective it is in cold weather.
Also, ensure the car you want to buy has the kind of transmission you prefer. These days, automatic transmission is preferred to manual transmission. Inspect to see if the transmission changes gear smoothly, especially if you are opting for manual transmission.
Go for a car with a Warranty
Don’t ever make the mistake of buying a car without a warranty. This is why it’s important to buy from credible dealers because they always give warranty on the car. If the car develops fault during the period of the warranty, you can always return it to your car dealer.
Negotiate the price
If you are satisfied with everything you have found out about the car, it’s time to pay the money and take your ride home. Negotiate the price with your seller, go for a good deal and make payments.
Do the necessary paperwork
Once you have paid for your car, the next thing is to complete the paperwork which involves you getting all the necessary and legal documents to own the car and ride it on South African roads. Most car dealers will help you with this process.
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