- Shopping for a new car can be challenging, especially if you're on a tight budget.
- You need to be aware of the mileage and reliability of a car before purchasing it.
- Inspections are also an important part of the process.
Finding a used car that meets all your needs, is in good condition, and is easy on your pocket can be challenging, especially if you’re not a car expert. Knowing what to look for is crucial and with so many cars on the market, the options are endless.
Vukosi Manzini is a vehicle inspector at Screan, based in Joburg. He is one of 80 used car inspectors nationwide, who will go to a car that a potential buyer is interested in and determine if the deal is worth pursuing.
He does this by conducting a 60-point check on the car, looking for any signs of it being in an accident, having oil leaks, or needing major or even minor repair work.
Earlier this year, he viewed a car that was a “cut and join”. It was rebuilt after it had been involved in a collision affecting its rear end. Upon a visual inspection, when looking underneath, it became evident that it had been rebuilt as the rear section was silver while the front was red.
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The rear end also had new parts while the front end had parts with far more wear. Thanks to technology, shopping for a used car is much easier. However, what you see online is not always what is actually for sale, so it’s important to always get eyes on a car before handing over any money.
To make sure you’re getting a good deal, Vukosi shares his insights into shopping for a used car in the hopes of saving buyers from making costly mistakes.
Mileage
The sweet spot for a used car is usually around 90 000km or 110 000km. This is when standard warranties and service plans that cover five years or 100 000km are about to come to an end. Not only will you pick up a car that is easy on your pocket, but you’ll get at least one more free service out of the deal.
Reliability
To ensure reliability, start by identifying brands and models that have a good track record. The Volkswagen Polo Vivo is renowned for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and sleek design. It’s a popular choice for first-time buyers in South Africa, offering a comfortable ride and low maintenance costs.
The Toyota Starlet has recently become one of the most popular cars due to its excellent value for money with its spacious interior, smooth driving experience, and advanced safety features.
The Suzuki Swift has a price tag that won’t break the bank and has impressive fuel efficiency. It’s equipped with features such as parking sensors, fog lamps, an audio system with USB and AUX input, a tachometer, and electrically adjustable mirrors.
To ensure you’re getting a good deal, look out for window stickers with details like warranty or repair obligations and inspect the car thoroughly, looking deeper into even the smallest of inconsistencies to ensure no hidden conditions.
Exterior inspection
When inspecting the exterior, look closely at the body condition, paintwork, door and fenders, glass, lights, suspension, tyres, engine bay, and doors.
Look for dents, scratches, rust, misaligned panels, and sloppy work. Always inspect the glass for cracks, holes, or stone chips, and ensure all the lights work.
Interior inspection
Check the seats for damage, strange odours, that the pedals are working, the instrument panel, and the infotainment system. Check the lighter for smoke odour and test the radio’s CD player or connectivity ports.
It’s important to check the roof for leaks and that the sunroof/moonroof is working properly.
Engine bay inspection
Check for oil splatters, corrosion, loose wires, and any wear on bolts. Inspect the housing and hood for any signs of wear and tear or of the structure being repaired. This could mean it was in an accident or is a dud car.
Third-party and VIN check
With limited tools to check the history of a vehicle, I always suggest that buyers have it checked by a qualified third party to ensure its roadworthiness and that it has been repaired to an acceptable standard.
Most times, a simple VIN check with the relevant dealership can present inconsistencies; however, more often than not, VINs not matching (on the body of the car, the engine and the licence disk) are signs of a vehicle that may have either been previously stolen and recovered or even ‘re-built’, which is something I see almost weekly when viewing cars for Screan.
If you’re not a car expert or have found a car online that you’d love to buy but cannot view yourself, call a reputable inspection company like Screan to book a qualified inspector. They will go on your behalf nationwide and within a few hours, send you a report on the car’s condition. To book, visit www.screan.co.za.
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