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Buying Used Features

It’s essential to know the pros and cons of buying a used car, specifically which year and model of a vehicle will deliver the best long-term ownership experience. We discuss, in detail, when a particular model range was launched, updated and discontinued. We also delve into which engines provide the best performance and fuel consumption, as well as insights to the suspension, brakes, wheels and build quality.

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Oliver Stefani of VW Design accepts the WCOTY award

VW Up! scoops World Car of the Year title

April 5th 2012
by CAR Magazine, posted in Buying Used Features, Industry News, News, Range Rover Evoque, Special Feature Content

Volkswagen's new budget beater, the Up!, has been awarded the prestigious World Car of the Year (WCOTY) title. This follows previous winners from the marque in 2009 (Golf) and 2010 (Polo). ...
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This model is a 2,0-litre
Expression that CAR tested in the March
2003 issue.

Buying used: Renault Laguna (2001 – 2008)

January 30th 2012
by CAR Magazine, posted in Buying Used Features

It’s different, comfy and very French ... and dirt cheap as a second-hand buy ...
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The current model on a photoshoot
for a road test in the June 2010 issue of
CAR. This particular MX-5 sports a hard top,
which is now the sole offering.

Buying used: Mazda MX-5 (1990 – 2011)

January 11th 2012
by Peter Palm, posted in Buying Used Features 7 Comments

Easily the most popular budget sportscar, the MX-5 is the perfect low-cost second-hand buy ...
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It might not be pretty, but the functional shape allows for acres of interior room.

Buying used: Toyota Condor (2000-2005)

October 21st 2011
by Peter Palm, posted in Buying Used Features

A workhorse that will never have to be put to pasture, this MPV was a bargain when new ...
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Buying used: Kia Rio (2005-2011)

September 20th 2011
by Peter Palm, posted in Buying Used Features

An underrated car makes even more sense after some depreciation ...
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Locally, the diesel-engined model was available
only as a three-door.

Buying used: Nissan Micra (2004 – 2011)

August 23rd 2011
by CAR Magazine, posted in Buying Used Features, Galleries

The styling caused more discussion than many cars put together, but what lies under the skin? ...
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This generation of Sonata had conservative but neat lines.

Buying used: Hyundai Sonata (2006 – 2010)

June 17th 2011
by CAR Magazine, posted in Buying Used Features

The Hyundai Sonata faces stiff competition in the local market, but has nonetheless attracted a loyal following ...
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Due partly to its price premium and VW badging, the T5 has avoided the "van with windows" stigma.

Buying used: VW T5 Kombi (2004 – 2010)

May 18th 2011
by CAR Magazine, posted in Buying Used Features, Galleries

Much loved by South Africans, this people mover is enjoying a lifespan as long as its interior is big ...
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the Mazda3 looks sharp and drives well but road noise is a common complaint.

Buying used: Mazda3 (2004-2009)

April 20th 2011
by CAR Magazine, posted in Buying Used Features

In a highly competitive segment dominated by the Golf and Corolla, the “3” holds its own ...
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Superb comfort and gravel-road
ability make the base model
2,5X a popular choice.

Buying used: Subaru Forester (2002-2008)

March 18th 2011
by CAR Magazine, posted in Buying Used Features 2 Comments

An SUV with station wagon looks and permanent four-wheel drive can only mean one thing... The Forester! ...
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OVERALL WINNER: Hyundai i10 - Our judges rate
this Korean tops at least partly because i10
owners appear to be so happy with them.
Well fi nished, frugal and backed by a long
warranty, the only thing the i10 really needs
is more safety equipment.

Buying used: Pre-owned champs

February 18th 2011
by CAR Magazine, posted in Buying Used Features, Galleries 3 Comments

There are many seemingly bargain- priced vehicles on used car forecourts. But which of those actually make good buys? ...
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Not exactly a pretty face, but Avensis brought
up-to-date Euro styling to the South African
Toyota line-up. Though more compact than
the Camry it essentially replaced, the Avensis
offered good space inside.

Buying guide: Toyota Avensis (2006 – 2009)

January 20th 2011
by CAR Magazine, posted in Buying Used Features

As opposed to the Australian-sourced Camrys, the Avensis introduced a European flavour. ...
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