Buying Used Cars

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.

BUYING USED: Second-hand sedans for under R150 000

We choose the ideal car for you within a budget: this time, a second-hand sedan for less than R150 000…Know how much you can spend on a car but haven’t made up your mind which one to buy? We recommend two sensible options no older than three years, plus a left-field choice.Requirements: this buyer ...

CLASSIC BUY: Mercedes-Benz W110 'Fintail' (1961-1968)

A solid classic that's useable daily. We take a closer look at the Mercedes-Benz W110 "Fintail"...Unlike today, where avant-garde designs rule, Mercedes-Benzes used to be conservatively styled. Witness this “Fintail”, which followed the “Ponton” models but stuck to that tried-and-tested formula ...

BUYING USED: City runabout for under R120 000

We choose the ideal car for you within a budget: this time, a second-hand city runabout for less than R120 000... Know how much you can spend on a car but haven’t made up your mind which one to buy? Here we recommend two sensible options no older than three years, plus a left-field choice.Requirements: Our ...

BUYING USED: V8 sedans/two-doors for under R500 000

We choose the ideal second-hand car for you and your budget: this time, a V8 sedan/two-door for under R500 000...Age: 50Budget: R300 000 – R500 000Status: Petrolhead with a desire for a V8Vehicle type: V8 sedan/two-doorRequirements:Like many, this car lover has always dreamt of owning a vehicle with ...

CLASSIC BUY: Alfa Romeo Alfasud Sprint (1977-1985)

A car universally praised for its dynamics and design: we take a look at the Alfa Romeo Alfasud Sprint...The Sprint was based on the wonderfully designed but poorly built Alfasud. Due to stipulations of a loan from the Italian government, the car had to be constructed at Alfa’s little-used Avio facility ...

CLASSIC BUY: VW Kombi Clipper and Kampmobile (68-'73)

This family favourite is becoming increasingly sought after: we take a look at the Volkswagen Kombi Clipper and Kampmobile...The segment-defining Volkswagen Type 2 was quite extensively revamped in 1968. Gone was the split windscreen and in its place came a single, curved pane, which gave rise to the ...

BUYING USED: Mid-sized sedans for under R160k each

We help choose the ideal car for your needs and your budget: this time, mid-size sedans for under R160k apiece…Age: 30Budget: R160 000Status: Freelance sales rep with a young familyVehicle type: Mid-sized sedan with plenty of bootspaceRequirements:Our salesperson spends a lot of time sitting in city ...

BUYING USED: Small diesel hatchback under R150 000

We help choose the ideal car for your needs and your budget: this time, a small diesel hatchback…Age: 65Budget: R150 000Status: Recently retiredVehicle type: economical small hatchbackRequirements:With ever-rising fuel prices and related taxes hitting the motorist from all angles, a small, frugal ...

How to increase your car's resale value on a shoestring...

It’s possible to spend just 10% of a car’s value to double its resale price. Here’s how...While recently sprucing up a rather tired and neglected 14-year-old station wagon for resale, it dawned on me how many significant improvements you can make to a car without spending much money. If the vehicle ...

BUYING USED: Left-field sedan with a six-cylinder engine

We help choose the ideal car for your needs and your budget: this time, a left-field six-cylinder sedan...Age: 55Budget: R300 000Status: Business managerVehicle type: left-field six-cylinder sedanRequirements:The vehicle must have enough space for a family, look the part in the executive car park ...