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.

CLASSIC BUY: Ford Granada (1973–1978)

Designed in Germany, the first-generation Ford Granada makes a great starter classic... In the 1970s, when CAR could list the entire South African car market on just one page, Ford Motor Company had a formidable range of vehicles: Escort, Cortina, Capri, Granada and Fairlane. These were joined by a ...

CLASSIC BUY: Daihatsu Terios (1997–2000)

We adore this pint-sized but capable off-roader... The Daihatsu brand was first introduced to South Africa in 1983 when the local Alfa Romeo factory built the popular Charade and Charade Turbo. The Terios was introduced in 1997 as an affordable go-anywhere car and continued as a popular purchase in ...

BUYING USED: Compact crossovers for under R300 000 each...

We help choose the ideal car for your needs and your budget: this time, a compact crossover for under R300k... Know how much you can spend on a car but haven’t made up your mind which one to buy? Each month, we recommend two sensible options plus a quirky choice. Smaller crossovers and SUVs have ...

CLASSIC BUY: Renault 16 TS (1966-1975)

A versatile fastback with true French flair... In the early 1960s, Renault was known for its rear-engined, rear-wheel-drive 8 and 10 models. The inevitable switch to front/front started with the Renault 4, with the “16” models joining the party in 1966. Packaging To make full use of the ...

CLASSIC BUY: Audi 100 (1977-1982)

A puller, not a pusher, this big Audi found many fans... This second generation of big front-wheel-driven Audis was developed by a team headed by the famous ex-chairman of the Volkswagen Group board, Ferdinand Piëch. Although the initial entry-level C2-generation 100 models used a familiar four-cylinder ...

BUYING USED: Small crossovers for under R250 000 each

We help choose the ideal car for your needs and your budget: this time, a small crossover for under R250k... Know how much you can spend on a car but haven’t made up your mind which one to buy? Each month, we recommend two sensible options no older than three years, plus a left-field choice. ...

Thinking of buying a classic? Here's what to look out for...

From the late-2000s until recently, the classic-car market boomed, although this has largely tapered off. Still, if you still want to buy that vintage car, what should you look out for?Many of us dream of one day owning a second or third car: perhaps an affordable sportscar, a classic 4x4 or a stylish ...

CLASSIC BUY: Fiat Uno 1400 Turbo (1990-1998)

Pint-sized power made the Fiat Uno Turbo a default choice...The 1990s were great times for car enthusiasts. Volkswagen, Opel, Honda and more all had interesting and often exciting models on offer. And Fiat decided to join the fray with the Uno Turbo. The version Uno South Africa received was the Mk2, ...

BUYING USED: Small sportscars for under R200 000 each

We choose the ideal car for you within a budget: this time, a second-hand sportscar for under R200 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, plus a left-field choice.Requirements: our buyer wants a small sportscar ...

CLASSIC BUY: Ford Escort Mk2 (1975-1981)

It's a solid entry-level classic with parts readily available...In the August 1975 issue of CAR, we included the “new” (which it wasn’t quite) Escort in a new-model feature and also published our first road test of a 1300 L. The full range at the time included that engine variant in both two- and ...