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: 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 ...

CLASSIC BUY: Peugeot 403 (1957-1967)

A modern-for-its-time vehicle with numerous body styles. We take a look at the Peugeot 403...Arriving in 1955, the 403 was Peugeot’s second car launched in the years following World War Two. It enjoyed a 10-year lifecycle with an enduring design and reliable powertrain that further developed Peugeot’s ...

BUYING USED: Budget hatchback (under R90 000)...

We help choose the ideal car for your needs and your budget: this time, a budget hatchback for a student…Age: 19Budget: R90 000Status: StudentVehicle type: budget hatchbackRequirements:Our student needs something cheap, contemporary, and, most importantly, reliable. Fuel efficiency is important ...

CLASSIC BUY: Opel Kadett Boss, Superboss and Turbo

We take a closer look at the definitive hot hatches of their era: the Opel Kadett Boss, Superboss and Turbo...The performance-focused Opel Kadetts of the late-1980s to mid-1990s have become the stuff of legend in South African automotive history. We’re focusing here on the various versions of 2,0-litre ...

BUYING USED: SUV/crossover (to tow caravan) under R200k

We help choose the ideal car for your needs and your budget: this time, an SUV/crossover capable of towing a caravan and carrying a family of four...Age: 45Budget: R200 000Status: Parent in a family of fourVehicle type: SUV/crossover capable of towing a caravanRequirementsOur motorist needs a car ...

BUYING USED: Japanese compact hatchback under R180k

We help choose the ideal car for your needs and your budget: this time, a Japanese compact hatchback for under R180k...Age: 63Budget: R180 000Status: Newly retiredVehicle type: Japanese compact hatchbackRequirementsHaving driven Toyotas and Nissans for many years, our purchaser believes the Japanese ...

Your options when the temperature gauge hits red...

What are your options when your temperature gauge hits red?Routine We all know that we need to check our car’s fluid levels regularly. This includes the obvious petrol top-up, plus oil, battery, brake and steering fluid, and radiator coolant.If you need to supplement any of these, you need to find ...