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: 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 ...

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 ...