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.

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 ...

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 ...