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: Citroën C3 (2004-2010)

THE first-generation Citroën C3 found a following amongst those who yearned for something different, something with style and something French. Nine years is a long production run (the car appeared in SA three years after its world introduction) in these days of new models with multiple facelifts being ...

Buying Used: BMW X3 (2004-2010)

STYLING appreciation is a very personal subject, but we can safely say that BMW has come in for much criticism for its designs over the last decade. Not much has been aimed at the shape of the X3 mind you, with most observers admitting that this is one desirable and spunky SUV (or as BMW prefers to call ...

Buying Used: Chevrolet Aveo (2003-2009)

WHEN GM took over control of Daewoo, little did the world know how important the brand would be for the company in the future. The decision to use the Chevrolet name was controversial at first, but is now widely accepted and sales of the Korean-based vehicles are a vital part of the stable. To make ...

Buying Used: Volvo S40/V50 (2004-2009)

VOLVO caused quite a stir in 2004 with its new S40 range. It looked so different to anything else and, mindful of the custom of Scandinavians to excel in modern yet simple designs, the real coup de grace was the elegant, flowing facia centre stack housing the audio and air-conditioning controls.Seat ...

Buying Used: Nissan X-Trail 2001-2007

Popular family SUV proves to be a good bet, if you choose wisely. X-Trail, the first soft-roader to exit the Nissan factory, arrived locally in 2001 in 2,0- and 2,5-litre petrol versions plus a 2,2-litre turbodiesel, all four-cylinder engines. The public soon took a liking to the newcomer with its lineup ...

Buying Used: Toyota Prius eCVT

Leading the drive to make hybrids and plug-in electric cars everyday transport. Although the Toyota Prius went on sale in Japan back in 1997, the first model to arrive in South Africa was the second generation (NHW20) in 2005. It caused quite a stir, with its sleek styling (0,26 drag coefficient) and ...

Buying Used: Peugeot 206 [2001-2008]

Quite a variety of models in this line-up – three-door, five-door, station wagon and even a folding metal top coupé-cabriolet, a car that coined the simple and now popular title of CC. This complex but clever and neatlooking roof was made by specialist company Heuliez and shipped complete to the Peugeot ...