Used Car Guide

With South African petrol prices at a record high, motorists brace themselves for more petrol increases as the Russia and Ukraine war worsens amid rising international fuel prices. And if the mid-month data supplied by the Central Energy Fund is anything to go by, motorists will be forking out close to R20.88 for a litre of 95 Unleaded coastal while inland will cost around R21.60. The cheaper 93 Unleaded will stand around R21.35 per litre. A service centre visit might be overdue. Have you had your car serviced yet? If not, maybe it's time you visited your nearest service centre to maintain its longevity and fuel efficiency. As many South African motorists brace themselves for more petrol increases this April due to the Russia and Ukraine war worsening, many will look for fuel-efficient ways to keep their vehicles running for longer and more efficiently. And if the mid-month data supplied by the Central Energy Fund is anything to go by, motorists will be forking out up to R20.88 for a litre of 95 Unleaded coastal while inland will cost R21.60. The cheaper 93 Unleaded will now stand at R21.35 per litre. So, maybe that vehicle service you have been avoiding is overdue and needed. And while these increases may have motorists and commuters buckling their belts even tighter, not all is lost with these fuel-efficient guidelines to keep you and your vehicle going for longer. Service Your Vehicle A serviced car is like a healthy body, good maintenance and nurturing will keep it running for longer and extend its lifespan. And it all starts with which service centre you use. An accredited service centre will provide your vehicle with adequate professional service ensuring that the necessary oil changes, spark plugs, brake pads and air and fuel filters are timeously changed. As any vehicle owner will tell you, regular vehicle service and maintenance play a pivotal role in extending the lifespan of your vehicle and maintaining its value. More so, regular servicing prevents the vehicle from unforeseeable mechanical problems which tend to be expensive. An unserviced vehicle can use 50% of its fuel by running poorly through having to use extra energy. Take a spark plug, a cleaned one could mean cleaner and more efficient combustion, allowing your vehicle to go further with every litre of fuel. Tyre Pressure This is one aspect of vehicle servicing that is often overlooked. When we visit our nearest petrol garage, we often ask the petrol attendant to “fill our tyres” and he/she will do so with what they know best. However, that is the incorrect way to go about it. The best way is the recommendation from your dealership or manufacturer. Many vehicles will have the tyre pressure number on the inside of the driver's door or in the vehicle's service book. This is to maintain vehicle safety for you on the road as well as other road users. But more importantly, to fill the tyres with the correct air pressure. As a motorist, this ensures efficiency from a financial and fuel-efficient standpoint. A flat or deflated tyre causes poor performance, creates uneven tyre tread and wears out quicker. This increases resistance leading to the engine working harder and more fuel used up. In a nutshell, more energy is used to move a car with a flat or deflated tyre. Drive Slower This is easier said than done but it will save you a few rands and trips to the garage. We all know that driving fast uses more fuel and decreases fuel economy. So, try to accelerate gently because the harder you accelerate, the more fuel you use. Also, driving within the recommended speed limit is more efficient and safer. For certain vehicles that allow, opt for cruise control for highway driving. Fuel Economy- Window or Air Conditioner? To open the window or use the air conditioner? The answer lies in personal preference. In cases that are extreme like humid weather, maybe an air conditioner is a more likely choice, however where the weather permits, an open window will work just as well. However, we can not ignore the fact that an open window will bring in a little draft with it. If you are trying to save fuel, try parking where there is a shade for cooling. Also, get tinted windows to deflect the heat. If you have a lot of errands to run, plan a circular trip rather than several individual trips. If you need to go to Makro in Meadowdale, why not pop in after work when you are already travelling on the R24 from Benoni to Greenstone, then make a standalone Makro trip on a Sunday morning? Planned Trips Combine your errands into one, rather than having several trips. Where it is possible to do so, use the car for important trips that can be rounded off as one trip. This will save you fuel and put more money into your pocket where possible avoid traffic by travelling earlier or a little later. A fully serviced and maintained car will give you many years on the road and save you a lot of money in repairs and unforeseen eventualities. And while having tips for using your fuel sparingly, we hope this article has done its job in highlighting the importance of getting your vehicle serviced. Visit www.autopedigree.co.za for a service centre near you.

What defines the “right” pre-loved car? Well, that one is up to you. Broad and vague … we know, although it is true. But do not worry, do not fear, Auto Pedigree is here! We have compiled a useful list of steps to assist your approach infinding the right pre-loved car for you. What Do You Need From Your Pre-loved Car? What you need from your pre-loved car depends entirely on your preferences and the lifestyle you maintain, so finding a used car that is capable of your requirements is first on the list. Specific cars cater well to specific needs. From a functional standpoint, trucks and bakkies are well suited for heavy-duty lifting and transportation. If you simply like to drive in style, we can suggest an array of classy top-tier pre-loved cars that fit the bill. Know Your Spending Limits Analyse what you bring home after all expenses, set a budget, and keep to it as much as possible. Financing your pre-loved car is a reality for most unless you will be paying in cash. Staying within the green area from month to month, your used car should be around 10-15% of your monthly income after expenses. This may lessen the number of options in the hunt for you, making it that much easier to narrow down your dream vehicle. Remember That Nothing Set In Stone It is likely that many shoppers enter the market with hearts set on a specific make and model, but after test driving a few, they fall in love with something else. It is extremely likely that the pre-loved carfor you is one that you haven’t even considered yet. It is definitely worth your while having an idea of what you wish to see yourself driving out of the dealership in, but prepare to have your head turned! The options are boundless. Test-Drive Your Chosen Pre-Loved Car A test drive is absolutely mandatory in your decision-making process, so set aside a few hours for this one. Here is your opportunity to feel the wind in your hair before making any commitments. This step is overlooked by many, and some pay a hefty price for it. Take this opportunity to ensure that from top to bottom, you are satisfied with the carin question. Take Your Pick Once you’ve tasted each option and test-driven each pre-loved car on your list, take your pick. Don’t feel pressured if your mind is in a muddle, this decision should be crystal clear and you should feel entirely confident with the car you choose to take you home. Remember that perfect may be inaccessible or it may look different to what you initially thought. However, we will bring you as close to it as we possibly can. Ask us for our advice... find a dealer near you and fire off a few questions about your chosen car brands. We hope these steps have offered you some guidance in locating the right pre-loved car for you, and we are available to you for any other questions or concerns. Chat to the Auto Pedigree team if you have any doubt.

Many things are considered when it comes to purchasing a vehicle, namely budget, mileage, style, reliability, comfort, and safety. Additionally, different vehicle types are suited to different lifestyles. We'll be going over a few different lifestyles and which vehicles suit each. Second-Hand Cars For Adventurers Are you the type that’s always out on an adventure? The main second-hand car to consider is a sport utility vehicle (SUV). SUVs have excellent cargo and cabin space, four to eight seats, and a rear door that lifts up, as well as being equipped with four-wheel drive. Off-road, they really perform, which means the outdoors are your oyster! City Folk Driving If you reside in a city with bustling traffic, a hatchback or sedan could be for you. Hatchbacks usually seat five and are perfect for nipping through traffic. Sedans are an option for those who need a little more cargo space as they have a detached trunk. If clutch control in traffic isn’t your strong suit, look into automatic second-hand cars for those gridlocked days in Jozi central. On-The-Roaders Those that work on the road for long periods of time could go for sedans, in the case of drivers who need space for passengers; or trucks for those that carry more cargo. Whichever second-hand car you choose, make sure to test-drive for comfortability. Luxurious And Driver-Focused If you like comfort, style, and power, a convertible or coupe could be the second-hand car for you. Both vehicles seat two, the difference being a coupes’ roof is fixed, while a convertibles’ is retractable. Family-Orientated Used Vehicles For smaller and regular-sized families a sedan or station wagon (with five seats and lots of cargo space) could be the car for you. For larger families, a minivan would be better suited as they seat six to eight with plenty of cargo space. To choose a second-hand car that reflects your lifestyle: consider your size requirements, where you live, and where you’ll be driving. If you need guidance in your decision or are ready to commit, contact Auto Pedigree todayor find a car dealer near you.

Whether it’s price, space or preference there are many reasons why people go for smaller vehicles. No matter the reason, you’re in the right place as we’ve put together a few ideas on who makes the cut forthe best small cars for 2021. New Small Cars Many people enjoy the financing, reliability, and new car smell that comes with buying a new car. Second-hand cars can also come with all of the above, as well as a significant drop in price. So, if you have a bit of wiggle room in the budget and have your eye on a newer model, here is a list of the best new small cars of 2021. If you care for sustainability and a more premium vehicle, the electric BMW i3 could be for you. Next is the Citroen C3, with an optional dashcam and air bump protection for those drivers wrestling with traffic, crowded parkings, or careless children. The 2021 Fiat Panda also makes the list, with five doors and a decent selection of engines. The Renault Clio as well as the Renault Zoe, which is another electric vehicle, also feature. Second-Hand Cars Of The Small Variety While some of the small cars mentioned on the above list can be found second-hand, it may be a little difficult as they are relatively new to the car market. On that note, one of the best second-hand cars is the Ford Fiesta, the popularity of this vehicle makes for a large second-hand market. The Toyota Yaris and Hyundai i10 are additional reliable, notable options when looking to buy a second-hand, small car. If you’re more into German engineering, the VW Polo may be the vehicle for you. Last but certainly not least is the Suzuki Jimny, a sports utility vehicle without the large size, what more could you ask for? Small cars are perfect for crowded parking, dense traffic, and beginner drivers among many other things. Whatever the reason for your interest, we hope our list of the best small cars for 2021 has clarified your decision. If you are in the market for a second-hand car, contact us today.

Most people have a favourite car brand, which makes it easier to choose a new vehicle when the time comes, but how do they come to this decision? Choosing the right car brand is a personal choice. A few things people consider when shopping for a car are reliability, style, interior comfort, workmanship, technological advancement, and safety. Different car brands appeal to different people in each of these areas, so let's look at how to personalise your decision. Consider Your Needs Think about your lifestyle priorities for your car brand: family size, geographical environment, distance to work, etc. Finances Consider how much you can afford to spend, then look at cars that meet your needs and budget. Research And Compare Second-Hand Cars Take time to research your top car brands and models individually. Look at which vehicles accommodate the majority of your main requirements. Speak To A Professional Once you have a few ideal car brands, discuss repair hurdles and any questions or concerns you have with a trusted mechanic. Ask them which brands they see issues in the most. Fuel Consumption Consider how many kilometers your car will see and consequently how important fuel economy is to you. Longevity And Durability Are you the type to replace cars after a few years or stick with a vehicle until its end? In the case of the latter, you should consider car brands that will go the distance. Consider Ownership Costs Look into the general cost of maintenance and parts. Ensure that you can afford the vehicle as well as everything that comes with ownership. Test Drive Your Favour Car Brands Finally, it's time to test drive your top choices because you won’t truly know if you enjoy the car until you’ve driven it. Head to a dealership for zero-commitment test drives and let your favourite car brand find you. Choosing the right car brand for you may seem daunting, but following these tips is sure to make it easier. The Auto Pedigree team is always here to support you. Find a car dealer near you and get in touch.

Buying second-hand cars is the savvy move when purchasing a vehicle. Some skillful negotiation can help you get the best possible price. We’ve compiled some negotiation best practices to help you along the way with this. Typical Cost When Buying Second-Hand Cars Before walking into your chosen used car dealership, do some research into what you want to buy. Know the average or list price of your desired model. Check the price on the manufacturer's website as well as with multiple sellers and dealerships. Desired Specifications It's important to remember that you’re negotiating the price of the model, not the model and specifications themselves. Know what specification you require and stick to it. Vehicle Condition Buying second-hand cars means that there will be wear and tear. Look for dents or chips, technical faults, and worn-down tyres. These are fine, for the most part, but if anything sticks out, be sure to bring it up with your dealer. Look at the service history (or maintenance records if buying privately). Always test-drive the vehicle and check the mileage. Higher mileage always makes for a lower price. Trade-In Value And Budget If you have an old car you’re trading-in or selling, know how much you should be getting for it. The more you get, the less bargaining you’ll need to make when buying your second-hand car. Also, be aware of your maximum budget, but don’t tell the dealership what it is. Offer less than your maximum budget so that you have room to haggle. Asking For A Discount When asking for a discount don’t say “Can I get a discount?”, rather phrase it as “What discount can you give me?”. If the salesperson seems reluctant, mention that you’ll be happy to close the deal if you get a good price. Sometimes this works, sometimes not. Cash Buyer When buying a second-hand car with cash, don’t tell the dealer until the end of the discussions. Dealerships may negotiate more if they think they’re also selling you a finance deal. Once you’ve negotiated to your desired price, let them know you won’t need finance. Know When To Walk Away When negotiating the price of a vehicle, you’ll need to be patient and persistent. Don’t walk away because you haven’t got your desired price right away. With these tips in mind, you’ll be an expert in buying second-hand cars. Speak to us about your next dream car.

When in the market for a new vehicle, one of the first questions usually asked is whether to buy a pre-owned car or to go for something brand new? Here’s a list of the pros and cons to consider on both sides of the spectrum. Buying A New Car Pros Of Buying A New Car There are many reasons why someone would choose a new car over a used one, one of which is that there is no unknown history with new cars. Another is the full warranty package that new cars generally come with and the possible deal sweeteners that dealerships offer at the point of sale. Newer cars tend to have superior technology and safety features, better fuel consumption, and lesser emissions. Cons Of Buy A New Car The biggest pitfall with buying a new car is the rate of depreciation. Most new cars lose up to 20% of their value as soon as you drive them out of the showroom. When you buy a brand new model, there’s also the possibility that the manufacturer alters the model, which can cause problems with maintenance down the line. Buy A Pre-Owned Car Pros Of Buying A Pre-Owned Car The biggest selling point for buying a pre-owned car is that depreciation doesn’t affect used cars to the same extent as new cars. It can also be easier to save up to buy a pre-owned car with cash or to at least get something reliable and decent for a more affordable price. Certain models of used cars may have lower insurance rates. Factory warranties are also getting longer for those looking to buy pre-owned cars. Cons Of Buying A Pre-Owned Car When you buy a pre-owned car, it may be less reliable than a newer car, depending on how old it is and how well it has been looked after. However, you can buy quality approved cars that tend to yield less problems. Private purchases are riskier than buying from a used car dealer, even though they might come across a little cheaper. Cars sold at auction have the best price but are the most unreliable and problematic. When you buy a pre-owned car you might have less choice over the model, colour, etc. Overall, there are pros and cons to both pre-owned and new vehicles. At the end of the day, your specific budget and needs will help you decide which one is the best for you. Let your local Auto Pedigree dealer help you choose.

Buying a used car is a viable option when in the market for a vehicle, but it can be a daunting experience. We discuss some of the possible risks involved in buying a used car so that you can make an educated decision that best serves your needs, safety, and budget. Vehicle History Every used car is, for whatever reason, a car that someone else did not want, even if there was nothing wrong with it. The risk when buying a used car is that you don’t know the reason. The vehicle may have been involved in an accident, have damaged parts or may be due for a service. Or the owner might have simply wanted a different car or an upgrade. It’s important to know the vehicle history in order to know what condition the car is in. Buying a used car from a reputable dealership like Auto Pedigree will ensure that you get a full vehicle history that you can trust. Reliability Vehicles with miles already on the clock will always be less reliable than new cars, this is another risk of buying a used car. When you make a private vehicle purchase it can be difficult to tell if the car you’re purchasing will last as long as you need it to without coming into trouble. Opting for a used car with lower mileage is always best, and obviously choosing a dealer who will give you the honest lowdown on the vehicle history. Model And Parts Another reason why a car may be in a used car lot is because the parts are becoming expensive and difficult to obtain. Therefore it’s important to research the model and parts of the vehicle you’re looking at. Buying a used car from a dealership also allows for a wider selection of models to choose from, and you can get honest feedback from the dealer about the ongoing costs of parts. Warranty When you buy a used car, it can be rare that the vehicle will have a warranty. However, if you buy from a trustworthy dealer such as Auto Pedigree, you have the option of purchasing an extended warranty with the vehicle. This will put your mind at ease that you’re covered for a longer period of time than you would be if you bought privately. Buying a used car doesn’t have to be risky if you choose a reliable partner to give you honest advice. You can also equip yourself with as much information as possible, assuring yourself that you’re making the best purchase possible.

In the ever-changing world of new cars, there are some vital selling points that guide customers who are looking to buy a new car. From the criticism and reviews offered by experienced car owners all the way to fuel efficiency, Auto Pedigree has compiled a list of things that factor into the overarching decision to buy a new car. Reviews At the very top of the list, we have reviews. A lot of valuable information can be deduced via the experiences of other customers. Many people looking to buy a new car will consult the crowd-sourced opinions of others before making their choice. If a new car is rated and reviewed well, it will attract more customers within the market and can factor greatly in the buyer’s decision. Dependability When the funds for a brand new car are coming from your back pocket, you want to know that you can trust the wheels beneath you for the miles ahead of you. Recent makes and models are proving to be more dependable, which is good news for those in the market. However, most need to find a sweet spot between this and something budget-friendly. Generally speaking, new cars are more reliable as they have yet to be put through the rigours of time and use. Budgeting This point is likely the most considered. Prior to consulting a dealership about financing options, it would be wise to discuss options and numbers with your bank or credit provider. It’s likely that dealerships will offer better financing options on newer cars only. Although 9 times out 10 it will cost you less to go with a used car, the financing options available will definitely sing the praises of a new one. Technology Now, this is a point that is important to many looking to buy a new car. Think long and hard about the cars that were around about 10 years ago. Maybe you kept all of your CDs in a binder under the seat or a cassette with all of your favourite songs. As times evolve and everything fits onto our smartphones, new cars have been kitted with technology that you wouldn’t likely find in an older used car. Can you live without your tech? Efficiency On top of being fuel-efficient, new cars are generally proving to be better for the environment. With options varying from hybrids to electric cars at your fingertips, there is something for everyone. Newer cars are commonly more fuel-efficient, as this has become one of the key selling factors when it comes to buying a new car. Looking to buy a new used car? The hunt for the perfect fit can be trying, so we would like to offer guidance and direction where we can, as best as we can.

Budget-besties, this one's for you. Affordability, safety, and comfort all encased in some of our favourite efficiently compact used city cars. Look no further for great quality pre-loved cars under R120,000. Ford Figo Ambiente Perfect for city life, the pre-loved Ford Figo Ambiente is a comfortable vehicle to drive, with power steering and air-conditioning. The doors lock automatically once the car reaches 7km/h and is adequately spacious within the vehicle and the boot. It is well equipped to combat wind and exterior noise when travelling at high speeds. The Ford Figo is built similar to the likes of the renowned Ford Fiesta and is available at exceedingly affordable prices with many attractive features. Chevrolet Spark Also equipped with power steering and air-conditioning, the Chevrolet Spark is a safe and affordable small car with a multitude of eye-catching features such as electric windows and mirrors, and an anti-lock braking system that provides extra safety for all passengers. At a price much lower than similar sized cars, this four-door pre-loved car is one of the best overall picks. Hyundai i20 Not too much and not too little, the Hyundai i20 is a durably easy and comfortable car to drive. Although this pre-loved car is available very affordably under R120,000, it is not at all dingy or run-down. With a well-spaced boot, comfortable backseat and adjustable steering wheel, the Hyundai i20 is an all-round efficient, safe and hardy car. Kia Rio The Kia Rio has done away with “cheap” and replaced it with economical. It is rated positively across the board, embodying admirable performance and an array of attractive features that their competitors don’t offer. It provides an enjoyable day-to-day drive and handles turns and corners with notable ease. Rigged-out with bluetooth connectivity, air-conditioning, power steering and so much more, the Kia Rio packs a nice little punch. Ideal for day-to-day city venturing, and furnished to a tee with upgraded technology, safety features and pleasantries, these hardy cars are at the top of the list for pre-loved cars under R120,000.