Used Car Guide

A private car purchase can very well be a bargain and save you some money. However, it does come with higher risks. If something goes wrong, you do not have the same legal protection under the Consumer Protection Act as you do when buying from a pre-owned vehicle from a dealership, and in worst case scenarios, the vehicle could be stolen or end up being a rotten tomato. Buying privately also takes more effort on your part, and can be a real time-sucker. When buying from a dealership, all the checks and balances are dealt with and you're saved the need to handle the administration and paperwork process yourself. If you choose to go the private route, there are a number of important things to remember before closing the deal. The following are important points to bear in mind along with some tips: Do Your Homework Don't waste time. Before arranging a visit to view, ask the seller everything that you can about the car. Are you the seller? How long have you owned the vehicle? Does it have service history records? Is it still under finance? Has it been in an accident? What's the mileage? What condition is it in? Then, when you view, check that all of the information provided matches up. It's one way to tell if the seller is honest and trustworthy or not. If he or she tells you it's in good nick, and you see scratches and torn seats, start looking elsewhere. Roadworthy Certificate This piece of paper means that the vehicle meets the minimum safety requirements for driving on the road. It is not a guarantee that the car is problem-free or even in good condition. A roadworthy certificate can be obtained from a testing station with the following documentation: The vehicle's registration certificate; Your identification document; Completed application form. VIN and Engine Number You can ask for a police clearance certificate from the seller, but to be extra cautious also take down the details of the number plate, chassis number (VIN) and engine number and run a check at a police station to ensure that you are not buying a stolen vehicle. Also make sure that these details match up with the registration papers. Payment There are different ways to make payment of the sale of a used vehicle. The finance institution will advise but one way is that if the vehicle is still under finance, the balance should be paid directly to the bank, and proof of payment sent to the seller. Once the seller has received the registration papers from the bank, the net amount can be paid to the seller. Registration Once the deal has been agreed to, the vehicle must then be registered in the new owner's name. Both the buyer and seller are involved in this procedure. The following documentation is required: Identification document; The seller's vehicle registration certificate; A roadworthy certificate; Proof of purchase or Sales Agreement; A valid motor vehicle licence; The completed registration application form. Sales Agreement This contract is necessary for the transfer of ownership of the vehicle, and should include: Names, addresses, ID number, and contact details of both parties; Details of the vehicle: make, model, registration number, VIN number, registration number, colour, odometer reading; Time, date and location of the sale; Purchase amount. There's no doubt that buying or selling a car privately is a complicated procedure, so tread with caution and don't hesitate to get advice. In doing so, you could be rewarded with a great car for years to come. Disclaimer: Note that the content on this website are guidelines only and Auto Pedigree and the content creators take no responsibility for any loss or damage incurred.

Granted, there's nothing quite like the smell of a new car. Coupled with a squeaky clean dashboard and fresh virgin seats, that new car is enough to tempt you into throwing caution to the wind and shaking hands with the dealer. Unfortunately, the vehicle does come with a price tag that could easily break the bank as well as a few other things. This is why so many car buyers don't give a second thought to turning to the pre-owned car dealer in search of quality used vehicles for sale. The major advantage is the fact that a new vehicle has an astounding rate of depreciation. While most vehicles depreciate at around 15 to 20 per cent every year, the first year is substantially higher, so the first owner absorbs the costs of this depreciation. Buy from a Reputable Dealership By purchasing pre-owned cars instead of new, you don't have to bear the brunt of the drastic drop in the value of the vehicle. As long as you buy from a reputable car dealership, you will ensure that you get a good deal for your money. Here are some other tips for buying second hand cars: Safety - There is less risk buying from a reputable dealer because you have maximum legal protection. Avoid mistakes - Mistakes cost money, and a car is a high value item that you do not want to go wrong with. Convenience - The reason why it's cheaper to buy from a private seller is because you have to spend your time doing the paperwork, making mechanical inspections, and arranging for finance. Speed - The efficiency of major car dealerships makes it possible to walk in and drive out with your new pre-owned car on the same day. Satisfaction guaranteed - A good dealership will have the interests of their customers at heart and will be prepared to exchange a vehicle within a reasonable period of time. After sales service - You want recourse to action - which is something that you won't get from a private seller. In summary, there's no doubt that buying a pre-owned car instead of a new one gives you better value for money, but the most important factor of the process is where you buy. The best advice is to only buy from established and reputable car dealerships.

Begin with the Seller When on the market for a used vehicle, an internet search often yields results from various car dealerships. Typically, car dealers conform to codes and practices which reduce risk for the buyer. Buying privately usually seems to carry a better looking price tag, it unfortunately comes with higher risk. This does not necessarily mean that you're safe from buying a bad vehicle if you buy a car from a dealer. Like vehicles, car dealerships come in all shapes and sizes. This means that along with shopping for a quality used car, you need to shop for a good dealer too. To avoid buying a bad vehicle, a dealer should offer: The option to take out a mechanical warranty for a period of time; The vehicle's service history; A system of checking each vehicle thoroughly for faults and fixing them; Backing from the dealer should anything go wrong or the vehicle somehow does not meet your expectations. If you do decide to go with a private seller, invest a good amount of time in checking and rechecking that both the seller and car itself are trustworthy. If something doesn't look, smell, or feel right, walk away. Avoid Buying a Lemon Take a History Lesson Looking into the car's past will help you to figure out what kind of future you'll end up with it. The more owners the car has had, the more difficult your task. A car that has been used to commute 80km a day every day in peak traffic may not be such a good buy when compared to the same model that spent most of its time in the garage and was only taken out on weekends. Car records don't tell the whole story, so you'll need to keep a sharp eye out for signs of accident damage, flooding, and other tell-tale no-no's. Push All of the Right Buttons Go for a test drive but before you turn the key, be sure to twiddle, tweak, and twist everything that there is in that interior to make sure that everything does what it is supposed to. The test drive itself should not just be a little cruise around the block. It's a test drive. Put the car through its paces in an open car park. Test the brakes, take sharp corners, drive in tight circles, and drive without hands to see if it pulls in one direction. Needless to say, if it smokes, walk away. Accident Damage Here are some quick ways in which to check for accident damage: Check that body panels are original, smooth and join evenly; Check suspension by leaning on the bumpers - on letting go, the car should bounce gently once or twice; Check that the tyres are not unevenly worn; Check for frayed seat belts, as well as any cracked components in the interior. If major accident repairs have been done on the car, unless you're really strapped for cash and it's a real bargain, walk away. There is a vast array of good quality pre owned cars for sale on the market - why take the risk? Start with a Clean Slate Make sure that the vehicle has been fully paid off by its previous owner, that there are no fines outstanding, and that it has been continuously registered for its full life. If there is money owed on the car, you could be in for a nasty surprise and left stranded without a vehicle. Ask as many questions as you can think of, and if there's any notion that the seller is not willing to offer an answer, walk away. Avoid buying a Stolen Vehicle Generally, if the car is financed, the bank will run a history report. If buying privately and/or cash, these basic precautions could save you from falling victim: See that the engine number and VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) code on the physical vehicle match those on the registration papers. Ask for a police clearance certificate, especially when buying from a private seller. Obtain a car check report of the vehicle throughhttp://www.transunion.co.za. Run an online check onhttp://www.autobid3.co.za/, for a list of stolen vehicles. Though not a comprehensive list by any means, it gives details such as the make, model, colour, VIN number, and/or registration number of the stolen car. Needless to say, even if you suspect that the vehicle is stolen, walk away.

Are you one of those car owners who will wait until the last hour before midnight when the fuel price increases or decreases before filling up, even if it means that your car may have to run on fuel fumes for a day? This list won't include electric-powered motors, hybrids, or Porsches. We do believe that the cost of buying the car should not outstrip the savings on fuel economy. Lower Price Range Vehicle Claimed Average Fuel Consumption in litres/100km Image Volkswagen Polo 1.2TDI Blue motion 3.4 Ford Fiesta 1.6TDCi (Diesel) 3.6 Citroen C3 eHDI 3.7 Renault Clio Expression 4.5 Clio Dynamique 4.5 Ford Fiesta Titanium 4.5 Higher Price Range Vehicle Claimed Average Fuel Consumption in litres/100km Image Volvo V40 D2 (Diesel) 3.6 Audi A1 1.6TDI (Diesel) 3.8 Renault Megane 1.6dci 4.0 Mercedes Benz A200 CDI (Turbo-diesel) 4.1 Audi A3 1.6TDI A3 TDI 4.7 So there you have it. From the diesel-powered Ford Fiesta 1.6TDCi to the turbo-diesel powered Mercedes Benz A200 CDI, eleven fuel-saver cars that may ease the tug on your purse strings. Disclaimer: The following estimated fuel consumption figures are claimed rather than actual. Actual fuel consumption and emission will depend on many factors including your driving habits, prevailing conditions and your vehicle's equipment, condition and use. The intended use of this information table is as a guide in your decision making when purchasing a vehicle.

Happiness is a car full of fuel and an open road with nowhere in particular to go. When you think about it what else do you really need, besides some good driving music to help satisfy the aural senses. And since it’s a South African road trip, we think it’s apt that the list should be picked from a pool of South African artists from all walks of life. Here are our top picks of all time in no particular order: 1. Nkalakatha, by Mandoza Dubbed as South Africa's unofficial national anthem, this award-winning kwaito song is a must on our list. Even though Mandoza himself grew tired of performing this song, we haven’t grown tired of listening to it. Listen to it here: http://bit.ly/2cQrHKi 2. Vulindlela, by Brenda Fassie Another South African award-winning song, this one by the Queen of South African Pop who also gave us the Weekend Special. Vulindlela, meaning ‘to make way’ or ‘open the gates’ is an apt song for a pleasant road drive to nowhere in particular. If you haven’t seen this video clip of three young men jamming to Vulindlela that went viral this year, then you saw it here first: http://bit.ly/2j5C2mG 3. ParadiseRoad, by Joy This song went to no. 1 on the charts and stayed there for nine weeks, becoming the unofficial South African national anthem at the time. Recorded in 1980, the song was a song of hope that still holds true today, and is bound to bring a lump to your throat as you drive into the blazing South African sky. Listen toit here: http://bit.ly/2hMtvZc 4. GreatHeart – Johnny Clegg Even those born after the 90s will know the name Johnny Clegg. This legendary South African musician needs no introduction, just a few lines out of the song to illustrate why we chose this as one of the best South African songs to drive to: There's a highway of stars across the heavensThe whispering song of the wind in the grassThere's the rolling thunder across the savannaA hope and dream at the edge of the skyAnd your life is a story like the windYour life is a story like the wind Listen to it .here: http://bit.ly/20kHaC2 5. Fords Nissans Toys en Beetles, by Brasse vannie Kaap South African music is as diverse as its landscape and culture. One of the pioneers of Afrikaans hip-hop was was a group that hailed from the Cape Flats. Their style of music was predominently ‘Caperikaans’ rap as it was then dubbed, or adialect of Afrikaans as spoken in the Cape Flats. Listen to it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3AmG5mP2EY 6. Weeping, by Bright Blue This list would not be complete without the huge sound of this iconic South African song. What’s a drive on the wide, open road without dramatic drums and smooth sax? http://bit.ly/1pEA2Og 7. Another Universe, by Arno Carstens Another South African music great, Another Universe is sometimes referred to as ‘A Galaxy of Blue’. Few songs can beat driving to with lyrics that say, “nobody needs to know where we’re off to.” 8. Homeless by Ladysmith Black Mambazo Paul Simon said this about LBM:“It isn’t merely the grace and power of their dancing or the beauty of their singing that rivets the attention, but the sheer joy and love that emanates from their being.” We believe the sheer joy of their music can have a positive affect on a drive, which is, after all the whole idea. Watch the video here: http://bit.ly/1kKlCeb Bonus tracks that need no introduction or explanation: Another Country, by Mango Groove AfricanSky Blue, by Johnny Clegg Note: Little is known about the impact of music while driving on our physiological state and performance. Studies demonstrate that listening to music while driving influences mood which in turn can impact driving behaviour,and that listening to music can positively impact mood while driving, which can be used to affect state and safe behaviour. Looking to buy a new second hand car to take out on the open road? When you buy a used car from Auto Pedigree, you get quality, value, and choice from a wide variety of vehicles at dealers countrywide. Disclaimer: Auto Pedigree and the authors make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or by following any link on this site. Auto Pedigree and the authors will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information. Auto Pedigree and the authors will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information.

This Father's Day, we celebrate our love of cars with what we believe to be the best source of information on the "best of"cars. From the coolest and the hottest, to the most expensive and the greatest, this is ourlist! The Coolest Cars in the World As roadandtrack.com puts it, "Cars don't just appear, they evolve." In this list of the fifty coolest cars in the world, we step back into history and appreciate the technology and style of the past to see how modern automotive efforts sizes up against the past. Which of these do you remember? 1. 1967 Gurney Eagle-Westlake MK1 2. 1967 Mazda Cosmo 3. 1969 Lola T70 4. 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 5. 1967 Ferrari 330 P4 6. 1967 Ferrari Dino 206 GT 7. 1967 Alfa Romeo Tipo 33 Stradale 8. 1966 Oldsmobile Toronado 9. 1966 Alfa Romeo Spider 10. 1965 Matra Djet Read the full list with images: http://www.roadandtrack.com/car-culture/classic-cars/features/g4278/51-coolest-cars-of-the-last-50-years/ The Hottest Cars of All Time To make this popularmechanics.com list of hot one hundred cars, the only hard and fast rule was that at least one fully drivable specimen had to have been manufactured. So if you thought you knew your cars, read this fascinating list. These are 10 out of a list of one hundred picks: 1. Jaguar XJS (1975 -1996) 2. Lotus Esprit (1993 -2004) 3. TVR Griffith (1991 -2002) 4. Bugatti Type 57 (1934 -1940) 5. Dodge Viper (1990 -2010) 6. Ford Boss Mustang (1969 -1970) 7. Hudson Hornet (1951 -1954) 8. Lotus Elise (1996 -present) 9. SS Cars SS100 (1936 -1940) 10. Talbot-Largo T150 CSS (1938) Read the full list with images: http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/g93/the-100-hottest-cars-of-all-time/ The Most Expensive Cars in History What makes a car expensive? A number of obvious factors contribute to the cost of a car, such as manufacturing, research and development, labour, and materials. Other factors however are what is more interesting. A car's price tag can easily increase just because of a name badge or its heritage rather than the mod cons that it comes with. That is why you will probably not see many new cars in this list: 1. 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO - $38.1 Million (R508,46M) 2. 1957 Ferarri 335S - $35.7 Million (R476,43M) 3. 1954 Mercedes-Benz W196 - $29.6 Million (R395,03M) 4. 1956 Ferrari 290 MM - $28 Million (R373,67M) 5. 1964 Ferrari 275 GTB/C Speciale - $26.4 Million (R352,32M) 6. 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4*S NART Spider - $25 Million (R333,64M) 7. 1964 Ferrari 250 LM - $17.6 Million (R234,88M) 8. 1962 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlineta Speciale - $16.5 Million (R220,20M) 9. 1957 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa - $16.4 Million (R218,87M) 10. 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider - $15.9 Million (R212,19M) 11. 1954 Ferrari 375-Plus Spider Competizione - $15.4 Million (R205,52M) 12. 1962 Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato - $14.3 Million (R190,84M) 13. 1998 McLaren F1 'LM-Specification' - $13.75 Million (R183,50M) 14. 1956 Ferrari 250 GT LWB Berlinetta 'Tour de France' - $13.2 Million (R176,16M) 15. 1953 Jaguar C-Type Works Lightweight - $13.2 Million (R176,16M) Read full details with fascinating facts, figures, and images: http://www.ranker.com/list/most-expensive-cars-ever-made/aaron-edwards The Fastest Street Cars in the World No "A" list of cars would be complete without a list of the fastest cars in the world. But as Wikipedia puts it, "comparing claimed speeds is difficult as there is no standardised method to determine top speed, and no authority to verify such claims." Therefore, due to inconsistencies and dubious claims from various sources, we chose Wikipedia as the most trusted source for our list as they arrived with their conclusions based on certain criteria. This is their list of record-breaking street-legal production vehicles - post 1945 and over 200km/h only: 1. 1949 Jaguar XK120 - 200.5km/h 2. 1955 Mercedes Benz 300SL -242.5km/h 3. 1959 Aston Martin DB4 GT -245km/h 4. 1963 Iso Grifo GL 365 -259km/h 5. 1965 AC Cobra -266km/h 6. 1967 Lambhorgini Miura P400 -275km/h 7. 1967 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona -280km/h 8. 1974 Lamborghini Countach LP400 -288km/h 9. 1982 Lambhorgini Countach LP500 S -293km/h 10. 1984 Ferrari 288 GTO -303km/h 11. 1986 Porche 959 -317km/h 12. 1987 Ruf CTR -342km/h 13. 1993 McClaren F1 -370km/h 14. 2005 Bucatti Veyron 16.4 -408.47km/h 15. 2010 Bucatti Veyron Super Sport -415km/h Find more details with fascinating facts, figures, and images: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Production_car_speed_record The Greatest Cars of All Time There are a multitude of opinions on what makes a car great and even more on which ones those are. Since this is subjective and depends on the viewpoint you're standing from, one reason we like this list is because of the title " The 50 Most Iconic Cars in History": 1. 1936 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic 2. 1948 Tucker Torpedo 3. 1960 Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato 4. Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta SWB 5. 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray Coupe 6. Ford GT40 7. Aston Martin DB5 8. 1967 Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale 9. BMW M1 10. AC Shelby Cobra 427 Read the full list with details and images: https://gearpatrol.com/2011/12/02/feature-here-to-eternity-the-50-most-iconic-cars-in-motoring-history/ What kind of car suits your dad? Auto Pedigree has a wide range of cars that will not be the most expensive, but definitely be the best quality used car you can afford. If quality and low mileage is important to you, why not visit one of our branches and browse around. Disclaimer: Auto Pedigree and the authors make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or by following any link on this site. Auto Pedigree and the authors will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information. Auto Pedigree and the authors will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information.