Used Car Guide

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11 June 2021
BMW Vs Mercedes-Benz - Which used car trumps which?
BMW and Mercedes-Benz have long been fierce competitors in the luxury car market, but how do these brands compare when pre-owned? We’ve composed a list of key differences between the two. Design Both brands produce top-quality looks but while Mercedes-Benz produces a lavish-looking exterior with smooth lines, BMW opts for a sportier look with harsh angles. In terms of interior design, Mercedes-Benz comes out on top with their superior attention to detail and first class finishes. This is evident when comparing the C Class and 3 Series. Mercedes-Benz also has the larger lineup of the two, but BMW has a wider electric and hybrid range. Performance and Quality Car enthusiasts tend to agree that the BMW is a driver’s car with higher performance. On the other hand, Mercedes-Benz is designed for quality and comfort with more bells and whistles and a solid feel. However, BMW trumps Mercedes-Benz in fuel consumption and emissions. Mercedes-Benz leads the two in safety features such as, radar assisted cruise control, SONAR, lane monitoring and active brake assist to name a few. Maintenance and Reliability When comparing reliability, there are many factors to consider such as models and engine types however Mercedes-Benz has a tendency to come out on top. Consumers generally agree that Mercedes-Benz used cars have better longevity, this is clearly shown in the amount of older Mercedes-Benz models that can be seen on the road, compared to BMW. BMWs have the highest maintenance costs of the two, however they can be easier to upgrade and maintain at home. Price Mercedes-Benz and BMW are luxury car brands therefore the difference in price is much of a muchness, even when considering used cars. Both brands offer excitement when you own them and are top-tier in technology, design and comfort. They offer unique features and cater to different preferences, consequently the answer to the question of which used car trumps which will differ from person to person.
28 May 2021
Most Searched For Second-Hand Cars in 2021
Whether it's curiosity or necessity that’s piqued your interest in second-hand car sales, we’ve got you covered with a list of the most popular second-hand cars of 2021. The list is composed of five categories, with the most notable brands throughout being VW, BMW and Toyota. There’s something to suit every taste and style here. Have a look. Most Search For Hatchbacks VW takes the cake in the hatchback category, holding down first, second, and third place of the most searched for second-hand cars. The three hatchback cars in ascending order are: The VW Golf The VW Polo The VW Polo Vivo The BMW 1 Series The classic Toyota Yaris Most Search For Sedans Volkswagen has done it again with the most searches in the sedan category. The Volkswagen Polo sedan is a premium option, but so is the ever-faithful and popular Toyota Corolla. Also occupying space in this bracket is the luxurious BMW 3 Series, the stylish and slick Mercedes-Benz C Class, and the Audi A3. Most Searched For SUVs BMW holds two spots in this category with the BMW X5 and BMW X3, both stable, reliable family cars that are perfect for exploring the long open roads of South Africa. High up on the list are the Ford Everest and Toyota Fortuner, that seem to be so perfectly matched up against one another. Also on the list of the most searched for second-hand cars for 2021 is the Porsche Cayenne. Most Searched For Double Cabs Toyota holds another spot here on our list with the Toyota Hilux commanding everyone’s attention. The Ford Ranger is another one of the most popular second-hand double cabs for 2021, as is the Nissan Navara. VW makes another appearance in this category with the VW Amarok. Who could say no to any of these options? Most Searched For Single Cabs You’d be correct in assuming that the single cabs would be very much the same as Double Cabs, and you’d be correct. Ford, Toyota, Volkswagen, and Nissan are all high fliers in the most searched for single cabs for 2021. The Isuzu D-Max also makes a firm footing in its position as one of the favourites. If you’re in the market for a second-hand car or just interested in second-hand car sales, we hope this list provides you with the info you need. If not, feel free to contact us at any time and we will help you find the car of your dreams.
14 May 2021
Four Tips When Buying Used Bakkies For Sale
In the market for used bakkies? With a wide variety right at your fingertips, we have compiled some important tips to ensure that you get the best used bakkie for sale with all the necessary requirements. Diesel vs petrol Diesel bakkies provide more power to withstand long distance travels and carrying heavy cargo on challenging roads. Petrol bakkies are more suited to urban day-today use. When looking to buy used bakkies, this is a useful point to bear in mind depending on what you require. Stick vs auto Going by cost, automatic bakkies are more expensive due to the intricacy of the gearbox. They also require more frequent servicing than manual bakkies. For new drivers, automatic bakkies are easier to drive and cannot stall. Manual bakkies are better preferred for off-road driving as opposed to automatic bakkies. Get the full backstory Look into what the previous owner utilized the used bakkie for. A full vehicle history should be available from the seller, whether the used bakkie is bought from a dealership or a private seller. However, it isn’t likely that the information will be given if you don’t request it. A vehicle history will indicate any areas for potential fault, possibly due to prior accidents or maintenance issues. Try it on for size Test driving the used bakkie in question is a vital excursion and is often overlooked. Pay attention to any questionable noises, all the way from the gearbox to the exhaust. It should also start, take-off and accelerate smoothly. Gear changes should also be smooth, whether in a manual or automatic used bakkie. Test drive the used bakkie on both urban roads and dirt roads to ensure that the shock absorbers are still in good condition. When looking to buy a used bakkie, there are many things to consult and verify to ensure that you receive your money’s worth. Allow us to assist in your search for used bakkies for sale.
30 April 2021
Five Second-Hand Car Facts That Might Surprise You
Buying second-hand cars can be a daunting task that most of us face eventually. The majority of people will only ever be faced with the buying or selling transactional part of it all. But there are a few things you might want to know about what happens behind the scenes, that will not only interest you but offer a bit of guidance as to what to look for too. Here are five second-hand car facts that might surprise you: Odometer Fraud Odometer fraud might sound absurd, but it’s not only something you’ve seen in the movies. Tampered odometer readings do exist. Fraudulent dealers can make billions off advertising false miles on their used car to attract buyers. This isn’t as common in modern day cars, but it is something to be aware of. If the car deal seems too good to be true, it’s worth investigating further. Silver Cars Are The Number One Choice In terms of aesthetics, black second-hand cars remained highest in demand from 2013-2017. But in recent years, more silver second-hand cars are bought than any other colour, pushing black into second place. This might affect the price. So, if you are on a tight budget, you might want to think twice about buying a silver second-hand car. Buying Used Cars Has Overtaken The Purchase Of New Cars Buying a used car is cheaper than buying new, this is a given. But if you find the right deal, it can be very helpful if you need a reliable set of wheels on a budget. Second-hand cars make up 75% of the market in car sales, even though newer models are predominantly advertised. People Have A Preference For Automatic Cars Over time, it has been deduced that buyers prefer automatic cars to manual cars. Fewer people have a license to drive a manual car, and the production of automatic cars is on the rise. You can expect to pay more for an automatic car - used or new. Airbags Can Be Tampered With Cars that have been in accidents will need the airbags replaced and refitted correctly. Sometimes, this isn’t the case, so it is important that you inspect the state of the airbags in any second-hand car as they contribute to the safety of a car immensely. If you are unsure, find a trusted auto-professional to have a look. There are a multitude of second-hand car facts that will come across as surprising. Obviously, buying from a reputable used car dealership will forego any worry, but it's always good to be informed. Hopefully, these facts will bring some new unexpected points to your attention when looking to buy a used car.
16 April 2021
Top Five Must-Have Accessories In A Used Car
When buying a second-hand car, we often expect the car to feel and seem second-hand too. If you’re in the market for a used car, you want to get the best possible value for your money. The following accessories are not essential, but they form a part of the most basic and implied accessories that you will want in your car and may easily overlook. Keep an eye out for the following accessories in the second-hand car that you choose to buy: 1. Floor Mats A detail that many will easily overlook is the floor mats. Your second-hand car should definitely have removable floor mats. They’re specifically sized to the footwells of your car and catch dirt and mud in an easily removable and cleanable mat. 2. Spare Tyre Spare tyres are important for the most basic reason. If you’ve ever been stuck with a flat tyre and no replacement, you’ll understand why. Tyres also come at a cost, so it’s imperative that the used car you buy comes with one that is new and ready to fit in an emergency. 3. Jack And Wheel Spanner A jack is a mechanical lifting device that raises the car when the tyre needs to be changed, and a wheel spanner loosens and tightens the nuts and bolts on a wheel. These tools are mandatory for changing a tyre, and also for the roadworthiness of your car. They can be expensive to buy if not included in the second-hand car deal.They are often also overlooked during purchase. 4. Decent Sound System The sound system in your car can keep you company on long drives, making the commute to work a more pleasant experience. Check that the speakers in your used car are not blown or that the sound has not degraded over time. Check any aerials and make sure you test the overall sound quality of your used car sound system before buying the car. 5. USB Or AUX For Smartphone Connectivity Over time, lots of us threw out our CDs and stopped buying our favourite albums because all our music became available on our smartphones. Many cars now have Bluetooth, USB, or AUX options to connect your phone to the car sound system. Older models will be sold with only a CD player, which the car dealer may neglect to tell you. If you only listen to music off your smartphone, look out for these features. With all the excitement surrounding the purchase of a used car, you may forget to pay attention to the finer details. These five suggestions on what accessories to look for in your used car will offer you some direction.
02 April 2021
Your User-Friendly Checklist For Buying A Second-Hand Car
Not everyone can afford a new car, in fact 75% of purchasers choose a second-hand car over a new one. However, the quest to find a good used car can be daunting, no matter what age or gender demographic you fit into. Your choice will be determined by your work, family or hobbies (think where you're going to put your bike(s), pram, dogs, or bags of compost!) Do you want an automatic or manual? Chances are it will be automatic as they outsell manual by 10 to 1. Not everyone is lucky enough to buy last year's demo model but don't stress, a ten year old car can still be a great second-hand car. Most used cars have an average of three owners throughout their lifetime. The favourite colour is silver, followed by black, and then white. Whatever the colour, make sure there's no patch ups or previous damage to the body work. A sneaky way to check is to look under the carpets to see if it matches the outside paintwork. Once you think you've found your dream second-hand car then make use of the following user-friendly checklist for buying a second-hand car: Tyres with little tread pose a serious safety issue and cost a lot to replace. Less than 3mm is not good. Insist on replacement tyres if you don’t want to foot the bill. The VIN number must match the one on the registration papers. Both the master and spare key come with the car. Airbags are working. Seatbelts aren't frayed or damaged. Brakes work efficiently and don't pull to the side. Also check the handbrake. The steering also doesn't pull to the side or vibrate. The service book is up to date and correlates with the odometer. Check for signs of flood damage. It's pretty shocking how many flood damaged, second- hand cars get palmed off on unsuspecting buyers. The locks, wipers, aircon, lights and any other control buttons work. Warning lights that stay on will indicate a fault. The second-hand car comes with removable floor mats. There should be a spare tyre. Check for a jack and wheel spanner. Is there a decent sound system? Check for USB, AUX cable or Smartphone connectivity. If you follow our recommended user-friendly checklist for buying a second-hand car you should find a decent used car that is both safe to drive and roadworthy. For any support or assistance in buying a second-hand car, contact Auto Pedigree at any time.
19 March 2021
Breakdown Of The Costs Involved In Buying A Second-Hand Vehicle
So, you've found your dream, pre-loved car and it's within your budget. Hold fast before you fork out the money and do a little research into the costs going forward before buying a second-hand vehicle. Here is a breakdown of the costs involved in buying a second-hand vehicle. Delivery Fee The delivery fee can also be referred to as "on the road charges". These are for registering the car, number plates, pre-delivery inspection and refuelling. If possible, try and pay cash for these rather than adding the cost to your finance plan as it will make the interest higher. Insurance If you are financing your car, it will only be released once you've taken out comprehensive vehicle insurance to cover the car once it’s on the road. Get a few quotes to ensure you find the best possible deal. Even if you don't need to finance the vehicle, have insurance in place before you drive the vehicle, it's not worth the risk. Fuel Consumption Fuel consumption can make or break a buyer, especially when you’re on a tight monthly budget. It's well worth putting in the research as to how many kilometres you will get per litre. Most car brands publish a fuel consumption guideline that will help you decide. Service Plan If a service plan is not included with the sale of your second-hand car, you can still find out how much the dealer will charge for one. Services are costly, but vital if you want to keep your car in good running order and save money in the long run. Calculate your expected mileage to determine how often you will need a service. It's recommended that you have your car serviced every year. Warranties It might be worth looking at an extended warranty that covers mechanical issues not covered by the dealers guarantee or warranty. This will be a blessing if you find yourself in a situation where a major mechanical failure takes place. Check with the car dealership that you choose if they offer you an extended vehicle warranty on the cars sold. Tyres When buying a second-hand vehicle, make sure the tyres are in good condition, the tread should be over 3mm at least. On average, tyres need to be changed every 50,000km. Standard size tyres are the cheapest but are still expensive. Don't scrimp by only buying one at a time as they need to be bought in pairs to balance the car. Replacement Parts Make sure replacement parts are readily available in your vicinity and don't need to be ordered on-demand or from overseas. This would be a costly exercise in both time and money. Buying a second-hand car gives you freedom of movement but it also comes at a cost. Don't be tempted to take shortcuts as they end up costing more in the long run. Do the homework, work out a budget, commit to the responsibility, drive safe and enjoy. We are here to support you every step of the way. Contact Auto Pedigree if you have any questions or take a look at our available second-hand cars here.
28 September 2020
3 Things You Didn't Know About Shock Absorbers
Shock absorbers are a part of a car’s suspension system. Hidden beneath a car's wheel arches, they are out of plain sight, resulting in most car owners forgetting to check or maintain them. Inexperienced drivers often don’t even realise that they would need checking or replacing. What is shocking is that most people are not aware of the danger of worn shocks and the safety risk they place themselves, their passengers, and other road users in. What do shocks do? For starters, it may come as a shock to most of us that shock absorbers themselves do not absorb shocks. This is the function of the spring. The function of shock absorbers is to stop a car from bouncing up and down and does this by transferring the spring energy to the piston. This keeps the car’s tyres in constant contact with the road – an important safety feature because as a car turns corners or brakes to a stop, the shocks enable all of the four tyre’s to stay gripped to the surface. This is why when your shocks are worn you experience a rougher ride. Regardless of how new or how much tread your tyres may be, they will not be effective on their own when confronted with an emergency situation. Further risks associated with worn shocks could be: Less ability to brake efficiently Increased risk of skidding on wet surfaces Less ability to control during cornering or crosswinds Increase of tyre wear and suspension components Poor handling and control Are shocks and struts the same thing? Shock absorbers and struts both give you a smoother ride on the road, but they function differently. Depending on your vehicle it can have either or both components. These are a few of the key differences: Shock absorbers Keeps your car from bouncing up and down Secures the suspension to the car and controls vibration Ensures stability for a more comfortable ride Are relatively simple to replace Struts Supports the weight of a vehicle Maintains a vehicle’s alignment – essential to steering Is mounted to the chassis of a vehicle Are a vital structural part of the suspension system Is mounted on the coil spring which maintains the height of the vehicle Are relatively complicated and potentially hazardous to replace Have a longer lifespan 3 important things to know about shocks It’s the spring that absorbs actual shocks to the vehicle, the shocks help dampen them. While shocks and struts both provide a similar purpose, they are two very different types of components that perform in a different manner. Driving with worn shocks can place your life in danger. If you start experiencing a bumpier ride or your car leaning more when turning corners, please have them checked by a professional. What to do when shocks are worn Like any component in your car, shock absorbers deteriorate over time with normal wear and tear. However, road conditions play a big role in how much and how fast they deteriorate. Potholes impact the condition of your shocks as well as other parts of the car, and dirt, dust, mud, and other road debris can cause further damage. If your shocks need replacing, check whether the component is within the car’s warranty period. If the warranty has expired before the next service is due, visit a reputable auto fitment centre who complies with the RMI (Retail Motor Industry) code of conduct. A mechanical breakdown cover such as Auto Pedigree’s Component Cover can help protect against the cost of labour and parts incurred by a mechanical and electrical failure. Find out more about mechanical breakdown warranty when you buy a quality used car from Auto Pedigree – contact us on 010593 9505. Disclaimer:This information is for educational, or entertainment purposes only. It must not be construed as advice, legal, financial, or otherwise. We do not make any warranties about the completeness, reliability, and accuracy of this information. The views and opinions are those of the author and not necessarily those of Auto Pedigree.
10 September 2020
Spring Travel Heritage Month Bucket List
Warmer days are upon us and travel is on the cards! Start the spring season by celebrating South Africa’s beauty this Heritage Month. One of the country’s best traits is its beautiful weather, so break out of winter hibernation and say hello to sunny blue skies. Many spring festivals and tours have been cancelled this year due to the pandemic, but there are still many opportunities to take your car out for a drive on the open road. This month we feature four must-do South African travel destinations. Mapungubwe National Park – Limpopo Once the capital of a flourishing kingdom and thriving trade centre between Egypt, Persia, China, and India, Mapungubwe became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004. Likely the earliest known sites in southern Africa and containing important archaeological treasures, it speaks of 50,000 years of human history and development. Mapungubwe is testimony to the fact that a complex and sophisticated African civilisation flourished before colonisation. Some activities include a visit to the Treetop walkway, go game and bird viewing, climb 147 steps to the Lost City on top of Mapungubwe Hill and learn about the ancient culture, drive the Tshugulu Eco Route, view enormous baobab trees and red rock formations. Cederberg Mountains – Western Cape The Cederberg is the home of the now world-famous rooibos (red bush) tea, but lesser-known and experienced are the dramatic silhouettes carved by the nature over millennia. The area’s dry sunny climate makes it ideal for bouldering, which is also popular among international visitors. Bouldering is a form of rock climbing without the use of climbing aids like ropes and harnesses. For something more down-to-earth, explore South Africa’s heritage by taking in the delicate beauty of ancient San rock art. Namaqualand & Richtersveld – Northern Cape From a wilderness of barren landscape to splashes of splendour in the form of flora, this miraculous sight occurs over less than two months of the year. ‘Flower Tours’ are extremely popular and must be booked many months in advance. However, you can book your own accommodation in places like Port Nolloth or Springbok and take a self-drive down south. Just over two and a half hours away from either Port Nolloth or Springbok is the Richtersveld Transfrontier National Park, unique and magical in its own right. A Unesco World Heritage Site, the area stretches from Namibia to the northwestern part of South Africa – 6,000 square kilometres of rich botanical biodiversity and fascinating geology. If you prefer something more adventurous and off-the-beaten-track, Richtersveld won’t disappoint. Baviaanskloof Nature Reserve – Eastern Cape The vast rugged mountain kingdom of ‘Valley of the Baboons’ offers a unique wilderness experience of stunningly beautiful landscapes comprised of colourful cliffs and rock formations. Its rich and diverse animal life includes leopard, buffalo, kudu, zebra, hartebeest, buck, and of course, baboon. The Baviaanskloof is an ecologically sensitive area and offers outdoor lovers a range of recreational activities such as mountain hiking, rock and mountain climbing, camping, wildlife photography, bird watching, cycling, and more. Good to know A number of these locations can get quite rugged and driving through some areas require a sturdy 4x4. If you plan to do a lot of country driving, it’s a good idea to consider vehicle insurance and maintenance cover products – these can offer peace of mind so that you can go ahead and enjoy your drive minus the worry. Are any of these on your bucket list? Wherever you decide to go next, travel with mindfulness like the Bushmen thousands of years ago and tread lightly on the land. We need to preserve as much of the country’s natural beauty as possible so that future generations can enjoy it too. Take nothing but photographs, leave nothing but footprints. Disclaimer:This information is for educational, or entertainment purposes only. It must not be construed as advice, legal, financial, or otherwise. We do not make any warranties about the completeness, reliability, and accuracy of this information. The views and opinions are those of the author and not necessarily those of Auto Pedigree.
04 September 2020
The Basics of Vehicle Instalments
Looking to finance a vehicle? If so, there are a few things you need to know. Before you start your search for a new or second-hand car, the first thing to consider is how much you can afford to pay towards purchasing one. It’s also important to account for other vehicle expenses such as car insurance, which comes with its own set of premiums. Unless you’re buying a car cash, there are two important affordability questions to ask yourself: What lump sum amount can I pay upfront as a deposit? How much can I afford on a monthly basis? Other than knowing what your budget is, is understanding the length of period you will be paying off the loan, in order to calculate what the monthly instalment will be. Finance periods The finance term is agreed to upfront and can range from 12 to 72 months or even more. This equates to 1 to 6+ years. The longer the finance term, the less your monthly instalments will be, but bear in mind that while it looks good in the short term, you’ll have to pay interest on the loan. This means you’ll actually end up paying a lot more for the vehicle once you’ve finally finished paying it off. What if I can’t pay? Of course, a lengthy payment term poses a fair amount of risk because nothing in life is guaranteed – being able to maintain a job depends on it. If you’re unable to continue with your monthly payments, the bank may agree to freeze your instalments for a short time to help you get back on your feet. Failing to pay thereafter will be seen as a breach of contract and your car will be repossessed. This doesn’t mean you may stop paying – the bank will still expect the balance of the cost after the car has been resold (shortfall), along with other charges. Do I still have to pay if I have an accident or the car is stolen? Things can get complicated here. If the car is considered a write-off or stolen you may still need to continue paying instalments for a period of time. How much and for how long depends on the type of insurance you have, how long you’ve had the car for, and other variables that you will need to speak to your insurance company about. Loan calculations In order to figure out the exact instalment amount to be paid monthly, the bank or finance institution will take the price of the vehicle, subtract the deposit amount you put down (in some cases required to secure the vehicle), and calculate the instalments based on the finance period. To get a rough idea for yourself, you can use an online calculator – most of the major banks and financial institutions have one such as Absa and Westbank. These are easy to use and Standard Bank’s calculator has a handy Affordability calculator as well. To calculate you will need to input: The total purchase price of the vehicle including VAT and optional extras. The deposit amount that you want to put in. This will give you a good idea of what you can expect to pay every month according to the loan term you selected. Other useful information offered is how much interest you’ll pay for the term and the total cost of the vehicle after interest and fees. This helps you choose a payment plan that suits your pocket and situation. Here’s an example: What is a balloon payment? After scrutinising the example above, you may be wondering about balloon payments. This is basically a substantially larger sum that is paid at the end of the loan period, the purpose being to reduce the initial instalment amounts. Therefore, they are just different ways of spreading the cost. A balloon payment option is only available for shorter-term loans and best for those with a good amount of savings and is secure in their income stream. Now that you have a better understanding of instalments you can make better-informed decisions about financing a vehicle. If you have any further questions, contact Auto Pedigree – we also have financial arrangements with all major banks in South Africa and can help you find the best package for your needs. Disclaimer:This information is for educational purposes only. It must not be construed as advice, legal, financial, or otherwise. We do not make any warranties about the completeness, reliability, and accuracy of this information. The views and opinions are those of the author and not necessarily those of Auto Pedigree.
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