Used Car Guide

Original article posted on Business Against Crime website 27 March 2019inNews - Fouché Burgers, Programme Executive, Business Against Crime South Africa (BACSA) Don’t be caught off guard. It is illegal to buy an imported used vehicle. All illegally imported vehicles are seized by the South African Revenue Service (SARS) and are destroyed (compacted) by Government. In an article published on 26 November 2018 on by the Citizen online, it was reported that South African Revenue Service (SARS) destroyed several imported illegal vehicles valued close to R4 million as part of a clampdown on noncompliance in various customs sectors. After a house, a car is one of the most important purchases made by most consumers. For many people a vehicle is the most expensive mobile asset that they will purchase and is therefore probably one of the biggest decisions they’ll make during their lives. As we all know this process is a very daunting experience. It is thus important to take the time to do the necessary checks before completing these transactions, which will save the buyer and in many cases the seller as well, much inconvenience and a lot of money! Consumers in the market for a used car should be on high alert for unscrupulous sellers and buyers who are ready to pounce on their hard-earned cash and take them for a ride. It is a reality that there are thousands of cars on South African roads, which were either hijacked or stolen, along with illegally imported vehicles that are used to defraud innocent buyers. The importation of used vehicles into South Africa is prohibited under the International Trade Administration Act (Act 71 of 2002). The importation of used vehicles is only allowed in exceptional cases, for example, to immigrants with permanent residence and residents returning to South Africa. Illegal Vehicles Sold in SA to Unsuspecting Buyers The majority of South Africa’s neighbours rely on passage through South Africa for their imports, which include second hand vehicles. Many of these “in-transit” used vehicles do not reach their final destination, or find their way back, illegally, into South Africa as relatively cheap used vehicles and sold to the local unsuspecting public. Many South Africans are losing their vehicles along with the money invested in buying these vehicles, as these illegal imports will be confiscated by law enforcement. During the early 2000s, South Africa implemented a number of measures to curb this problem. It is however apparent that the illegal importation of used vehicles is becoming a problem once again. Mainly motor vehicles deregistered in Japan, sold on auctions and shipped to Southern Africa were the problem back then. How to Identify Illegal Imports These vehicles are normally easy to visually identify by, for example, models that are clearly not sold in South Africa, mirrors on the front fender of the vehicle, mirrors in the back window, labels in the side windows in foreign languages, and wipers on the front headlights. Currently, more vehicles from other parts of the world are offered in South Africa. These motor vehicles, in many cases, look like the vehicles that are sold in South Africa. Illegal Vehicle Problem Escalating It is also becoming more apparent that Southern Africa is being used as the dumping area for stolen motor vehicles from all over the world, largely due to European countries have implemented measures to curb this problem in their own countries. Many illegal imported and stolen vehicles are not necessarily old and unsafe vehicles. In many instances, these are expensive and luxurious vehicles, which are offered at a good price to the South African public. The illegal importation of vehicles can only be described as a massive problem, and besides personal trauma to the local RSA buyer when their vehicles are confiscated, these vehicles are illegally by-passing RSA customs thus placing the entire new and used motor industry under pressure. Although some of the vehicles are registered on the NaTIS (the South African National vehicle register), many vehicles are advertised and sold as vehicles registered in our neighbouring countries. Promises are also made by the unscrupulous sellers, that for an extra fee, the vehicle will be registered in South Africa. All illegally imported vehicles are seized by the South African Revenue Service (SARS), International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC) or by the South African Police Service (SAPS). These seized illegally imported vehicles are in most cases destroyed (compacted) by Government. Stolen vehicles are confiscated by the SAPS and returned to their rightful owners. These vehicles are not allowed to stay in South Africa, even if the buyer was unaware that it is an illegal imported vehicle, or are willing to pay all duties or if the rightful owner is prepared to sell the vehicle to the owner in South Africa. The South African owner will not be able to obtain an import permit from ITAC since it is still a contravention of the International Trade Administration Act (Act 71 of 2002). Don’t be caught off guard. Potential buyers of used motor vehicles must be vigilant when buying a vehicle. Most of the measures to prevent buying an illegal imported vehicle are the same as the measures to prevent buying a stolen cloned vehicle. How to Safeguard Yourselffrom Illegal Imports The following is recommended: Never buy a vehicle advertised or displayed with foreign number plates. Never buy a vehicle that is registered in a foreign country – even our neighbouring countries. The probability of you being allowed to import the vehicle is very low. Never buy a vehicle without a NaTIS registration certificate. If the vehicle is financed, the registration certificate will be at the bank and it will only be released if the vehicle is paid in full. Check that the information on the registration certificate and/or license disc match with the information on the vehicle. Check that all the VIN/chassis numbers on the vehicle match each other and have not been tampered with. Check for spelling mistakes on the registration certificate and that it is not a photocopy. It is strongly recommended that used vehicles be bought from reputable dealers. Although this is not a guarantee, chances are better that the vehicle you’re buying from a reputable dealer is legal. It is important for reputable dealers to protect themselves, not only from losses but also to protect their reputation. These dealers normally check that the vehicles being sold are legal and have the knowledge to identify imported vehicles. It is also easier to hold them liable if it is found that the vehicle was illegally imported or stolen. It is strongly recommended that buyers of used motor vehicles should not buy a vehicle if a microdot confirmation certificate was not issued for the vehicle by a reputable accredited microdot fitment centre. All motor vehicles, locally manufactured or imported, registered for the first time in South Africa after 1 September 2012 must be microdotted. If a vehicle has not been fitted, it should be verified and fitted with microdots. The Second-Hand Goods Act, 2009 (Act No. 6 of 2009) makes it a requirement that second-hand motor vehicle dealers must record motor vehicle details, which includes the recording of the microdot particulars on the microdot. This makes the microdot information readily available to be verified. For information on accredited microdot fitment centres near you, please contact Microdot Association of Southern Africa, DataDot Technology, Veridotand Recoveri Tag what’s Yours (https://recoveri-tag-whats-yours.business.site/). The golden rule is, if the deal looks too good to be true, walk away, because it probably is. Use your head, not your heart. For more information on microdots, please contact the Microdot Association of Southern Africa

Article courtesy of https://bac.org.za/ Don’t be caught off guard when buying a used motor vehicle. There is a good chance that the second-hand vehicle, that you are considering buying, could be a stolen, hijacked or illegal imported vehicle that re-entered the market as a cloned vehicle. If you do end up buying one of these illegal vehicles, it will result in you losing both the vehicle and the money used to purchase it when recovered by the police. The Resale of Stolen Vehicles After a house, a car is probably the most important purchase made by most consumers. As this process is a very daunting experience, it is important to take the time to do the necessary checks before completing these transactions. This will save the buyer, and in many cases the seller as well, much inconvenience and a lot of money! Consumers in the market for a used car should be on high alert for unscrupulous sellers and buyers who are ready to pounce on their hard-earned cash and take them for a ride. It is a reality that thousands of cars on South African roads have either been hijacked or stolen or are illegally imported vehicles. It is these vehicles that are used to defraud innocent buyers. More than 1.5 million stolen and hijacked motor vehicles have never been recovered. They have either been exported, chopped for parts or have reached the end of their lives without being recovered. Many, however, have been cloned and are in South Africa, being used on our public roads by mostly unaware, innocent owners. It is estimated that more than 20,000 unrecovered motor vehicles, valued at more than R4 billion, are illegally entering the South African motor vehicle market annually and are filtered back into the hands of consumers, mostly as cloned vehicles. SA is Dumping Grounds for Stolen Vehicles Furthermore, it is also becoming more apparent that Southern Africa is being used as the dumping area for illegal imported and imported stolen motor vehicles from all over the world. The illegally imported and stolen vehicles are not necessarily old and unsafe vehicles, in fact in many instances, these are expensive and luxurious vehicles which are offered at a good price to the South African public. All illegally imported vehicles are seized by the South African Revenue Service (SARS), International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC) or by the South African Police Service (SAPS) when they are identified. These seized illegally imported vehicles are mostly destroyed (compacted) by Government. Stolen vehicles are confiscated by the SAPS and returned to their rightful owners. Throughout the lifespan of these illegal vehicles, motor dealers will buy and sell them; banks will finance them; insurance companies will insure them; and the public will unknowingly buy them. There is a good chance that the second-hand vehicle, that a consumer is considering buying, could be a stolen, hijacked or illegal imported vehicle that re-entered the market as a cloned vehicle. If you do end up buying one of these illegal vehicles, this will result in you losing both the vehicle and the money used to purchase it when recovered by the police. Vehicle Theft Prevention with Microdotting To prevent the cloning of motor vehicles and the use of parts from stolen motor vehicles, microdotting of motor vehicles was recommended and the implementation supported by BACSA as early as 2003. Microdots are disc-shaped particles, typically 1mm or less in diameter, containing a unique identification number. In the case of motor vehicles, thousands (minimum of 10 000 for most vehicle types) of these microdots are sprayed on a number of overt and covert places. It is proven that it is close to impossible for criminals to remove all the microdots. The microdots effectively provides the vehicle with its own DNA. There is a once off cost to fit microdots and no monthly payments. The fitment of microdots to new vehicles and vehicles presented for police clearance became compulsory from 1 September 2012. Every fitment is recorded on the National Traffic Information System (NaTIS). By the end of January 2019, NaTIS statistics showed that 5.06 million vehicles registered in South Africa had microdots fitted. This represents more than 40% of the total live motor vehicle population of South Africa at the time and 100% of all vehicles manufactured and / or imported after 1 September 2012. The use of microdots to identify vehicles has become a standard practice within the SAPS and forms an integral part of vehicle identification and the investigation process. Microdots are central to the process of identifying cloned vehicles. It is however rarely used by motor vehicle dealers and other businesses to identify possible cloned vehicles. It is incomprehensible that microdots are not used by everyone as a standard to mark assets and later identify possible stolen motor vehicles and other valuable items. BACSA, with the help of the accredited members of the Microdot Association of Southern Africa, DataDot Technology, Veridot and Recoveri Tag what’s Yours, are currently training more than 2 000 SAPS Designated Second-Hand Goods Officers to enforce the legal requirements of the Second-Hand Goods Act, 2009. More than 16 000 SAPS members, mostly detectives, have already been trained to use the technology. Recommendations When Buying a Used Motor Vehicle * Never buy a vehicle without a NaTIS registration certificate. If the vehicle is financed, the registration certificate will be held by the bank and it will only be released if the vehicle is paid in full. * Check that the information on the registration certificate and/or license disc match the information on the vehicle in all aspects. Check that all the VIN/chassis numbers on the vehicle match each other and the certificates and that it has not been tampered with. * Check for spelling mistakes on the registration certificate and that it is not a photo copy. * Never buy a vehicle advertised or displayed with foreign number plates. * Never buy a vehicle that is registered in a foreign country – even our neighbouring countries. The probability of you being allowed to import the vehicle, is very low. It is also illegal to ordinarily operate a foreign registered vehicle in South Africa. * Illegally imported vehicles can visually be identified by, for example, models that are clearly not sold in South Africa, mirrors on the front fender of the vehicle, mirrors in the back window, labels in the side windows in foreign languages and wipers on the front headlights. * It is strongly recommended that used vehicles be bought from reputable dealers. Although this is not a guarantee, chances are better that the vehicle you are buying from a reputable dealer is legal. It is important for dealers to protect themselves, not only from losses but to a greater extent from a tarnished reputation. These dealers normally check that the vehicles being sold are legal and have the knowledge to identify imported vehicles. It is also easier to hold them liable if it is found that the vehicle was illegally imported or stolen. * In the same vein, it is strongly recommended that used motor vehicle dealers, auctioneers of used vehicles and even salvage dealers, do not purchase any motor vehicles that was registered in South Africa after 1 September 2012 without first verifying the microdots physically on the vehicle. The Second-Hand Goods Act, 2009 (Act No. 6 of 2009) makes it a requirement that second-hand motor vehicle dealers must record motor vehicle details in the prescribed register, including the microdot number read from the microdot on the vehicle. This makes the microdot information readily available to be verified. * It is strongly recommended that buyers of used motor vehicles should insist; from the dealer / seller; on a microdot fitment confirmation certificate issued for the vehicle by a reputable accredited microdot fitment centre. For information on accredited microdot fitment centres near you, please contact Microdot Association of Southern Africa, DataDot Technology Veridot (www.veridot.co.za) and Recoveri Tag what’s Yours (https://recoveri-tag-whats-yours.business.site/). * It is recommended that financial institutions (banks) do not finance and that insurance companies do not insure vehicles of which the microdot fitment and its originality has not been verified. * The golden rule is, if the deal looks too good to be true, walk away because it probably is. Use your head, not your heart. Fouché Burgers, Programme Executive, Business Against Crime South Africa (BACSA) Original post appeared on 22nd March at https://bac.org.za/two-cloned-vehicles-using-the-same-natis-record-of-a-3rd-legal-vehicle/

In terms of the National Credit Act, there is no minimum cash deposit required on a vehicle purchased, whether new or used. However it is advisable to include a deposit towards the selling price of the vehicle. This can be in the form of a trade-in, should you want to replace an existing car, or in the form of cash. This is one of the options in Auto Pedigree’s R50,000* vehicle Deal Assistance. The Deposit option can be used as a cash amount towards the price of the ‘new’ second hand vehicle you intend to purchase. Advantages of a Vehicle Deposit By making a deposit towards purchasing a vehicle using Deal Assistance: 1. You need not use your savings towards a deposit 2. The amount the bank will be financing will be lower 3. Therefore your monthly repayment amount will be lower 4. And you will pay less interest over the term of your loan How much deposit you need depends on the length of the finance period, but a general guideline is that older vehicles should have a higher deposit with a shorter repayment term. Most of Auto Pedigree’s used cars on sale are late model vehicles that are no more than two years old. Vehicle Buying Tips When it comes to deciding on what to do with your Deal Assistance, much depends on your unique individual situation and needs. However, there are two simple tips to consider that may help make a decision: 1. Opt for a shorter repayment period. 2. Pay more upfront. When you buy a used car from Auto Pedigree, you get quality, value, and choice from a wide variety of vehicles at 75 dealers countrywide.Contact yournearest branchtoday. *Up to R50,000 on selected vehicles 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.

Tips for a December Family Holiday December is a time to regroup and recollect, to take a look at the past year and seeing how far we’ve come and grown. Have we achieved what we set out to do - and are we all the better for it. We’ve worked hard and played hard, and when all is said and done, now is a time for family and loved ones. The Elements of a Holiday Holidays are not so much only about where you go, but also about how you get there, and whom you go with. There are a number of aspects that can make or break a great family holiday. As you begin your holiday planning consider some of these tips: Family and Friends Yes, it goes without saying that any holiday needs some level of planning. And everyone has their own checklist to tick off, such as making sure the car is serviced, the pet minder is booked, the house alarm is in working order - not to mention that important list of what-to-pack items. But there’s another list we don’t always think of. Since this is a time for family and loved ones, why not round up your favourite friends and family members for a year-end bash. Go beyond your comfort zone and invite those cousins, aunts, and uncles you love but haven’t seen at all this year. How about that friend who’ll be spending December alone this year? Not only is it a good opportunity to reconnect and bond, but to share each other’s energy and positivity as the year closes. The list can contain two or twenty-two people. It all depends on your appetite,need, and desire. Remember, the rule is not to feel obliged, the rule is to be genuine. The Journey A good set of wheels to get you from home to holiday and back is another important element. Family-friendly vehicles are made for these road trips. The cabins are more spacious, the boot space is more generous, and they have the extra little comfort features for long journeys that make the ride a more enjoyable experience. If you’re interested in saving up for a family car in the future, this list might interest you. These cars were the best value-for-money family cars in the pre-owned category as selected byGumtree. Cross-over between R200 000 and R300 000: 2015Mazda CX3 2.0 Individual 2015 Ford Ecosport 1.5 TDCI Titanium 2015 Honda HR-V 1.5 Comfort 2015 Opel Mokka 1.4T Cosmo 2015 Nissan Juke 1.5 DCi Acenta+ SUV under R325 000: 2015Mazda CX-5 2.0 Active 2015 Nissan Qashqai 1.2T Visia 2015 Toyota Fortuner 2.5D-4D 2015 Toyota RAV-4 2.0 GX 2015 Honda CRV 2.0 Comfort Search for a second hand family car here. The Destination And finally, the destination. From Sea Point in the Cape to the borders between Namibia and Mozambique, when it comes to holiday getaways,South Africans are spoilt for choice. While the warm Indian Ocean is a major draw card for holiday hunters seeking sun and sea, the Atlantic and the north of Cape Town hold its own special beauty. From South West … If you’re considering the Western Cape, explore outside the bounds of popular tourist destinations and visit the unspoilt beaches of Britannia Bay and surrounds such as Shelley Beach or Paternoster. This is a perfect retreat for those wanting peace from the madding crowds. One of the most spectacular off-the-beaten-track locations in the Eastern Cape and possibly the country is theBaviaanskloof Mega Reserve- the third largest protected area in South Africa and a World Heritage site. To North East … Heading up north towards the border of Zimbabwe, lies another World Heritage site: the extraordinaryMapungubwe National Parkand theKingdom of Mapungubwe, once home to an advanced culture of people at that time period. Apart from it’s rich heritage and culture, why not visit there as an alternative to the Kruger National Park for game viewing and diversity of plant and wild life. Which of these three elements are most important to you, the company, the vehicle, or the destination? If you’re looking to buy a new second hand family car for your next trip or just everyday use, choose Auto Pedigree for 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 month we’re featuring car chargers for your cell phone or tablet. Astrum Metal Car Charger The dual2.4 amp USB stainless steel car charger allows you to plug in two devices at the same time. The over current protection feature prevents overcharging, short circuiting and over voltage. A stylish solid steel construction that is made to last. Smaak Voltage Car Charger 3.1 Amp This premium quality car charger plugs directly into your car’s 12V power outlet. The dual USB charging ports allows you to charge two devices at the same time and works with most smart phones and tablets. Power Traveller Motor Monkey 2.0 The revolutionary Motor monkey car charger is the lightest and smallest car charger available. It features are volutionary self-sensing technology that recognises an Apple iPad has been connected to it and changes the power settings accordingly. It can charge most mobile devices while you’re driving. The sleek stainless steel unit is compact and can be left in plugged into your car without draining the battery. Griffin PowerJolt SE Lightning Car Charger The PowerJolt comes with a powerful 10 watt charging circuit so your Apple devices with Lightning connectors can power up quickly and safely. A durable captive coiled cable stretches to a generous 91cm in length. The enhanced strain relief ensures a longer life span. This popular car charger s engineered for maximum charging rate for your iPad, iPhone, or iPod. Lenmar Dual USB Car Charger This car charger powers up your iPad and smartphone while on on the move. With a total output of 4.2A, it can power up to two iPads at the same time or any other USB powered device. Few other devices on the market can offer this much power.The sleek, compact design reduces clutter in your vehicle's console. The blue LED indicator lets you know when your device is charging. It comes with a built-in automatic protective fuse to prevent overcharging. Note: All products available to order online atwww.thegadgetshop.co.za/and other online stores in South Africa at time of writing. Disclaimer: All content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only. Auto Pedigree and the authors makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site.The owner of this blog will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information. The owner will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information.

What is Deal Assistance Deal Assistance is also known as Trade Assistance. It is a benefit offered by Auto Pedigree to provide you with the flexibility to structure a deal according to your needs. The advantage of Deal Assistance is that it is extremely flexible. It allows you to structure your own deal by selecting from a number of options. The best part is you do not need to have a trade-in vehicle to make use of Deal Assistance! When you buy a car from Auto Pedigree using our R50 000* Deal Assistance,you can choose how you want to spend the money. This means that you can buy or do the things you have not been able to do before. *Up to R50 000 deal assistance on a selected range of quality used low km, late model vehicles. 5 Ways of How You Can Use Deal Assistance Increase Your Trade-in Value If you are planning on trading in your existing vehicle, this option might be for you. When you indicate your intention to trade in your existing car, our branch will evaluate your vehicle and offer you an amount in line with the vehicle’s M&M book value. This M&M value, combined with the condition and market popularity of your vehicle guides the price offered to you. In many cases, trade-in vehicles are still under finance and the finance settlement value might be higher than the price offered. In such a case, you will then need to pay the difference from your savings,which is not ideal. However, with the Deal Assistance value available to you, you can add the amount to the trade-in offer to ensure your trade-in value is sufficient to cover the settlement of your trade-in. Deposit With this option, you can use your Deal Assistance amount as a deposit towards buying your ‘new’ second hand vehicle, or use it to reduce the selling price of the car. The net effect is that the amount you will be financing through the bank will be lower, giving you two advantages: 1.Your monthly repayment amount will be lower. 2.You will pay less interest over the term of your loan. Deferred Payment Imagine driving your new car and not needing to pay for it straight away! You can use the Deal Assistance amount to pay your initial instalments to the finance bank upfront. This means that you get the freedom of having no instalments to pay for the first few months of buying your vehicle. How many months can you expect not having to pay? This depends on the Deal Assistance amount available on your individual transaction, but on average, your deferred payment can be anything from 3 to 6 months and even more! Cash Back Use your Deal Assistance amount back in cash to use for your personal needs, such as a holiday for the family, buying that new TV you were trying to save for, or those home renovations that need attention. Combination The benefit of our Deal Assistance is that you can use any combination of the above options to suit your needs. Effectively, you end up tailoring your own deal! Why Choose Auto Pedigree When you choose to buy from Auto Pedigree, you have the advantage of knowing that you’ll drive away with a car that is as good as new. How do you know this? Our vehicles come with proven low mileage, service history, and the Auto Pedigree legendary 116-point quality assurance check.

If you’re looking to buy a new car and need to sell your existing one, a vehicle trade-in is probably one of the easiest options. Are you undecided on whether to sell the car privately yourself, advertise it in the classifieds, or trade it in? Here we explain the advantages and disadvantages of vehicle trade-ins and how it works. Advantages If you’re in a hurry to sell your car, trading in your vehicle takes just a few days. For busy people it’s also the most convenient. Dealing with one party, the car dealer directly means there is less paperwork for you. The dealer will handle the entire transaction from beginning to end. Disadvantages When shopping around for a car you want quality, value, and choice. When you opt to trade-in your vehicle,you’re limited to buying a vehicle from that specific dealership.Therefore, it makes sense to trade-in your car at a car dealership that offers you a wide range of vehicles to choose from. How it Works Calculating the Price You Get When you decide to trade-in your existing car, your car will be evaluated for any dents, scratches and other cosmetic conditions. You will be offered an amount for your vehicle that is in line with the vehicle’s M&M (Mead &McGrouther*) book value. Condition + Market Popularity + BookValue = Price Getting the Most Value out of Your Trade-In If the car you intend to trade-in is still under finance and the settlement value (the final amount still to be paid) is higher than the price you have been offered, then you need to pay in the difference from your savings. The good news is that if a dealer offers you trade assistance (also known as deal assistance) you can add that offered amount to your vehicle purchase. This deal assistance amount helps to cover some or all of the settlement value of the new vehicle. When you buy a used car from Auto Pedigree, you get quality, value, and choice from a wide variety of vehicles at dealers nationwide. Take advantage of ourdeal assistance promotiontoday and get more value from your trade-invehicle. *Mead &McGrouther is a publishing company involved in the publication of information of Passenger and truck specification namely Auto DataDigest available in book form on the South African market. They also publish the monthly issue of the Auto Dealer's Guide which is extensively used by the Car Dealers throughout South Africa. 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

When looking to buy a used car the question that is often asked is: How much mileage should a car have, (or not have). Much like the answer to 'how long is a piece of string?': It depends.The main factor depends on whom you are buying from, because the overall condition of the car makes all the difference. In some cases it’s better to buy a well-maintained used car with a somewhat higher mileage than a car with lower mileage but hasn’t seen an oil change in its life. When it comes to condition, if you’re buying a used car from a private seller, it’s more difficult to gauge the car’s condition, especially its internal moving parts. Some car owners will have invested time and effort in taking care of the vehicle, but besides the standard regular service, there’s no way of ensuring this. Since the mechanics of a car is made up of many working parts, no matter how well one maintains it, they eventually do wear out. So all things being equal, it seems to makes better sense to buy the car with lower kilometres on the clock. Low Mileage Fleet Cars Fleet cars are company-owned vehicles, and are so-named because they belong to a larger group of vehicles. In many cases, fleet vehicles are only kept until a certain mileage before being replaced and sold. It is in the interest of the company who owns the fleet to keep their vehicles in top condition at all times and for the entire duration of ownership. For this reason these cars tend to be in better shape than most privately owned vehicles. Unlike privately owned cars where the inclination to delay a service is tempting, fleet cars are generally maintained exactly on schedule. Therefore, if you’re looking for a low mileage vehicle in good condition and at a decent price, these vehicles are a good option. Look for Dealers with Reputation Buying a vehicle from a reputable dealer tends to carry less risk because they are properly equipped to carrying out detailed inspection checks and are able to provide you with a warranty. There are a number of options when it comes to finding low mileage cars to buy, whether from a private seller, an auction, or a second hand car dealer. Our advice is that should you choose to buy from a used car dealer, ensure that it is a reputable dealership, and that they offer you a detailed quality check, warranty, and proven mileage. Buying an Auto Pedigree vehicle gives a car buyer even more advantage because all our cars are low mileage late models, and are quality-checked before it arrives in the showroom. Furthermore: Most of our vehicles still carry the balance of the original OEM warranty. Some of our vehicles still carry the balance of the maintenance plan. All our vehicles* have proven mileage. All our vehicles* have a proven service history with accredited OEM service agents. All our vehicles are subjected to a 116-point quality check. All our vehicles carry a 30-day exchange plan. *ex-rental So if you’re looking for a great deal on a low mileage second hand car, we have a wide range to choose from. Simply use our easy search facility tofind a caronline orcontact your nearest Auto Pedigreedealer today. 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.

As the late president of South Africa from 1994 to 1999, there are a few things we know about the great South African leader Mr. Nelson Mandela, known as Madiba. We know that he was born in the Transkei on 18 July 1918 with the name Rolihlahla Mandela. We know that he was a civil rights activist, anti-apartheid revolutionary, philanthropist, author, and Nobel Prize winner. But did you know that Nelson Mandela loved cars? The most noteworthy of cars that he owned in his life was one that was presented to him as a gift shortly after his release from 27 years of prisonment. When the news of his release was announced, there was much excitement, but then the question was asked, “What now?” This was the start of how one man named Philip Groom and a group of workers at the Mercedes-Benz factory in East London were inspired to pay tribute to a man who fought selflessly for freedom for the South African people. They decided to present Mandela with a gift. That gift was a car made with parts donated by Mercedes-Benz by the factory workers in their own time with their own hands. To them, the car was symbolic of the nation united, brought together by Madiba, all moving forward as one. It embodied the pride they take in their craft, and reflects the pride they feel for the great man. The car was to be presented by the workers and NUMSA (National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa). When Mandela received the bright red W126 S-Class Mercedes-Benz, he said that the colour would not only remind him of NUMSA’s colours, but also of the blood that was spilled by many South Africans of all colours in the fight for peace and freedom and the end to apartheid in South Africa. This was a car Madiba loved because it was made with the labour of love. It now lives in the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg. Watch the heart-warming video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLtYr3d0wvs 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 month, we honour the great leader NelsonMandela who was born on 18 July 1918 and died5 December 2013. He was one of the most loved and respected people in the world, and in fact even till today he isthemost respected international figure in the entire world. We are inspired by his compassion, concern for others, desire for peace, forgiveness, and reconciliation. Let's all make the effort to adopt his ways, wherever we are, on the road as well as in our lives. Driver Attitude In April this year, the Automobile Association conducted a survey that formed part of ongoing research by the AA into driving conditions, driver attitudes, and driver behaviour on South African roads. According to the survey, with just under 1000 people being polled, nearly 75%ofpeople believe the attitude of motorists towards one another has deteriorated since 2015. The results seem to indicate that most motorists believe the problems on South African roads are someone else’s fault. This attitude implies not enough motorists are taking responsibility for their actions. The Meaning of Respect The dictionary definition of the word Respect is: "Due regard for the feelings, wishes, or rights of others." It may be that if we all employed this attitude while driving on the road, the problem of bad behavior and along with it many unnecessary struggles would be solved. Yet it seems easier said than done. When driving on the roads, we need to understand that the responsibility to drive with the right attitude towards other drivers lies with us as individuals. Evaluate your your behavior towards other road users – is it how you would like to be treated? For a little help, remind yourself todrive with the right attitude towards other drivers. Start with 3 simple rules: Allow space between yourself and the car in front Allow other cars to merge into your lane Be patient It’s not easy when everyone else is breaking the rules, but just like Nelson Mandela, it has to start from just one person. That’s you. What to read next/Related links: By employing the 3 simple rules, you will also manage to: Maintain Your Vehicle’s Reliability Maximise its Value Keep it in Good Condition for as Long as Possible 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.