|
NEW OR USED? (1)
South African used car prices have always been on
the high side, but because more affordable new cars
are putting pressure on the used car market, some
very good deals can now be had on previously owned
cars.
Late-model used cars, especially, offer very good
value for money. Sometimes they will still have some
form of warranty and or service plan cover. Also bear
in mind that a used car has already taken its biggest
depreciation knock, and won't lose a chunk of its
value as you drive it out of the dealership. However,
it's hard to beat the peace-of-mind of buying a new
car.
 If
you've ironed out any niggles at the dealership, then
the warranty and, these days, service/maintenance
plan, will ensure that the first few years of ownership
should be relatively pain free. These fixed cost service/maintenance
plans are sometimes also available as optional extras.
Used car warranties tend to be shorter and less flexible.
Some used car dealers also offer extended warranties,
but don't regard these as meaning the car is in good
condition. And, remember, you are not obliged to take
the warranty from the firm that the dealer is suggesting:
you can organise your own extended warranty elsewhere.
Once you've decided on a vehicle but are worried about
its mechanical condition, you can have it thoroughly
checked at an AA Technical Centre. Phone the AA at
011 799 1000 and ask for the technical centre nearest
to you.
Stolen or unroadworthy
To check the history of a car you're interested
in, phone the AA Autocheck Service at 0861 601 601,
to make sure it is not a stolen vehicle, or that
there isn't any finance outstanding on it. You must
have the following information to enable the AA
to do the check.
- Vehicle identity number (V.I.N.) and 17-digit
chassis number.
- Engine number
- Your credit card/debit card or banking details
(the check costs R60).
|
