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Finding a used car that meets all your needs, is in a good condition and easy on your pocket can be challenging especially if you’re not a car expert. Knowing what to look for is crucial and with so many cars on the market the options are endless.
Vukosi Manzini is a Screan vehicle inspector based in Joburg. He is one of 80 used car inspectors nationwide, who will go to a car that a potential buyer is interested in purchasing and determine if the deal is worth pursuing or not. He does this by conducting a 60-point check on the vehicle looking for any signs of it being in an accident, having oil leaks or needing major or even minor repair work.
Earlier this year he viewed a vehicle that was a “cut and join”. The vehicle was rebuilt after it had been involved in a collision affecting its rear end. Upon a visual inspection, when looking underneath the vehicle, it became evident that it had been rebuilt as the rear section of the vehicle was silver whilst the front section was red. The rear end also had new parts while the front end had parts with far more wear.
Thanks to technology, shopping for a used car has become much easier. However what you see online is not always what is actually for sale and so its important to always get eyes on a car before handing over any money. To make sure you’re getting a good deal Vukosi shares his insights when shopping for a used car in the hopes of saving buyers from making costly mistakes.
Mileage
The sweet spot for a used car is usually around 90 000 km or 110 000 km. This is when standard warranties and service plans that cover a period of 5 years or 100 000km are just about to come to an end. Not only will you pick up a car that is easy on your pocket but you’ll get at least one more free service out of the deal.
Reliability
To ensure reliability, start by identifying brands and models that have a good track record. The Volkswagen Polo Vivo is renowned for its reliability, fuel efficiency and sleek design it’s a popular choice for first-time buyers in South Africa offering a comfortable ride and low maintenance costs.
The Toyota Starlet has recently become one of the most popular cars in South Africa due to its excellent value for money with its spacious interior, smooth driving experience, and advanced safety features.
While the Suzuki Swift has a price tag that won’t break the bank and has an impressive fuel efficiency. It’s equipped with features such as parking sensors, fog lamps, an audio system with USB and AUX inputs, a tachometer, and electrically adjustable mirrors.
To ensure you’re getting a good deal, look out for window stickers that may contain details like warranty or repair obligations and inspect the car thoroughly, looking deeper into even the smallest of inconsistencies, especially if there’s no mechanic, to ensure no hidden conditions.
Exterior inspection
When inspecting the cars exterior, look closely at the body condition, paintwork, door and fenders, glass, lights, suspension, tyres, engine bay, and doors. Look for dents, scratches, rust, misaligned panels, and sloppy work. Always inspect the glass for cracks, holes, or stone chips, and ensure all the lights work.
Interior inspection
The interior of a car is as important and so I always recommend checking the seats for damage, strange odours, that the pedals are working and also the instrument panel and infotainment system. Check the lighter for smoke odour and test the radio’s CD player or connectivity ports. It’s important to check the roof for leaks and that the sunroof/moonroof is working properly.
Engine Bay inspection
In the engine bay check for oil splatters, corrosion, loose wires and any wear on bolts. Inspect the housings and hoods for any signs of wear and tear or signs of the vehicles structure being repaired. This could mean it was in an accident or is a dud car.
Third-Party & VIN number check
With limited tools to check the history of a vehicle, I always suggest buyers have the vehicle checked by a qualified third-party to ensure its roadworthiness and that it has been repaired to an acceptable standard. At most times a simple VIN number check with the relevant dealership can sometimes present inconsistencies however more often than not VIN numbers not matching (on the body of the car, the engine and license disk) are signs of a vehicle that may have either been previously stolen and recovered or even “re-built” which is something I see almost weekly when viewing cars for Screan.
If you’re not a car expert or you have found a car online you’d love to buy but cannot view it yourself, call Screan to book a qualified inspector. They will go to the car on your behalf nationwide and within a few hours send you a report on its condition. To book visit www.screan.co.za or WhatsApp +27 72 933 9573, or email: howzit@screan.co.za.