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How to Get Your Car Valued Before Selling It How much is your car worth right now? Most people have no clue what their car’s current value is. Figuring out your car’s value is the first step to selling it. But there’s more to a car valuation than estimating what you think you deserve for the car. From demand and market conditions to your car’s overall condition and even its colour, getting your car valued before selling it requires an understanding of how to get it right. If you’re considering getting your car valued, there are more ways than just getting a free online valuation. By establishing a more in-depth and comprehensive view of the existing worth of your vehicle, you can obtain a clearer idea of what else you can do to boost its value before selling it and how much you could really be getting for it. This quickfire guide on car valuation will help you get started nailing down a reliable number for your wheels. Whether you’re planning to sell or are just interested in finding out what your car is worth, calculating your vehicle’s value with accuracy and confidence is always a good idea. Why you need to get your car valued Before you sell a house, you must ask somebody to come and tell you what it’s worth. Nobody sells classic art without knowing how valuable it is. And if you’re looking to sell old jewellery, you’ll want to know what most people are willing to pay, rather than how much the one jeweller you visited is offering. The same goes for cars. Like a home, art or jewellery, cars are valuable items that are in demand and worth good money. Since people are willing to buy your vehicle and are prepared to pay a decent sum for it, you should know the value of this opportunity. Keeping track of an important asset Managing your money means knowing what you’re worth. If you can accurately tally up your assets, you can control your money more effectively and manage your finances better. This means understanding what one of your biggest ticket items – your car – is doing for your overall wealth. Getting your car valued will help you decide whether you even want to sell it in the first place. Find out your car is worth a whole lot more than you thought, and you’ll be able to upgrade to a nicer ride. Discover that your wheels are worth less than you hoped, and you may think twice before investing heavily in keeping it going. Insurance Another reason for getting your car valued is for insurance purposes. Insurance companies need to know how much they’d have to pay out to replace your vehicle if it is written off. So they take its value and calculate a premium you must pay every month that they believe will cover the risk of you claiming. What many insurance companies count on you to forget about, though, is depreciation. As your car gets older and you drive it more and more, its value slowly decreases. However, many people are paying insurance premiums based on the initial insured value of their car rather than the current amount. Getting your car valued allows you to revise this amount with the insurance company, lowering your premiums. Capital Cars are assets, and assets represent capital – money or leverage you can use to buy other things or pay off important items. These assets can be exchanged for cash (selling), swapped for something else (trade-in) or used to pay off debts. Either way, an asset is only worth as much as its value, so you will want to know how much that is before you can do anything with it. This capital can then be used to purchase new assets – like a new used car to replace the one you just sold – once it has been converted into cash. The difference between your car’s price and its value Many people confuse a car’s value with its price. The two are not the same, and they represent different measures of the worth of the car. Car price – What you paid for the car or the amount a dealer will likely try to sell the car for. Price usually includes profit margins, commissions and fees and any other costs and expenses. Car value – How much most people, dealers or institutions are willing to pay to you for your car if they were to buy it from you or you were to trade it in. This metric is determined by looking at many elements and changes over time. While a car’s price is a great guide to its value, it is not an accurate representation of a vehicle’s worth. It should only be considered later on in the car valuation process. Types of vehicle value There are various kinds of car value that it is important to understand. While you should be aiming to establish a single number for your car’s value, dealers, potential buyers, and financial institutions use different methods for calculating your vehicle’s value, across different valuation categories and for different purposes. Book value The book value is the general price guideline used by the automotive industry, financial institutions and insurance companies to assign an approximate value to a particular vehicle make and model based on M&M codes*. This value is pegged to a typical model in average condition and with an average mileage based on its manufacturing year. *M&M Codes - M&M codes are given to each car model and are used to track and update the general pricing guidelines. Data is constantly collected from the manufacturer, dealers and auction houses to update the book value of different models using M&M codes. Trade-in value The car book value is also often used as a trade-in value. In other words, how much a dealer is prepared to discount a new vehicle you want to buy using the value of your current one in exchange. The trade-in value is often very close to the car book value, but different dealers may change it based on inventory, demand, and your car’s condition. Here's a little more on what it means to trade in your car. Market value The market value for your car represents the actual price you could get for selling it. This value is determined based on your particular car. It is calculated by estimating how much you could stand to get for selling your car in a competitive or open market. The market value will generally be higher than the trade value of your car, but less than its retail value. Retail value This is the price that the dealer stands to get for selling your car to someone else. It is usually higher than the market value (what the dealer paid you for it) since it includes their profit, servicing, advertising and other investments the dealer has made to sell it. Things that affect your vehicle’s value While most dealers or buyers rely on the car book value of a model as a starting point in establishing a car’s value, each vehicle is different. Some have higher mileage than others, some have been involved in accidents, some are in high demand, and some are in bad condition. There are many different things that buyers consider when determining a car’s value, but some of the most impactful ones that make the biggest difference include: Mileage Lower mileage means more value. While some cars are built to last, other makes have developed reputations for starting to cause issues after having covered a certain number of kilometres. Mileage also indicates how much work the car has done by looking at its manufacturing year and calculating how far it travelled on average annually. Modifications Modifications and customizations kill car value. Spoilers, paint jobs, road kits, engine enhancements – all are bad news when trying to maximize your car’s value. Unless you’re driving a rally car, remove and repair any modifications or try to avoid them altogether. Some smaller changes are OK, but they’ll need to be declared and should only improve the car overall. Condition From dings and dents in the bodywork to the state of the seats and the health of your rims, the better the car’s condition, the higher the value. If you’ve managed to look after your vehicle or have replaced any worn or broken components, you’re likely to maintain a higher value for the vehicle. This is the big differentiator between used cars of the same model on the market. Demand Believe it or not, demand plays a big role in your car’s value and is an important influencer of those M&M codes. High demand for a vehicle model increases its value, as does lower supply. However, when demand drops, or there is an increase in the supply of a particular model, its car book value comes down. Economic climate The economy can impact your car’s value, too. When interest rates, inflation and unemployment are high, people are less likely to buy things like cars, meaning retail values are lower, bringing your car’s overall value down as well. How to get your car valued before selling it Getting your car valued can be as simple as using an online car valuation calculator, but you’ll only be getting a very rough estimate of its book value. Other online tools and companies will provide a free valuation for your car and even offer you an amount to buy it. However, investing a little more time and effort in getting your car valued before selling it will help you to ask for a fair price. Here are some useful ways to get your car valued accurately. Know how much you paid for it Remember the agreed price you settled on when buying the car. Whether you got it new or as a pre-owned vehicle, knowing this price as the starting point in your car valuation is critical. If you still have the original proof of transaction, keep it handy. Consider outstanding costs Is the car still being financed, or does it require any repairs or servicing work? These outstanding costs will need to be taken into account when valuing your car. While they won’t necessarily play a role in the physical value of the vehicle, they will affect how much you’ll make for selling it. Work out the car book value Look up the M&M code for your vehicle and find the corresponding car book value. There are different resources for doing this online – here’s a great place to begin - or you can ask someone to provide you with one. You should have your vehicle’s VIN on hand to make the process easier as well. Get a view of the model’s market value Establish the current market value for your car. Look at demand by searching for trends and vehicle sales data for preceding quarters. Look at supply by searching used cars for sale inventories. And you can simply ask by reaching out to a car dealership and engaging with them about what estimates they can give you for how much they’d pay for your car. Establish trade-in value  Once you’ve got a general idea of how much your car model is going for on the market, you can move on to narrowing down its trade-in value. Make sure that you have all your documents in order, including a full service history, previous ownership records and reports on any accident-related work. Then, approach a dealer to ask if they’d consider a trade-in for your car. The potential buyer or dealer will consider depreciation, inflation, your vehicle’s age, its history and any other elements (including what you’re considering trading your car in for) before giving you an offer. This will be your car’s trade-in value. Get your car professionally appraised Another car valuation option is to get your vehicle appraised by a professional. These people often don’t have a reason to over or under-inflate the value of your car and may charge you for coming to inspect it and assign a value. This is usually the most accurate car valuation option. Test your car’s value against the market Once you’ve got the most accurate idea of your car’s value, check if it’s in line with the typical retail value of the model’s similar used cars. Look at other vehicles for sale in a similar condition and with a similar mileage. This will help you to finally land on a realistic car valuation for your vehicle. Click here for a wide range of quality used cars you can use to get an idea of the market value of yours. Conclusion – Your car is a valuable asset Car values are always changing. As demand shifts, new models are launched, and your car gets older, its value will adjust. Staying aware of your car’s shifting value will help you to save on insurance, pick the right moment to sell and motivate you to keep your ride in good condition by getting it serviced regularly and keeping on top of any issues that need checking. Our extensive inventory contains quality used vehicles that have been appraised and listed at retail prices that represent their real value in a highly competitive market. Remember, your car is valuable, and when you’re ready, you can use it to cover your next ride.
Insurance. You may think you don’t need it, but when it comes to your car, you really do. Vehicle insurance is a sticky topic, especially for cash-strapped South Africans already trying to pay monthly instalments on their cars. Insuring your used car is the same as insuring a brand-new one. Or is it? From fully insuring your used car to taking out basic cover for accidents, injury and property damage, car insurance is important. In this article, we briefly explore the ins and outs of insurance for your used car. We’ll unpack the types of insurance available for pre-owned vehicle insurance, the benefits of having insurance and how to get the used car insurance process started. We also look at options similar to insurance for used cars and compare the need for insurance for pre-owned vehicles to having insurance for new ones. Insurance and your car: Why we need it In some countries, insuring your car is mandatory. But in South Africa, insurance is a choice. Since many South Africans cannot afford to own a vehicle, let alone take out insurance for them, many cars are uninsured, leaving drivers exposed. This article will help you understand how insurance and the law work in SA. Insurance allows us to replace a written-off car with a new one, repair damages that can often cost too much for us to afford, handle any medical expenses from being involved in an accident, and pay for damages to other people’s cars. Every month, you pay premiums to an insurance company to provide protection for you and to insure your second-had car. If something happens to you or your vehicle, they will either pay you a cash amount to fix it, pay for the repairs themselves or replace the car (if it’s a write-off). Insurance for used cars vs. new cars Many people wonder if it is worth insuring your used car since it has already depreciated in value. Most of us will be more willing to insure a new car over an old one because it’s, well, brand new, and we’d hate for anything to happen to it. But don’t we value used cars just as much? Of course we do, and insuring your used car, no matter if it’s new or old, is always a good idea. New models aren’t always worth more than used ones It's easy to assume that paying to insure your second-had car will cost less every month than insuring a new one. While this is generally the case, since it’ll cost the insurer more to replace a new car of equal value than an older model, it isn’t always so. Older used car models may no longer be manufactured, and replacing big parts or repairing accident damage may be more difficult and thus more expensive. Covering your assets – new and old Cars are cars, no matter how many different people have owned them before you. Insurance companies don’t necessarily discriminate between new and pre-owned cars, so you’re unlikely to save on your premiums just because you’re not the first owner of your vehicle. Premiums are based on drivers, location and more - not just cars Much of the risk that insurance companies cover comes from the driver, not only the car they’re driving. Age, driving experience, how often you’re on the road, where you park, and many other personal factors contribute to the bulk of your insurance premiums. That is why a fifty-year-old woman who works remotely will pay substantially less than a 21-year-old student who drives across town to campus every day, even though they drive exactly the same pre-owned models. Click here for more on vehicle insurance premiums. Benefits of insurance for your used car There are many reasons to take out used car insurance. Aside from the fact that some banks and financial institutions will require it before financing your vehicle, having insurance can help you out of an impossible situation when you need assistance the most. Here are some of the most important benefits of having pre-owned vehicle insurance. Insurance can replace your pre-owned car if written off If your used car cannot be repaired after an accident, some types of insurance will buy you a new one as a replacement. They will usually take the market value of your vehicle and provide you with a replacement of equal value. Financial lifeline Losing your used car or being on the line for expensive damages to someone else’s can leave you broke or in trouble with the law. Insurance can rescue you from impossible financial situations. Cover beyond your pre-owned vehicle Insurance isn’t just for cars. It can be used to cover medical expenses, provide benefits like towing services or safety escorts and even help you out in an emergency by providing a courtesy vehicle. Peace of mind Arguably the biggest benefit of insuring your used car is the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’ll be taken care of if something bad happens while you’re driving. Steps for getting your used car insured Getting your car insured is quick and easy. The pre-owned vehicle insurance process is almost identical to getting a brand-new car insured, just with a few extra documents (like previous ownership record and a roadworthy certificate) required. Many insurance providers allow people to purchase vehicle insurance products online and even do it over the phone. Here’s a quickfire guide on how to get your car insured. Find an insurer Contact an insurer and ask about the available insurance products they have. Do a little research beforehand and check out company reviews. Make sure you know what type of used car insurance you’re looking at, and remember to consider your monthly budget. Here's how to save on your monthly vehicle insurance. Submit your vehicle’s information and details Once you’ve got your candidate insurers, share the details about your car that they asked for. This will likely include: The value of your vehicle. Your car’s mileage, condition and if you’ve upgraded anything. Details about where you park your car, how often you use it and security measures. Personal details. Get insurance quotes Next, gather up the quotes they send to you and carefully go through everything. This includes looking at what is covered and what isn’t if you insure your second-had car, your expected excesses in the event of a claim, any benefits or conditions and how much your premiums are going to cost you. Compare insurance options Compare your insurance options by evaluating each one against the others. While one quote may cost more monthly, it may come with added benefits and coverage than the cheaper options. Some insurance products offer cashback bonuses for claim-free periods, while others promise not to change premiums, even if you claim. Review your premiums annually Once you’ve accepted a quote and taken out insurance on your car, don’t forget to update your information regularly. Cars decrease in value over time, which means premiums should drop since replacement values are less. Many companies will match competing quotes, so don’t be afraid to approach them with a better option. This article will help you save on your car insurance. Other options similar to insurance If you’re not sold on buying used car insurance, there are other financial options available to you. While similar to pre-owned vehicle insurance that either protects you and your car on the road or covers you in unfortunate or unexpected events, they are more affordable and can be suited to your specific needs. Personal and Financial Risk Cover Cars that have been financed but are not yet paid off are a big risk if they are written off or stolen. While insurance will pay for a replacement, you will still be on the hook for the money you still owe to the financial institution financing your now-totalled car. Products like ADCOVER® will pay any shortfall between the amount you still owe to the financial institution and how much your insurer paid out. Other options like Lifestyle Protection plans also handle outstanding vehicle debt in the event of a life-changing tragedy like a death. Road-Accident Fund (RAF) The Road Accident Fund is a South African state insurer that gives insurance coverage to every driver on South Africa’s roads in the event of injury or loss. If you’re involved in an accident, the RAF will settle a claim based on a percentage of the cost of the accident. Money collected through the fuel levy is used to fund the RAF. Component Cover Most insurance companies refuse to cover mechanical breakdowns. If you need to replace a part to avoid one, you’ll likely have to pay for it out of pocket. Component Cover acts as a small-scale insurance policy that provides financial assistance to policyholders in the event of a mechanical or electrical breakdown once their manufacturer warranties expire. Certain parts are covered based on the age of the used vehicle, and there are different levels available. Conclusion – Betting on insurance for your used car Insuring your used car is essential to covering the risks and dangers we face on the road. Cars are important assets, and losing one to theft, accidents, or hijacking can leave us unable to work and in a serious financial predicament. While none of us plan on being involved in accidents or falling victim to crime, these unfortunate events can happen anytime and anywhere, even to the most cautious drivers. Used car insurance not only helps us out financially when we need it, but it also provides a comforting peace of mind for how we are able to keep our used cars safe. Click here to learn more about what you can do to insure your second-had car or to get in touch with someone who can help you on the insurance front before you’ve even got one yet.
Your car just hit the 90,000km mark. It’s starting to make a strange noise, and you know it’s been a long time since you got it serviced. What do you do? Option one: Visit the local mechanic and see if you can negotiate with them for a good deal to service your vehicle. Option two: Call a local vehicle service centre and ask them to give your car the full service it deserves. Time to make a choice. The mechanic versus service centre debate has been around since cars started getting complex enough to need a professional to keep them running. Some argue that private mechanics are unreliable and will likely overcharge you for parts that don’t need replacing at all. Others complain that service centres in South Africa charge too much for something a mechanic can do for half the price. And yet, car service centres are authorised to service vehicles, while many mechanics can do excellent work. This article aims to get to the bottom of the service centres versus mechanics debate once and for all. We look at the pros and cons, the risks and advantages and the convenience that each option offers to the everyday car owner. Getting your car serviced in SA Car services are like going to the dentist. Nobody wants to have to do it, but if you do go regularly, you’ll enjoy a beautiful smile for your entire life. Servicing your vehicle is a necessary task. And while we’d all love to get stuck into checking, cleaning and replacing worn parts ourselves, most people have no clue what’s going on under the bonnet. South African roads are always testing your car South Africa’s roads aren’t the greatest. From potholes and dirt to long distances and hectic weather, cars in SA need a little more TLC than vehicles on smoother, cleaner roads elsewhere – especially used cars. While some countries require cars to be serviced regularly by law, others – like SA – don’t. This means we can still get our cars insured, sell them and buy new used vehicles without a vehicle service history. Why car services matter But servicing your vehicle extends its life, increases its value, keeps things running smoothly and provides you with the peace of mind to know that your wheels aren’t going to let you down. Regular minor services are recommended every 15,000km or once per year (whichever comes first), with major ones suggested every 30,000km to 45,000km or so. Even the best, most expensive, reliable car makes need to be serviced regularly. To learn more about the difference between a major and a minor service, click here. Picking the right car servicer We have many vehicle service options in South Africa. From the neighbourhood car enthusiast operating out of his garage to local vehicle service centre franchises spanning the country. Everybody is free to choose who services their vehicles. The trick is choosing right. Service Centres vs. Mechanics: Types Let’s explore the different types of mechanic and car service centres available in South Africa. Mechanics Private mechanics – These are the one-person shows who take care of everything service-related themselves. They are usually only able to work on one vehicle at a time and can take a long time to wrap up the service. It can be very difficult to ensure that the replacement parts they are using are authorised for your vehicle. If something goes wrong, there’s not much you can do to get your money back. Vehicle Specialists – These are smaller, privately owned mechanics who specialise in things like wheels, shocks, batteries or even bodywork but also offer car services as an additional product. While many of them have the necessary equipment and tools to conduct a service, they may lack the knowledge and qualifications to be as thorough and detailed to meet your car's servicing needs. Service centres Basic service centres – These are ‘light’ service centres in South Africa, which can check your car and let you know what needs to be replaced or cleaned. Basic service centres are a good option if you’re trying to understand your car’s current condition. However, they may lack access to parts or special tools to conduct a full car service. These car service centres are good for minor services. Dedicated full vehicle service centres – These service centres are dedicated service centres whose sole job is specialising in full, major vehicle services. They have everything they need to fully service your car and employ only trained, qualified service professionals. These service centres usually have multiple outlets around the country, and information on their performance and trustworthiness can easily be found online. Manufacturer service centres - Manufacturers of cars made in SA sometimes offer their own service options. There aren't as many of them as regular car service centres, and they can get expensive. They may also not be willing to service a pre-owned vehicle not purchased from the associated dealership. The Verdict While there may be many more private mechanics and vehicle specialists around than qualified service centres in South Africa, this doesn’t mean they are necessarily a better option. A mechanic could be a good option for a quick fix, doing bodywork, or even cleaning your engine, but lacks the knowledge, tools and accountability to give your car the attention it needs. Service centres, on the other hand, are part of registered franchise corporations that are required to adhere to strict regulations and laws. If they don’t do a proper job, they have the resources to correct any errors at little or no extra cost, and any local vehicle service centre relies on your positive reviews to stay in business. Winner: Service Centres Service Centres vs. Mechanics: Cost Car services aren’t cheap. People must spend hours inspecting, testing and replacing different parts and components during a service. This is why car service costs are often a big sticking point when comparing car service centres with mechanics.   Mechanics Cost certainty – Mechanics do not have to stick to recommended prices and fees for their services. They can set prices to cover their expenses, but they also determine their own profit margins. This leaves prices up to the mechanic, and when people receive a quote, they struggle to know if they are being over or under-charged. On top of this, there is nothing stopping a mechanic from charging you for added extras before you’ve agreed to them. Parts – Mechanics will often tell their customers that they can secure parts at cost prices or a discount. Unfortunately, you won’t know for sure if these parts are of high quality, are OK to install in your vehicle or if they even need to be replaced at all. So, while you may save on replacement parts, the risk of them failing soon after is high. Labour – Mechanics also charge for the time they spend working on your car. While some services can take many hours to service a particular model, others can be done quickly, with all checks and replacements taken care of in a flash. Mechanics will often charge labour costs based on how much time they claim to have worked on your vehicle. Service centres Cost certainty – Service centres are registered businesses. They must adhere to industry codes of conduct that govern how much they can charge for their operations. This means that car service prices are usually fixed and only updated periodically when necessary. Part of these rules also require car service centres to provide the total service cost beforehand and only begin working once you have given approval. Parts – Approved service centres have a list of the parts they stock or are authorised to order. These lists include the prices of the different parts they can use, which cannot be changed or increased. They may also not use parts not designed for specific cars, and any replacements are checked and tested. Labour – Walk into any local vehicle service centre and you’ll see more than one person working on the cars. Each specialist has their own area of responsibility, and they are almost always paid a salary instead of a per-hour fee. Nothing is outsourced to 3rd parties, and labour fees are usually fixed. Any additional labour costs will be communicated before being charged. The Verdict Private mechanics have a reputation for convincing people that they need to replace parts that are in perfect working order. They also have an unfortunate habit of adding costs that customers were not initially aware of. Some will even only return a car to the owner once all costs are paid in full, whether agreed upon or not. This can leave people out of pocket and sometimes even without a car. Service centres in South Africa operate on a cost model designed to cover the same effort, parts and time for all vehicle models, no matter how much work they have to do during a service for a particular car. This is possible because service centres are part of large businesses that have the resources to absorb any unexpected losses. Car service centres also offer periodic specials that customers can take advantage of to save money. Winner: Service Centres Service Centres vs. Mechanics: Availability Sometimes, an urgent service may be required, either to quickly sell a car or before a long road trip. People living in remote areas or who do not wish to travel far may also appreciate having a vehicle servicing option nearby. Mechanics Number in SA – There are thousands of mechanics around the country. From farming communities to small towns and big cities, finding a local private mechanic to service your car is not difficult. This is ideal for vehicles that can’t drive too far or customers struggling to locate a service option nearby. Hours – Many mechanics will be prepared to work outside of business hours (especially if the price is right). This means that anyone in need of a quick, urgent service can get one done whenever they require it. Mechanics may also be available over weekends and public holidays, so you won’t need to worry about getting hold of them. Mechanics can also, when requested, rush your car service, completing the job in half the time they would normally take - if the price is, you guessed it, just right. Accessibility – Private mechanics are usually happy to take on a service job, no matter how busy they are. With so many mechanics around, they usually don’t have many cars on the waiting list to worry about, meaning they are often more available during high-demand, busy service seasons than other options. Service centres Number in SA – There are fewer local vehicle service centres in South Africa than private mechanics. This is because an authorised full-service centre needs to get accredited and registered to operate. While most big cities have multiple car service centres, some small towns and rural districts don’t. Hours – Service centres in South Africa must stick to operational business hours per the Basic Conditions of Employment Act. This means that most service centres are not open before 7 or 8 a.m., and they will often close by 5 or 6 p.m. On top of this, some service centres are closed over weekends and on public holidays, though a few of them are open. Accessibility – Service centres can get busy. This means that you may have to wait a few days or even more than a week before they are able to accept your car. Since service centres must follow strict procedures for each vehicle, this can lead to backlogs and waiting lists. This can be frustrating for people hoping to get their car serviced quickly. The Verdict Mechanics are flexible when it comes to their availability. As many of them are small businesses, they can operate outside of business hours and are often willing to work when other businesses are closed. With so many mechanics offering services in SA, finding them isn’t difficult. Service centres employ many people and are required to stick to business hours. Some towns and areas don’t have any car service centres, and the ones that do can sometimes get very busy. While many service centres do their best to accommodate everyone who comes to them, they are not always able to do so. Winner: Mechanics Service Centres vs. Mechanics: Quality of work The whole point of a service is to improve the condition of the car, check for any problems and replace any parts or components that are getting old or faulty. If any of these functions are compromised, the vehicle can quickly become dangerous to its occupants. Quality of work is a critical measure of how successful a service is. Mechanics Inspections – Experienced mechanics know where to look for issues during a vehicle service. If they are familiar with a model, they will have a good understanding of what parts and areas of the vehicle need the most attention. However, without the checklists and resources they need to review every component, they can sometimes miss important checks. During the job – When servicing a car, mechanics need to be extremely careful not to damage anything else or forget about anything while they’re working. Even missing a single nut or bolt can cause a car to break down or even crash. While most mechanics have their own checklists, it can be easy for them to miss something or to reinstall a part incorrectly. After-sales service – Once a mechanic is done servicing a vehicle, you pay and leave in your car. However, depending on who you’re working with, if something goes wrong later, it can be a challenge to get a refund or to get them to correct the error. This is a big problem in South Africa and around the world. Service centres Inspections – All service centres in South Africa are required to conduct a full assessment of the vehicle before beginning any work on the car. This includes running as many as 116 different checks on the car, each one carefully documented and recorded. A report of the car’s condition is then compiled, ensuring nothing is missed or overlooked. During the job – Service centres have different specialists for different areas of the car. Each of these professionals is tasked with servicing their particular area of the vehicle using specialised equipment to do so. Expensive tools are also used to test components and repair any problems, ensuring only the best quality of work is done. After-sales service – Once a service has been completed, the local vehicle service centre will often contact the customer to inform them of any additional issues or elements picked up during the job that fall outside the service itself. This gives customers the chance to ask for extra work to be done. Once a service is completed and you have taken your car home, most car service centres will follow up after a period to ensure that you are satisfied with the work and that there are no outstanding issues. The Verdict Although many mechanics are capable of high-quality work, using them to service your car does come with the risk that the general quality of service is lower than expected. Without any fixed procedures or protocols, reports or state-of-the-art equipment, the standard of the service may be compromised. This poses a risk, not only to your vehicle but potentially to your safety, too. Car service centres provide detailed reports and checklists on request, proving that they have covered all the elements of the car service. They also replace parts and components that don’t need to be swapped out as part of their protocol and will often leave the old parts in your car as evidence that you now have new ones installed. Any extra work will be communicated before they go ahead, and - with the expectation that a full service takes care of all issues – any later problems will be rectified, usually free of charge. Winner: Service Centres Service Centres vs Mechanics: The verdict Service centres take the win in the debate. While mechanics do offer extended business hours and are sometimes willing to work over weekends and public holidays, service centres take the crown in all of the other categories. There are different types of car service centres, but each of them must be registered and approved by various industry bodies while subscribing to strict codes of conduct and ethical practices. Private mechanics are allowed to operate independently and don’t face the same scrutiny that service centres do. While you may be able to snag a cheap service deal with a private mechanic, there is no way of ensuring they are doing a quality job on your car, leaving your vehicle at risk of breaking down. A local vehicle service centre will have far more resources than a private mechanic and employs many highly trained personnel, each focusing on a particular servicing area of your car. And don’t forget about the range of specials most service centres offer regularly, taking the heat off your wallet. Ultimately, you want the best for your car. Private mechanics may be a good option for fixing individual issues or replacing the odd component on a budget. Car service centres, however, are dedicated car service experts who specialise in fully inspecting, checking, and servicing your car. Conclusion – Find a service centre near you If you’re looking for a complete, detailed and comprehensive service for your car, service centres are king on more than one front. You can visit a local vehicle service centre near you, like any one of Auto Pedigree’s 13 service centres located nationwide.
Selling your car can be risky. While most people looking to buy or sell cars are happy to follow the rules, shake hands and go on their way afterwards, we unfortunately live in a world where some people choose to take advantage of a situation. Selling your car safely in SA means taking some steps to protect yourself while keeping an eye out for scammers and dishonest people posing as real buyers. With more than 50 cars1 stolen every day in SA, selling yours means being careful when doing it. This article looks at the risks when selling your car that people face in South Africa. From dangerous hijacking situations to people taking advantage of your goodwill, selling a car today has never been riskier. Thankfully, with a little common sense and by taking some seller precautions, you can protect yourself from thieves, hustlers and scammers when selling your car. Car scams are increasing Every day, we hear of new ways people are taking advantage of car sellers. Whether it’s fake deposits or a would-be buyer coming back and “taking ownership” of the vehicle before paying (or without you even knowing about it), everybody needs to be on the lookout for car scams. While we usually hear of the buyer getting the short end of the deal, car sellers are becoming victims too. Scammers are targeting sellers more and more, focusing on people trying to sell their cars quickly or those who haven't sold their vehicle before. This general narrative that it’s usually the buyers who get scammed can often lead to sellers dropping their guard to become the victims themselves. Why people are getting scammed when selling their cars There are many reasons behind the rise in car scams – especially ones involving sellers. Thanks to the internet, more avenues to sell privately, and smarter, more tech-savvy criminals, the risks when selling your car in South Africa are on the rise and can even present dangerous situations. This is why it’s so important to be on the lookout for potential red flags and dodgy buyers. These are just a few of the reasons we’re seeing an increase in car scams targeting sellers. More ways to sell From Facebook to Gumtree, online marketplaces and even WhatsApp, thanks to technology, there are now many different options to choose from when selling your car. This variety of platforms and communications options means that people are more exposed and vulnerable when using methods they don’t fully understand. More online fraudsters Being able to sell your car across so many different platforms means more exposure to an increasing number of scammers who are figuring out how to trick you. These criminals are located around the world and may seem like they’re local when they are not. It’s getting easier to impersonate  Identity theft is a major problem that allows people to pretend to be somebody they’re not. They can then pose as a legitimate buyer and may even encourage you to do a background check on them to ensure you’re selling to somebody you can trust, only to find out the person you think you’re selling your car to has no idea they just bought one. Poor policing South Africa’s policing capabilities aren’t exactly the best in the world, making it difficult for selling your car safely. With over 20,000 annual hijackings and road crimes like cash-in-transit heists on the rise, our people in blue are struggling to keep up. Sadly, this extends into police investigations, with many scams going unsolved due to a lack of resources, giving criminals the green light to continue plundering. Desperation Scammers love to target people they can see are desperate to sell their car. They will often approach sellers with an offer that sounds incredibly enticing, only to rip them off later on. People looking to emigrate, those in urgent need of cash and people trying to sell their vehicles to replace them with a cheaper alternative are a top target for scammers. Common car scams sellers should watch out for Here are a couple of the known car sales scams that target the seller. The "test drive and dive" This is where a prospective buyer insists on taking your car for a test drive before buying it. They will usually request to test your car at a time and place of their choosing, and once they’re behind the wheel, you’ll never see them – or your ride – again. Disappearing after the deposit This scam involves a person paying a deposit into your account as an act of good faith, indicating they are serious about buying your car. Many sellers then let their guard down and will even hand over the keys after being promised the balance of the money soon after. Naturally, this often never happens, leaving the seller with only a fraction of what they’d hoped to receive for selling their car. The "fake deposit" Fraudsters are using sophisticated methods to re-create or fake proof of payments, transfer documentation and invoices. They will often send the seller a document indicating that they have paid the deposit for a car, claiming that it will take a few days before showing in the bank account. While the documents look real, the deposit, of course, never arrives, and neither does the return of the car. The "overcharge repayment" This clever scam involves the buyer sending the seller a cashier’s cheque or money order showing that they accidentally paid too much for the car. They then ask the seller to refund them the overpayment difference, or even the full amount, only for the seller to realise that the original transfer was never real in the first place. The “after-hours comeback” This is a common South African car theft ploy. Scammers posing as buyers will visit your home to come and view the vehicle. While there, they will instead scout out the property, security measures and weaknesses. Then, later, when you’re not at home or asleep, they will return, either to steal the car or just to rob you. The "cold caller" In this scam, fraudsters target sellers advertising their cars for sale in a local newspaper or online. The cold caller calls up the seller, posing as a broker with several buyers already lined up to buy the same model as the car you’re selling. All they need from you is an upfront “finder’s fee” or commission before they introduce you to the buyers. They then disappear with your money, and the fake buyers they mentioned don’t exist or are not even interested in buying a car. Top tips to avoid getting scammed when selling your car Here are some tips to help you protect yourself and your car when looking at selling your car safely and privately. We’ve also listed the reasons these car scams are so dangerous and what you can do to minimise the risks when selling your car you’re likely to face. Be careful how you advertise Why: Don’t share unnecessary information about your location, name, details or financial information when advertising to sell your car. Giving too much information away is like ringing the swindler dinner bell and can even leave you exposed to identity theft. How: Only use secure platforms to advertise and, where possible, keep details like your name, number, and address confidential until you’ve lined up a good prospective buyer. Remove number plates for photos or block them out, and never provide sensitive vehicle information like VINs. Watch out for pretenders Why: People who don’t look like they’re legitimate buyers usually aren’t. While we should all be careful about judging people at first glance, paying attention to red flags and warning signs is necessary to avoid being scammed when selling your car. People with no online presence or those lacking verifiable information are often the most likely to be scammers. Always do a background check and ask your buyer for more details about them if you’re unsure. How: Take a seller precaution and try to contact them to talk in person on the phone and watch out for people pretending to represent a buyer who is unavailable or too busy to conduct the transaction. Some fraudsters will pose as brokers, with buyers lined up looking for a car like yours. While some may be real brokers, many are not, so be sure to check out their credentials before paying any fees to them. When in doubt, pull out Why: If your gut is telling you that something isn’t quite right, pay attention to it. If payments seem dodgy or the person you’re looking to sell to has provided contact information that isn’t working, think twice before handing your car over. If, at any point during the transaction, you feel like you’re in danger, walk away and report your concerns to the authorities. How: Don’t be afraid to pause the process to double-check everything. Always make sure that the money is in your bank account rather than relying on any documents sent by the buyer to prove that the transaction has taken place. It’s better to lose a potential buyer by walking away if you’re unsure than to get scammed by a phoney buyer and end up losing your car or your money – or both. Take safety precautions Why: Any person serious about buying your car should be more than willing to travel to where you are. This is a must for selling your car safely. After all, you’re the one selling. Scammers may lure sellers into unsafe or unfamiliar places to hijack their vehicle once they arrive. How: Always try to take somebody with you to meetings or let people know where you’re going and what time you expect to return to offset some of the risks when selling your car. If you are faced with a dangerous situation or find yourself in peril, don’t risk your life for your car. It’s not worth it. But taking seller precautions and ensuring you’re in a safe place at all times will minimise the chances for criminals to take advantage of you. Know who you’re dealing with Why: When selling your car, most people who approach you to buy it are complete strangers. They could be anybody – a legitimate buyer or a professional scammer. Having an idea of who you’re selling your car to before doing it will help you avoid potential criminals and spot obvious scammers. How: Run a background check by searching social media pages and following up with the information the buyer has provided. If something doesn’t check out, ask the buyer to explain or clarify. Watch out for criminal records or reports that the prospective buyer has scammed others before. Get paid upfront Why: Like any transaction, you should take a seller precaution and insist on getting paid before handing your property over. This ensures that a proper exchange has taken place and nobody ends up losing out. Scammers will often argue that they don’t have all the money with them but desperately need the car. Others will refuse to pay the full amount until they have the vehicle in their possession. How: Ask for a deposit to hold in escrow before handing over the vehicle and while taking care of all the admin. You can hire a registered financial intermediary to hold the money so the buyer doesn’t think they’re getting scammed or ask the bank to assist. Never give the car to a buyer until they have paid in full or you have a written commitment from a legitimate organisation or financial institution that they will do so. Get documents in order Why: Documents provide proof of money transfers, who owns the vehicle and is legally required to sell a car. While some people choose to skip these important pieces of evidence, they will inevitably end up exposed later on, not to mention risk facing a situation where they don’t actually own the car they’ve paid for. How: Verify your buyer’s identity with a bank, the police or even home affairs. Make sure that the buyer has bank-verified funds to pay you and that the transaction is legal and above board. Ensure that both parties sign all transfer of ownership documents and that everybody has copies of everything. Confirm that the buyer is now the registered owner before waiving your own claim and make sure all outstanding fines are paid off. Beware the test drive Why: Test drives are often where most car scams unfold. In South Africa, we all face the very real threat of violent hijackings and car thefts on a daily basis. Allowing a stranger to test drive your car presents scammers, hijackers and thieves with the perfect opportunity to steal your ride right in front of you. Plus, there’s the extra personal safety concern. How: Always be safe and take extra seller precautions to protect yourself and your car in a test drive situation. Never allow a potential buyer to test drive your car by themselves, so always accompany them on the road. Only agree to test drives in safe, public areas that are well-lit and try to have somebody you know and trust with you at all times. Don’t forget to check if your insurance policy covers third-party accidents. Conclusion - Why trading in your car or selling to an authorised dealer is safer Instead of risking dealing with strangers and possible car scams, consider selling your car safely to an authorised dealer or trading it in. This ensures that you are transacting with registered, official buyers who can be contacted afterwards if something goes wrong and are unlikely to defraud you. Trading in your car means you’ll have a replacement vehicle on the spot, and dealers will sometimes allow you to remain the official vehicle’s owner until they find a buyer or until they’ve paid you in full. If you're a buyer looking to avoid scams, check out this article. Don’t be a victim. Keep an eye out for the risks when selling your car. Take seller precautions, be safe at all times and avoid the selling platforms, communication channels and situations where scammers thrive. References & Resources Link References: https://www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/used-car-scams/ https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/common-dealership-fraud-how-prevent-identity-theft-spot/ https://www.aura.com/learn/someone-bought-a-car-in-my-name https://businesstech.co.za/news/lifestyle/694389/these-provinces-have-seen-a-big-spike-in-hijackings-in-south-africa-hotspot-areas-and-cars-being-targeted/ https://www.wikihow.com/Spot-a-Fake-Check https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/information-never-post-online/ https://www.news24.com/news24/bi-archive/what-to-do-in-a-hijacking-in-south-africa-safety-tips-2019-1 https://www.investopedia.com/best-background-check-sites-5114387 https://www.investopedia.com/terms/f/financialintermediary.asp https://www.gumtree.co.za/pages/autos/buy-sell-cars/sell-what-documents-do-you-need-to-sell-a-car.php https://www.autopedigree.co.za/used-car-guide/how-car-insurance-works/122 https://www.autopedigree.co.za/used-car-guide/how-to-trade-in-your-vehicle-in-south-africa/259 https://www.autopedigree.co.za/used-car-guide/fraud-alert-car-sale-scams/161 Citations: These provinces have seen a big spike in hijackings in South Africa – hotspot areas and cars being targeted. General References: https://businesstech.co.za/news/motoring/536692/watch-out-for-these-car-theft-scams-in-south-africa/ https://www.arrivealive.mobi/safety-from-vehicle-scams-and-fraudsters-when-buying-and-selling-vehicles https://www.onpointcu.com/blog/how-to-spot-red-flags-when-buying-and-selling-vehicles-online-or-in-person/ https://www.702.co.za/articles/478386/scam-alert-fraudsters-targeting-would-be-car-buyers-with-online-scams
Did you know that there are over 50 different car brands available in SA, including more than 3,000 various models and variants1, with nine2 of these manufacturers making cars right here in Mzansi? With so many local and international options, variants and ranges available, picking the best pre-owned vehicles can be challenging. And when you add in the countless makes and models that have been sold over the years and are now on the market as pre-owned vehicles, figuring out which one is best for you requires an understanding of the best used cars in SA. In this post, we check out 10 of our most popular top second-hand cars in South Africa. We look at their popularity, availability, price and overall options to help you figure out which options will meet your needs. Used cars in 2023 Second-hand cars were once seen as risky buys. Many people found their used car buys to be faulty, unreliable and in a worse condition than what they expected. But times have changed. Laws governing the sale of used cars and the used car industry have worked together to ensure that buying a used car in SA is now safer, more affordable and more dependable than ever before. Many people turn to the most popular used cars in South Africa instead of spending large amounts of money on brand-new ones. Many used cars are still essentially “new”, with thousands of kilometres to go before they start developing problems. Other used cars have clocked huge distances already but are still in excellent condition, while some brands of used vehicles are renowned for being amazing options for pre-owned rides, outlasting many of their competitors. Buying a used car in 2023 has never been easier – or more accessible. With innovative deal assistance programs available, guarantees that used cars have been serviced, checked and approved, and a bigger market than ever, getting your hands on a quality vehicle and one of the best used cars around, can be a better investment than buying a brand new one. But which used makes and models are proven to deliver quality and value to their buyers? Let’s take a look. Things to think about when buying a used car Knowing the ins and outs of the best pre-owned vehicles market means understanding what to look for when buying one. Whether it’s the reputation a brand has for making cars that last or the status as one of the most popular used cars in South Africa, there are many options to choose from. But finding the right combination that meets your requirements involves thinking about a couple of things to suit your needs. All second-hand vehicles come with their own story. Each car served someone else previously. Getting an idea of what that history is will help you choose a used car that’s right for you instead of a dud that costs you money. Thankfully, many used car industry players have made it their mission to provide accurate, transparent and complete information to prospective buyers, making your choice that much easier. Here are some of the things to look at when looking for the best used cars available in SA. If a second-hand vehicle is missing one or more of these bits of information, think twice before putting a deposit down or ask the seller to provide it for you. Vehicle history All quality used cars should come with a history. How many people have owned it before? Was it ever involved in a major accident? Has it moved around from province to province? Was it used for commercial or private purposes, or both? This important storyline will help you to develop a good idea of the car and what it has been through. There are various tools and apps to help you check a used car's info. Car mileage Many people will ignore a car if it has done above a certain amount of mileage in its life. But today’s cars are built to last longer, and a car that’s done three times as many kilometres on the open road could be in better condition than one that’s done far less in the city. Mileage isn’t as important as it used to be in a used car decision, but it still matters. Balancing budget with mileage will help in selecting the right quality used car. This article comparing a car's mileage with its age will help you understand why it matters. Car make & model Some manufacturers make only two or three models, while some produce dozens. Some brands are known for their cars’ looks, while others focus on reliability and performance. Whatever you’re looking for, there are dozens of makes, models and variants out there to choose from. Getting a good idea of what different brands mean for top second-hand cars is a helpful indicator of the option that works best for you. Quality service & checks Anyone can swap out a spark plug, pump the tyres and top up the oil. But nothing beats a high-quality, full-vehicle service performed by experts who know what to look for. Some used car dealers will take shortcuts and claim to have performed checks when they actually haven’t. Buying a used car from a company that performs services themselves is the safest and, really the only option. The price of the used car Price is a big issue when it comes to used cars. While most brand-new vehicles come with a fixed price tag, used car prices depend on many things, making it tough to know what is good value for money and what isn’t. If a deal looks too good to be true, it usually is. At the same time, people must avoid being scammed or tricked into paying too much for a used vehicle. Reputable used car companies use economies of scale (where they keep prices manageable because they sell a lot of used cars) to the advantage of their customers. Top 10 best used cars We’ve identified the top second-hand cars available in South Africa based on our own data for 2023. While some excellent models haven’t made it onto this list, this Top 10 represents a range of vehicles that provide great value for money, are extremely popular on our roads and can be counted on not to let you down. In this list, we also unpack the different variants and options available from our list of best pre-owned vehicles, the general pre-owned car price range, who we think these cars will be most ideally suited for and the features that make them the best used cars in SA. Toyota Fortuner The mighty Toyota Fortuna is a common sight on our roads and one of the most popular used cars in South Africa. Ever since the World’s biggest car company released this iconic model, South Africans have been queuing up to get their hands on one. Type SUV Options 2.4gd-6 4X4 / 2.4gd-6 Automatic Price range R499,995 to R599,995 Best for Families, taking holidays, and general daily all-purpose use Top features Reliable, with modern features and excellent resale potential VW Polo & Polo Vivo The legendary Polo continues to dominate our roads and is the car of choice for many people. As VW’s legacy grows in South Africa, everyone from first-time car buyers to students, moms and dads, and the everyday worker can count on the Polo and Polo Vivo to get them from A to B with fewer issues. Type Hatch or Sedan Options 1.0 TSI GT / 1.0 TSI Trendline / 1.4 Trendline / 1.6 Comfortline Price range R210,995 (Vivo 1.4L) to R487,995 (Polo GTI) Best for Everyone Top features Easy to drive, locally available parts and exceptional value for money Mercedes-Benz C-Class For anyone interested in a luxury vehicle, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a status symbol like no other. Beautifully designed and boasting an ultra-luxurious interior, the C-Class is in high demand in the best used cars market and surprisingly well-priced for a vehicle of such high quality. Type Luxury saloon sedan Options C180 Petrol / C180 Automatic Price range R399,995 to R499,995 Best for Anyone looking for a luxury top-of-class vehicle to enjoy in style Top features Low emissions, world-class safety rating and stylish, iconic design Renault Kwid For borderline hatch and crossover, the Renault Kwid packs a punch for its affordable price range. This innovative French-made car is easy on the eye while impressing with its amazingly powerful 1.0 engine and different variants. Type Hatchback Crossover Options 1.0 Dynamique / 1.0 Dynamique Zen / 1.0 Climber / 1.0 Expression Price range R144,995 to R174,995 Best for Budget buyers looking for a great city car and the weekend away Top features Excellent fuel efficiency and smart tech for a budget vehicle Toyota Corolla Quest The top everyday vehicle of the Toyota fleet, the Corolla Quest has taken the market by storm. This dependable car is popular among workers and is a solid investment for anyone looking to balance budget with reliability and simplicity. Type Sedan Options 2020 Quest 1.8CVT Automatic / 2021 Quest 1.8 / 2022 Quest 1.8 Price range R244,995 to R269,995 Best for Work commutes, family shuttles, and general everyday use Top features Powerful 1.8L engine with top safety and excellent parts reliability Suzuki Swift This top hot hatch is quickly becoming an SA favourite in the best pre-owned vehicles category, rivalling the likes of the Polo Vivo, the Toyota Yaris and the Ford Figo. With a low price tag and nippy performance, the Suzuki Swift is a winner among young buyers and anyone on a tight budget looking for a ride that won’t cost them much over the long term. Type Budget Hatchback Options Swift 1.2 GA / Swift 1.2 GL Price range R177,995 to R196,995 Best for Everyday use, short trips and students looking to save on their car Top features Lightweight, saves on petrol, and shorter wheelbase for easy driving Toyota Hilux Everybody knows how much of a role the iconic Toyota Hilux has played on SA’s roads over the decades. The legendary bakkie continues to form the backbone of the economy, transporting materials, workers, and anything else across the country daily. Rugged, solid and durable, the Hilux will never let you down, no matter how many people have driven it before you. Type Single Cab Bakkie / Double Cab Bakkie / Diesel Options Hilux 2.0s / Hilux 2.4 GD-6 Double Cab / Hilux 2.4 GD-6 srx 4X4 Price range R302,995 to R549,995 Best for On-site work, farmers, contractors and transporting Top features Removable canopy, impressive weight capacity and solid build KIA Rio As KIA continues to grow in the SA market, more of these cars on the road means more used options available to buy. The attractive Rio is a class above the ever-popular Picanto, and it fills a hatch segment that is already a competitive one. The Rio is a hot prospect and will soon rank as one of the most popular used cars in South Africa with high demand for this South Korean ride. Type Hatchback Options Rio 1.2 IS / Rio 1.4 IS Price range R219,995 to R259,995 Best for Mid-range budgets and as an everyday vehicle also good for long trips Top features Stylish, spacious interior, excellent safety and nice handling Toyota Urban Cruiser Another Toyota on this list, the Urban Cruiser has been a smash hit in the local market for some years now. This high-quality crossover is the ideal car for city driving with the added benefit of being able to take on the typical dirt road or weekend away. Type CrossOver Options Urban Cruiser 1.5 xi / Urban Cruiser 1.5 xs / Urban Cruiser 1.5 xs auto Price range R257,995 to R298,995 Best for Multipurpose use, commuting and taking a family or friends holiday Top features Spacious boot and interior, excellent fuel economy and many variants Hyundai Venue And finally, the Hyundai Venue. This stylish crossover is often mistaken for belonging to the SUV category, and for good reason. Easy on the eye and larger than a typical crossover, the Venue is surprisingly powerful for its 1-litre engine. All things considered, the Venue boasts an amazing price for what you get. Type CrossOver Options 1.0 tgdi Motion / 1.0 tgdi Motion Automatic / 1.0 tgdi Fluid Price range R239,995 to R379,995 Best for Drivers looking for a crossover that feels like an SUV Top features Upmarket appeal, good fuel economy and pleasing ride height Conclusion - Why buying a used car from Auto Pedigree works With so many options to choose from in a busy best used cars market, finding the segment, make, and model that checks all the boxes can get complicated. Thankfully, at industry players like Auto Pedigree, we are able to put our extensive inventory to work in providing a long list of different top second-hand cars that many others can’t match. With so much on the line and even more used cars becoming available every day, finding ways to ensure used cars are more accessible, reliable and affordable is a top priority for anyone looking to stay on top as a provider of the most popular used cars in South Africa. That is why all our used cars are meticulously checked, serviced and listed along with all relevant vehicle information to ensure you know what you’re getting. This, coupled with our amazing deal assistance offers and financial services, makes for a dependable choice of best pre-owned vehicles. Our more than a dozen reputable service centres nationwide ensure the cars we sell stay in top shape (even after we've sold them), making our selection of quality used vehicles hard to ignore. Browse our ever-expanding inventory of vehicles here and find the top used car that’s perfect for you. References & Resources Link References: https://www.citizen.co.za/business/personal-finance/your-rights-buying-used-car/ https://www.autopedigree.co.za/promotions https://businesstech.co.za/news/motoring/274111/youve-bought-a-dud-used-car-heres-what-the-consumer-protection-act-says/ https://www.firstcheck.co.za/ https://www.autopedigree.co.za/used-car-guide/used-car-mileage-vs-age-which-is-more-important/233 https://www.autopedigree.co.za/service-centres Car listing & number of available vehicles on AP (07/11/2023): Toyota Fortuner (100) https://www.autopedigree.co.za/inventory-search?search_form%5Bmake%5D=&search_form%5Bmodel%5D=fortuner&search_form%5Bprice_choice_min%5D=50000&search_form%5Bprice_choice_max%5D=1000000 VW Polo & Polo Vivo (100) + (235) Polo: https://www.autopedigree.co.za/inventory-search?search_form%5Bmake%5D=&search_form%5Bmodel%5D=polo&search_form%5Bprice_choice_min%5D=50000&search_form%5Bprice_choice_max%5D=1000000 Vivo: https://www.autopedigree.co.za/inventory-search?search_form%5Bprovince%5D=&search_form%5Bbranch%5D=&search_form%5Byear%5D=&search_form%5Bmake%5D=&search_form%5Bmodel%5D=polo+vivo&search_form%5BbodyType%5D=&search_form%5BfuelType%5D=&search_form%5Bmileage%5D=&search_form%5Btransmission%5D=&search_form%5Bcolour%5D=&search_form%5Bprice_choice_min%5D=50000&search_form%5Bprice_choice_max%5D=1000000 Mercedes-Benz C-Class (82) https://www.autopedigree.co.za/inventory-search?search_form%5Bprovince%5D=&search_form%5Bbranch%5D=&search_form%5Byear%5D=&search_form%5Bmake%5D=&search_form%5Bmodel%5D=c-class&search_form%5BbodyType%5D=&search_form%5BfuelType%5D=&search_form%5Bmileage%5D=&search_form%5Btransmission%5D=&search_form%5Bcolour%5D=&search_form%5Bprice_choice_min%5D=50000&search_form%5Bprice_choice_max%5D=1000000 Renault Kwid (153) https://www.autopedigree.co.za/inventory-search?search_form%5Bprovince%5D=&search_form%5Bbranch%5D=&search_form%5Byear%5D=&search_form%5Bmake%5D=&search_form%5Bmodel%5D=kwid&search_form%5BbodyType%5D=&search_form%5BfuelType%5D=&search_form%5Bmileage%5D=&search_form%5Btransmission%5D=&search_form%5Bcolour%5D=&search_form%5Bprice_choice_min%5D=50000&search_form%5Bprice_choice_max%5D=1000000 Toyota Corolla Quest (70) https://www.autopedigree.co.za/inventory-search?search_form%5Bmake%5D=&search_form%5Bmodel%5D=corolla+quest&search_form%5Bprice_choice_min%5D=50000&search_form%5Bprice_choice_max%5D=1000000 Suzuki Swift (245) https://www.autopedigree.co.za/inventory-search?search_form%5Bmake%5D=&search_form%5Bmodel%5D=swift&search_form%5Bprice_choice_min%5D=50000&search_form%5Bprice_choice_max%5D=1000000 Toyota Hilux (135) https://www.autopedigree.co.za/inventory-search?search_form%5Bmake%5D=&search_form%5Bmodel%5D=hilux&search_form%5Bprice_choice_min%5D=50000&search_form%5Bprice_choice_max%5D=1000000 KIA Rio (181) https://www.autopedigree.co.za/inventory-search?search_form%5Bmake%5D=&search_form%5Bmodel%5D=rio&search_form%5Bprice_choice_min%5D=50000&search_form%5Bprice_choice_max%5D=1000000 Picanto add-in: https://www.autopedigree.co.za/inventory-search?search_form%5Bmake%5D=&search_form%5Bmodel%5D=picanto&search_form%5Bprice_choice_min%5D=50000&search_form%5Bprice_choice_max%5D=1000000 Toyota Urban Cruiser (526) https://www.autopedigree.co.za/inventory-search?search_form%5Bmake%5D=&search_form%5Bmodel%5D=urban+cruiser&search_form%5Bprice_choice_min%5D=50000&search_form%5Bprice_choice_max%5D=1000000 Hyundai Venue (109) https://www.autopedigree.co.za/inventory-search?search_form%5Bmake%5D=&search_form%5Bmodel%5D=venue&search_form%5Bprice_choice_min%5D=50000&search_form%5Bprice_choice_max%5D=1000000 Link References: (Continued) https://www.autopedigree.co.za/ https://www.autopedigree.co.za/promotions https://www.autopedigree.co.za/financial-services https://www.autopedigree.co.za/service-centres https://www.autopedigree.co.za/inventory-search?make=&model=&price_choice=&province=&branch=&bodyType=&year=&mileage=&fuelType=&transmission=&price_choice_min=&price_choice_max=&colour= Citations: https://planet42.com/za/which-car-is-made-in-south-africa/?=https://planet42.com/za/which-car-is-made-in-south-africa/#:~:text=There%20are%20over%2055%20car,there%20are%20plenty%20of%20choices! https://mybroadband.co.za/news/motoring/494681-all-the-cars-made-in-south-africa.html#:~:text=nine%20major%20vehicle%20manufacturers%20in%20South%20Africa General References: https://www.autopedigree.co.za/
Deal assistance. Too good to be true? Can it be trusted? Is it worth it? Deal assistance is becoming more and more popular with car dealerships looking to empower their customers and among people looking for a helping hand in buying the car they deserve. But deal assistance is often misunderstood, leaving people to miss out on the many benefits these innovative programs have to offer for vehicle financing. In this post, we take a look at the ins and outs of deal assistance, what it is, how deal assistance works and why it is helping more and more people to realise their dreams of owning a vehicle of their own. What is deal assistance? Deal assistance is also called trade assistance. It is designed to help people fund and pay for a car. It is a form of financial assistance that provides breathing room to secure more funding, lessen the impact of a big cash payment or reduce the amounts owed in the immediate future. Deal assistance benefits the buyer. It is structured in a way that prevents additional interest or costs from building up. It supports car finance needs while empowering people with more flexibility and opportunities to purchase vehicles they either couldn’t afford or would otherwise have to wait for before being able to use them. Deal assistance is not a loan. It doesn’t cost anything to take out, and you don’t need to provide surety or collateral or get pre-authorised before receiving it. Types of deal assistance Deal assistance is also flexible. It can be tailored to suit the specific vehicle financing needs of the buyer and can be used for more than simply helping them to afford their car. There are various deal assistance options available to people. These include: Cashback offers This is where people receive deal assistance in the form of a cash amount. They can use their deal assistance to pay off more urgent debts, take a holiday, buy something they really need (other than a car), or simply to save up. This frees up their future money to be used for paying off their car. Learn more about Cashback here. Deposit contributions This type of deal assistance can be added to vehicle deposit amounts. This is especially helpful for people who maybe don’t have enough to cover their new car’s deposit and don’t want somebody else to snap it up. Using deal assistance to boost the deposit could also assist with reducing instalment amounts down the road. Find out about using deal assistance as a deposit here. Supplementing trade-ins This form of deal assistance can be used towards settling the outstanding amount on the trade-in vehicle. This significantly reduces the difference in amount owed and helps the beneficiary to either pay off their new vehicle sooner or to save on interest. Click here to discover the power of trade assistance during trade-ins. Deferred payment Also known as a “payment holiday”, deferred payment deal assistance is where the amounts are used to take care of the first couple of monthly instalments. This popular deal assistance type is ideal for people who are worried that they will be under enormous car finance pressure in the months immediately after buying a new car. Deferred payments generally cover the first three to six months but can be customised for longer periods. Follow this link for more on deferred payments and how deal assistance works with this popular option. Who needs deal assistance? Anyone can take advantage of deal assistance. You don’t need to be financially insecure to qualify for deal assistance, and even if you can afford to buy a car, you can still ask for deal assistance to support vehicle financing. Deal assistance is there to benefit and empower people. It is designed to be available to everybody. It is a useful tool for helping people realise their dreams of owning a car while easing the financial pressure in the process. The benefits of deal assistance There are many advantages to getting deal assistance. Aside from making it easier to buy a car, it opens extra doors to other, more expensive vehicles you wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford. Deal assistance comes with many benefits and is essentially risk-free. Here are some of the valuable benefits that trade assistance brings to the table. Depending on your unique situation, goals and needs, you may want to take advantage of more than one of these benefits. Deal assistance is very flexible Deal assistance is all about flexibility. Customers can tailor their deal assistance to suit their precise car finance needs. Whether to delay when payments are due or to shorten the total vehicle repayment period, deal assistance is very adaptable. Deal assistance loves customisation While flexibility is a big pro, the ability to customise amounts, terms and options means deal assistance is designed to please each beneficiary on a personal level. One person may only need a small amount to get over the purchase line, while another may require much more money to do it. Deal assistance can take care of both. Reduced financial pressure Times are tough, and not being able to afford a car that you could have a year ago can be difficult to come to terms with. But with deal assistance, those higher interest rates, inflation pain and increased taxes don’t feel so bad. By providing extra time to pay, reducing instalment amounts and shortening payback periods, deal assistance can take the pressure off vehicle financing challenges. More combination options You don’t need to pick only one deal assistance option. In fact, you can combine multiple options to structure your own deal assistance “package” that offers the benefits of each one individually. Time One of the biggest pros of trade assistance is the time it gives you to better manage your finances around your new car. Whether you’re settling into a new job, waiting for that 13th cheque or just need a financial breather, with more time, you can manage your car’s finances with ease. You don’t need a trade-in vehicle That’s right. You don’t need an existing car to trade in before receiving deal assistance. While many other in-house vehicle finance programs require that you sell your current vehicle before benefitting from trade assistance, with deal assistance, you don’t need to put anything on the table to get started. How to do deal assistance These steps in the deal assistance process will give you a good idea of how deal assistance works. Find your car Search for the car you want by browsing through the inventories of all the vehicles out there. Once you find it, reach out to the dealership. Review your current situation Take stock of your vehicle financing situation. Do you 1) Have a deposit available? 2) Know how much you can afford to pay monthly, and 3) need deal assistance? Once you have these answers, move on to the next step. Speak to a consultant and explore deal assistance options Engage with a consultant or financial specialist to find out about which deal assistance options would ideally suit you and how deal assistance works specifically. Learn more about what is available and consider different combinations. Establish your deal assistance amount After engaging, you’ll be able to establish how much deal assistance is available to help you get your hands on your car. You could receive R10,000, R20,000 or even as much as R50,000 in deal assistance – money that can go a long way to helping your car finance journey become a smoother one. Choose how you want to use your deal assistance Next, figure out how your deal assistance is going to be put to work for you and which areas of your financial situation will benefit the most from it. Remember, trade assistance is flexible, so you can always tweak things later on to suit your changing situation. Enjoy your new car! Once approved, you’re good to go! Using your deal assistance, you could be driving your dream car in no time without the stress and concern that come with financial pressure. Conclusion – Where to find deal assistance that works Why wait for other people to snap up the car that was destined for you? Now that you understand how deal assistance works, start searching for the vehicle of your dreams. Browse our extensive quality used car inventory, speak to us and explore some of the exciting and innovative deal assistance options we have available. References & Resources Link References: https://www.autopedigree.co.za/search?search_keywords=Deal+Assistance https://www.autopedigree.co.za/promotion/get-your-deal-assistance-as-cashback/127 https://www.autopedigree.co.za/promotion/use-your-deal-assistance-as-deposit/124 https://www.autopedigree.co.za/promotion/use-your-deal-assistance-as-settlement-on-trade-in/125 https://www.autopedigree.co.za/promotion/use-your-deal-assistance-as-deferred-payment/123 https://www.autopedigree.co.za/promotion/use-your-deal-assist-as-a-combination-of-options/128 https://www.autopedigree.co.za/inventory-search https://www.autopedigree.co.za/contact General References: https://www.autopedigree.co.za/promotions https://mybroadband.co.za/forum/threads/how-does-trade-assistance-really-work.466653/
Refurbishing your car before selling it is a great way to increase its value and earn more. But where do you start, and just how much effort (and money) should you put into your car before placing it on the market? Brand-new cars lose around 10% the moment they leave the showroom floor, and most cars depreciate at approximately 15% to 20%1 each year during the first five years of their life. But how do you get the most of your ride’s remaining value before passing it on to someone else? While you obviously won’t be able to recover the depreciated full value of your car when the time comes to sell it, you can boost its worth a little by putting some effort into the vehicle. Most buyers will appreciate a car that’s recently been fully serviced and damage-free with all its paperwork in order. But learning how to refurbish your car is a smart way to ensure you end up closer to your initial asking price than the buyer’s offer. This article unpacks some of the DIY refurbishing tips, tricks and recommendations that have been shown to work in helping sellers increase their cars’ value. While many of these quick fixes may seem minor, together, they can transform your car’s appeal and add a pretty sum to your overall asking price. What it means to refurbish your car We’re not talking about a full overhaul here. Rather, refurbishing your car before selling it aims to increase its value and make it a more attractive option to potential buyers. This means finding the right balance between touching up some of the ageing and worn areas of your car yourself and leaving the rest to the pros, like mechanics and service centre specialists. You’re not rebuilding it It’s important to remember not to go overboard when refurbishing a car to sell. Refurbishing means cleaning, polishing, repairing, and replacing the smaller, less expensive bits. You’re not rebuilding your car. All you’re working towards is improving its general appearance and fixing the easy things that buyers will definitely spot. Don’t break the bank Spending too much on refurbishing your car could leave you with even less money than you could have had if you’d just left it alone. Set a budget and add the value of your car refurbishment to the final price when the time comes to sell. Stay on top of any expenses that are getting difficult to control and, if replacing or repairing something costs too much, rather leave it. Refurbishing isn’t a vehicle service Understanding how to refurbish your car should begin with focusing mostly on the things you can see. Bodywork, upholstery, surfaces, and covers are your targets when refurbishing your car before selling it. Leave the advanced technical stuff to the professionals and visit a service centre to get the important mechanical components checked out. Even things like your aircon and other electronics should be left for the specialists to handle. You can always send your car in for a full service once you’re done with the car refurbishment. There are many top service centres around who can take care of your engine, shocks, brakes and even aircon quickly and affordably. Start with the pre-refurbishment basics Before getting stuck into your car’s makeover, start with the basics. This includes inspecting your car, cleaning it and making notes of what else needs to be done. This is an essential first step when refurbishing a car to sell. Inspect – Review your car front to back, from top to bottom Start at the front and work your way back, noting all the things you can fix or replace inside. Don’t forget to examine all the switches, handles, lights, and levers. Seatbelts and even loose door panels should be tested and checked, too. Check the outside, looking for any damage on the bodywork, chips, dents and scratches in the paint. This inspection will form the basis of your refurbishing efforts, so make sure you don’t miss anything. Clean – Tidy your car, inside and out Remove all rubbish, personal items and any stickers or ornaments. Vacuum the seats and floor and check the boot for any sand, dust or grime that may have collected over the years. Check the spare wheel well and get into the nooks and crannies with a cloth or brush. Wipe out air vents, shake out your mats and get rid of your old slips, coins and any bits of food (don’t worry, we’re all guilty of the odd chip or sweet getting away from us). Wash – Give everything a good washing From your dash to the gearstick and even the headrests, wash your car. You can use soap and water for your seats, floor, roof and all surfaces. Be sure to allow your car to dry out fully, or you’ll risk mould setting in. Give the exterior a good washing too. This wash isn’t for any buyers yet; it’s to help you spot any chips, scratches or dents on the bodywork and glass and to aid in spotting what needs work on the inside. Once you’ve refurbished your car and are ready to sell, you can take it in for a valet. Refurbishing the interior of your car Now that you have an idea of what needs to be refurbished and have a clean car to work with, it’s time to get busy inside the vehicle on the how to refurbish your car process. This is where most of your car refurbishment efforts are going to pay off. The interior covers everything inside the vehicle. This includes your car’s ceiling, seats, floor, dash, cubby hole and boot. Lights – Cabin light and dashboard indicators For those who don’t use their cabin light, there’s a good chance that they don’t work anymore. Remove the cover to check the little globes to see if they’re still OK, and if they are, test out the setting that turns the lights on when you open a door. Check to ensure all your dash warning lights are working. If you don’t know how, you can ask the mechanics to test them out during your next service. Replace any cracked or loose covers and polish up the screen covering your dashboard display. Upholstery – Seat covers, floor, roof and doors Faded, torn, or worn upholstery is one of the biggest telltale signs that a car is either old or hasn’t been looked after. Whether your seats are leather or cloth, after years of use and sunlight, even the best coverings can start to take strain. While it may cost you a pretty penny in refurbishing a car to sell, consider replacing any upholstery that is badly stained or torn. Don’t forget about the floor and roofing – this can be replaced with new fabric, too. You may not have noticed it before, but even these surfaces can get damaged. Steering wheel and gearstick – Yes, they can be replaced Your car’s steering wheel and gearstick (for manual vehicles) are two of the most-used parts of your car’s interior. Over time, friction caused by your hands can lead to wear and tear or to these important controllers coming loose. Use a detergent or a polish to give your wheel a new lease on life, or consider replacing the gear indicator and its boot (the soft part covering the lower half of the gearstick). You can speak to your car’s manufacturer about affordable replacement parts. Switches, knobs & buttons – All the little things Test out all of the dials, switches and buttons on your car to ensure they illuminate properly, can turn or slide as they’re supposed to, and are doing their job. While a full vehicle service will check up on the most critical ones, you’ll need to check all the others to see if any should be replaced. Emergency equipment – Wheel spanner, jacks and spare tyre Although these things are required to be in your car by law, they must also be in good working order. Older jacks can get sticky and struggle to support your vehicle. If your rims or wheels have been replaced, the nuts fastening them may not properly fit your standard wheel spanner. And your reflective emergency triangle may be missing altogether. Nobody said car refurbishment was easy. Think about refurbishing these important tools or replacing them. You can even consider adding a basic first aid kit, along with an emergency blanket and tow rope, to give your breakdown kit an extra valuable edge. Don’t forget to make sure your spare wheel is inflated fully and that it is in good condition. The exterior revamp Depending on how old your car is or the condition it’s in, with a little bit of effort, you can get the exterior of your car looking like new as part of refurbishing a car to sell. There are many tricks and hacks for getting your paintwork sparkling. You can use the many products available to polish the body or revert to traditional, less-expensive solutions using DIY products and home solutions. Repair accident damage – An important refurbishing item This is a must when embarking on the how to refurbish your car journey, no matter how serious the damage is. If you want to get a good price for your car when selling it, you’ll need to do everything you can to repair and refurbish any lingering accident damage. Replace broken, dented or cracked bumpers, smooth out big dents and check for any issues under the car on the chassis. Most major accident damage will need a specialist to fix. Take your car to a panel beater for the heavy repair work and rope in someone who can do a good paint job. You are obligated to inform the buyer of any accidents and work done, so don’t try to hide anything. Honesty is the best policy here. Paintwork – Polish, buff, and fix to reinvigorate the paint job Your paintwork is the first thing a buyer will see when they meet your car. Deal with all dents, chips and scratches in the paint by buffing them out or touching up any areas that are looking a bit worse for wear. Investing in fixing these elements up is worthwhile and can really improve your selling prospects. Take a cloth, mix a little Handy Andy with water and work a small 10cm x 10cm area of your car’s body to see just how much better you can make it look. Over the years, dust and grime will work their way into the microscopic gaps in your paint, making your car look dull and worn. Wheels – Rims & tyres If your tyres are still OK, you don’t need to replace them. This can cost you a lot of money and isn’t always a requirement of buyers. Clean your tyres and ask the people at the valet to “paint” them, using a special mix that makes your tyres look newer and protects their walls. Check your rims for any damage (especially on the inside) and repair any cracks or loose edges in the wheel well. Even old or loose mudguards can be swapped out for shiny new ones to give your car an extra edge. Polish your rims and try to buff out any scratches. Wipers – Check the blades and the arm Windscreen wiper blades are prone to cracking and warping as they get older. The delicate rubber may also come loose or not be fitted properly against the glass. Swapping out your wiper blades for new ones and refurbishing the arm by straightening, painting and tightening them ensures you’ve covered an important car refurbishment base, too. The advantages of learning how to refurbish your car before selling it Refurbishing your car before selling it may take a little time, effort and money, but it’s worth it in the long run. A refurbished car for sale is likely to: Sell faster than other for-sale cars that haven’t been refurbished. Earn more money since many of the parts and surfaces are new or have been revamped. Attract a wider market of potential buyers looking for cars that are ready to drive. Help you to negotiate a higher price by refurbishing a car to sell and using your efforts as motivation for negotiation. Remember to tell any potential buyers about what parts of the car you’ve refurbished, or you’ll be making an effort for nothing. Keep all the invoices and slips proving you’ve invested in refurbishing your vehicle, and don’t forget to add any car refurbishment expenses to your overall price. Conclusion – Get a post-refurbish service Once you’re done refurbishing your car, take it to a local accredited service centre, like one of Auto Pedigrees', located around South Africa, for a complete service or a quick checkup before selling it. We’ll take care of anything you may have missed or items that are a little too advanced or technical. Come check out our service centres here and take advantage of some of the hard-to-miss promotions on offer. References & Resources Link References: https://www.ramseysolutions.com/saving/car-depreciation https://www.autopedigree.co.za/service-centres https://www.autopedigree.co.za/promotion/vehicle-aircon-service/197 https://www.autopedigree.co.za/service-centres https://www.theaa.com/driving-advice/safety/non-standard-spare-wheels https://www.thedrive.com/cleaning-detailing/38252/how-to-get-rid-of-mold-in-car https://www.autopedigree.co.za/used-car-guide/dashboard-lights-and-what-they-mean/116 https://www.progressive.com/answers/leather-vs-cloth-car-seats/ https://www.instructables.com/First-Aid-kit-for-cars/ https://www.autopedigree.co.za/promotion/free-holiday-check/199 https://www.autopedigree.co.za/service-centre-near-me https://www.autopedigree.co.za/promotion/service-special-from-r1499/198 Citations: https://www.carsdirect.com/used-car-prices/why-does-a-new-car-lose-value-after-its-driven-off-the-lot#:~:text=How%20Much%20Can%20I%20Expect,year%20according%20to%20Bankrate.com. General References: https://www.innova.com/blogs/innova-blog/vehicle-restoration-a-complete-step-by-step-guide-on-how-to-restore-a-vehicle
Checking up on your car every week is vehicle maintenance 101 and helps you to stay on top of its condition. While an annual service or checkup every 15,000km will keep you informed of the general health of your vehicle, inspecting your ride on a weekly basis means you can take care of the little problems before they become bigger issues. Running a weekly car checkup on your car is always a good idea, but where do you start, and which parts of your vehicle are most important? Weekly car checkups are quick, easy to do and are a great way to get ahead of any problems or issues. In this post, we touch on the car inspection basics, looking at what you need to keep an eye on and what to do when you spot something that raises a red flag. These quickfire car checks can be done any time and won’t take more than ten minutes to complete. Let’s get checking! Basic vehicle maintenance Like visiting the dentist or heading to the doctor every now and again, creating a car inspection routine for your car to monitor its health is important. When we ignore or can’t see emerging problems, they can quickly grow into bigger ones, costing us more to fix in the long run or even shortening the life of our vehicles. Basic vehicle maintenance is a must for anyone looking to get the most value from their car. It ensures that you have a good understanding of what is happening, both under the bonnet and everywhere else and allows you to get ahead of any developing issues. Weekly car checklist Here’s a quickfire weekly car checkup checklist you can use to make sure that your car is in working order. WHEELS: Tyres, Rims, Shocks The wheels are the only part of the car in contact with the road, so you need to include them as part of your car inspection. They are also the part of the car that suffers the most wear and tear. Tyres will eventually lose their grip as their rubber wears away, and damaged rims can present a serious safety hazard, as do old or compromised shocks. Car Checks: Inspect the walls of your tyres and their surface and make sure your tyre pressures are stable and that the valves aren’t leaking. Check that your tread is deep enough and ensure all valve caps are in place. Look at your rims and note any cracks, major bends or dents as part of your vehicle maintenance routine. Shocks can be tested by bouncing the car with your hands to see if the body rebounds quickly and stably. What to do: Punctured tyres should be repaired or replaced immediately. Bent or damaged rims can be fixed, but those cracked or severely compromised must be replaced. Shocks are critical to braking and stability, so any broken or damaged ones must be replaced. Here's how to take care of your tyres. FLUID LEVELS: Oil, Water, Wiper Fluid Fluid levels are easy to check and replace when they’re running low. It is always recommended that you keep your essential vehicle fluids topped up and not wait for them to run out completely. Water and coolant prevent your car from overheating and are needed to mix with fuel. Engine oil is a vital lubricant that keeps your engine running smoothly, and transmission and brake fluid should also be part of your weekly car checkup. Car Checks: The first indicator of low fluid levels will be the warning lights on your dashboard. When these light up, stop and check your levels immediately. This can be done by opening the bonnet and visually inspecting how much you have left. What to do: Turn off the engine, open your bonnet and unscrew the relevant water, wiper or oil caps. Be very careful, as these may still be hot and can seriously burn your hand. Always wait for your car to cool down first. Top up your water levels (you can also add coolant here) and add oil until the dipstick indicates you have enough. ELECTRONICS: Dash, Headlights, Indicators, Brake Lights, Reverse Lights, Battery Most people don’t realise it when a headlight, indicator or brake light globe stops working. After all, you’re inside the car and can’t always see them. This can lead to accidents and can get you into trouble with the law. Aside from your exterior lights, the electronics inside your car are also important to vehicle maintenance. Your battery is the beating heart of your car and must always be in good working order. Car Checks: Check your car battery for any leaking fluid, buildup or rust. If you’re having battery issues, ask someone to test its voltage. Test your headlights, indicators and brake lights every week by asking someone to stand outside your car as you switch each one on and off. Test your interior cabin light and look at your car’s user manual (you can find them online if you don’t have one) to see which dashboard indicators should illuminate when operating your car. Make notes of any electronics that are faulty or not working at all. What to do: Batteries must be kept clean at all times. Disconnect your battery and clean each node one at a time. Be careful not to touch both, or you’ll get a painful jolt. Faulty batteries can either be supercharged or must be replaced. You can replace blown globes and even faulty fuses (on older cars) yourself. All you need is a screwdriver and a little know-how. However, be very careful not to get electrocuted and rather ask a professional to do it for you if you’re unsure. BODY: Paint chips, Dents, Scratches Anyone living on the coast will tell you how quickly rust can spread if not dealt with fast. Even the smallest chip or deep scratch can expose the delicate aluminium body to the elements, causing damage and compromising your car’s integrity. The sooner you repair dings, dents and scratches, the more you’ll be able to limit any resulting damage. Car Checks: Carefully inspect the car’s exterior, from top to bottom, front to back, noting any fresh scratches or dents in the paintwork. The majority of this damage happens without you knowing about it, so don’t be surprised if you spot more than you think. Keep a “map” of your car’s outline and note any new damage each week during your car inspection. What to do: Try to buff out any scratches or marks using water and soap to see if they are superficial. If they can’t be rubbed off, look closely and run your finger over them to determine how deep or serious they are. You can take your car to body shops to fix any small chips or dings for a relatively affordable price. This is a vehicle maintenance must-do. GLASS: Chips, Cracks, Windows working Your windscreen and windows aren’t just there for you to look out of. They protect you from the elements, wind and dust while driving and can even save your life in an accident. But damaged or cracked glass can also pose a serious hazard to the people in the car, and a damaged windscreen can compromise the driver’s vision. Car Checks: Examine each window and the windscreen one by one as part of your weekly car checkup. Look for small chips and cracks along the edges and ensure that the glass is secure and straight. Inspect the rubber or plastic seals and make notes of any damage or stresses. Check that all your windows can open and close properly, and don’t forget that even the smallest chip can shatter the glass. What to do: If your windscreen gets cracked while driving, mark the point where the crack ends with makeup or lip balm. If the crack grows past this mark, you know it is serious and will likely continue to grow as you drive. Specialists can repair chips using special glue, but cracked windows or a broken windscreen must be replaced. SAFETY: Seatbelts, Wipers, Door locks Car safety is probably the most important vehicle maintenance element to check weekly during your car inspection. In the event of an accident, your car’s safety systems are the only thing keeping you safe and alive. While airbags must be checked by qualified specialists, you can still check in on the basic safety features yourself every week. Car Checks: Start with the seatbelts. Give each one a quick pull to make sure the locking mechanisms are working correctly, and check to ensure buckles are clear and clean. A fast tug should stop the belt immediately. Next, inspect your wipers for any splits or cracks in the rubber, and make sure they are fastened correctly to the car. Check that your door locks work by locking the car and trying to open your doors from the outside. Don’t forget to ensure that you can exit the vehicle when doors are unlocked, too. What to do: When it comes to faulty seatbelts, don’t compromise. At the very least, check clips and buckles for any foreign objects or dirt. Brocken clips, buckles and frayed, torn, or worn belts must be replaced immediately. You can purchase replacement wiper blades and fit them yourself, but make sure you know what you’re doing – or ask a professional to do it for you. For added safety, when transporting children, activate the child locks and follow instructions relating to child car seats. Conclusion – A healthy, serviced car is a happy car Weekly car checks help you to identify any emerging problems and to deal with them quickly. Once you know what the issues are, you can either fix them yourself or, for the bigger, more complex ones, you can pay a visit to your lock car specialist. But to ensure that your car is in top working order is 100% safe, and won’t let you down, visit an Auto Pedigree service centre near you. The experts working there are qualified and trained not only to spot issues but to correctly fix them, too. Keep your car healthy, stay on top of vehicle maintenance and pay attention to it. Conduct a weekly car checkup and visit one of Auto Pedigree’s service centres when it’s time for a more complete checkup. Our services are thorough and cover an extensive list of items your weekly checkup will likely miss. Our service centre professionals are experts at paying attention to detail and will leave you with the peace of mind of knowing your car is working in optimal condition and that nothing is going unnoticed. Stay on top of your car’s overall condition by taking a little time every week to check up on it. Because a healthy, checked and serviced car is a happy, safe and reliable one. References & Resources Link References: https://www.toyota.com/car-tips/basic-car-maintenance-tips-services-checklist/ https://www.michelinman.com/auto/auto-tips-and-advice/tire-maintenance/visual-inspection https://www.autopedigree.co.za/used-car-guide/how-to-take-good-care-of-your-tyres/239 https://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/a25986/check-fluids-oil-car/ https://www.wikihow.com/Check-a-Car-Battery https://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/how-to/g173/how-to-fix-a-car-paint-scratch/ https://www.phoenixseating.com/news/52-5-seat-belt-safety-checks https://www.autozone.com/diy/wipers/how-to-check-and-change-wiper-blades https://www.autopedigree.co.za/service-centres General References: https://www.bridgestonetire.com/learn/maintenance/ultimate-car-maintenance-checklist/ https://www.shell.com/business-customers/shell-fleet-solutions/health-security-safety-and-the-environment/prevention-not-cure.html
Looking to sell your car but don’t know where to start? You’re not alone. Selling your wheels isn’t easy. From setting a price and finding a buyer to all the admin involved in selling a car and letting go of your baby (which can be pretty tough), knowing what to do before selling your car is important. Selling your car requires that you take care of some critical elements before even putting it on the market. This will help you to get a fair price for it while also making sure the transaction goes off without any issues or the buyer coming back later to complain. This post will help you to figure out what you need to do before selling your car. We’ll look at some of the important steps and details that many people forget or ignore and explain why they matter. Looking to sell your car but don’t know where to start? You’re not alone. Selling your wheels isn’t easy. From setting a price and finding a buyer to all the admin involved in selling a car and letting go of your baby (which can be pretty tough), knowing what to do before selling your car is important. Selling your car requires that you take care of some critical elements before even putting it on the market. This will help you to get a fair price for it while also making sure the transaction goes off without any issues or the buyer coming back later to complain. This post will help you to figure out what you need to do before selling your car. We’ll look at some of the important steps and details that many people forget or ignore and explain why they matter. Reasons to sell your car & why doing it now is a good idea Nobody wants to let go of their wheels, but sometimes it’s just the right thing to do. There are many reasons for selling your car, and waiting for the right moment that may never come isn’t going to work. Cars are changing, and even the law is making it harder for older vehicles to comply with new road and emission rules. Cars get old and start giving you problems, costing you more. Families grow, and people need more space or a newer, safer vehicle. Downsizing to a smaller, more fuel-efficient ride is also a common reason for selling. Technology improvements in new cars, eco-friendly designs, and better safety features are strong reasons to sell. You may have come across an amazing deal for a new car and need some capital to buy it. Perhaps the fire truck-red VW Beetle you’ve had since high school just isn’t right for where you are in life. But sometimes, it’s just the right time to do it. Whatever the reason for wanting to sell your car, there’s never been a better time to do it. Prices are competitive, the used car market in South Africa is thriving, and we have endless ways to sell. From second-hand car dealerships to online marketplaces and even social media, potential buyers are everywhere. You just need to know what to do before selling to them. 9 Steps to follow before selling your car From deciding to sell in the first place to finding a trustworthy buyer who’ll pay for your car, understanding what needs to be done before selling will help you to ensure a smooth transaction. Plus, you’ll have access to important funds you can use as a deposit for your new car. Here are some of the most important steps to follow before selling your car. Commit to selling Before even thinking about how much you’ll get for selling your car, make sure you’re committed to the cause. If you have any doubts or aren’t sure you actually want to sell, reconsider. Aside from the emotional attachment you have to your car, hesitating to commit to selling can be risky. Buyers can sense hesitation and will take advantage of your uncertainty. Not committing fully to selling can also leave you feeling like you didn’t get paid enough for your car or that you shouldn’t have done it to begin with. Tip: Make a list of the pros and cons of selling your car right now. Consider the financial impact of selling (and replacing your car) and write down the advantages of doing so. List the challenges you’ll face and the potential cons of letting go of your ride. This list will help you to make up your mind and get you to commit 100%. Do a little DIY work on your car Like fixing up the small things in a house before putting it on the market, it’s a good idea to touch up the small stuff before selling a car. Inspect your vehicle and look for the things that don’t necessarily require a mechanic to fix. Then, roll your sleeves up and get to work. Clean your car or take it for a full valet. Besides leaving your ride looking and smelling like new, once clean, it’ll be easier to spot small issues a potential buyer may point out. Quick fixes like repositioning seatbelt buckles, replacing clips, greasing the seat rails, tightening any loose fittings or checking that all lights are working are the best places to start. Tip: Add the cost of fixing up the little things on your car to the price you’ll put it on the market for. Quick fixes shouldn’t cost too much, but when you’re in the business of selling your car, every cent counts. Check out this article on refurbishing your car before selling it. Get a full vehicle service Most potential buyers will ask for your car’s service history. This record of services will tell them if you’ve kept your car in good condition and that all the necessary components have been checked and replaced. But even if you’ve skipped servicing your car for years, you should still take it to a local service centre before selling your car. This proves to the buyer that the car is OK to drive and limits their negotiating leverage. If you happen to have a service plan, speak to your vehicle service centre to check when it expires. If there is still some time or mileage left, you can add this to the vehicle sale price. Tip: Keep an eye out for different service centre specials and promotions. While vehicle services can be expensive, some providers offer great deals and have multiple local service centres around the country. Or visit a local Auto Pedigree Service Centre here. Get your car valued & set your price range Before thinking about how much you want to get for your car, get it valued. A valuation will give an accurate estimation of what you should be getting for your car. Valuators look at things like mileage, service history, vehicle condition, and demand. They will then provide you with a price range you can use to inform how much you’ll ask for your car. Once you have an idea of a realistic price, set a range for what you’ll accept and what you won’t. Choose an upper-end price (where you’ll accept any amount above it) and a lower-end price (your cutoff point for the lowest price you’ll be able to accept). Keep these numbers to yourself, and don’t compromise on them. Tip: Many dealerships in SA offer free vehicle valuations when considering a trade-in option with them. They will usually make below market value offers but are great if you want to sell quickly. You can add 10% to 20% to their valuation for a more accurate figure. Know the law & how to register your car correctly Selling a car in South Africa comes with some legal rules and regulations you’ll need to stick to. Failing to do so can leave you exposed and at risk. Some sellers have sold their cars only to continue receiving fines acquired by the new owner. Others have had police arrive to ask about crimes committed using a sold car still registered in their name! Tip: Get your registration information and documents together before putting your car on the market. Some of these documents can take a while to secure, and you won’t want to lose a buyer by making them wait. Find a reliable marketplace or choose a dealer to sell your car Selling your car comes with two basic options: Sell privately or find a dealer to sell it for you. Some dealers, however, will take your car and only pay over the cash if or when they sell it. While this is a good option if you have a new car already, selling can take time. Thankfully, there are many new, emerging marketplaces and platforms you can go to sell your car. A quick online search will give you many options to list your vehicle privately. You can also list your car on more than one platform or rope in the help of someone to do it for you. Tip: Only use verified platforms or dealers, and watch out for scams. Do your research and avoid social media platforms to sell, or untrustworthy, unregistered “middlemen” promising to get a good price for your car. Vet your prospects (and be safe) Once people start contacting you and showing interest in your vehicle, you’re into the final stretch before selling your car. Unfortunately, you are likely to hear from many people who aren’t serious potential buyers. Ignore them and move on to the people who are genuinely interested. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about whether or not they can pay for your car, and only allow them to see the vehicle once you are sure that they are safe, legitimate options. If anyone asks to test drive your car, insist on accompanying them and check with your insurance company if you’re covered for third-party accidents. Tip: Develop a vetting process that includes checking the person’s details, requesting documentation to prove they are legitimate and don’t compromise on anything. Sharpen your negotiating skills Many people believe that negotiating over a purchase is part of the process of selling a car. It isn’t necessarily. However, allow yourself some wiggle room regarding price to accommodate anyone who wants to haggle for your car. Prepare yourself to answer any questions potential buyers may have about your car. Have all documentation and records printed and ready, and polish your negotiation skills. You can even read up about selling tactics that will give you an advantage during negotiations. Tip: Set your price slightly higher than what you hope to get for your car, and don’t settle for anything less than your minimum acceptable price. There are always other buyers out there. Line up your next car before selling your current one When the time finally comes to close the deal and sell your car, make sure you have a plan for its replacement. Many people sell their cars only to realise that buying a new one is going to take a little longer than they thought. Don’t get stranded. Start the process of finding a new car before completing the sale of the existing one. Since you’ll likely need the money from the sale to go towards buying a new car, you’ll probably be without a ride for a while. While you wait, make alternative transport plans. Tip: Browse the inventories of quality used car sites to find a new car that suits your needs. You can even kick things off by indicating your interest in a particular car beforehand, limiting how long you’ll be without wheels. Selling your car in 2023 Selling your car is tough, but if you can get it right, you’ll be smiling all the way to the bank after driving there in your new ride. Preparing well before selling your car will help to ensure that you’re ready for anything during the transaction. Make sure that you’ve covered all of your bases and that you’re offering a fair price for your car. Selling your car can also take time, so don’t get discouraged if it takes a while. Be safe, do your homework, and once you’ve found a legitimate buyer, go for it! Conclusion - Finding your next car Once you’ve closed the deal and managed to sell your car, what next? It’s time to find its replacement. Whether you’re looking for something completely different to your old vehicle or are interested in a newer model, sites like Auto Pedigree offer a wide inventory of high-quality used cars that have been checked and serviced and are ready to give you the same love as the last one did. Good luck, and we’ll see you soon!     References & Resources Link References: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/5-reasons-sell-car-save-160006801.html https://www.autopedigree.co.za/used-car-guide/car-safety-features-you-should-know/244 https://www.autopedigree.co.za/inventory-search?make=&model=&price_choice=&province=&branch=&bodyType=&year=&mileage=&fuelType=&transmission=&price_choice_min=&price_choice_max=&colour= https://www.autopedigree.co.za/used-car-guide/tips-for-checking-the-service-history-before-buying-a-used-car/232 https://www.autopedigree.co.za/promotion/vehicle-aircon-service/197 https://www.autopedigree.co.za/promotion/service-special-from-r1499/198 https://www.autopedigree.co.za/service-centres https://www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/used-car-scams/ https://www.driveo.com/blog/qualify-prospective-buyers-selling-your-car/ https://www.autopedigree.co.za/contact https://www.autopedigree.co.za/ https://www.autopedigree.co.za/inventory-search   General References: https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/advice/things-you-should-do-before-selling-your-car https://www.autotrader.co.uk/content/advice/how-should-you-prepare-your-car-before-selling-it?refresh=true https://autotrends.org/before-selling-your-car/
Selling your car is one thing. Learning how to get more for selling your car is another challenge altogether. Netting the most money for selling your car means being smart about how you plan before selling and taking steps to boost your earnings potential. With over 350,000 new and used vehicles sold in SA each year1, the car market has never been busier. But that also means more competition, more price risks, and more things to think about.   Selling a car can be tough. Aside from the emotions that come with letting go of your ride, ensuring you receive a fair price for it can be difficult, especially if you’re not sure what you’re doing. Gone are the days when your uncle was happy to take your car off your hands for you. With more and more vehicles on the roads and more options for people to choose from, finding a worthy buyer with cash ready to go isn’t easy.  We explore some important pointers for selling your car and increasing your car’s value. From figuring out which selling option will be best for you to avoiding the things that can lower your vehicle’s value, here are seven ways to sell your vehicle and make more for your car in the process.   Where you can sell your car for a good return There is more than one way to sell your car. Depending on how much effort you’re prepared to put into the process, how quickly you want to sell it and how much you hope to make, you can choose from one of three basic options to sell your car in South Africa.  The Private Sale Selling your car privately means handling everything, from advertising to finding a buyer and negotiating a price. Many people choose to sell their cars privately because they want to control the process and feel that they can earn more for selling a car directly.  Pros of selling privately You set the price and can earn more for selling a car No sales commissions or fees to pay You control negotiations Cons of selling privately You must handle everything yourself It can take time to find a buyer Can be risky and leave you exposed As a trade-in option Trading in a car means “selling” your vehicle to a dealer, and instead of paying you cash, they use the money as a settlement on the vehicle, if it is still under finance, or as a deposit toward buying another car from the dealer. Trade-ins are popular for people looking for a quick and easy process to sell their car.  Advantages of trading-in Fastest way to sell your car and higher likelihood to sell it. You will secure a replacement vehicle immediately. Secure and safe process. Disadvantages of trading-in The fixed trade-in price will likely be lower than the vehicle’s retail value. You don’t get to enjoy any cash-in-hand. May be limited inventory unless the dealer has a wide range of quality vehicles. Selling your car to a dealer Dealerships are always willing to buy second-hand cars. They will often approach people advertising privately to see if they can talk them into selling. Dealerships range from small, independent businesses to franchises that span the country.  Benefits of using a dealer Very likely you will be able to find a willing dealer to buy your car. Dealers take care of all the paperwork for you. You get paid for your car in cash on the spot. Drawbacks of using a dealer You will likely receive a lower price for your car than selling privately or trading it in. Dealers won’t agree to pay extra for any repairs or services done on the vehicle. Some dealers can trick or strong-arm you into selling. 7 Ways for how to get more for selling your car Whether you choose to trade your car in, sell it privately or to a dealer, your ultimate goal must be to get the most for it. We’ve picked some of the most popular methods and tips that work in increasing your car’s value for selling it. Be realistic about its value and set a price with negotiation wiggle room Setting the price for your car before selling it can be difficult. Set it too high, and you’ll scare off potential buyers. Too low, and people will take advantage of you, leaving you with less money than you deserve. So what should you do for how to get more for selling your car while keeping the price fair at the same time? Setting a fair price for your car and then sticking to it is probably the most important step in getting the most for selling your vehicle. Here’s how to make sure your price accurately reflects the value of the car you’re selling.  Get it valued – Getting your car valued will help you determine what the ideal price range for it will be. Consider getting multiple appraisals and try to be as accurate as possible. Be firm with your price - Don’t back down on your minimum acceptable price. While negotiating over price is likely, if nobody is prepared to make a fair offer, wait for someone who is willing to pay to come along.  Add a little extra onto the top price for negotiations – Adding 5% to 10% on top of your asking price will give you some leverage when negotiating, not to mention covering the investment you’ve made in getting your car ready to sell. Get it serviced right before selling A serviced vehicle means that it has been checked and approved and is OK to take onto the road. Services cost money, but they’re an important basic requirement for many buyers and a dependable way to earn more for selling a car. Remember to leave your service until you’re ready to sell and to use a reputable local service centre. Here are some pointers for using a vehicle service to maximise your car’s value.  Service history – Keep a service record of every service your car has received. This important history tells buyers how well your car has been taken care of and proves that it is up to service spec. If you don’t have a service history, ensure the latest service is listed.  Think about replacing the big parts – Replacing big-ticket items on your car should only be done if necessary. Doing so may cost a lot, but you can spin it to remind buyers of that part being brand new.  Fill up, top off and replace smaller items – Things that wear out or run low quickly, like oil, aircon gas or brake pads, aren’t too pricey and can be replaced to boost your car’s value. Even if not 100% necessary, doing so will speed up the process and increase the chances of selling your car faster.  Get all your paperwork in order Having the correct documentation and paperwork when selling your car won’t just help you to make more for your car; it’s also a legal requirement. If you can prove that you have everything in order, you have more leverage for how to get more for selling your car. This list of necessary documents should help you spot anything you still need.  Ownership Documents – Get the existing documents that prove you’re the vehicle’s owner together. These include your certificate of ownership, a copy of your ID, a settlement letter (if you haven’t paid the car off yet), and a proof of sale between you and the last owner.  Registration Documents – These registration documents relate to changing the ownership details. They include a completed change of ownership form, an application for the new owner to register the vehicle in their name, a copy of the current registration certificate, a roadworthy certificate, and any relevant Natis documentation.  Clear any fines or claims – Check at the local traffic department or police station to see if there are any outstanding fines or summonses in your car’s name. Pay any penalties and make sure your vehicle is legal to take onto the road.  Timing is important Unless your plan is to get rid of your car as quickly as possible, timing matters when selling if you’re trying to earn more for selling a car. Waiting for the right moment to sell your car can require patience, but it’s worth it in the long run if you want to get the most for your car. These tips on timing your vehicle sale are great indicators of when to do it.   Demand – Look at the vehicle market right now. Which car makes and models are in high demand and is yours on the list? Getting a better understanding of the current demand for your car will help you pick the right time to sell it for maximum profit. Higher demand always means increasing your car’s value and sale price. Interest rates – Waiting for favourable economic conditions to come around before selling your car can take a while. But if you can stand by until interest rates are coming down, it’s likely people will be willing to pay more for it before they go back up again.  Time of the year – Standing by until Christmas, a new financial quarter, or the beginning of a month is a good method for how to get more for selling your car. People with fresh, unspent salaries in the bank or who have just received a juicy SARS tax return are more likely to commit to buying sooner rather than later.   Think about your ideal buyer and find a way to talk to them Understanding your ideal customer or vehicle’s target market is a powerful way to ensure that you can let them know that you’re selling your car. It’s also an effective method for figuring out what they’re looking for and then highlighting the features of your car they’ll be most attracted to, leaving you with a golden opportunity to make more for your car. Think about how you’ll reach your buyers by taking these steps. Identify the ideal customer – Take some time to make a list of the characteristics of who you think your perfect buyer is. A typical buyer looking for a 2019 BMW 320i is going to be different from someone in need of a 2017 Nissan X Trail. Knowing your ideal customer means you can invest more time and effort in reaching them, boosting your earning potential.  Do some marketing – Find the salesperson in you, and you’ll likely earn more for selling a car. Jazzing up your car’s appeal by being descriptive, telling your car’s story and making it sound more attractive to buyers is a surefire way to net more cash for it. Engage with your potential buyer – Offer people the opportunity to test drive your car, be willing to negotiate and talk to interested parties. By going the extra mile and engaging with potential buyers, you may just convince them to pay that little bit extra for your ride.  Invest a little in your car before selling it Spending a little time, effort and - yes – money on your car before selling it is arguably the biggest price driver. While it may not seem logical to spend money when you’re trying to figure out how to get more for selling your car, doing so will definitely help you to justify a higher price. Investing in these things now can mean a bigger return once you’ve sold your car.  Refurbish – Refurbishing your car means touching it up and giving it a revamp that makes it look newer, fresher and in better condition. A car that’s had a little extra TLC invested into it tells the buyer they’re getting a good deal. Check out this article on how to refurbish your car before selling it. Replace the tyres – Replacing your tyres before selling your car is possibly your biggest pre-sale expense, but it’s a great way to drive up your profit. Aside from being a powerful selling point, you can simply add a nice little markup onto what you paid for these new tyres. Detailing – Detailing is an increasingly popular method for bringing cars back to life, especially if you’re selling a luxury or high-value model. Detailing involves taking your car for professional deep cleaning and restoring it to take the vehicle to an almost new condition. It's a great alternative to refurbishing if you can afford to do it.  Try not to customise anything Personalisation like custom paint jobs, spoilers and racing kits are a car sales killer for anyone looking to earn more for selling a car. While you may think those racing stripes look cool, adding them will only shrink your potential buyer market to a fraction of what it could be. Here are some pointers to help you manage any customisation choices for your car.  Avoid unnecessary customisations – While it may be tempting to add that bumper kit, or to swap your steering wheel out for a Mad Max replica, don’t. Unless you plan on keeping your car forever, just avoid any customisations that don’t improve performance or are endorsed by the manufacturer, or you won’t get the top dollar you deserve.  Remove any customisations before selling – Take off that spoiler, replace the halogen bulbs with standard ones and peel off any stickers if you’re looking at increasing your car’s value. If your car came with added customisations when you bought it, think about removing them before selling. Nobody will spend their hard-earned money on a souped-up hot rod they didn’t design themselves.  Disclose previous customisations – If your car once had customisations that have been removed and you still have them somewhere, let the buyer know about them. After all, they may still want them and could even be willing to pay more to get them.  Conclusion – Getting more for your car So there you have it. Seven ways for how to get more for selling your car. While nothing is better at increasing your car’s value more than regular services, low mileage and high demand, following these easy steps in the leadup to selling your car will help add to the bottom line. Choose the method of selling your car that works for you. Try to balance the time it’ll take to sell with your earning expectations, and be prepared to do a little work if you want to earn more for selling a car. Then, once you’ve got a pretty penny in hand, start looking for a new vehicle that represents a step up from the one you’ve just sold. You can start right here, browsing a wide selection of quality used vehicles that have been serviced, checked and are ready to meet your expectations.   
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