10 Tips for second-hand wheels
Avoid voetstoots
You eliminate a huge risk by not making a private purchase. You might find a bargain but the transaction will be voetstoets: The seller won’t give you any guarantee and he doesn’t have a reputation in the industry to protect.
Buy “new” secondhand
Look for a car that’s less than three years old; most models have factory guarantees of three years or 100 000 km. This will give you a measure of protection in the event of anything going awry during the transaction.
Do your homework
Do your sums in advance and decide how much you are willing to pay. If you plan to trade in your old car as a deposit you should ask a few agents what they would be willing to pay for it.
What does it really cost?
Find out which models you are interested in and do your market research. Websites like www.callacar.co.za and www.autotraer.co.za have a search function that will help you.
Find out the book value
Dealers are reluctant to reveal the book value but if you have an uncle in the business, call him.
Avoid buying fever
Don’t buy the first car you see. Test drive two or three before making up your mind.
Look for the seal of approval
Do business with a dealer who adheres to the Retail Motor Industry (RMI) code of conduct and who is a member of the Independent Dealers’ Association (IDA). These two organisations require that dealers adhere to certain conditions to protect buyers. Only use dealers who are approved by the large banks.
Have it tested
You can take the car to the AA for a test. This includes tests to tell you whether the car was already in an accident and panelbeaten. It will cost you around R700. Do this test if you have a specific car in mind. Some dealers will have their cars tested by the AA but rather take it yourself.
Stolen goods?
The AA also offers an AA Autocheck service to establish whether there are any outstanding payments on the car and whether it was stolen. Otherwise constables Venter and Dhlamini might be knocking on your door next week.
Avoid Code 3!
Code 3 is industry speak for a car that was damaged in an accident and rebuilt. The dealer is obliged to inform you and it should also appear in the registration papers.
(Aug 08, p95)
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