Johannesburg - We can all get caught up in the excitement of buying a new or used car, leading us to act a lot more impulsively than usual.
But with such a big financial commitment it’s worthwhile to temper the excitement with some level-headedness. Taking heed of the following advice could help ensure the dream vehicle you drive off the showroom floor is something that meets your needs and budget.
DO YOUR HOMEWORK
Some cars cost more than others to maintain. After you’ve read the road tests, sussed out the spec sheets and narrowed your choice down to a shortlist of cars, it’s wise to read up on running costs before committing.
Many new cars come with a maintenance or service plan to keep you covered for a period of time or distance, but second-hand cars nearing the end of their service plans could be costly in the long run. Even the costs of simple oil and filter services can differ vastly between brands and models, so do a bit of research on the car you’re interested in before buying.
Pick up the phone and call a dealer to get basic service prices, and also ask about common replacement items such as brake discs and pads. That used beauty you’ve spotted might be just within your price range now, but you might find that its first visit to the workshop breaks the bank. Another model might offer significantly lower repair bills which could pay off further down the road.
THE TEST DRIVE
First off, make sure to drive the particular model you intend to purchase. Don’t rely purely on the advice of friends and published road tests. Once you’re comfortably behind the wheel, review how well the primary controls are laid out. Ergonomics can make or break a good car. Observe how certain features might become irritating in day-to-day use - for example, inadequate storage space and cup holders or a boot that is difficult to operate.
The driver’s and front passenger’s doors may be large and easy to open and close, but examine the ease of entry and exit for rear-seat occupants. This is especially important when you intend to install a child seat. Check to make sure whether the rear seats are adjustable, comfortable and spacious enough. Also check whether they fold down for greater cargo capacity.
Review the vehicle’s safety features, such as airbags, and active-safety electronics such as ABS brakes and stability control. Make sure that the primary controls are easy to use. Look for adjustable controls - a height and reach-adjustable steering wheel can be of great benefit.
If possible, take the test drive alone without any distractions. Experience the car on multiple road surfaces and at varying speeds - don’t be pressurised into a quick jaunt around the block on ultra-smooth roads. Take several corners to evaluate the vehicle’s composure when abruptly changing direction over rough surfaces as well as how smoothly the transmission operates when driving.
Test the effectiveness of the brakes by simulating an emergency stop.
Check to see if the vehicle will easily manoeuvre where you need to use, park and store it. Take special note of the vehicle’s ground clearance. Visibility is important. Observe how well you can see out in all directions, particularly through the rear window, and whether the vehicle offers blind-spot monitors for assistance. Listen out for noise levels inside the vehicle - how much outside noise and wind enters the cabin and whether the tyres drone.
THE BACKGROUND CHECK
If you’re buying a second-hand car, the first test-drive is not only for your evaluation. It also offers a chance to jot down the Vehicle Identification Number, or VIN, so you can run a vehicle history report. This can be done through a service such as Transunion, which also offers a smartphone app called CarValue where you can check whether the asking price of a vehicle you’re interested in is fair.
For a fee you can also get a verification report on whether the vehicle’s been reported as stolen, been in a major accident, had the odometer turned back, and other aspects that are handy to know when you’re buying a used car from a dealer, at an auction, or through a private sale.
The second test-run for a used car will be to take the car to a trusted mechanic for a second opinion. Do your research. Find an owners’ forum online and find out what the potential problems could be as this particular car model car gets older. Learn about potential problems before they happen.
THE FINANCE
If you’re entering a hire-purchase or lease agreement, do your sums and find out whether you can afford the monthly payments, and whether there’s any balloon or residual payment at the end of the finance term.
Balloon payment deals allow you to drive a more expensive car than you could otherwise afford, by letting you pay a lower instalment over the finance period but hitting you with a lump sum at the end - which you must either pay as a one-off or re-finance (paying yet more interest and fees), which many people cover by selling the car.
Make sure you read the terms and conditions of the finance contract very carefully, including any residual or balloon payments, as these are sometimes hidden in the fine print.
It’s important to remember that you do not have to go through the bank of the car dealer’s choice. You can ask for different quotes from other banks and you are in a position to take the best deal for you, not the dealership.
INSURANCE
Once you’ve settled on your dream car, the shopping around doesn’t finish there. Get comparative insurance quotes, and study the policies carefully. Making sure you have the best deal on insurance can save you a few thousand rands a year.