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Everyone likes the idea of a shiny new car - you want to take that obligatory selfie in front of your new set of wheels, with the pink bow that always seems to grace the bonnet in the background.
But the novelty wears off as soon as the expenses rack up. There are a host of long-term benefits to investing in a second-hand car (and your own pink ribbon). Parents have traditionally been divided into two camps for advice to their children who’ve just gotten their driving licence: those who say that buying a second-hand car is just buying someone else’s problems, and those who tell you the car loses its value as soon as it leaves the showroom floor.
The former couldn’t be further from the truth, while the latter is actually backed up by stats: a new car loses 30% of its retail value when leaving the showroom. And then there is the safety aspect to consider. Your odds of becoming a hijacking statistic in a second-hand vehicle are considerably lower than when you drive a brand new car.
Just what else do you need to consider before taking the leap?
William Miller and Renaldo de Jager, co-founders of auction.co.za, take a closer look as they caution you to do your homework before deciding if it’s in good shape as all used aren’t created equal. With that caveat, here are five of the best reasons to buy a used car.
Peace-of-mind
Buying a used car used to be a roll of the dice. “Buying someone else’s problems” was how some have described it.
But now there are companies that produce vehicle history reports based on the car’s vehicle identification number or VIN. Verification of the mileage and whether the vehicle was ever declared a total loss by an insurance company are included.
Quality range
Used cars on auction sites also come with a full service history, have been vetted by specialists and are quality assured of the best possible driving experience. Often you can also benefit from what remains on the motor plan. Just do your research and choose a reputable site to avoid any risks from scammers or fly-by-night operations.
Insurance savings
The insurance is cheaper. The money you save on your monthly insurance premiums can be used to pay off your other debt or put towards other monthly expenses.
More value
Car sites have stock of used cars that reflect what people are driving on the roads today. As the prices are also more cost-effective, you can look for a higher class of vehicle than you would have been able to afford when going new. It’s a great - and affordable - way to upgrade that family car.
Getting more bang for your buck
You’re able to buy more car when opting for used as opposed to stretching your car buying rands for a new one. You might not be able to afford that new luxury car, but one that’s a few years old might fit your budget. We used to think that a car with 100 000 km on the clock was done, but now they’re running to 200 000 km.
That’s like a second life!
It has become incredibly easy to purchase a used car from sites like www.auction.co.za. The process can be done from the comfort of your smartphone. Simply register on the site, find your car and receive an in-depth inspection checklist before making the final call. With over 250 000 vehicles sold online and in excess of 3 500 cars in its warehouse what are you waiting for?
