DestiNation 3

Choose the vehicle that suits your needs and budget: passenger, fuel efficient and affordable to maintain or more of a status symbol? It’s also worthwhile considering the car’s resale value.

Work out how much you can afford using a repayment calculator: http://tinyurl.com/5rb5ded. If you’re going to finance, choose financing that allows you to pay off your car as quickly as possible. Remember, the longer your repayment period, the more expensive it is. Stay away from residuals, they make the monthly repayments smaller but in the end you land up paying more.

Don’t forget to budget for repairs, servicing, monthly running costs (such as petrol, tyres, etc) and insurance. A good rule of thumb here: Don’t spend more than 15% of your income on all vehicle expenses, monthly repayments, insurance, fuel and maintenance.

New or pre-owned? Weigh up the pros and cons. New cars are in perfect condition, but lose about 20% value the minute they’re bought. Pre-owned is more affordable, but could have hidden problems.

Do your homework on car values to ease the negotiation process. Feel free to negotiate the price of the car, the value of your trade-in (if you have one) and interest rates. Know what you will be paying, not just the monthly amount, but the capital amount.

When buying privately, always have the car’s roadworthiness tested by the AA to avoid buying a dud. If you’re planning on financing your purchase, you’ll have to do this as a matter of course.

Don’t get taken for a ride by private sellers. Check their identities against the registration details. Check the mileage, service history and take the car for a test drive. Check to see whether the car is fully paid and not stolen - you can ask your local police department to check the history of the vehicle in question. The police can check up the registration of the vehicle to see if it is stolen or not.

Know your test drive checklist. Look at the steering, gear change, acceleration, brakes, comfort, noise, legroom, visibility, seat adjustment, boot space and sound systems.

There's no need to limit yourself to car dealerships. Also check out the classifieds and these websites:

http://www.callacar.co.za
http://www.autotrader.co.za
http://www.cars.co.za/usedcars.php
http://www.carfind.co.za

Enquire about a new car’s warranty, which guarantees the car’s reliability. If your car malfunctions within a certain period, the dealer has to repair, replace or refund you at no extra charge.

Insist on a written quote from a dealer so you can confirm an offer later.

What kind of motor plan does the dealership offer? Usually it includes a service plan (for engine-related items) and a maintenance plan (for wear and tear items) for up to three years, but the only way to be sure is to ask the question.

Remember that after buying a second hand car, you have 21 days to register the car.

Think you’re the best driver in the world? Most people do, so don’t skimp on car insurance. Speak to a few insurance companies to see what cover they can offer you, which type of cover suits you best and exactly what the cover you’re paying for will deliver if you need it. Insurance is compulsory for financed vehicles.

Let’s set the “third party” record straight. This kind of insurance gives you (the first party) cover from the insurance company (second party) to cover claims if you have cause damaged to someone else’s vehicle (the third party).

Protect your new wheels by fitting it with anti-theft devices: alarms, gear locks, steering wheel locks, laminated windows, tracking devices and immobilisers. Keep your car looking good – wash it regularly and maintain the paintwork by keeping it polished. It’ll help avoid later bodywork problems like rust and help you keep your resale value.

Keep your car in great condition by having it serviced regularly. The car service booklet will have info on when to take the car in.

Check that your tyres’ treading is not worn beyond 1.6mm to ensure your safety.

Avoid the ‘vultures’ by signing up for roadside assistance. It will come in handy when flat tyres, flat batteries, keys locked in car and empty fuel tanks hit you. It’s offered by most insurance companies at no extra cost, just another benefit of insurance.
http://www.aa.co.za

Consider taking an advanced driving course. These don’t aim to turn you into a race driver, but rather train you to become a better, safer driver. Here’s a few links for reputable courses:

BMW driver training: http://www.bmwdrivertraining.co.za/Home.html
Audi Driving Experience: http://www.4rings.co.za
Volkswagen Driving Academy: http://www.vw.co.za/about/drivingacademy