Consumer feature: buy a cheapie with confidence
Online searches for cars at R50 000 have increased threefold, according to Auto Trader. Follow these tips when you consider a car in this price point
Finding a decent car at the R50 000 mark might sound like a real challenge. Yet, it could be relatively easy if you are realistic and follow the right steps. Cars in this price segment are largely sold by private individuals. Our online search came up with this neat 2010 Citroën C4 1,6 VTI Seduction for R55 000 with 147 000 km on the odo. We took it to our studio to have a closer look.
TIPS
Remember to set your search criteria for cars priced up to R70 000, as these sellers may be willing to accept a cash offer of R50 000 or slightly more. Your safety during viewing is important; take along a friend or meet the seller at a public area like a fuel station. If you view the car where it has been parked for a day or two, have a look underneath it for any signs of leaks (fluids of any kind, coolant or oil). If the owner brings the car to you, inspect it for any moisture on the chassis or in the engine compartment. This will also be a good time to check for rust or any possible signs of accident damage.
ACCIDENT DAMAGE
Continue along the exterior. At this price, the vehicle will likely have dings, marks or scratches. If the paintwork is damaged, this will eventually lead to rust. Look at the panel gaps; if these do not align, it could signal the car was in an accident. Check the tyres. The week and year in which they were manufactured are indicated by four numbers; for example, 3515 means the 35th week of 2015. If they are older than five years, it is wise to replace them.
DRIVE IT
Always take the car for a drive. Listen for any abnormal suspension or drivetrain noises.
Turn the steering wheel often, use the brakes with some serious intent, let the engine idle and rev it through the rev range. During all of these tests, listen for any out-of-place noises. Also, ask the owner to start up the car and check if there is any smoke emitting from the exhaust pipe. Pop open the bonnet and have a look for overspray of paint and the general condition of perishable items such as pipes and engine mounts. While the engine is running, ask the owner to rev the engine a little to see how much the unit moves.
THE CABIN
These budget cars will likely have more than 100 000 km (even 150 000 km) on the odo. This will show in the interior. Keep in mind a deep clean can work miracles on a car’s cabin so don’t be put off by grime. Inspect that all the buttons and functions (air-conditioning if it is fitted) are working.
SERVICE HISTORY
The vehicle may have a full service history, a good indication of the care a previous owner lavished on the car. Check the licence disc and the expiry date as it might be coming up for renewal. It’s always wise to have some extra cash for repairs and work that will need to be done in the coming weeks or months, as it may have been serviced a while back.