How to check a used car in South Africa
You’ve looked on the forecourts of the used car dealers in South Africa, checked the classified sections of the local newspapers, and contacted individual dealers directly. You’ve narrowed down your choice to a few autos. How to decide which car to buy? Here are a few pointers to help you check the car before you buy, and how to drive away a quality auto without getting ripped off.
Have a mechanic check the engine when buying Toyota used cars
Checking the exterior and interior
Ideally you will have the time to check your used car thoroughly. This really makes a difference to how satisfied you will ultimately be with your purchase. It is not enough to give the car a quick once-over and hope that the dealer is not lying when he says the car is in perfect condition.
Check the exterior of the car for any signs of accident damage, and make sure the interior of the car is in good condition. Can you see any parts that look too new, meaning they have been replaced recently? Ask when the car was serviced and check the oil is clean.
In addition, you should have the car checked by a reputable mechanic or dealer. This person can check the condition of the vehicle and the engine, and give you a guide to how much it will cost to fix any faults.
Checking the documentation
Ask to see the service book and the collection of repair invoices and receipts for repairs. If the owner cannot produce these documents then tread carefully – the car may be in good condition but you will need to pay extra attention to checking the car before you drive away, in case you come across some hidden damage or fault.
Check that the mileage on the car’s odometer matches the figure written in the service manual. Also check that the numbers line up – disjointed numbers can be the sign of tampering, so be careful and check with a trustworthy dealer if you are concerned. You should also check that the 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number – pinned directly on the chassis – matches the number on the registration book, and also the car’s license. Pay attention to the seller’s name – it should be the same name as on the registration document. You need to make sure the seller is authorized to sell you the car.
Trusting your instincts
Give the car a test drive yourself. Take the car into the city and also along some more challenging roads that twist and turn – see how the car handles in reverse, and also when braking suddenly.
Always trust your instincts when buying Toyota used cars or other models. If you don’t think the dealer is being honest with you, or you have a bad feeling about the car once you have checked it or taken it for a test drive, walk away. Go to another dealer and start the process again. Checking the car thoroughly is only the first step to buying a good used car – you need to act on what you discover to avoid being ripped off by an unscrupulous dealer.
