Tips for buying your dream car

Let’s face it, the economy sucks at the moment, but hey, you need wheels.

Here are a few handy tips to help you go about buying your own petrol combusting, adrenaline pumping, child transporting machine.

1. Don’t be afraid of second-hand dealers:

Here’s the thing. With the economy this weak, people are struggling to make ends meet.

Thus, there is often no better solution to your travel problems than getting a second-hand car. You can pick up relatively well-maintained, good cars for around R50 000.

A pretty penny, but still better than forking out R200 000 for the same car, only brand new. Remember to always get a reputable mechanic to inspect any second-hand vehicle beforehand.

2. Check the insurance premiums on a prospective car:

You really do need insurance on South African roads.

The least you can do before buying a car, is make sure you can afford to pay your premiums easily.

3. Fuel efficiency is a must have:

When you are working on a tight budget, a fuel efficient car is vital.

Most modern cars have a good to excellent fuel consumption rate, due to technological advances.

Remember that fuel ratings are generally calculated on the ideal driving style for the car. See how the car reacts to your driving style and remember, if the car can maintain a 5.4 litre consumption rate per 100km, it could save you big bucks.

4. Low emissions are always great:

Across the board, countries have enforced rules on car manufacturers to create vehicles which produce less carbon dioxide emissions.

In Britain, for example, the more carbon you release, the more you are taxed.

The way taxes are rising, it will not be long before an environmental tax is due on cars in our country too.

5. Test drive the car:

Do not believe everything you hear about a car.

Each person takes away something different from the vehicle – a car your friends and family hate, could just strike a cord within your soul, so always test drive the car you think you would buy.

6. Fall in love:

This is the most important rule when it comes to buying a car.

Make sure you love it before you commit to it.