Best pre-owned cars to buy long-term
Here is a look at car brands known to produce long-lasting, long-term cars, how you can get your hands on one, and ways to ensure your car is well taken care of.
Some people prefer the type of vehicle that will not need changing for a while. The heirloom kind that lives in their family for several generations or can be sold after several years of ownership. However, with recent car models, it is often not possible to find a rare gem that can take care of you and your loved ones’ journey for more than the typical five years. This article will take a look at car brands that are known to produce long-lasting, long-term cars, how you can get your hands on one, and ways you can ensure your car is well taken care of for a while.
An ode to the Merc
Mercedes Benz is probably one of the most respected, timeless car brands in the world. With a history of producing cars made with safety, comfort, and longevity in mind, they have managed to introduce the comfortable aesthetic to middle and upper-class citizens with their classic E-Class 50 or so years ago. In today’s world, however, it is the likes of the 2020 GLE 350 that takes the top slot because of its midsize SUV look and feel that will fulfil the desires of all the high-class Mercedes customers dealerships know and love.
A couple of Coupes for some
There are even a number of coupe and cabriolet models for sale if you’re looking for something a little less practical. The 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C180 Coupe Auto, the 2012 BMW Z4 sDrive28i, and the 2013 Audi A5 Cabriolet 2.0TDI are all excellent choices in this segment. The engine layouts on the aforementioned models’ significantly smaller engines make maintenance and service parts more readily available and more reasonably priced.
Bow down to the Beemer
You can’t possibly mention Mercedes Benz without mentioning her sister rival BMW. Much like the Mercedes, BMW became a favourite among consumers due to a classic drop, the 325IS. The National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa’s (NAAMSA) new vehicle sales report for March 2022 shows that the X3 is BMW’s best-selling vehicle in South Africa. The latest statistics revealed many interesting insights, such as the fact that the X3 sold roughly double as many units as BMW’s second most popular car – the legendary 3 Series.
A toast to Toyota
If you are looking for a practical, A-B with ease, everyday car, then the Toyota brand is what you should consider. They make cars that are reliable on petrol, space, and safety. Their Toyota Corolla is one of the most driven cars. If your budget allows for a vehicle up to R200 000, your options will expand greatly. From the 2020 Toyota Starlet 1.4 Xi to the 2020 Volkswagen Polo Hatch 1.0TSI Trendline, compact hatchback cars are available. If you require a little more ground clearance, crossover models like the 2020 Ford EcoSport 1.5 Ambiente are also an option. The nearly new 2022 Suzuki DZire 1.2 GL and 2022 Honda Amaze 1.2 Trend models are available for those who prefer sedans.
There are many bakkies available for people seeking extra utility, including well-known models like the 2013 Isuzu KB 300D-Teq Double Cab LX and 2011 Toyota Hilux 2.7 Double Cab Raider.
Hello there, Hyundai
This is the type of car brand we call the “underdog” because South African drivers are giving Hyundai a change. If you require a bit more space, the R100 000 – R150 000 price bracket will provide vehicles that will meet your requirements. Consider a vehicle like the 2011 Hyundai ix35 2.0 GLS if ground clearance is vital to you. You should still be able to discover models with fewer than 100 000 kilometres on the odometer because it has a strong reputation for dependability and affordability to operate and maintain.
Purchasing your longevity partner
If you have cash, it may be easy to visit a new or used car sales dealership to get your new wheels. But if not, think about vehicle finance, which can help you financially without letting anything disrupt you. Consider things such as vehicle finance if you have been working for a while, and if you are a recent graduate, then graduate finance is your friend. There are different criteria to qualify for car finance defending on the financial services providers.
Taking care of your car
Much like any car, classics need to be taken care of. Wash your car, and keep it in good condition not only for cleanliness’ sake but a well-cleaned and maintained car lasts longer too. Some of the ways you can take care of your car are:
- Maintain your car battery
- Change oil filters regularly
- Drive smoothly most of the time
- Use your air conditioning
- Replace spark plugs and leads
- Top up fluids regularly
- Check your tyres
- Keep it covered
Final Words
When it comes to purchasing a pre-owned vehicle that is going to be around for a while, this list above has given you some perspective on which one flows more with your lifestyle, pocket, as well as preference. Good luck, and see you on the road.
