::Barloworld ::Used vehicles are in
Fifty years ago, when the Rand was still stronger than the Pound, used vehicles were often frowned upon. Even in 1982, a small 1600 sedan could be had new for R7 000. In 1995, and that 1600 had gone up to over R30 000 and today it costs R130 000. That is a 1 800% price rise over 26 years…
So, cars have become expensive, but they have also become more maintenance-free. In the ‘70s, cars gave a lot of trouble. Lemons with major mechanical shortcomings were still relatively commonplace. The very best engine oils did a much poorer job than the worst, cheapest oils do today and had to be changed at very short intervals. Spark plugs did not last long and valve clearances had to be reset frequently. These old rust buckets also collapsed like a house of card in an accident.
Today, some cars go 30 000km between services, synthetic engine oils retain their lubricating properties for much longer and industry-wide standardisation of hydraulic valve lifters has eliminated much under-bonnet fiddling. Warranties are much longer, most cars have ABS brakes and one has a much better chance of surviving a crash.
All this means that, nowadays, one can buy a used car of a year or two back and it will still drive like a new one. There will still be some factory warranty left and one would be able to pull a decent, safe car into the garage for a handsome saving over a new one. That, and the price of new cars, have made the prospects of owning a used car much more attractive in the modern era.
So, go ahead and buy that used vehicle. Even on a one-year old, there is a 20% saving over a new one. It will still have a new car feel and the manufacturer will still fix anything that breaks. And one can always extend the warranty later of for peace of mind. What’s more, one can pay if off sooner and get on to buying the next one.
When looking for a used vehicle from a dealer near you, fill out the form below and we'll come back to you!
