Navigating the maze of options when purchasing a used car demands careful consideration. Before investing, identify your budget and priorities. Ensure to include items like extended warranties and maintenance costs in your plans.

“With these car care plans in place, you can drive your new, previously loved vehicle with peace of mind,”  advises Jarrod Berman, Managing Director of MotorHappy, a supplier of motor management solutions.

It goes without saying that the first step is to figure out your budget, and remember to include additional costs like car insurance, car maintenance and fuel costs. “When buying a used car, you might need to investigate options like an extended warranty, service plan and maintenance plan so you’re protected against the cost of unexpected breakdowns and repairs,” he says.

Once you’re clear on your budget, begin shopping for your vehicle. Browse the many online options in South Africa for used cars. When you find a vehicle you like, take it for a test drive and inspect it thoroughly. “A physical inspection of the car is vitally important, because it will tell you what the paperwork does not,” cautions Berman.

Enlist the help of an expert if possible. If not, use this list as a guide when inspecting the prospective vehicle:

• Check the car’s service history against the manufacturer’s maintenance period recommendations.
• Open the bonnet and look for visible oil leaks around and below the engine, inspect the electrical wiring in the engine compartment for burnt wires or damaged sleeving, inspect the coolant reservoir and pressure cap for leaks and cracked hoses. Also inspect the coolant level to ensure that it is correct, and that it contains anti-freeze.
• Check the body for misaligned panels, uneven gaps, or mismatched paint. These are signs of potential accident damage.
• Inspect the tyres. Uneven wear is a sign of unbalanced wheels, misaligned suspension, or worn shock absorbers. If possible, turning the tyres all the way to one side allows you to look at the brake pads. Check or question if these still have an acceptable life.
• Start the engine while listening (and feeling) for any “out of place” noises or vibrations at startup, while idling, or when it is revved.
• Look at the wear and tear on the carpet, pedal rubber and gear stick.  These should match the mileage of the car.   
• Test drive it. Not just around the dealership, take it onto a highway as well. Make sure you concentrate on the sounds the engine makes (so turn off the radio), the “feel” of the clutch and gearbox, whether the basics such as indicators, wipers, radio, air con, hazard warning lights, windows and doors, fuel gauge, odometer, speedometer and seat belts all work properly, and check that no warning lights are illuminated.
• Get advice from people you know who have the same car if possible, or do online research.

Before making your final decision, look beyond the aesthetics of the car and assess its worth based on safety, comfort and drivability. Is the car a good lifestyle fit? If you have children or an adventurous lifestyle, check that the car fits all your gear.

Berman says to use an online calculator to assess the car’s depreciation rate. “This will help when deciding between two similarly priced cars. You might opt for the car that holds its value for longer. Remember to try other cars in the same price and model range, so that you’re able to compare, and get a good sense of what is available on the market.”