A Used Car: Let The Buyer Beware!

Dirt, rust and oil leaks are just some of the signs of neglect on a used car. Jake Venter explains what faults to look out for, and when to walk away from that ‘never-to-be-repeated’ bargain.

- Jake Venter

You should be hesitant to buy any used vehicle that falls into one or more of the following categories:

• Cars or bakkies that are expensive to buy new

These are expensive to maintain, and even more expensive to maintain when older. So if you can afford a top-of the-range model only when it’s past its prime, you will struggle to afford the upkeep.

• Turbocharged bakkies and vehicles with dual-mass clutches

These are seldom worth the risk. Both these devices suffer damage if the driver lugs the engine (accelerates from a low vehicle speed in a high gear at a large throttle opening). This is a common practice and the damage is cumulative; the bakkie could be fine today and the turbo or clutch could fail the next.

• Brand names that are new to South Africa

These are risky enough as new purchases, let alone when bought used.

• Off-road vehicles and 2WD bakkies

These need not be avoided, but they should be examined more carefully than passenger cars, as they often work harder.