Cars for cheap prices are available to you in South Africa if you are looking for an affordable runabout. To get you to work and back or for short trips around town. Cheap vehicles are available to buy although one has to be very careful with this.
Buying a second hand vehicle can be difficult as we have mentioned in various tips throughout the site.
However, when it comes to buying something at low cost the chance of buying someone else’s problems is higher.
Read More: Second Hand Car Buying Tips
If you know a mechanic that can assist you to check and test drive one of these cheaper vehicles then you should take them with you.
The following five economical cars in South Africa are great buys if you want a vehicle that will save you money from the buying price to petrol usage and maintenance.
These days, vehicles can be expensive to buy and run so an economical car is very important.
Cars for cheap prices – what makes a vehicle economical?
There are several things that make a vehicle more economical than others.
These factors include the following:
The purchasing price of the vehicle
The cheaper the vehicle is to buy, the less money you will be paying off every month and the less interest you will owe on your vehicle finance loan.
The fuel usage of the vehicle
If the vehicle can travel more kilometres on less fuel, it is definitely more economical. The size of the fuel tank and the way the engine works can affect this. In addition, the shape of the vehicle, the size of the vehicle and several other points.
The type of fuel that the vehicle runs on
Different vehicles run on different types of fuel and some fuel is more expensive than others.
It is not hard to pick up cars for cheap prices in South Africa but it has to be said that it is difficult to find vehicles at low prices from a dealer. Vehicles that are going to last a long time, you get what you pay for.
The ones that cost very little money are more than likely going to give the driver a lot of mechanical problems, be heavy on petrol and really not last very long.
Therefore, if you can afford to buy something a little more expensive with some kind of warranty on it then rather do that.
Cars for Cheap Prices in South Africa
The Hyundai Accent
This vehicle is one of the cheapest vehicles in its first year of ownership. You will save a lot of money on fuel every month as well.
The Hyundai Accent will give you just under 13 kilometres of travel per litre of fuel.
The Smart Fortwo Coupe
The Smart Forwo Coupe is also a 2011 vehicle and is well-known as one of the most fuel-efficient, affordable vehicles on the market. It gives you just over 15 kilometres to the litre.
The Ford Fiesta
The Ford Fiesta will give you just over 13 kilometres to the litre.
The Toyota Yaris
The Toyota Yaris is another great vehicle that will give you just under 14 kilometres to the litre.
The Kia Rio
This great vehicle is small enough to fit into the most difficult parking spots and will give you just over 13 kilometres to the litre.
Occasionally you can get a real bargain if you know exactly what to look for.
Some of the cheapest vehicles available to buy in SA are found at bank repossession auctions. Where not only can you arrange a warranty to cover certain mechanical issues but also arrange to apply for bank finance. To be able to purchase a repossessed vehicle and not have to pay cash on the spot.
Bakkies, motorcycles, caravans and trailers are also among different types of vehicles available at one of the various bank repossession auctions held around South Africa.
If you have cash and time available, it may be worth your while visiting one of the many bank repossession auctions and bidding on the cars for cheap prices available there.
How to finance your vehicle
Financing your vehicle does not have to be incredibly difficult. Most financial service providers in South Africa would be happy to finance low to medium risk applicants.
The following requirements are usually essential for vehicle financing from any reputable financial service provider:
- A reliable, steady income and proof of it.
- A good credit record with no mention of non-payment or under-payment on any previous debts.
- Not too many debts in general from other financial service providers.
You should avoid little-known financial service providers and stick to those who are reputable and have good reputations. The following financial service providers have great track records:
- Standard Bank
- First National Bank
- Wesbank
- Nedbank
- Capitec Bank
How to save money on your car maintenance and fuel usage
The following tips, if followed correctly, will help you to save time and money in the long run on services, maintenance, repairs and fuel usage.
- Regularly check your tyres and make sure that they are pumped to the correct number of bars.
- Keep your fuel tank closer to full than to empty.
- Drive with your windows closed.
- Avoid using your air conditioner as much as possible.
- Drive with less weight in your vehicle.
- When you drive, slow down gradually instead of jerking to a stop at stop streets or robots.
- Check your oil and water regularly.
- Have your tyres rotated and balanced regularly.
- Get a service plan and keep track of your mileage so that you do not miss a free service.
- Clean your car regularly.
- Check for anything that may be broken or missing in any part of your vehicle.
- If you hear a funny noise, see smoke or if your car begins to shudder, take it in to a garage or service centre immediately.
- Check your tyre tread regularly to see if you need new tyres.