Buying from a dealer
This is the safest way of buying a used vehicle as you get the maximum protection of the law. It is recommended to look for an established dealer with a good reputation. It is also a good idea to choose a dealer approved by the major finance houses such as Absa, Stannic, Nedback, Wesbank etc. Also ask friends if they can recommend a dealer that they had a good experience with when purchasing a used vehicle.
A trade association sign may mean that the firm follows a code of practice. The Retail Motor Industry Organisation of South Africa (RMI) or the Independent Dealers Association (IDA) can tell you which local dealers are subscribers to this code. Look for a dealer whose vehicles have been inspected by the AA. Ask to see the report on the used vehicle you want to buy. It may not be as detailed as an inspection you pay for yourself, but will provide useful information, or alternatively choose a dealer with a quality checking scheme. Most manufacturers operate a recognised used vehicle quality service.
When buying from a dealer the law states that a vehicle must be:
- Of satisfactory quality
It must meet the standard that a reasonable person would regard as acceptable, bearing in mind the way it was described, how much it costs and any other relevant circumstances. This covers, for example, the appearance and finish of the used vehicle, its safety and its durability. The used vehicle must be free from defects, except those that were pointed out to you by the seller (there will be normal wear and tear when a vehicle is used) and those which should have been uncovered by an inspection (but only if you inspected the vehicle, or if someone did it for you.) - The vehicle should be as described
A used vehicle should be reasonably fit for any normal purpose - it should get you from A to B - and for any other purpose that you specify to the seller - for example towing a caravan. These rights are not affected by any mechanical breakdown insurance (often sold by sellers if the manufacturers warranty has run out), guarantee or warranty giving additional protection. It's always a good idea to get a description of the used vehicle’s condition from the dealer at the time of purchase. Also ask whether there is a pre-sale inspection checklist available.