5 Things you need to know when buying a used car In Umhlanga
This week we spoke to Chris Walter-Girout, Dealer Principal from Audi Centre in Umhlanga to get his 5 top tips for anyone looking to buy a used car.
1. When is the best time to buy a used car?
“When you have a plan for it. You have to have a set budget and stick to it, depending on the use of the car. If it's for private reasons then I would suggest every 4 years to buy a car. Although for example, we have a lot of Audi in stock that come with full maintenance plans, I advise customers to not keep the car much longer after it expires or if they have no desire to extend it.”
2. How many kilometres is too high for a used car?
“If you're looking to buy a used car, I would purchase for under 100 km because the car will still have at least 4 years left if it is well-looked after and serviced. We are a premium dealership and only sell the youngest pre-owned cars with lower mileage on them. I personally don't go above the 100km mark.
"My number 1 tip for customers when they are buying cars now would be to keep up with inflation with the payments. What happens is customers tend to purchase cars and leave them for installments for 4-5 years, and then they find themselves in a situation where the next car they buy is unaffordable because they are used to the old price. So when you are buying a car each year increase the monthly instalments with inflation.”
3. Is mileage more important than age, or is age more important than mileage when purchasing a used car?
“Well, I would say mileage because the mileage is the actual wear and tear of the engine which is the most important part of a car. The mileage is more important than the age of the car.”
4. Is it true that it’s cheaper to buy a car with cash?
“No, because I price my cars for what I need in that deal, so whether a customer uses cash or finance on a vehicle it is really immaterial for me. Customers think if you use cash you are entitled to a discount but when you purchase it through finance with one of the major banks that we are affiliated to, I get my money and I get it quickly. ”
5. What are your final tips for anyone looking to buy a used car in Umhlanga?
“Look after your car don't abuse it, keep it in good condition and you will keep the value of the car when you go to sell it.”
You can learn more about Chris's dealership as well as check out his stock by visiting used cars for sale.