The Eastern Cape is the automotive hub of South Africa. With manufacturing plants in East London, Struandale, and Kariga, many of South Africa's most popular vehicles originate from the province. It's the province of Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, Isuzu and Ford and picking up a deal on one of these is a walk in the park.
Related: AutoTrader dealers in the Eastern Cape region
While the area is known for its thriving industry, the general consensus is that car prices in the area are still below that of major metropolitan areas such as Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town and Durban. This can help you secure a better deal, especially if you are from outside the province and based in one of those areas.
Buying a used car in the Eastern Cape
As most of the population is concentrated along the coastal region of the Eastern Cape, you're more likely to find a vehicle in and around the major centres, those being Qeberha, East London, and Port Alfred. These vehicles will exhibit signs of coastal life and care should be taken to ensure that paintwork has been maintained and that the vehicle has been maintained in a manner befitting that of a coastal vehicle.
Even with the correct maintenance, light surface rust may be present on components, especially those exposed to the elements and the underside of vehicles. While surface rust will not be too much of a concern, it will be prudent to inspect the vehicle thoroughly for more problematic rust and corrosion.
The availability of both parts and expertise of the vehicles that are manufactured in the area means that these vehicles are more likely to have been better maintained and possibly even fitted with OEM parts when serviced. Sticking to the brands manufactured in the area will help reduce running costs if you're a local too.
How to search for cars in the Eastern Cape
AutoTrader allows you to filter by province, so if you select the Eastern Cape, you will only be shown listings in the Eastern Cape. Just click on the location button to find and select your province from the dropdown menu. You can also select search for only used cars, search by colour, body shape, mileage, fuel type, and more.
Click here to view all used cars for sale in the Eastern Cape, on AutoTrader
Top tips for buying used cars - in all provinces
1. Stick to your budget
Car costs involve more than monthly repayments. You also have to factor in fuel and insurance costs. Even if you buy an extended warranty/service plan, remember that wear-and-tear items like brake pads are usually not included.
Trading in? Find out what your car is worth first. Click here to get a free valuation for your car's trade value.
How much can I afford each month? Find out here by using our car finance calculator.
2. Do your research
By research, we mean the car in question as well as the dealership. Google is your friend! You should be able to find some reviews online of the dealership in question. Social media platforms such as Facebook may also be of help. You can also check the dealership's Facebook page and find out from friends and family which dealerships have given them good service in the past even before you start looking.
3. Don't get pressured into a deal if you don't feel comfortable
If the salesperson seems just a little too eager, and it all just doesn't feel right, don't feel bad if you decide to go home and sleep on it or if you call the whole thing off. Buying a car is a massive decision and a serious commitment. If you buy a lemon, you're either going to be stuck with this costly mistake, it or you will sell it at a loss.
4. Walk away from cars with no service history
Or, if it's patchy, don't take the risk. If vehicles have an RMI-approved dealership history, this is acceptable.
5. Test drive first, then have a vehicle check done
Test drives should last for at least 15 minutes to allow the car to warm up - if the sales associate keeps the route or time spent behind the wheel shorter than this, don't be embarrassed to ask why.
Related: Tips for taking a test drive
If you're serious about the car in question, ask for the car to be sent to a vehicle inspection service centre that will take a closer look and provide a report on the car's inner workings. You can also write down the car's VIN number and do a vehicle check right here on AutoTrader.
