The financial hub of South Africa, Gauteng is home to more than a quarter of the country's population. Both Johannesburg, South Africa's largest city, and the country's administrative capital, Pretoria can be found in Gauteng. It then stands to reason that it's also the province with the greatest concentration of motor vehicles. With inhabitants flocking to the City of Gold and surrounding areas, all hoping to strike it rich, it goes without saying that you're bound to come across a few unscrupulous individuals which makes buying a used car a potentially hazardous affair.
Related: 5 Things You Need To Know When Buying Used Cars For Sale In Gauteng
More than 40 000 of AutoTrader's 66 000 vehicle listings can be found in Gauteng. Sifting through the noise to find the right used vehicle can be challenging but we're hoping to help you find your next car.
Buying a used car in Gauteng
Gauteng cars don't struggle with corrosion in the same way that those that are found at the coast do. The high altitude and dryer climate help safeguard against rust and rot. That said, with the shocking quality of the roads and the congestion, cars are prone to dents, scratches and exacerbated suspension wear. It's worth checking the wheels and tyres to ensure that they are not out-of-round or damaged from the roads either.
Nearly every street corner will have used car offerings of some sort and sifting through the mess for a good deal is sometimes difficult. If you're wary of buying from a specific dealership, it is worth doing a background check on both their Google reviews and on a site such as HelloPeter.com.
Having the vehicle inspected through a multi-point check will help give you peace of mind before buying although you will need to be prepared to foot the bill for this yourself. Careful inspection of the car will help you ascertain whether the vehicle was previously involved in an accident and how well repairs were carried out, if any.
How to search for cars in Gauteng
AutoTrader allows you to filter by province, so if you select Gauteng, you will only be shown listings in Gauteng. 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 Gauteng, 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.
