Buying a new car...

Hello everyone!

Before I start, I'll give some background on the situation. On Friday, all the electronics on my wife's car died.( she drives a Renault Clio). She wasn't able to start it, nothing. When they tried to jump start it, the jumper cables melted. I'm guessing there must have been a dead short or something somewhere. Any way, it's with the dealer now and hopefully they sort out the problem. This is the second time this has happened. My other car is a city golf, but I'm thinking of getting rid of the Clio, its French and expensive.

Since I'm away a lot, I was wondering if it would be better buying an new car that's reliable. So I've come to you all to ask for advice.

What you guys recommend? I guess my budget is around R250k-R400k. I would like to put a fairly big deposit on, say R100k to make the repayments a bit more affordable. I would like to start a family in the next year or so, so I'm thinking more in terms of a family car, maybe an SUV. I like the Chevvy Trailblazer...also I'd like an automatic. I don't have caravans or boats, so there won't be any heavy pulling going on.

I'm also juggling the thought of an approved used car, but then there's the fact that some other douche drove the crap out of it and then you sit with the trouble of whatever was done to the car before.

So ja, that's the story, any help is appreciated!!

I might be selling my camry soon. 260,000kms, few bumps, 3 scratches. 3rd gear makes a funny noise and hurts your hand.

Oh also took the aircon out cause it sounded like it was about to explode.

I bought a VW Tiguan (1.4TSi 118KW, 4motion) 2 weeks ago, and couldn't be happier with the car.

It fits within your budget, it's German (not that French crap), and it's just the right size for a small family SUV, while not feeling ridiculously huge when you don't have kids. We used it for a family camping trip last weekend, and it has more luggage storage space than my old A4 Avant.

I got a demo model, 7K on the clock. It cost only a little less than a new car, but came with loads of extras, so well worth it in my opinion.

Other alternatives if you want the car to hold it's value:

Nissan X-Trail
Hyundai iX-35
Toyota RAV4
Honda CRV

One thing to consider, you should take as high a residual as they will let you have. Assuming that you can get a decent finance rate (Prime or less), you'll be able to make more on your money over time than they charge in interest. Just get your financial advisor to put the difference in monthly payments somewhere that you can access it when you need it.

Hope this helps.

BTW, don't mean to be rude, but do I know you? I don't know the nick...

I will only give generic advice here get a car that is made in S.A. or has a strong support. Also unless you buy an entry level car make sure it has a maintenance plan. I had a mazda Rx-8, I loved it but it had 80 000km on the clock and the maintence plan finished at 60 000. The last 4 months I had it I was spending close to 10k on repairs.

That was not maintainable so I sold it and bought an opel (Got screw on the resale) and have not looked back. It has been 4 years and the most I spent was R3k for new brakes and discs all round.

Ya the tiguan is good. The ford eco sport is good too, but there a waiting list for them.

The kia sportage or ix35 are not bad either.

Oooh and who are you? lol

OMG everytime he speaks someone asks this!! He is a buddy of Mega!

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Originally Posted by Paul

OMG everytime he speaks someone asks this!! He is a buddy of Mega!

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Given that he's posted twice on the forum now, I'm not sure how I'm supposed to know this? I gather he's squadded up with us in BF4 before, very cool, but I haven't played the game in months.

Gasmask, nice to meet you mate. Welcome.

Hi guys, thanks so far.

Yes I am a buddy of mega, we work on the same contracts here in the DRC. Im on TS, although not now since im in the DRC. I've been wanting to join the clan, but since applications are closed for the moment, I decided that I'll just be around until the time comes. I have played a few rounds with some of you.

Hope this clears up some confusion

Eish dude, I had the same DEAD CAR OF DOOM - on my Renault Scenic - cost R2k for them to take the computer out and hairdry it...... Rip if useless shit french attitude crap shit and did I mention shit cars?

I take it that your wife will be driving the car most of the time?

Besides what has been mentioned before, the car needs to look good and feel good too, surely? If I had the money now I would get or test drive the VW Tiguan first. Its not too big and bulky, and being a VW I am sure its nippy around town. After sales service would be important too so either speak to people who drive the various car options and see what their experience is with services/repairs/costs, etc. perhaps?

Good luck with your search.

Get yourself a Nissan Tiida :P On a more serious note I wouldnt mind one of those Hyundai H1 or H2 van's. Imagine going to the Kruger National Park with your buddies/family or a trip down to the sea. Also the KIA Sportage for it's price compared to other SUV's and look is very nice.

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Originally Posted by RussianElite.

Get yourself a Nissan Tiida :P On a more serious note I wouldnt mind one of those Hyundai H1 or H2 van's. Imagine going to the Kruger National Park with your buddies/family or a trip down to the sea. Also the KIA Sportage for it's price compared to other SUV's and look is very nice.

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Russian you should fit nicely in a Peugeot 206 ( guy car of the year) !!!!

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Originally Posted by BadA$$jack

Russian you should fit nicely in a Peugeot 206 ( guy car of the year) !!!!

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As you are seeing this as a guy car, I take it you owned one? :P

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Originally Posted by RussianElite.

As you are seeing this as a guy car, I take it you owned one? :P

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I didn't say GAY car but seems you would like me to change my wording to suit you !!!

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Originally Posted by BadA$$jack

I didn't say GAY car but seems you would like me to change my wording to suit you !!!

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Heh? Bitchez be trippin... tsk tsk

Hi Gasmask, in all honesty i will never buy a brand new car EVER again! My advice, drive the renault till it explodes, and put that 8000/month (400K car) into Satrix40. 5 years time you will be able to buy Russian to ride to work...

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Originally Posted by Irish_Luck28

Hi Gasmask, in all honesty i will never buy a brand new car EVER again! My advice, drive the renault till it explodes, and put that 8000/month (400K car) into Satrix40. 5 years time you will be able to buy Russian to ride to work...

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+1

I think Ty's problems is that at the moment he is putting all his cash into running the renault and he wants something more reliable for his wife.
New makes no sense though. Nearly new is always a better deal.

I rate stick to Hyundai and Kia. Their maintenance plans are great and what you pay for you really do get every thing.

Who are you by the way?

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Originally Posted by Atomicduzt

Who are you by the way?

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FFS

Geth you always speak with such infinite knowledge:wow:. It's so calming.

OK let say I reduce my max price to about 350k and go more for the likes of a nice sedan?

Get her a big boy scooter

Hyundai H1 mini van!

Bus, get a Bus

R350K will get you a Tiguan, or an Executive IX-35. Get a demo model of either of the above, and you'll load up on extras too.

If you really want a sedan, you could look at the Volvo S60, a Honda Accord, or A VW Jetta. All good cars.

As an in-between, you might want to look at the Volvo V40 XC, which is a gorgeous looking car.

Lots of options at that price.

Get a Ford Figo, until she knows how to drive/service.

dont get a Volvo. There is a reason their slogan is "Volvo for life", you cant sell it after you bought it. No resale value

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Originally Posted by Reaper

dont get a Volvo. There is a reason their slogan is "Volvo for life", you cant sell it after you bought it. No resale value

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That's changing now. The Volvos of recent years have a much better resale than in the past. They are also incredible cars and considerably cheaper than the luxury German brands.

dude get a nice 2nd hand Toyota. You can drive one of those for eternity as long as you take it for a service when its due.

If you certain you wanna buy a new one, take a look at the Ford Kuga. You can get one of those new for 310K

Huyndai H1 van!