Buying a new car...

[gasmaskbk117]

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!!

[Cat Nipples]

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.

[J_Th4ng]

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...

[Paul]

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.

[TygerBS]

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

[Paul]

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

[J_Th4ng]

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

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.

[gasmaskbk117]

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

[SlipperyDuck]

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?

[Onyx]

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.