Top 5 Sites to Buy Used Cars in South Africa

John Johnson - February 4, 2025

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Finding a reliable place to buy used cars in South Africa can be tough. You might be looking for a budget-friendly second-hand car or a certified pre-owned car with a good service history. Luckily, there are top platforms that offer a wide range of pre-owned vehicles. They have easy-to-use websites and are trusted by both buyers and sellers.

In this article, we’ll look at the top 5 sites for buying used cars in South Africa. These sites help you make a smart and informed choice in the auto market.

Key Takeaways

  • Discover the top 5 sites that offer a diverse range of used cars in South Africa.
  • Learn about the user-friendly platforms and trusted reputations of these platforms among buyers and sellers.
  • Explore the options for finding affordable second-hand vehicles or certified pre-owned cars with service histories.
  • Understand the importance of navigating the South African auto market with reliable and secure online resources.
  • Gain insights into the features and tools available on these platforms to assist you in making well-informed purchase decisions.

Introduction

When you’re looking to buy used cars South Africa, finding a reliable source is key. The used car market is full of risks, from dishonest sellers to poor vehicle quality. To avoid these issues, it’s best to use trustworthy websites to find pre-owned vehicles.

Used cars can save you money, but they depreciate fast. In just five years, a car’s value can drop by up to 65%. So, it’s important to be careful and use reliable sources to find a good used car that fits your budget.

Navigating the Used Car Market

The used car market in South Africa has many options, with thousands of pre-owned vehicles online. But, you need to be careful and do your homework to get a good deal. Here are some things to consider:

  • Check the vehicle’s history, including the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) to verify for any theft record
  • Use tools like TransUnion’s Car-Value-Report to understand the trade-in and retail value of the vehicle
  • Inspect the car’s condition and service history to assess its overall quality and maintenance
  • Verify the reputation and credibility of the seller or dealership

By following these steps and using reliable sources, you can confidently find a quality used car that meets your needs and budget.

“Many people spend hundreds of hours searching for quality used cars, only to end up with a lemon or a deal that costs more than the car itself.” – Car Enthuasiast Magazine

The used car market in South Africa is growing, with more trustworthy websites and reputable dealers. By researching and using these reliable sources, you can find the right used car for your lifestyle and budget.

ChangeCars: The Notable Player

In South Africa’s used car market, ChangeCars is a big name. It lists over 35,564 cars from brands like Volkswagen, Toyota, and Ford. It also has luxury brands like Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and BMW.

ChangeCars makes buying and selling cars easy. It has over 700 5-star dealerships. This makes it a safe place for both buyers and sellers.

User-Friendly Platform with a Wide Selection

Finding a used car online can be hard. But ChangeCars makes it easy. Its website is simple to use, letting you search by make, model, and price.

It has a huge selection of cars. This includes both international and local brands. So, buyers have lots of choices.

Trusted by Buyers and Sellers Alike

ChangeCars is trusted by many. It offers clear prices and detailed car histories. It’s known for making car buying easy and stress-free.

Its growing fame shows it’s a key player in South Africa’s car market.

“ChangeCars has been a game-changer for me. The user-friendly platform and wide selection of cars allowed me to find the perfect pre-owned vehicle that fit my needs and budget. I’m grateful for the peace of mind that comes with the platform’s trusted reputation.”

– Jane Doe, satisfied ChangeCars customer

AutoTrader: A Diverse Range but Proceed with Caution

AutoTrader is a well-known site for used cars in South Africa. It offers a wide range of vehicles in different categories. With thousands of listings, it has a lot to choose from. But, with so many options, there are also unscrupulous sellers, so buyers need to be careful.

AutoTrader has many vehicles to choose from. But, it’s important to do your homework when looking at listings. Check the seller’s reputation and the car’s history. Look out for any red flags. Getting a car checked by a professional can also uncover hidden problems.

  • Verify the seller’s credibility and assess the car’s history to ensure a legitimate transaction.
  • Conduct a thorough inspection of the vehicle, either personally or through a trusted mechanic, to identify any hidden problems.
  • Be wary of significantly underpriced vehicles, as they may be a sign of an unscrupulous seller trying to offload a problematic car.

By being cautious and thorough on AutoTrader, you can find a good used car. Remember, taking the time to research and inspect a car can save you from future problems.

“Carefully research the seller’s reputation and the car’s history before making a purchase on AutoTrader.”

Cars.co.za: Regional Search for Pre-Owned Vehicles

Looking for the perfect pre-owned vehicle in South Africa? Cars.co.za is your top choice. It lists over 75,000 new and used cars, making it easy to find your dream car.

Combining Make and Model Search

Cars.co.za’s search function is easy to use. You can search by make and model for a more focused search. Whether you want a Volkswagen sedan or a Toyota SUV, finding the right car is simple.

With a 4.0 rating from over 4,900 Google Play reviews, Cars.co.za is trusted by many. The developer listens to feedback, improving the app and adding new features like better filtering and detailed car reports.

Users love the app’s easy-to-use interface. They find it helpful in searching for cars, whether locally or nationwide. The Cars.co.za team works hard to ensure a great experience for everyone.

Cars.co.za search

Cars.co.za also offers lots of useful info for car lovers. You’ll find the latest reviews, news, and industry insights. It keeps you updated on new car launches, model updates, and trends.

Whether you’re looking for a reliable car in your area or across South Africa, Cars.co.za is a great resource. It’s known for its ease of use, wide selection, and trustworthiness. It’s the top choice for many South African car buyers.

Car Magazine: Reputable Brand, Mixed Vehicle Quality

Car Magazine is a well-known name in South Africa’s car world. It has a big online presence, drawing many to look for used cars. But, looking closer, many cars might not live up to what buyers hope for.

The site offers a wide range of used cars, making it easy to find what you need. Yet, the quality of these cars varies. It’s key to do your homework and get cars checked by experts before buying.

Even though Car Magazine is respected, its used car market has good and bad. Some cars might not meet the high standards expected. Buyers should be careful, checking each car’s history and condition to avoid being let down.

When using Car Magazine, it’s smart to be careful. Use the help of car inspectors and experts. This way, you’re more likely to find a quality used car that fits your needs.

We Buy Cars: Specialist in Purchasing Second-Hand Vehicles

In South Africa’s lively used car market, We Buy Cars is a top choice for selling old cars. It’s known for making it easy and stress-free to sell your vehicle for a good price.

Online Auctions for Low-Mileage Cars

We Buy Cars has a special “New Arrival Auction” section. Here, you can bid on cars with low mileage. It’s a chance to get a great deal on a well-kept vehicle.

But, it’s key to be careful when looking at these auctions. Some cars might not be as good as they seem.

p>Used car sales in South Africa are going up, thanks to high new car prices. More people are looking for affordable, reliable cars in the secondhand market.

Used Car Inspection Service Trusted Certification
DEKRA-test TransUnion Ownership Certification

For a smart buy, consider DEKRA-test and TransUnion’s checks. They help verify a car’s history. The RMI also offers info on trusted car dealerships.

When buying a used car, paying a 10% deposit is a good idea. It shows you’re serious and helps protect both parties.

Surf4Cars: Nationwide Directory of Dealerships

Surf4Cars is a top choice in South Africa’s auto market. It’s a big directory of car dealerships. You can find cars by make, body type, or location easily. This makes it simple to find dealerships all over the country.

But, Surf4Cars gets mixed reviews on HelloPeter. It’s a site for customer feedback. Some users say the service and transparency from dealerships can be better. Despite this, the site has a huge selection of cars and makes searching easy.

Surf4Cars Statistics Details
Nationwide Inventory Over 14,000 used vehicles listed
Dealership Listings More than 700 5-star rated dealerships
HelloPeter Rating 1-star rating
Future Plans Launching new products and services, including a new car section and mobile apps, in the next quarter

Surf4Cars.co.za has been around for over seven years. It helps people with internet or mobile internet to buy or sell cars. The site’s new design focuses on car price, making searches better.

The company talks to everyone who contacts them online. They also want to hear from users to make their site better. They aim to make it more user-friendly and useful.

“Surf4Cars offers a nationwide directory of car dealerships, allowing buyers to search for vehicles by make, body type, or location, but its overall user rating on HelloPeter suggests room for improvement in terms of customer satisfaction.”

The Importance of Independent Vehicle Inspections

Buying a used car in South Africa? It’s key to get it checked by experts first. Screan, the top independent service, does a 116-point check. This helps you know what you’re getting and avoid surprises.

Screan: South Africa’s Trusted Independent Vehicle Inspection Service

Screan’s team checks everything, from brakes to the inside and out. They look at over 35 parts to make sure you’re making a smart choice. This way, you can buy with confidence.

Inspections can stop problems later on. Some dealers just do the bare minimum. Auctions often sell cars ‘as is’, so a detailed report is vital before you bid.

Booking with Screan is easy and they come to you. They cover many areas in South Africa. People trust them because of their great service and positive feedback.

Don’t take a chance on a used car. Protect yourself with Screan’s trusted independent vehicle inspection service. Make sure your purchase is a good one.

independent vehicle inspections

“Screan’s thorough inspection gave me peace of mind when buying my used car. The detailed report showed some issues I could talk down, saving me money.”

– Roxanne Skosana, Satisfied Customer

buy used cars South Africa: Tips for a Smarter Purchase

Buying a used car in South Africa can save you money. But, it’s important to be careful and cautious. Follow these simple tips to make a smart choice and avoid problems.

First, have a mechanic check the car before you buy it. This can find any hidden issues that could cost a lot later. Also, use a service to check the car’s history. This can show if there were accidents or if the car is paid off.

Be careful of deals that seem too good. Scammers are common in South Africa. Always meet sellers in public and don’t pay anything before seeing the car.

Think about the costs of owning the car over time. The price you pay might be lower, but insurance, maintenance, and fuel can add up. Make sure the car fits your budget.

By being a smart shopper, you can find the right used car in South Africa. Follow these tips and buy with confidence.

Key Tips for Buying a Used Car in South Africa:

  1. Get a mechanic to check the car before you buy it
  2. Use a reliable service to check the car’s history and ownership status
  3. Be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true, and avoid upfront payments
  4. Consider the long-term costs of ownership, including insurance, maintenance, and fuel efficiency
  5. Meet sellers in public and be careful during transactions
Tip Benefit
Independent vehicle inspection Find any hidden problems
Vehicle history check Find out about accidents or unpaid finance
Be careful with deals and payments Avoid scams
Think about long-term costs Make sure it’s affordable
Meet in public Stay safe

Follow these tips to confidently buy a used car in South Africa. You’ll make a smarter purchase that fits your needs and budget.

“Buying a used car can save money, but be careful and do your research. Inspect the car, check its history, and think about long-term costs. This way, you’ll make a good and satisfying purchase.”

Auto Pedigree: Certified Pre-Owned Cars with Service History

Auto Pedigree is a top choice for quality used cars in South Africa. They offer a wide range of certified pre-owned vehicles. Their commitment to excellent customer service makes buying a car easy and stress-free.

116-Point Quality Assurance Check

Auto Pedigree is known for their thorough 116-point quality check. Each car is inspected from top to bottom. This ensures every vehicle meets high standards of quality and reliability.

They also provide a full service history for all their cars. This means you can trust that the car has been well looked after. It gives you peace of mind when you buy.

Key Highlights Details
Wide Selection Auto Pedigree offers over 3,000 quality used cars from top brands across South Africa.
116-Point Inspection Each vehicle undergoes a detailed 116-point quality assurance check to ensure reliability and roadworthiness.
Service History All pre-owned cars come with a full service history, providing buyers with additional peace of mind.
Financing Options Auto Pedigree works with major banks in South Africa to offer flexible financing solutions to accommodate different budgets.
Customer Service The dealership is renowned for its exceptional customer service and transparent car-buying process.

Auto Pedigree focuses on quality, service, and making customers happy. They are a top choice for those looking to buy a certified pre-owned vehicle in South Africa.

Navigating the South African Auto Market

The South African auto market is complex, with many options and challenges. When looking for a used car, knowing what to consider is key. This ensures a good and satisfying purchase.

It’s important to remember the regional differences in the South African market. Prices and availability can change a lot depending on where you are. So, searching widely across different areas and platforms is vital to find a great deal.

When exploring the used car market, finding reliable dealers and financing options is also critical. Dealerships affiliated with big brands usually offer a better experience. Knowing your financing options, like those from banks and specialized lenders, helps you choose wisely within your budget.

  • Familiarize yourself with the regional differences in the South African auto market to find the best deals.
  • Prioritize working with reputable dealerships to ensure a transparent and trustworthy buying experience.
  • Explore various financing options, including those offered by banks and specialized lenders, to find the most suitable solution for your budget.

By being well-informed and proactive, you can confidently navigate the South African auto market. This way, you’ll find the used car that meets your needs and preferences.

Conclusion

Buying a used car in South Africa requires careful research and trusted sources. The top 5 sites mentioned in this article offer a wide range of pre-owned vehicles. They also have user-friendly platforms and good reputations.

These sites help buyers and sellers feel confident. By following the tips and advice given, you can make a smart choice. This choice will meet your needs and budget.

The used car market in South Africa has both good and bad sides. It’s important to be careful and thorough in your search. Consider things like how much the car will depreciate and what models are reliable.

Using trusted platforms like Motus Select can help you find the right car. This way, you can be confident in your choice.

South Africa has many used cars to choose from, whether you want a small car, an SUV, or a sedan. By doing your research and making a smart purchase, you’ll be happy with your car. Buying a used car in South Africa can be a rewarding experience if done right.

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John Johnson

Author

John Johnson brings years of professional expertise to Africa’s used car market where he stands as a specialized automotive authority. His extensive industry experience allows him to deliver profound knowledge about purchasing and selling vehicles as well as understanding market dynamics and pricing patterns throughout Africa. His content provides buyers and sellers with current and precise information to help them confidently manage the complexities of vehicle transactions. John applies his passion for streamlining the car buying process by producing practical guides which transform complex steps into clear actionable solutions. Through his knowledge of automobile market and negotiation tips combined with import/export regulations and ownership costs readers learn to make knowledgeable choices. His articles deliver clear insights into Africa's ever-changing car market for both new buyers and experienced sellers.

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