Are you thinking about buying or selling your car but aren’t sure where to start? This FAQ page breaks down the most common questions South Africans asked about buying and selling a car. Questions such as when the best time to sell is, what paperwork you need, and how to transfer your Cartrack tracking device are all answered right here!
It's better to keep your car if it's paid off, reliable, cheap to run, has low maintenance costs and affordable insurance. It's better to sell when you’re experiencing frequent repairs, you aren’t using your car, it's depreciating really quickly, and your total running costs are higher than a newer model.
There isn’t a specific number of years that you should keep a car before selling it. But there is a sweet spot where you can get the most out of your used car.
A decent mileage to sell a used car sits between 15,000 km and 20,000 km per year. Usually, a three-year-old car should have around 45,000 km to 65,000 km, while a five-year-old should show about 75,000 km to 100,000 km on the clock.
No, Carzuka is no longer in operation and closed its doors in October 2023.
When buying a used car, look for a full service history, use a vehicle history report and VIN to ensure the car is not stolen and hasn’t had major problems. Perform a proper mechanical inspection and test drive. Also, check that all paperwork is complete and registration is up to date.
When buying a car for the first time, the top tip is to set a realistic budget. Consider total running costs such as insurance, fuel, maintenance and registration fees.
When you’re preparing to sell your car, you need the following documents:
Selling to a dealership offers convenience and speed, as they handle the paperwork and allow you to move on quickly. Selling privately usually earns more money, but requires more time and effort and carries more risk.
A car loses the most value in its first year. A new car typically loses 15% to 20% of its value in the first year, with depreciation continuing at a slower pace thereafter.
If you have a Cartrack tracking device installed, it helps keep your vehicle secure while you show it to potential buyers, including protection against theft.
Yes, you can transfer your Cartrack device to a new car. Notify Cartrack that you’re selling the vehicle, and choose between a change of ownership or de-install and reinstall (De-Re).
Yes, a roadworthy inspection and valid certificate are required before selling a car in South Africa. Without it, the buyer cannot legally register the vehicle in their name.
