Hi Friends,
If you are starting up your own business, you will need to purchase all the tools and equipment you need to be able to operate it. Managing to obtain all the essential tools is a great achievement! If, however, your business requires you to go places – meet people, fetch and carry things – you’ll need to buy a car.
Where does one start? How do you go about purchasing the correct pre-owned vehicle for your business? Do you need a bakkie or a passenger car? Is it advisable to buy a used car for business purposes? Where do you go to find a reliable and affordable car?
The first thing most people do is search online, here you will find a lot of used cars being sold by both private sellers and car dealers.
The process of buying a vehicle requires research and guidance, as there are so many fraud and new car scams floating around on the internet. According to an article featured in BusinessTech in January, a Sunday Times report claimed that approximately 20,000 vehicles are illegally registered and sold in South Africa each year.[1]
Here are a few useful tips to ensure you get the best car deal and avoid being scammed:
Avoiding scams
If a car is offered at a much cheaper price, ask yourself why? “If it looks and sounds too good to be true, it probably is.” Make sure the seller has a valid address and telephone number – be wary of mobile phone numbers, always visit the seller at his/her home and never buy without seeing and driving the car first.
Payment
Never send money overseas – it’s often the preferred method of a fraudulent seller acquiring money illegally. Only pay for the car when you physically collect it from the seller. Be wary of requests for upfront payments or private information, a false sense of urgency or requests to provide unnecessary details – it could be a car export scam.
History check
It is important to make sure you have a history check on any car you’re interested in purchasing. It will tell you whether it is:
- Recorded as stolen, written-off, or scrapped
- Recorded as previously repaired by an insurer after an accident
- Has outstanding finance or has been leased
- It can also uncover mileage discrepancies and confirm registration details, the number of owners, the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) as well as other original details. This allows you to confirm details with the seller against the car’s paperwork
- History checks are also available for bikes and vans
The benefit of buying a car from a reputable car dealer like Imperial Auto is that they can provide you with the history check.
Test drive the car
It’s really important that you physically check the car and see the documentation. Never buy without seeing or driving the car first, preferably in daylight when it’s easier to spot damage.
Ask the seller if you can see the original NATIS (registration document) and Road Worthy Certificate. Check that the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on these forms is the same as that on the car. This number is commonly found on the chassis or on the windscreen.
Price
Always check the car’s market value by getting a valuation or comparing the price with other similar models advertised. If it’s being offered at a much cheaper price, ask yourself why.
Paperwork
You must see the original NATIS (registration document), service history and Road Worthy Certificates before handing over any money. Ensure all documents are the originals and not photocopies.
Another option – that a lot of people never even consider because they assume it would cost a lot more (and it doesn’t!) – is to go to a trusted car dealership, such as Imperial Auto and see what deal they could give you on a pre-owned vehicle. The great thing about using reputable Imperial Auto dealers, is you are guaranteed that the car is not stolen or rebuilt.
They have car dealerships nationwide - so you can find one near you. You will need to present your valid driver’s license and you will be able to take the car for a test drive. They are also able to assist with financing and will help work out what your monthly payment and additional running costs will be.
For more useful info on purchasing your first car visit: https://imperialauto.co.za/first-time-buyer and join the conversation on Facebook - https://web.facebook.com/imperial.auto.sa.
[1] https://businesstech.co.za/news/motoring/293210/beware-second-hand-vehicle-scam-in-south-africa/
Cheers!!!
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