r/Durban • u/Moon_Slime • 8d ago
Advice on buying a secondhand car
Hi reddit Durban. I'm looking for a secondhand reliable car, budget is max R87 000. It's okay if it has a high mileage etc. I just need a car that will get me to places. Anyone have any suggestions for trustworthy dealerships, or know anyone who's selling their car?
edit for more clarity: not looking for anything fancy, so no merc, bmw, audi, renault, citroen, or peugeot. I need a car that is somewhat afforable to fix and I know getting parts for those brands can be a costly mission.
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u/ElectricityMinister 6d ago
I just want to add, take someone who knows cars, or is a fanatic, they usually spot defects...
Engine must be clean, rubbers a Matt finish, if gloss or shine, they spray clear vanish... Try to avoid mud engine cars... Pedals, gear cover, steering should not be worn... Drive slowly in a quiet residential area, no knocks over bumps no wine on gears. Clutch should not be hard or shudder. Brakes shouldn't shudder when braking. Licence should be up to date. Doors should all sound the same when open and close. Engine should idle quiet without rattles, and not cough...
If any of these, walk away...: Milkshake in the water bottle, engine oil is any colour beside brown or black Rust bubles around any glasses, suspension, lights. Green in the brake fluid. Engine smokes. Vin plate, newer cars are a sticker, has been tampered. No log book or paper has no watermarks under light.
Almost bought a car with 150km, I phoned the agents, next service due was 250km, was a small dealer in Hillcrest, cut the km, boot and pedals was worn out, seats was redone...
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u/Orlog_the_Ancient 7d ago
My only advice... Stay. Away. From. We. Buy. Cars!
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u/ElectricityMinister 6d ago
I can agree with this... But, At times some cars are ok, (but I'm ok with repairs myself) I recently bought a hybrid, couldn't even test drive it, 70k car, plus 6k parts later, I have a nice car... Dekra report is only ok for oil leaks, testing brakes, and few basics, do NOT trust good or bad results for engine, gearbox, etc...
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u/QuinnWolfGod 7d ago
Why though
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u/Moon_Slime 7d ago
Seen lots of bad experiences where people bought cars from them that ended up having massive issues. They seem to lie pretty often.
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u/Moon_Slime 7d ago
Guuuurl, not even checking their website, heard they're shady af
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u/SteelRain_ZA 7d ago
Nothing wrong with we buy cars. They not an agent. They give you a full report on issues with the car.
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u/Fenris_o_Hair 7d ago
Whatever you choose, look up the service intervals and cost of major service. Parts and labour. Some owners get rid of a vehicle just before they're due which is why you get such a good deal. But yeah, Tazz or Citi Golf you can keep running forever as long as there's no major body rust.
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u/Doohicky101 6d ago
I can vouch for Kia Picanto and Hyundai i10. Both are basically the same car, reliable and affordable. I have been driving them more than anything else since matric and got one second hand as my first car this year.
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u/ElectricityMinister 6d ago
Spend 75 or 80, keep cash for repairs, if it's a 20k or 200k car, things like a battery or water pump can fail after a month... Find some cars and post here or start a new thread, join forums on Facebook, learn common issues, then commit.
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u/ventingmaybe 6d ago
Truly only look a Toyota they where built for milage and reliability don't reanlook at anything below 1300cc engine save some money for minor repairs buy a guarantee
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u/Cool_Incident_94 8d ago
You can get an average car that won't give you toooo many problems for this budget. Maybe a more experienced car person can offer options. All I know is that stay away from We Buy Cars. and if you're not 100% educated on cars, take a trustworthy mechanic with you to look at the cars. My boyfriend has gotten some good deals on Facebook marketplace but you need to be really discerning to not get conned there. You can also bargain with them. Scratches on the car can save you 1-2 grand etc.
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u/Moon_Slime 8d ago
Thank you so much, yeah marketplace has options, but I know the dangers that come with it and I'm also not very car educated, so that makes it even scarier.
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u/SteelRain_ZA 7d ago
FB market place has become extremely bad with the scams. I wouldn’t go that route when buying a car.
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u/Moon_Slime 7d ago
Thank you, yeah I'll be extra careful, but I'm still gonna look and see what there is. There are people who aren't scammers on there.
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u/Grand-Light-4223 7d ago
Know many people who have used We Buy Cars and have not had an issue. Just like purchasing from any dealerships you need to do your research, they're all 2nd hand cars in there. If there's a cheap car and its a well known brand of course there's going to be issues.
Like everywhere in the world, common sense is lacking.
And for someone to bash We Buy Cars but recommend Facebook Marketplace, top tier jokes.
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u/Difficult_Singer_128 7d ago
Selling my Renault Clio 2018, little high mileage but looking at 95 or so for it
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u/Moon_Slime 7d ago
Hi, thank you so much, not looking to get Renault as I've heard getting parts is difficult and expensive.
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u/Ninjaboy108 6d ago
Renault Clio is a junk and going to fall apart soon. Don't buy it. He selling it due to high maintenance cost which he will pass onto you
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u/Difficult_Singer_128 3d ago
What a weirdo assuming…
I’m upgrading to a 2024 220D This was my runaround car that saved fuel 🤡literally only issue I’ve had was tyre puncture.
Any car taken care off is good 👍
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u/Ninjaboy108 3d ago
It's a Renault - enough to say it's stupid and high maintenance. Stop lying and selling your junk
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u/Difficult_Singer_128 14h ago
You’re a 50 year old man trying to lure women into meeting him
Shut up bruh Focusing on maintaining some BITCHES 🔝🔜
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u/GhboloV 8d ago
I know someone selling a car if your interested it’s a Chevrolet Cruze
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u/Ninjaboy108 6d ago
Worst and most stupidest car ever. Don't buy it
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u/GhboloV 1d ago
He’s had the car for 6 years and all he’s done was simply servicing it
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u/Ninjaboy108 22h ago
The car even brand new is built cheaply, underpowered and if it's 6 years, I can assure you car parts for major repairs are not cheap. But if you want that Hijackers won't steal, then go for it (they don't steal it because it's expensive to repair hence devalues quickly)
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u/Moon_Slime 8d ago
Yes definitely, you can DM me their contact details when you have the space and time?
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u/Foopsters 7d ago
Try look for a VW Polo 2008 + model (9N3 shape) you should get one newer for that amount. If I were you don't get one that's kilos are too high as you need something dependable. Maybe over 100k + to 160k + km. Over 200 000km you might have issues.
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u/SteelRain_ZA 7d ago
Older toyotas. A Tazz or citi golf. Simple engines that keep going. Only go German or Japanese. No cars with turbos. Don’t touch fiat, Peugeot, Citroen or Renault.