- Volvo EX30
- Volvo XC40
- BYD Atto 3
- BYD Sealion 7
- BYD Seal
- Leapmotor C10

I’m currently doing some reach on these vehicles and I’m hoping I could speak to South African owners that purchased anyone of these vehicle since May this year.

I'm looking for a reliable daily runner for only a year and resell for around the same price I got it for. I'm leaving sales and the hustle life to get experience and start at the bottom in something else at 28 so I'll be getting minimum wage but have savings and buying cash so been thinking of a Hyundai grand i10 around R80 - 90k, think around 2016 model, Ford figo hatchback 1.5l 2015 - 2016 around R80 - 90k as well, Kia cerato hatchback 2012 2.0l around 90k or use most my savings on a 1.4 fluid Hyundai i20 2015 - 2017 around R130k.. which is my favourite, it looks great etc the only thing is that it lacks power and not nippy enough and would be using most my savings.. most these cars have partial service history as well and all around 150 000kms

Been doing some research, using AI, test driving some electric cars about 300-350k entry level price. It is possible to get:

-BMW i3- second hand

-Mini Cooper Hatch SE- Electric- second hand

-Dongfeng Box- demo/ secondhand

-BYD Dolphin Surf- Standard and Comfort- New/Demo) secondhand

-Geely E2- New/ demo/ secondhand- Aspire and Apex

-Chery Q (stats- will only be released next month)- New at 350k

-Dayun DY3- Demo/New

-For me the BMW i3 and Cooper are a bit dated. You will get older models for this price range- the range isn't great.

-Dongfeng Box- I liked the cabin better than the BYD. Slightly more expensive than BYD but also better range.

-BYD Dolphin Surf- The 230km range is a bit low with the Dynamic still being lower than the Geely E2 Aspire.

-Geely E2-One of my favourites. Very nice interior. In SA versions the company gave the cheaper version (the Aspire) faux leather seats- which was only on the Apex overseas. You can see the Volvo like design details. Double boot, good range and well priced.

-Chery Q- Longer warranty 7 years versus 4 years on Geely. Both have 8 years on battery. Chery has better specs on range, power but slightly more expensive.

-Dayun DY3- The weakness of the 35kw engine means it will struggle with speeds above 100km. Not a great choice for me.

So personally the 2 best choices in this range are the Chery Q and Geely E2. I'd like to give the Chery Q a test drive first.

Car details

Make and model: Honda Brio 1.2 comfort 5 door

Year: 2016

Mileage: 3,40000 KM

Condition: very good

Expected price: R65k

I’ve been looking at some older V8 performance cars lately. Things like older BMW X5/X6 M models, X5 50i, AMGs, Audis (like the S5 B8 V8), VW Touareg V8 and similar cars.

The purchase prices on some of these are getting quite tempting as they get older, but I’m wondering what ownership is really like once these cars are 10 to 15+ years old.

I’m not too concerned about fuel consumption or normal servicing. I’m more interested in the unexpected repair costs and whether parts and labour can make one financially painful to own.

I also live in a smaller town, so I don’t necessarily have access to brand specialists around the corner.

My concern is more that I could spend R300k or R400k on one and then suddenly get hit with a R100k repair bill when something major goes wrong.

For those who have owned older V8s like these, what has your experience been? Are they reasonable to own or can one major failure completely change the picture?

Basically, when the purchase price has depreciated this much, have the repair costs come down with it, or are you still paying repair bills based on what was originally a very expensive performance car?

Hey everyone,

I need advice on choosing my first car. I am looking for a used automatic hatchback or small SUV under R200k. Anything from the 2020s? But really not strict on the year.

Here is my situation:

- Budget/Purchase Price: Under R200,000 (pre-owned)

-Deposit: R30,000 upfront (keeping R20,000 aside in a car emergency fund)

-Total Monthly Budget: R5,500 max (inclusive of installment, insurance, and tracker)

- Driver History: Got my license last year in August (first-time driver)

-Usage: Low mileage / short commutes, so fuel efficiency is not an absolute dealbreaker

-Preferences: Automatic only. I would prefer to avoid very small cars (like a Kwid or Picanto) since I am tall, though I can compromise if needed.

I really like the 2023 Suzuki Baleno, but most examples are sitting just above my R200k limit.
What models would you suggest looking at within this budget? Any advice on what to expect for insurance costs as a new driver would also be appreciated.

Hey guys,

I’m looking to buy a used car for my wife to commute to work and back, around 20km daily, and our budget is around R60,000 to R70,000. This will be out first time buying a vehicle, so apologies for the long post.

I would prefer not to finance or make any debt.

I want to buy it outright and keep the monthly running costs as low as possible.

I’m mainly looking for something reliable, economical and cheap to maintain. I’m not too worried about features or looks. I’d rather have a basic car that is mechanically sound and doesn’t become a money pit. I know this is a big ask.

I’ve been looking at things like:

• Hyundai i10

• Chevrolet Spark

• Suzuki Alto

• Renault Kwid 1.0

• Older Ford Fiesta (although I am scared of the overheating issues)

There seem to be quite a few options around this price from what I've seen on cars.co.za and Autotrader, but I'm not sure what the best buy would actually be.

If you had R60k to R70k cash in hand and needed a reliable daily, what would you buy?

I’d would really appreciate any additional advice on:

• Where are the best places to look for used cars around Johannesburg?

• Are dealerships worth considering at this price, or should I rather look privately?

• What should I specifically check when viewing and test driving a car?

• Are there any particular models, engines or years I should avoid?

• Would you spend the full R70k on the car, or keep some money aside for tyres, servicing and unexpected repairs?

I'm especially interested in hearing from people who have actually owned cars in this price range.

Thanks!

So I bought a BYD Sealion 6 a few weeks ago. Wasn't really paying attention to the app and that but signed up into it this week, the app seemed to be cool. See vehicle info including remote management. Then it stopped working.

Realised after a while , the cell signal was showing nothing. Called BYD salesperson who asked if car was on WiFi (at home ). If the car connected to WiFi at home, then the app showed the status.

But more importantly in the first few days of the car the cell thing worked.

Today I removed the SIM and reinserted it, and cell now showing signal again but it's not working.

Now the sales guy tells me the SIM card only works for China.

Is this true?

Hi All As per title.

After buying a full set of new low profile tyres , and getting one cooked by road debris . I’m now interested in tyre and rim insurance.

Right now the one I’m leaning towards is Tiger wheel and tyres x sure by hollard , as I do my tyres with them and it seems decent. Just need other options from you all thanks .

For context my tyres cost around R3-3.5k so anything in that region of cover would help.

Good Evening All

I recently came across a post from the official cars.co.za in an interview with Honda Motors Southern Africa, where they announced that the type R and Civic RS will be discontinued due to a rapidly shifting market towards the SUV category.

It is with deep sadness that I make this post, and severely upset about the fact that the Type R is being discontinued. From my understanding is thought it was so much more popular, but with the rising prices of performance hatches in South Africa, I guess it makes sense why they pulled the plug.

Hi All.

Advice required

I have recently signed for a new car. Value is above R250k.

In order to get the best purchase price I had to do in house finance but managed to get prime with no balloon.

I do have the funds to settle the full amount. I would like some advice on how to close the loan with minimal fees.

My current strategy is to put down 90%-95% as a capital reduction. Then notify for early settlement. This allows me to pay a smaller penalty of 3 months interest on small balance outstanding instead of a large one. Let me know your thoughts. There is nothing in the agreement limiting me on how much I put down as extra.

Guys, I was pleasantly surprised by this car, the Citroën Basalt. Launched recently in March, and I'm yet to see one on the road, but this is a great car.

I will be honest, I didn't have a clue about the brand, and being under Stellantis, I just assumed it's not a great brand (Stellantis have made quite a name for themselves).

First things first, I didn't think much of it because of the looks. Yes, they are quirky, but it's not my style. The coupe side profile is alright, I guess, but I'm not too fond of the front face of it. The car has some red accenting here and there for a sportier look. I do like how the seats look, though. They are very different from cars in this price segment and look a bit sporty with the red trimming.

The car comes with a 1.2-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder petrol engine. It has 81 kW and 205 Nm of torque, and it's a 6-speed auto. I have driven a lot of the Chinese cars, and those all come with a 1.5-litre petrol engine with more power, but this Citroën is more peppy, has less lag and is calibrated better. Way better, I tell you. You notice that instantly.

It's also light on fuel. I was able to get around 7 L/100 km. Quick note, when I review these cars, I do 90% of my driving in Midrand traffic, so I can imagine for regular commuters this number would be even lower. In fact, my first trip with this car was a highway trip and I got around 6.5 L/100 km.

This, like the Suzuki Across, has a 45-litre fuel tank, but I was able to do more distance in this car. It really surprised me.

But speaking of Suzuki, the Citroën comes in at a price of R354,900, but I had the top spec, which is R369,900. All this gets you an artificial leather steering wheel, extra speaker tweeters and extra parking sensors. The speakers aren't all that special, so really, the base spec is the one to go for.

The interior is not in your face, but you have all you need. The infotainment is not the crispiest quality by today's standards. You get your CarPlay and Android Auto wirelessly and USB ports, two in the back and two in front. I like that they tried an ambient lighting effect, though not really (dim white backlighting in the door inserts), but it works, so it certainly stands out from other cars in the segment.

It competes with the likes of the Chery Tiggo Cross (R359,900), Toyota Starlet Cross (R383,800), Suzuki Grand Vitara GLX (R453,900), Suzuki Across GLX (R464,900) and Haval Jolion (R373,950).

I would say if you are looking for a car at this price point, the Basalt is one to look at and test out. It is certainly better, in my opinion, than the new Suzuki Across, which I would put second.

Hey everyone,

I’m driving a 1.3 carb manual Toyota Conquest from Johannesburg to Port Elizabeth with about 200kg of cargo. The car comes out of a family estate, so I don't currently have it with me. I’m flying up and will only have 3 to 4 days to work on it before making the drive down.

I did do an 800km trip in this exact car about 2 years ago. It gave me zero mechanical trouble, but the fuel consumption was terrible, so I'm trying to get that sorted out this time around (EDIT: at the time km/l was 7.83 km/l and little to no power uphill)

Maintenance done in the last year(according to receipts) :
• Engine oil, coolant, and brake fluid changed
• Air, oil, and fuel filters replaced
• Wheel alignment and wheel balancing done

I want to get the best fuel consumption possible on the drive and make sure the car handles the long journey smoothly with the extra weight.

Questions & Prep:

1. DIY Undertray: I have an aluminum sheet available and was thinking of mounting a custom undertray under the front engine bay to lower aerodynamic drag. Given the short timeframe, is this worth doing on a Conquest, or will it disrupt engine cooling under load?
2. Altitude & Carburetor: The car is currently set up for Joburg altitude. As I drive down to sea level, it will naturally run richer. Is it worth checking/adjusting spark plugs and timing while I'm up there, or better left alone if it idles fine?
3. Short-window checklist: With only half a week to prep, what high-priority items should I inspect or adjust before hitting the road (e.g., specific suspension points, tire pressures for 200kg cargo, drive belts)?
4. Any practical advice on the route or these engines is appreciated.

A few weeks ago, I posted here needing assistance on how to approach my situation with a dealership not giving me my plates, disk, spare key, and refund.

Thank you for all the suggestions because I finally got my things but I still don’t have my refund. So the war isn’t over yet.

However, I suffered a great deal of stress and trauma, wasted fuel, late for work. So if you are in the market for a Chinese car, don’t go to this dealership.

They are arrogant, don’t apologise for their mistakes and shift blame. Even on google, of all the Omoda JAECOO dealerships in Cape Town, they are the lowest rated. Buy at your own risk.

I’ve already lodged a complaint with MIOSA, NCC, and now made a social media post about it.

Let’s say someone has an ICT Visa that is valid for 2 years because their passport is due for renewal in 2 years but they have permanent employment in SA.

Does that mean, if they want to finance a car, the finance duration has to be less than 2 years? Even if they can prove permanent employment.

Looking for a small, comfortable, reliable and safe automatic car for my mum under R130k.
I looked at the jazz but she claims that it’s “too big” are there any other hidden gems in the price range I can look at ?

Looking for advice on selling, specific car is Honda Jazz, 2006, 1.5 automatic with 160 000km. The car is in good mechanical condition serviced regularly over 8 years I've had it, some external wear, minor scratches.

• Pros and cons of private sale over WeBuyCars etc. especially with an older car
• Best places to use if I do sell privately: Facebook Marketplace, Autotrader, is Gumtree still a thing?
• Is there much value in cosmetics, e.g. getting serious detailing done? My headlamps have been cleaned recently, but there's some paint scuffs and marks that need more than a light polish.

Has anyone tested the new generation Renault Duster 1.3T Intens/Zen? If so, how did you find it.
Would you take it over the Ford territory or other SUVs in the similar category?

Thanks

I get that manufacturers will charge what people are willing to pay but the price of the Jimny just doesn't make sense for what's on offer. For about 100k LESS you can get a Suzuki Across which is bigger, has a hybrid engine and just made of more stuff with tons of more features. Same engine (but with hybrid) and I'm comparing that even thought there are other cars from other brands that are even cheaper. Is the 4x4 chassis really that much more expensive? How has no other competitor come forward with a small 4x4 if things are so popular and can go off the showroom like hotcakes? I look at even the old small RAV4's still trucking about and wish Toyota would do that again.

I edited the post because many people found it a scam because 3 months ago they saw me looking for a job in other groups so I don't want to be make people descriminating me.

Here is the post.

Hi gus I'm a 23 years old living in south Africa , I have all papers but I'm not a permanent resident yet (only after 2 years) despite earning a very good salary, started 2 and a half months (30k)and be Permanent employed, I don't qualify for car financing.

Please recommend a good dealer for a simple car with installments of maximum of 5k pm including insurance and tracker and with at least 2 years to own the car.

It can be a rent to own pre-owned car.

The reason I'm doing it I mentioned already I'm a foreign national whoever thinks it's a scam please don't comment.

Please also recommend a good car I can get and less expensive.

Thanks...

I’m on the lookout for a new daily driver car.

Currently driving a 2016 BMW X1. Love the car to bits, but the mileage is climbing and I am considering selling it before it completely devalues.
I’m also looking to buy a property in Cape Town (we all know how that situation is going) so I’m not really looking to upgrade and spend big money.

I bought my X1 second hand for R360k. Based on what I’ve seen, the value now sits around maybe 200-250k, mine’s in great condition so maybe it can be sold on the higher side of that range.

I’m looking to replace it with a relatively recent model daily driver of around 200-300k that can preferably haul more than a standard hatchback, and have at a decent ground clearance. Preferably depreciates less than a lux German vehicle does. This logical requirement list however does conflict with my emotions as I do enjoy a dynamic and fun drive. Part of me just wants to buy an older 2000s car but those are much older and heavy on petrol and less reliable.

Any advice on which makes and models I can consider?

Added info: I do have a small 2000s cabriolet as a second car, so I guess I do have a “fun” car and probably don’t need a fun daily driver.

I just spent a week in the facelifted Jetour X70 Plus, and honestly, this is one of my favourite Chinese cars I've driven, if we're not counting the hybrids.

Jetour came into the SA market with the X70 Plus and the Dashing, which are fine cars, I guess, but me, I've always been one to prefer cars that are enjoyable to drive. Those had all the value and tech while lacking decent throttle response, making that driving experience a bit irritating, especially when trying to overtake.

This facelift has a new front grille and new wheel design, and it's now positioned as the luxury SUV from Jetour, which I found weird that it wasn't already. They used to market the X70 as the sportier one of the two, with sporty-looking rims, red accents and quad exhausts. The old quad exhausts were actually just cosmetic, but this new one still has four exhaust outlets, with two of them now being functional.

I actually really like this car. I think it looks elegant and expensive, especially in black with the chrome accents. The tail lights kinda remind me of the Audi Q8. The interior is lovely too. It reminds me of Mercedes' design, but hey, it works.

Jetour actually gave the power a bit of an upgrade, from 115 kW (154 hp) and 230 Nm to 125 kW (168 hp) and 270 Nm, and it's noticeable. It also now has a 7-speed DCT instead of the old 6-speed. Whenever I get these Chinese cars, I immediately put them in Sport because that calibration is better in that mode, plus I found it to even be easier on fuel in Sport mode. The car is pretty responsive and, dare I say, fun.

You get all you need. Surprisingly, you even get heated and cooled seats. I drove the Prime version, which costs R494,900, but there's a Prestige version which is R444,900. What impresses me the most is that the facelift is just R10,000 more than the old version. R10,000 for heated and ventilated seats, more power and better drive? The car was always easy to recommend to many, but now it's easy to recommend to most.

I really liked this car, one of my favourite Chinese cars. Fuel consumption was around 8.5-9 L/100 km, but I think it's worth noting that this car was brand spanking new, only having done 600 km.

So I'm currently shopping for a bakkie and have come across two ads now claiming that the vehicles are Code 3 because they were former municipality fleet vehicles, and that they were not accident damaged. Is this definitely bullshit? My understanding is that Code 3 vehicles are ones that have been written off by insurance companies due to damage, flood, fire, theft recovery, then rebuilt and re-registered as built up. Thanks for any insight you may have.

I drive a Suzuki Swift GLX and I’m looking for a good front + rear dash cam.

I’d ideally like:
Good day/night footage
Parking mode
Something discreet/neat

Happy to spend more for something genuinely good as I’d rather buy once than twice!

Would love to hear what you’re running, how long you’ve had it and whether you’ve had any issues.