Considerations When Buying A New Car in South Africa

With the plethora of cars brands, and models on offer in the South African market, deciding which car is right for you can be an overwhelming process, and create unneeded stress during what should be an exciting experience. By making this emotional decision more pragmatic, and breaking this down into a few smaller ones, it may become clearer which car is perfect for you.

Purpose of the Car: Before diving into the vast world of automobiles, it's essential to determine what you need from your new car. Are you looking for a vehicle that can accommodate a large family, or are you more interested in a compact car for city driving? Consider factors like the number of seats, cargo space, and the primary use of the car. Also, consider how much mileage you foresee travelling on a monthly basis, as this will disqualify less reliable brands and models from your list.

Driving Conditions: South African roads vary in terms of terrains and driving conditions and road quality. If you're planning to travel long distances or frequently drive on rough roads, you might want to consider vehicles like crossovers or SUVs like the Mazda CX-5 or CX-60, as these may be a smoother ride where much time is spent in the car. On the other hand, if you're primarily driving in urban areas, a hatchback like the Mazda2 might be more appropriate as the demand on the vehicle is far lighter.

Features and Safety: Safety should always be a top priority when buying a new car. Look for cars equipped with essential safety features like ABS brakes, airbags, stability control, and parking aids such as rear-view cameras. It's also worth checking the car's safety ratings and reviews to ensure you're making a safe choice in the unfortunate case of an accident. Mazda cars offer such features as ABS breaking, airbags, electronic break distribution (EBD) and electronic break assist (EBA) for peace of mind on the open road.

Budget and Affordability: It's crucial to set a realistic budget for your new car. Consider not only the monthly repayment but also other costs like fuel, maintenance, insurance, and potential unforeseen expenses. It's generally advisable not to exceed 30% of your monthly income on car instalments. Mazda offers considered finance options at 0% deposit to assist making your new car journey all the more easier and affordable.

Resale Value: If you plan to sell or trade in your car in the future, it's worth considering its potential resale value. Certain cars, especially those from reputable automakers such as Mazda, tend to hold their value better than others. Mazda offers an Assured finance model where buyers can return, renew  or retain their vehicle with a guaranteed future-value option for those looking for a more flexible, value retention inclined finance plan, so you don’t need to worry about selling it in the future, its guaranteed (t’s & c’s apply).

Brand Strength: While there are many car brands available in South Africa, choosing a vehicle from a reputable automaker can offer added benefits. For instance, while Mazda is known for its reliability, innovative technology, and stylish designs, its cars come standard with a 3 year unlimited kilometre warrantee and service plan Mazda. While some car brands only offer a 100 000km warrantee on their vehicles, Mazda’s unlimited km warrantee means you can drive as much as you like and never find yourself having to pay for the maintenance of the car.

Insurance and Additional Costs: Remember that any vehicle under a finance agreement must be insured. This protects the asset, especially since the vehicle technically belongs to the finance house until fully paid. Be aware of additional costs that dealerships might add, such as "on the road" fees. Mazda offers fully transparent and comprehensive finance options that ensure you are fully aware and confident in your choice when buying a new car.

When considering buying a new car in South Africa, it's essential to weigh all these factors to make an informed decision. By doing thorough research and understanding your needs, you can find a vehicle that not only suits your lifestyle but also offers value for money. Mazda South Africa is a brand dedicated to assisting consumers with the tenets of transparency, value driven offerings and vehicles that are the embodiment of Kodo Japanese design.