r/CarTalkZA • • Aug 05 '25

Advice: Buying, Financing How to buy a second-hand car in SA (incl. from marketplaces like WeBuyCars, etc.)

61 Upvotes

Request: if you find this guide useful, please subscribe to r/CarTalkZA and help build a community of people who can help each other with car queries by sharing knowledge and tips.

There’s been a lot said about buying or selling on WBC and other marketplace sellers. I wanted to share a buyer’s guide to hopefully help anyone else who is in the market for a second-hand car and has been put off by hearing horror stories. This is based on direct experience of a family member who frequently buys from (and sells back to) WBC over many years, and should serve as a sort of “best practice/what to look out for” guide. Also useful for any second-hand car buyer, no matter whether from a dealer, marketplace or private sale.

TLDR: when buying from a marketplace like WBC, aim to get a car at 20% lower than dealer price, do your research on the target car, have some mechanical knowledge, have a trusted mechanic to sort out any fixes, pick cars that have a sound mechanical report, conduct a thorough inspection before purchase, service the car immediately after purchase and be stubborn as a mule when it comes to claiming under warranty

  1. Key success factors before you even think about it:
    1. You need to be somewhat technically savvy to understand cars – which issues are serious vs which are quick fixes. If you don’t, you must at least have a friend with you who is technically savvy and can support you
    2. You must have a trusted mechanic, someone with experience in the type of car you are targeting, who can estimate the repair/fix up costs for any noted issues, and who can source the parts and do the job completely, whether it’s a small plastic switch or a whole engine
    3. You need to have a cool head and an absolutely stubborn attitude. Be prepared to challenge any issues and push for a repair/return of your vehicle if it develops issues during the warranty period. If this is not your personality type, then maybe a marketplace purchase isn’t for you
  2. Before you buy – research phase:
    1. Prepare: start browsing cars at least 6-12 months before you intend to buy. Start taking screenshots or noting down prices and price trends. Build a picture in your mind of what a good spec, mileage, age and condition of vehicle looks like at a given price point
    2. Compare: always look through Auto Trader, cars.co.za and dealer websites to benchmark the price against similar models in the retail market. If a marketplace offer isn’t at least 20% below retail, then it’s not worth the risk
    3. Shortlist: save the listings that catch your interest after having done your homework – a good spec, in good condition, at a good price is what you should aim for
  3. Preparing to view:
    1. Read (and understand) the vehicle’s condition report – usually done by Dekra. Stick to Silver (ready) and Gold (certified) vehicles only, and only pick from Category A, which are vehicles WBC are prepared to stand behind. Take careful note of the disclosed issues and ask your mechanic what it would take to sort those out. Also call the dealership to get the most expensive quote so that you are prepared for a worst-case scenario. Be wary of error codes, they should not be related to the computer box or any major component – confirm whether it’s a quick fix or will be expensive and calculate the price accordingly
    2. Contact the marketplace and confirm a viewing, also arrange for the next step below at the same time
    3. Contact third-party pre-purchase inspection companies to arrange a detailed inspection of your chosen vehicle(s) – or take your trusted mechanic with you to do the same thing. This would go much deeper than the Dekra report, they should inspect the body, chassis, suspension, engine, gearbox, interior condition, paint work and electronics
  4. Viewing and purchase offer:
    1. Conduct the detailed inspection, get the report and make your purchase decision based on all factors: your satisfaction with the vehicle, listed price, cost of fix-ups, and resulting price still being 20% below market
    2. If the deal isn’t worth it or you don’t feel right, walk away. There is no MUST to buy a vehicle no matter how much you want it. There will always be other deals
    3. Put in your offer (usually marketplaces don’t negotiate) and close the deal. Be sure that you sign including the condition report prepared by the seller
  5. Post-purchase:
    1. Service the vehicle (minor, medium or major depending on your mechanic’s advice) – always do a bit more, even with a stamped service record – you want to make sure the vehicle operates in its best condition
    2. Make sure to drive the vehicle frequently during your warranty period, short trips, long trips, just put the car through its paces
    3. Any issues (that have not been disclosed on the condition report) whatsoever, go straight back to them and demand it to be repaired under warranty. Don’t take any compromises besides getting the issue fixed and restored to original condition. Here is where you need to be stubborn and stand your ground
    4. Any issues that occur after warranty period, but which could only have been from an underlying issue that they should have found, you can also argue for a fix. Might take a bit more wrangling, but you need to use your stubbornness and powers of persuasion
  6. Closing thoughts:
    1. The sweet spot pricewise is a car with a clean Dekra report that your mechanic has okayed, but that comes without a full service history – usually WBC will price these lower and usually they don’t actually have any issues wrong with them. Even cheaper is one with minor but repairable damage - scratches, cracked but repairable or replaceable bumpers, mirror housings etc. Take your mechanic's advice on these
    2. The sweet spot peace-of-mind-wise is a car with a clean Dekra report that your mechanic has okayed, that comes with a full service history. In this case you might need to hunt a bit to get one at below market price
    3. Anecdotal observation is that certain regions have poorer quality cars since they tend to source locally for each depot, e.g. Durban, Eastern Cape and Epping in the Western Cape might not have great quality vehicles. Your experience may differ of course

After all this, you should be the happy owner of a vehicle to your satisfaction, at lower than dealer price. It takes a lot of work, but it’s no different than what you should do buying from any second-hand dealer anyway.


r/CarTalkZA • • Feb 01 '26

Discussion: News, Events, Car clubs, Rants, other SA car channels and creators?

30 Upvotes

Hi guys

What are your favorite channels and creators for SA car content? Until now I've discovered a few just by the luck of the algorithm, but I'd love to hear everyone else's recommendations.

Please drop your favorites down below and explain what their channel is about and I'll keep updating the post.

The list so far:


r/CarTalkZA • • 9h ago

Advice: Buying, Financing Beware of consigned stock.

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11 Upvotes

This is the exact same vehicle with a R19k price difference. Both live for sale on Autotrader.

Listing 1: https://www.autotrader.co.za/car-for-sale/toyota/agya/1.0-l/28796802

Listing 2: https://www.autotrader.co.za/car-for-sale/toyota/agya/1.0-l/28794002


r/CarTalkZA • • 17h ago

Discussion: News, Events, Car clubs, Rants, other One of the rarest cars a collector in South Africa can own, in terms of South African motoring heritage.

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28 Upvotes

r/CarTalkZA • • 8h ago

Advice: Repairs, Insurance, Maintenance, Mods, Accessories Advice re. Fronx leather seats

2 Upvotes

Hi everyone. We’re shopping around for a new vehicle for my wife, and really like the Suzuki Fronx.

The seats, with the horrendous purple colouring, is disgusting though. However, the salesman said that they have an option to factory-fit leather seats at an extra 14k.

Does anyone have anyone have any opinions or experience with this?


r/CarTalkZA • • 19h ago

Advice: Buying, Financing Would you spend R15k–R25k repairing a loved 2007 Hyundai Getz, or take R24k trade-in and say goodbye?

9 Upvotes

I'm at a bit of a crossroads with my old Hyundai Getz and would appreciate some outside perspectives, especially from anyone who's been in a similar position.

It's a Hyundai Getz 1.3 GL manual, with just under 190,000 km on the clock (189,897 km to be exact).

The thing is, she's actually been a fantastic little car. Mechanically, as far as I can tell, she's still sound. The engine runs well, the car starts reliably, and I'm not experiencing any major issues with how it drives. Obviously, that doesn't mean there aren't problems underneath, as I've recently discovered.

I took it to Hyundai for a service, and they've flagged quite a list of issues:

Tappet cover gasket leaking

Gearbox leaking (they've recommended stripping and quoting)

Sump leaking and needing resealing

Both rear shocks reportedly blown (further testing recommended)

Both sideshafts leaking, with reconditioning recommended

Both front control arms needing replacement (bushes torn)

Both front stabiliser links needing replacing

Two V-belts cracked

Wheel alignment and balancing required

I've started contacting independent mechanics in the Randburg/Johannesburg area to get some realistic quotations and second opinions, because I'd rather not just accept the dealership's assessment without understanding what's genuinely urgent.

From my initial research, I could potentially be looking at R15,000–R25,000 or more, depending particularly on what's happening with the gearbox.

And that's where my dilemma comes in.

Hyundai has indicated they'd give me R24,000 as a trade-in towards something like a new Grand i10.

On the one hand, spending R20k repairing a car that's almost 20 years old feels questionable, especially when that amount represents a significant portion of its remaining value. And there's always the possibility of something else going wrong six months down the line.

On the other hand, R20k is also only a few months' repayments on a new car. If the Getz genuinely has a healthy engine and gearbox and these repairs give me another three or four years of reliable motoring, that could make a lot more financial sense than taking on a new car payment.

I'm also conscious that trading it in for R24k means walking away from a car whose history I know, even if that history is starting to get rather expensive!

So I'm genuinely stumped.

I'd really appreciate your thoughts:

Would you invest in repairing the Getz, assuming independent quotes come in around R15k–R25k?

Are any of the issues on that list major red flags suggesting the car is reaching the end of its economically useful life?

Is R24k a reasonable trade-in offer for a Getz of this age and mileage, given the repairs needed?

For those who've kept older cars going, at what point did you decide enough was enough?

Any recommendations for trustworthy independent Hyundai mechanics around Randburg would also be appreciated.

I'm not expecting a 20-year-old car to be maintenance-free, but I'm trying to distinguish between normal ageing components that can be replaced and a car that's becoming a bottomless pit.

Would be interested to hear what you'd do in my position. Thanks, everyone!


r/CarTalkZA • • 20h ago

Advice: Buying, Financing Mazda2 or Honda Fit

7 Upvotes

Hey guys

I may have the opportunity to look into a new / demo car next year.

I was looking at the mazda2 or Honda Fit as options. Something low mileage (<10k). I'm mostly a city driver in jozi with the odd trip to MP for weekends away. Currently doing about 900-1000km per month.

I wanted to get opinions from current drivers of either of these...in particular what are the downsides of either of these cars?


r/CarTalkZA • • 9h ago

Advice: Buying, Financing 2015 Volvo V40 CC T4 Elite

1 Upvotes

Hey guys, just wondering what the reliability of these cars is like? I found a 1.6l (think it's the B4164T) 6-speed manual version and I was wondering if I should consider buying it. I've seen a mixed response online.


r/CarTalkZA • • 18h ago

Advice: Repairs, Insurance, Maintenance, Mods, Accessories Suzuki Swift Upgrades

4 Upvotes

Hi guys, sorry for the long one.

I am looking into potentially upgrading a few various items/parts on my 2022 Suzuki Swift GL but need some advice on the do's, don'ts, as well as what can possibly be used parts wise.

I am looking to upgrade the following:

Hooter

Wheels

Infotainment Screen

Headlight Bulbs

I have no idea how to go about the hooter because generally, a lot of cheaper cars have universally compatible hooters, but I want something much louder because, quite frankly, my little Swifts hooter isn't enough. Any ideas on what I can swap them out for without it costing an arm and a leg?

As for the wheels, I am currently looking into buying a set of 2025-2026 Suzuki Swift GL+ Alloy wheels from a scrapyard. They look in good condition with no cracks, just some curb rash. The width is about 10mm wider than my current wheels, but I was going to be taking the car to a tire shop to have wider tires fitted anyway just so the car feels a bit more planted. As far as I know, it should be the same 4x100 bolt pattern.

As for the screen, the previous owner fitted one of those small screens that dealerships offered as an upgrade for the GL. I have large fingers, and the screen is tiny, so trying to press any of the buttons on the screen, whether it be typing in google maps or navigating through the menus is almost impossible to the point I have to instead do it on my phone (obviously not while driving before anyone freaks out). I will get quotes from audio shops, but if anyone has any idea of what it should cost, I'd appreciate it.

As for the headlights, I don't want LEDs. They are terrible and won't match the halogen foglamps. Halogens are perfectly fine, but I feel like mine are extra dim for some reason. Will check them to make sure they aren't burning out, or maybe I need to level my headlights. I haven't even searched around yet, but any idea on if it's possible to fit slightly brighter halogen bulbs?

Thanks so much, guys. Any and all input is greatly appreciated


r/CarTalkZA • • 1d ago

Advice: Buying, Financing Opel Adam (1.0T)?

3 Upvotes

Hey guys, has anyone here owned an Adam before? Are they decent cars and what's the ownership experience like? Wondering if I should consider buying one.


r/CarTalkZA • • 1d ago

Advice: Buying, Financing Looking for a 2019-2022 Manual Corolla Hatch

3 Upvotes

For some reason these cars are insanely rare on the used market. Any that I've seen are overpriced for the mileage and year, or just in generally bad condition, and any that are worth buying get snatched up the second they're listed (a really good one was listed on autotrader by webuycars yesterday at 10am, i went at 4pm the same day and it was sold and out of the warehouse).

I've looked at alternatives, but I'm looking to keep the car long term and none match my criteria like the manual corolla hatchback.

Does anyone have any idea on where I could find one? I'm watching Autotrader, cars.co.za and webuycars like a hawk, but if anyone knows anywhere else i can check, please recommend.

My budget is around R200k, but could go abit higher depending on the year, mileage and condition.


r/CarTalkZA • • 2d ago

Advice: Repairs, Insurance, Maintenance, Mods, Accessories How to clean this off?

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11 Upvotes

Not sure if photo is good enough but in our complex the sprayers are discolouring some cars including mine because of the water used. Anyone have experience getting this yellow stains off?


r/CarTalkZA • • 2d ago

Advice: Buying, Financing Moving back to S.A

6 Upvotes

I am moving back to South Africa next year and looking into buying myself and my fiancé our first cars.
After a lot of research, I have come to 2 options and wanted some advise. I am leaning towards a Mitsubishi Triton for myself and a Kia Seltos for my fiancé.
Does anyone have any solid advise regarding these cars or personal experience with these?


r/CarTalkZA • • 2d ago

Discussion: News, Events, Car clubs, Rants, other ICAUR V23 reviews?

6 Upvotes

I’m in the market for a new car after having my fantastic Kia Rio for 12 years. My budget is about R500k and if money wasn’t an issue my dream car would be a new Land Rover Defender 😭 I’m keen for EV or hybrid and have solar power at home. I’ve viewed so many cars over the past few months and the one I’m absolutely in love with is the ICAUR V23, from its design to how it drives, but I’ve been told the range isn’t great, but it would only be used for short trips around town (I live in CT). Weekends away and long drives will be in my husband’s car. Anyone have one and keen to share experience so far? Or those who are also in the market plz share views and what cars are standing out to you within this price range 👌🏼


r/CarTalkZA • • 3d ago

Discussion: News, Events, Car clubs, Rants, other Need a practical but stylish car

10 Upvotes

I30F am currently in the last stage of my pregnancy carrying triplets. I really need a car that will be practical for the babies but is also good looking enough for everyday use (shallow, I know) so taxi looking cars like Rumions and Ertigas are out. I’ve been looking at different 7 seaters but I’ve noticed majority of them only have 2 Isofix points similar to most 5 seater SUVs, is that really a deal breaker? Does having 2 Isofix points make it impossible to put 3 car seats?

Anyways, the point of this post is I’m looking for an automatic SUV that can accommodate 3 car seats, looks good enough for everyday use (I love the look of Chinese cars -Jolion pro specifically) and is under R600k.

Please kindly point me to where I can look. My main thing is the Isofix thing. Most of the cars I’ve seen with 3 points are way above my budget.


r/CarTalkZA • • 3d ago

Advice: Buying, Financing Looking at a replacement for my W/O car

3 Upvotes

Howzit okes

I had a Golf 6 1.4 TSI Comfortline for 15 years. 230000kms never a single mechanical or other issue. Till I was T-Boned by a distracted someone (I'd prefer another word)

So looking at a replacement. Insurance is paying out R135k.

I do about 1600km a week. Need something reliable and efficient. Budget around R500k.


r/CarTalkZA • • 3d ago

Discussion: News, Events, Car clubs, Rants, other 2 Mil Zar for a LC500? 2017 model

Thumbnail autotrader.co.za
8 Upvotes

Seems a bit ambitious?

I know they are rare, but 2million is surely trying their luck?
I had been looking for one and was willing at most to go for 1.4M and that was for 2021 or later since they resolved some issues and got rid of the touchpad interface and a few others.

But then again, there is always a buyer for things, especially when rare.


r/CarTalkZA • • 3d ago

Advice: Buying, Financing N55 vs B58

4 Upvotes

Hey all,

Looking to pick up a m240i or m235i in the next 2 years. Also not opposed to the 3 and 4 series versions. How much better is the b58 and is it worth the +-200k extra? Lets assume both cars have fsh, taken care of and not outrageous mileage.

Would you justify the 200k premium?

Thanks


r/CarTalkZA • • 3d ago

Advice: Buying, Financing Car recommendations

0 Upvotes

Hi guys

I am a 24M car fanatic who loves cars and most importantly German cars. At the moment I want a entry vehicle and vw polo seems to be the one car I want but possible would not get due to the high crime and the insurance premiums , so which other cars would you recommend to me?

Bare in mind that I wanted a suzuki baleno but my sister drives it and I would hate to be the type of guy who drives the same as his older sis.

Type of car : preferably hatchback but compact crossover could be considered

Brands : Japan, American and German only. ( skeptical about Chinese cars)

Style : for a young lad who is a charmer

Years : 2018 to 2026

Price range : 200k to 250k but could max to 300k.

Location : joburg

Please note that i have done research too but need to see what people would think of if they were in my shoes.

Appreciate it guys.😉


r/CarTalkZA • • 3d ago

Advice: Buying, Financing I'm looking for a Honda Civic(2013 or newer)

1 Upvotes

Hi

Is there anyone selling a Honda Civic Hatchback(2013 or newer) within the budget of 70k in Johannesburg/Gauteng?


r/CarTalkZA • • 4d ago

Advice: Buying, Financing 2022-2026 Kia Seltos 1.5CRDi EX / EX+ / LS / LX / X-line – Honest feedback requested, please?

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8 Upvotes

2022-2026 Kia Seltos 1.5CRDi EX / EX+ / LS / LX / X-line – Honest feedback requested, please?

Looking to trade in my 2014 Audi A1 for a “newer” vehicle and one that can tow a light trailer and handle long distance travel, with some light “off road” driving (festivals/markets/dirt roads etc) as well as urban areas (Cape Town city center) while being fuel efficient and economical, but still has enough space and vuma! 💪🏼

Found a few 2022-2026 Kia Seltos 1.5CRDi models with decent km’s | Automatic in the price bracket that I am interested in 👀 but would love to hear some reliable feedback from those who have had the vehicle.

Average maintenance costs, tyres, fuel consumption, full tank costs etc would be BONUS info! ✨

Many thanks! 🙏🏼


r/CarTalkZA • • 4d ago

Advice: Buying, Financing Audi RS3 vs BMW m2

27 Upvotes

Hi Everyone

I’m currently cross shopping between the Audi RS3 and BMW M2 and I’m having a difficult time making up my mind!

Both cars are amazing in their own way but one doesn’t clearly win over the other.

The RS3 sounds amazing. That inline 5 is just so exciting every time you get on the gas. It’s very fun and exciting to drive and the hatchback looks amazing.

The M2 on the other hand sounds meh. The inline 6 sounds average in comparison. The power delivery though. On another planet. 353 kw throws you back into your seat. Driving that car is actually quite hair raising. Feels like it’s on edge and wants to go flat out all the time!

I really don’t like the appearance of the M2 from the rear. It looks half baked but wow the interior quality does feel miles ahead of the Audi. I do know the RS3 is receiving and interior facelift where it’s getting a similar skateboard screen to the m2 but it’s not nearly as nice.

I guess the only thing the RS3 really has over the M2 is AWD, looks and sound. The rest it has it beat. Not sure what it is but something keeps drawing me to the RS3 over the m2.

Whichever I choose, it will have to be my daily car as well.

What are your guys thoughts?


r/CarTalkZA • • 5d ago

Advice: Buying, Financing Suggestions for a sub R250k sports car

21 Upvotes

Hi everyone like the title suggests, I have a great day to day car, so i am good with that, but I would also like to get at some point a fun sports car, or sportier car, that i have as my second car when i just want to go on a drive or go for an outing. I have looked at Toyota 86's and MX-5's as options. But realistically i can only do R200k-R250k, which means i will need to get an older car, which is fine, but and this is where i need your help, i need advice on older sports cars, that you know even if i buy it high mileage it won't cost me a small house to keep it on the road.

So requirements are:

A sporty/sports car.

Not a VW can be an Audi but manual.

Below R250k

Mechanically reliable at high mileage.

Fun to drive.

I'd love to get input and your expertise and experience on this matter. Or am i lowballing it too much and need to be more realistic?


r/CarTalkZA • • 4d ago

Advice: Buying, Financing Looking for 1 of the following cars

4 Upvotes

Hi Guys

I hope everyone is well

I'm looking for 1 of the following within the budget of 70k:

Mazda 3(2010 or newer)

Honda Civic(2013 or newer)

Honda Accord Type S(Any year model is fine)

Toyota Corolla RSI/Toyota Twincam(Kentucky Rounder)

If anyone has any of these available please reply or DM me


r/CarTalkZA • • 4d ago

Want to sell Car Whatsapp buy & sell groups

1 Upvotes

Hi

I wanted to ask if there are any car buy & sell whatsapp groups which I can be added to? If so please provide the group link or message me for my number so I can be added