When it comes to buying a car nowadays, most of us are looking at the second-hand market. After all, with a new car, that thing depreciates by klomp percentage as you drive it off the showroom floor and, unless you’re able to flip it every two or three years, a new car has become somewhat of a luxury.
That’s why Bobby Nitro likes to have a glimpse into the second-hand market now and again. Bobby spoke to Ashraf Abdurahman of Myaa Auto, a dealership in Goodwood, to find out about trends, what to do and what not to do in buying a vehicle.
Bobby: So, what’s hot on the market at the moment, and what’s not?
Ashraf: That would be Volks-
wagen, Toyota and Chevrolet. People look for affordability, efficiency and reliability. The VW Polo Vivo is particularly popular for these reasons and a lot of people settle on one as their first vehicle. Tata, SAAB and Renault are not moving as fast, possibly due to consumer preference.
Bobby: What should a buyer look out for?
Ashraf: When purchasing a second-hand vehicle, buyers should look out for mileage, service history and any accident damage to the vehicle. The mileage will give an indication of the wear and tear the vehicle has endured. The service history will indicate to you, as the buyer, whether the vehicle was maintained well or not. The key to purchasing a second-hand vehicle is to look out for accident damage.
Bobby imagines that the old run-your-finger-along-the-panel trick doesn’t cut it anymore, and it’s a complete recorded his-
tory that you’re after. Bobby also knows that you can go to the AA and pay for a full check of a vehicle.
AANIE BRAND: Staff members at Myaa Auto dealership in Goodwood
Bobby: Will the VAT increase be felt by buyers?
Ashraf: The recent increase in VAT from 14% to 15% has not really been felt in the market yet, but in coming months vehicle prices will be adjusted and the market will be adjusted. Fuel prices are not a big factor since it fluctuates often and consumers usually make provision for that.
Bobby: Can you tell us a bit about Myaa Auto?
Ashraf: We started out really small in 2007 with a R76 000 in loans on an open plot with an office, three employees and about 20 cars. Now MYAA Auto has grown to three branches, a workshop and a panel shop and about 40 employees.
Bobby: What can you tell us about the vision of the company?
Ashraf: Firstly, Myaa Auto was built with the customer’s future in mind and we pride ourselves on selling accident-free second-hand vehicles.
Our long-term mission is to fill all gaps for affordable, performance and luxury vehicles within the second-hand vehicle market. We strive for quality and constant innovation. Our vision is to lead the way in the industry through integrity and exceeding expectations. Next up, we look forward to ser-
ving luxury vehicle clientele in the near future.