What you need to know when buying your first car
An exciting milestone in life is buying your first car. We’re not talking about the skorokoro that was loaned to you and has rust holes so big you can see the tarmac below. We’re talking about a proper grown-up car that involves research, managing your budget and applying for financing on your own, and with the right partner by your side, it’ll be one of the easiest things you’ve done.
Budget like a pro
First, work out how much you can afford to spend on monthly repayments. You’ll need to consider petrol, insurance and maintenance costs when budgeting. We love to fool ourselves into thinking that we can survive on R100 petrol a week or that we’ll only eat baked beans while living on a budget. The truth is that not budgeting correctly sets us up for disaster; buying a car in your price range can leave a little extra in the bank so you can live your best life.
Money! Money! Money!
Be realistic about what you can and can’t afford. Shop around and look at all the new and preloved models on offer in your price range. When you’re looking at what you’ll get for your money, a fantastic resource associated with preloved vehicles is RCS Car Finance and its accredited partners, Best Price For My Car and Vehicles4All.
Decide what you’re looking for
First start with a list of what you need, then follow with what you want. Do you want a point A to point B transporter, practicality of ground clearance or a sports car? Do your research on models available in South Africa and check that the model you’d like has all the features you require. Pre-apply for finance to see what you qualify for. RCS Car Finance will help you find and finance the car of your dreams.
The shopping experience
You’ve decided a preloved car is the best deal. Be on the safe side with RCS Car Finance, who will ensure that you’re not overpaying and that your car is in tiptop mechanical condition. RCS Car Finance takes all those ‘what ifs’ out of buying a car privately, turning it into an easy, safe and hassle-free experience. Through RCS Car Finance’s trusted partners it will ensure that your car has passed stringent third-party-approved checks. It will ensure you pay the right price for your car, negotiate on your behalf and finance your preloved vehicle too.
Are you currently looking to buy a car? Do you want RCS to help you find, check and finance your car?
RCS is a registered credit and authorized FSP. NCRCP38/FSP44481
Please note: Due to the COVID-19 lockdown it will not be possible for RCS Car Finance to assess and test a pre-loved car for you or deliver a vehicle. You will be able to start you RCS Car Finance application and see how much finance you could qualify for, the rest of the safe, easy process will take place at a later date.
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Image: iStock
This post is sponsored