Looking to buy a pre-owned car in 2023? Here's a quick guide!

Automotive platform Cars.co.za has announced its inaugural Best Used Car Buys. It’s based on the test team’s vast experience with cars, SUVs and bakkies in the new and used-vehicle markets, as well as model and pricing data collected on an ongoing basis.

“We prefer to position this as a buyer’s guide rather than an awards programme,” explained consumer experience manager Hannes Oosthuizen, “because there are so many variables at play when it comes to choosing a used vehicle. Given the current economic climate, we have placed emphasis on value for money, durability, good after-sales service and fuel efficiency.” 

To give some structure and to reflect buying “hotspots” in the market, the Cars.co.za team applied the following guidelines and methodology in determining the 2022/23 used cars buyer’s guide.

• Only vehicles seven years and younger were considered.
• Only vehicles with less than 100,000km on the odometer were considered.
• Brands that previously performed consistently well in the Cars.co.za Ownership Satisfaction Survey were given preference.
• At the time of determining the list, stock of the particular model would have to be available on Cars.co.za within the above-mentioned parameters.
• Fuel consumption was a very important factor.

“In these tough economic times, where household budgets are tight, careful consideration should be given to which car you buy, and it is our hope that this buyer’s guide, which will be updated annually, will become a solid starting point for people on their car-purchasing journey,' said Oosthuizen.