Buying Your First Car Without Getting Played

Adulting | Published: Nov 27, 2025

Budgeting Car Buying First Car Vehicle Finance Car Insurance Maintenance Used Car Scams

Buying Your First Car in South Africa – Without Getting Ripped Off

(A super-simple, beginner-friendly guide with clear steps, costs, and tips)

Hey, first-time buyer! You’re done with packed taxis, late nights waiting for Bolt surges, or begging lifts for that new job. A car equals freedom, but it’s also a **big money decision**. One wrong move and you’re stuck with breakdowns, scams, or payments you can’t afford. This guide is your **cheat sheet**. No jargon. Just plain talk, lists, and real tips so you buy smart, stay safe, and **don’t get played**. Let’s roll!

1. Do You Really Need a Car?

A car can change your life — but only if it fits your wallet and routine. Ask yourself these 3 questions **before** you even look at pictures on AutoTrader.

Question	Why it Matters	Your Answer
Will it save time or money?	Taxis/buses: R500–R1,000 per month. Car: R2,000 +/month. Use WesBank’s free calculator – see real numbers.	...
Can you share rides?	Bolt, Uber, or carpool = way cheaper? Try it for the first week.	...
Can you afford R1,500 to R2,000 extra per month?	Earn R12,000, spend R10,000 → only R2,000 left. Be Honest!	...

**Bottom line:** Need it for work with no public transport? → Go for it.
Want it to impress friends or post on Insta? → Wait. Save first.

2. How Much Will It Really Cost?

A car is not just the price tag. Here’s the full breakdown — **every rand** you’ll spend.

Cost	How Much	When
Car price	New: R180,000+ / Used: R50,000–R150,000	Once
Deposit	Save R10,000+ → cuts monthly payments	Once
Loan repayment	R100,000 loan = ~R2,200/month (5 years)	Monthly
Insurance	R200–R2,000 (young drivers pay more)	Monthly
Fuel	R1,000–R2,500 (500–1,000 km)	Monthly
License disc (tax)	R500–R1,200 per year	Yearly
Services	R500–R1,500	Yearly
Roadworthy (used)	R500–R800	Once

Smart budgeting tip: Follow the **50/30/20 rule** — car costs should **not eat more than 50% of your income**.
→ Use AutoTrader’s cost calculator to see your total monthly bill.

3. New Car vs Used Car – Which is Best for You?

Let’s keep it simple: peace of mind vs saving cash.

	New Car (e.g. Suzuki S-Presso R180,000)	Used Car (R50,000–R150,000)
Pros	No breakdowns, 3-5 year warranty, Modern safety (airbags, ABS)	Way Cheaper, Loses value slower, Lower Insurance
Cons	Expensive, Loses 20-30% value in 1st year	Might break soon, No warranty
Best for	You want ZERO STRESS	You want to save R100,000+

Beginner advice: Start with a used Toyota, VW, or Honda. They’re bulletproof. Get an AA inspection (R1,000) — worth every cent.

4. Petrol vs Diesel | Manual vs Auto – Pick Your Style

Don’t overthink it. Match the car to your driving.

Petrol vs Diesel

	Petrol	Diesel
Cheaper to buy?	Yes (R120,000 Polo)	No (R150,000 Polo)
Best for	City, short trips	Long trips, highways
Fuel use	8–10L per 100km	5–7L per 100km

Pick petrol if you drive in town. Pick diesel if you do long trips (e.g. Joburg → Durban often).

Manual vs Auto

	Manual	Auto
Cheaper?	Yes (R10–20k less)	No
Easier to drive?	No (clutch + gears)	Yes
Best for	Tight budget	New drivers, traffic

Beginner tip: If you’re new to driving, get automatic. No stress in Joburg traffic!

5. The 4 Must-Do Legal Things (Don’t Skip Any!)

Skip these = fines, stress, or losing your car.

A. Roadworthy Certificate (Used cars only)

**What:** Proof the car is safe (brakes, lights, tyres).
**Cost:** R500–R800
**Rule:** Must be **less than 60 days old**.
**Tip:** Seller should give it. If not — walk away.

B. Insurance – Protect Your Wallet

Car insurance protects you financially by covering the costs of accidents, damage, or theft—so you’re not left paying huge bills on your own.

Type	Covers	Cost/month
Third-party	Damage to OTHER cars	R200–R500
Fire & Theft	+ Fire + Stolen car	R400–R800
Comprehensive	Everything (accidents, theft, your car)	R800–R2,000

Young drivers pay more — but **compare 3 quotes on Hippo.co.za** (5 mins!).

C. License Disc – Your Annual Car Tax

**What:** A sticker on your windscreen. **No disc = big fine.**
**Cost:** R500–R1,200 **per year** (based on car weight)
**How to renew:** Online at eNaTIS.gov.za or go to Post Office / licensing office.
**Tip:** Check fines on PayCity first. Set a phone reminder!

D. Maintenance – Keep It Running Smooth

Job	Cost	When
Oil + filters	R500–R1,500	Every year
Tyres	R800–R2,000 each	Every 40–60,000 km
Battery	R1,000–R2,500	Every 2–5 years

Keep the **service book** — helps when you sell.

6. Where to Buy (Safest → Riskiest)

Place	Safety	Tips
Dealerships	Highest - Paperwork done for you.	Full warranties on new cars.
Online Marketplaces	Medium - Compare prices easily.	AutoTrader / Cars.co.za.
Private Sellers	Lowest - Bring a mechanic!	Facebook / Gumtree.

7. Avoid Scams – Spot the Red Flags!

South Africa has dodgy sellers. Stay sharp.

Red Flag	What It Means	What to Do
“Urgent sale – buy today!”	Hiding problems	Walk away
Mileage too low for old car	Odometer rolled back	Get AA history check
No roadworthy paper	Car is faulty	Say no
"R50,000 BMW"	Too good to be true	Probably stolen

**Golden rule:** Never buy alone. Bring a friend or mechanic. Meet in public.

8. Test Drive & Paperwork Checklist

This is your final safety net.

Test Drive (20–30 mins)

Listen for clunks, rattles, squeaks
Test brakes, lights, AC, indicators
Drive on highway + bumpy road

Paperwork You MUST Get

Signed sale agreement
Roadworthy certificate (<60 days)
Registration paper (RC1)
Your ID + proof of address (utility bill)

Verify online at eNaTIS.gov.za — takes 2 minutes.

Your 3-Step Action Plan

When	Do This
Today	Use WesBank calculator → know your real budget
This Week	Browse AutoTrader + get 3 quotes on Hippo.co.za
This Month	Test drive 2–3 cars + get AA check (if used)