Used Car Guide

More sunshine and fun times are finally upon us. What does that mean? More time traveling, going to the beach, or going to visit family and friends. Safety comes first,  Before hitting the road, one needs to ensure that their car is roadworthy by visiting one of our Service Centres. Getting your car serviced is one of the many effective ways to make sure of that. This will also help the car perform better and save on fuel consumption.  One cannot predict the future and anything can happen. Keep yourself and your family safe this festive by practicing the following safety tips:  TYERS  A tyre could get a puncture or burst during the drive. It’s important to make sure that there’s always a spare tyre that’s in good working condition. Also, check that you have all the necessary tools to change a wheel. DEMISTERS  Should you find yourself in the middle of extreme weather conditions such as a hailstorm or an extreme downpour, do not allow your car to mist up. In this instance, your demisters should be switched on to help clear up the windscreen for visibility. As an extra safety precaution have your headlights and hazard lights on, for better visibility. WINDOWS AND WINDSCREEN Inspect all windows for any chips or cracks and have these fixed before the trip. Check that your window wipers are in good working order and replace them if necessary. BRAKES Car brakes can fail at any time. Should you find yourself in a predicament, don’t panic. Slowly take your foot off the accelerator, switch on your warning lights and allow the car to slow down. Proceed to stop in a safe area and apply the handbrake. Warning lights should stay on to warn other road users.  To avoid or help prevent all these mishaps take your car in for service. With so many Auto Pedigree Service Centres located around the country. Ranging from Richards Bay, Bloemfontein, and Durban to Polokwane, and many more. You can travel with ease knowing you will be assisted by our exceptionally skilled staff and technical experts.

December is one of the most exciting months of the year when many people make big purchases such as vehicles. If you’re planning on purchasing your first vehicle this month, here are a few questions you should be asking yourself. Will the purchase be in cash or through vehicle finance? What kind of vehicle insurance can I afford, and will I be able to maintain the vehicle’s monthly payments from fuel to minor or major services? To answer your questions here is some advice we can give you.  Budget Is Key While the festive season may see many people with extra cash, it's important to purchase a vehicle that is within your day-to-day budget. And one that you have been planning for financially. By this we mean, you have allocated your estimated monthly payments for the vehicle, including insurance, fuel and regular service. If you have, then the vehicle you choose should be within your planned budget and not on the account of inconsistent extra cash.  Insurance Is Peace of Mind Finding vehicle insurance involves a lot of research. This is because you want to get the best deal for your vehicle as well as your pocket. There are three options to choose from; comprehensive vehicle insurance, theft and fire and third-party only. In the event that your vehicle is purchased through vehicle finance, banks prefer comprehensive vehicle insurance to be taken out as it protects the asset (vehicle) and yourself in the likelihood of an accident. If you’re unsure of which vehicle insurance to choose, all Auto Pedigree dealerships brokers will assist you in negotiating a deal suitable for you.  Vehicle Service A Lifestyle To get the best out of your vehicle and to maintain its value, ensuring that it gets regularly serviced is key. During your vehicle purchasing process, vehicle service funds were allocated. These will come in handy in January if road trips far and wide are on the cards. Vehicle maintenance is not only about visiting a service centre, but it's also about daily travels, pouring petrol, checking for water and oil, tyre pressure, keeping it clean and being a good driver. These small but very important acts keep your vehicle running for longer and add to its value.  When purchasing your vehicle this December, all our Auto Pedigree dealerships will assist you in finding the right set of wheels. Visit our dealerships here https://www.autopedigree.co.za/dealers

This festive season why not explore your own beautiful city or country? A road trip is always a good idea. Think of all the new memories you will create and the places you will discover. Why wait… Let’s go. It’s as much about the journey as the destination itself, too, and the fuel stops with family or friends. At Auto Pedigree you can find any car to suit your traveling requirements with our Deal Assistance. Below we elaborate on which car you should purchase depending on your road trip. Discover magical off-track destinations, in one of Auto Pedigree’s, various single-cab and double- cab bakkies. For off-road and camping trips, bakkies would be your best choice, here is why: • It can travel on most gravel, tough, full of rocks or uneven surfaces that other cars won’t be able to or have a difficult time traveling on • They can conquer mountains and cross rivers • They are basically heroes on for wheels - pulling other cars out of sticky situations • Can carry a heavy load, from camping gear, tents, extra bags, and everything in between • No tent, no problem. Bakkies with canopies can be turned into a sleeping paradise. Just throw in a mattress. At Auto Pedigree you are spoilt for choice with our range of SUV’s. For your frequent and long drives along the Garden Route or the Coastline SUV is your best choice, here is why: • Lots of space for all passengers to ride comfortably • Good fuel economy • More boot space for luggage and other equipment • Greater towing capacity • Entertainment systems to keep everyone entertained on the trip • Basically, put together a station wagon with a truck and get the best of both worlds. Whether you are buying a new car or trading in a car, Auto pedigree’s Deal Assistance of up to R50,000 will help make the process easy peasy. With flexibility on how to use it. Ranging from a deposit, cash back, settlement, defer your payment, or combination option. Take advantage now and make this the best road trip ever!

For many South Africans, December month is about travelling, visiting family and friends and those long-awaited vacations. With long trips on the cards, is the interior of your vehicle well-serviced to make the road less tiring? We’ll tell you vehicle parts that need servicing to make the ride more comfortable. And most importantly, to visit a service centre before going on that trip. Travelling Vehicle Checklist 1. Air Conditioning The South African weather during December tends to be hot. So be sure to have your air conditioner checked at a local service centre for any possible faults. When taking your vehicle for a service, ask the mechanic to check its refrigerant level as well. 2. Cooling System Make sure that your vehicle has enough coolant and that it meets the manufacturer’s specifications. These specifications can be found in the vehicle’s manual. Servicing your cooling system regularly will prevent leaks or any unwanted surprises. 3. Batteries Check your vehicle’s battery before hitting the road. Is it charged, does it have enough fluid or does it need to be changed? Be sure to have your mechanic check your battery before taking a trip. A flat battery means a stationary vehicle. 4. Vehicle Fluid These fluids are engine oil, coolant (antifreeze), power steering fluid, windshield washer fluid, brake fluid and transmission fluid ( for automatic vehicles only). They prevent the vehicle from overheating. 5. Lights These lights must all be checked and where necessary be replaced. These include your interior and exterior lights such as headlights, rear, bright lights, front and back indicators as well as your hazard lights, reverse lights and most importantly your brake lights. While all of the above is important, it's just as important to visit your nearest service centre for a minor or major service to avoid any unpleasant surprises on your travels. Our service centres are available in these areas for a quick pop-in.

It is no secret that South Africans have had a long love affair with bakkies. Whether it be for agricultural uses or as an everyday car. With so many advantages to owning a bakkie such as off-road driving with ease and being able to carry heavy loads. One's priorities do change over time. The family could be getting bigger or smaller, geographical location could be changing, etc there are various reasons to consider changing the type of car you drive. Auto Pedigree has plenty of car options to choose from in the bakkie, SUV, and sedan categories and we are here to help make the transition seamless. SUVs and sedans have become incredibly popular with drivers and you probably already have a preference, but the best fit for your needs may be more complicated than previously thought. One of the top commonalities between SUVs and sedans is that they are both incredibly popular. There are several advantages of a sedan to keep in mind while shopping:  Lighter on fuel - they are lighter than most bakkies and SUVs and carefully tuned for optimal efficiency. The lower driving position, along with the fact that major controls are generally within easier reach, make it the better choice for the enthusiast. Faster with equivalent power - cutting through the wind with less resistance means you save on fuel, but it also improves power and is ultimately better for the environment. Sleeker look, lower to the ground, and less bulky. Safer than SUVs - they are closer to the ground in turn offering better handling and a more comfortable drive than SUVs or bakkies. The low ground clearance makes it easier to get in and out of the car. This shouldn’t deter you from purchasing an SUV. Should your primary needs include more cargo space, more towing capability, and the ability to go off-road, an SUV is a better choice.  Should you be on the market for a second-hand bakkie, Sedan or SUV, Auto Pedigree is here to help make the process smooth, quick, and stress-free.

Many people are often sceptical about car balloon payment and what it means for them when looking for vehicle financing. The aim behind balloon payments is to make monthly instalments more affordable. However, with any financial agreement, it is important to understand its terms and conditions and whether they will suit your financial needs. In this series, we’ll explain what a balloon payment is, what you can save from it and whether it's a viable financial option for you. What Is A Balloon Payment To simplify it, it's a lump sum payment made at the end of your vehicle loan. Think of it as your vehicle deposit, instead of paying it at the start of your vehicle loan repayment term,   you’re paying it at the end as your final instalment. And is structured in this manner to assist potential vehicle buyers to purchase their vehicles at a fixed payment amount in the beginning and save up the rest at the end of the term. Dealerships like Auto Pedigree have three-vehicle purchasing options available, no deposit, deposit, trade-in or purchase with a balloon payment. How Does A Car Balloon Payment Work? It’s best to illustrate it as follows: Nick has opted for a no-balloon option, while Zano has opted for a balloon option of 35% for the same vehicle. Vehicle Price R189 000 Nick (No Balloon) Zano (Balloon Option) Total Repayment R189 900 R191 107.50 Monthly Instalment R3026 R 2991.74 Possible interest rate of 10.54%, p.a for a five-year term. Nicks’s monthly instalment over the five-year period will be higher than that of Zano’s. While Zano will have a pocket change every month from paying lower monthly instalments. However, she will have to pay the outstanding last instalment of R66, 887.63 while Nick will owe nothing. Hence, many used car dealership consultants will advise that when opting for this option, it's best to save the extra money towards the last instalment. And that requires financial discipline. One of the best ways is to open a savings account dedicated to the last instalment. At Auto Pedigree, our skilled sales consultants are available to walk you through this option. In the event that Zano is unable to pay the last instalment, the bank may extend the vehicle term however, it may be costly if not duly paid. Highlights No upfront deposit Lower monthly instalments Ample time to save from lower costs Drawbacks Repayment could be longer if interest-based. A little riskier than traditional loans. If you’re looking for a vehicle and considering a balloon payment option, visit any of our nationwide Auto Pedigree branches and speak to our consultants today.  

Searching for a vehicle online has become the proverbial norm. Gone are the days of travelling far to look at potential vehicles that sometimes didn’t suit your budget. With dealerships on the internet, you can search through their wide selection, view vehicle specs, look at available vehicle finance, work out your possible monthly instalments, and book a test drive.  Whether you're looking for a family car, for business or for personal use, searching it online has never been easier.  This guide is all about helping you search for a vehicle online and what you should be searching for when browsing the internet.  It all starts with doing the necessary research to get the best vehicle for your personal needs and one that will suit your budget. With many dealerships online, visiting a used car dealership is optional meaning that the bulk of the comparison work may be done online.  Search Local Area Start your online search by looking at credible and reputable dealerships in your local area. This will prove useful later on when you need to view the vehicle in person and take it for a test drive.  Search With Intent And Purpose When searching for a vehicle, if you’ve done your home regarding your affordability and budget, your credit profile will be next.  Your credit profile is the determining factor in how much banks will approve your vehicle finance application. Where possible, get a pre-approved loan to shop with a better understanding of what your budget will get you. A pre-approved loan is not the actual loan but rather an indication of what you would most likely receive from a bank.  Vehicle Specifications Now that you have a number to shop around with, start researching the vehicle brands and models you are interested in. Look for brand credibility, workmanship, durability, and maintenance affordability.  While all cars eventually break down, it is best to buy a vehicle whose vehicle parts and maintenance or car service will not cost you an arm and a leg. When browsing through Auto Pedigree’s website, all available vehicles specify prices and specifications for better choice and selection.  Used Car Checklist When vehicle shopping, a checklist of what to look out for in and on the vehicle is important. This is a great guide on thoroughly going through the vehicle specifications to avoid interesting surprises later on.   Accident History Report The Service Book Interior and Exterior Damage The Bonnet - engine, fluid, leaks, and sounds Brakes and lights  A majority of this information will be more useful when test-driving the vehicle.  Book A Test Drive  When test driving the vehicle, it's best to look at everything, from the ease of how the vehicle starts, the sounds it makes, and how comfortable you are in it; meaning, do your feet touch the pedals comfortably? You also want to check the following: Check your seat, its comfort and adjustability. Check if the steering wheel is adjustable.  Check the mirrors and blind spots. Check all interior lights, brakes, doors, and any other mechanical parts of importance. Check the exterior for any dents and scratches or two-tone paint.  Check the tyres. Check the bonnet - engine, oil, and water filter.  It’s important to check the vehicle thoroughly.  Select Vehicle and Enquire You’ve found your vehicle and taken it for a spin, and are ready to start your buying process. Most websites like Auto Pedigree will have an Enquire Now link to speak to a sales consultant to get the ball rolling. They’ll take all your details and documents electronically and process your vehicle finance application without leaving the comfort of your home. Once the bank has approved your vehicle loan application, and you’ve test-driven your vehicle, all that’s left is to pick it up or have it delivered to you.  If you’re searching for a vehicle, visit us here www.autopedigree.co.za our skilled consultants are ready to help you.   

South Africa is a treasure trove of experience, bursting at the seams with breath-taking views. It is an unspoken rite to road-trip some of South Africa’s best routes every once in a while. But where does one even begin? Out of holiday season is a great time to travel because it’s not too hot and the roads are quieter than during the bustle of summer. However, anytime is good too because South Africa has such a great climate year-round. The Auto Pedigree team has put together some great road trip ideas for South Africans. Before you go… how safe is your car to drive? Have you scheduled a car service before you hit the road? Auto Pedigree Service Centres are conveniently located all over South Africa to ensure that when you set out on the road, you are doing so in a stable and serviced car. We will not let your car leave our floors until we are satisfied that your car will get you where you need to go safely. A Trip Through The Wild Coast The Wild Coast is located in the Eastern Cape and stretches a good 350km from the coastal city of East London all the way south to the border of KwaZulu-Natal. This particular spectacle lives true to its name, known great and wide for its rugged beauty. It is a segment of the country that has remained almost untouched.  Travel through the Wild Coast’s rolling hills, along the jagged coast, and marvel at the untamed beaches and jungle that surrounds it. The inland region is strewn with traditional rondavels and rustic farms. Formerly known as the Transkei, the Wild Coast was once home to some of South Africa’s greats and is saturated with heritage to be seen and experienced.  There Is Always Time For The Panorama Route  When faced with the option, would you rather travel the quicker, less exciting route or the slightly longer, breathtakingly blissful route? This is quite literally the situation you will encounter passing through Mpumalanga.  The Panorama Route guides you along South Africa’s highest tar road, giving you the best possible view of the spectacular mountain ranges and tranquil valleys, dotted with beautiful waterfalls and diverse plant and animal life. If you aren’t in a hurry, we suggest adding the Panorama Route to your road trip agenda.  The Enchanted Garden … Route At the very top of South Africa’s list of treasures, we have the incomparable Garden Route. For about 200km from Mossel Bay to Storms River Mouth along the coast, you will not believe your eyes. No description could do this beauty any justice, the Garden Route is simply one of those ‘you had to be there’ experiences.  As stated in the name, the Garden Route is especially known for the otherworldly atmosphere given off by the sublime vegetation and picturesque beaches. The Knysna Forest is well-known for its alluring hiking and mountain biking trails, and of course its resident forest elephant population.  South Africa is a gift that simply keeps on giving, with endless sights to be seen and experiences to be experienced. It is overflowing with natural beauty and mystery. Hopefully, this has offered some inspiration for your road trip in South Africa.  Still need a car before you hit the road? Browse our used cars for sale here and don’t forget to make an appointment with our car service centres. Be safe.  

In an ideal world, we’d all love to sell our cars when they are fully paid up, looking to upgrade or downscale. However, life happens and situations may prompt you to sell your vehicle sooner rather than later. Deciding to sell your car is not an easy decision, more so when it is a financed car. So, what do you do when you need to sell your financed vehicle? A financed vehicle is not yours and legally belongs to the bank or any financial institution that gave you a vehicle loan. This is because your repayment term has not been concluded and the settlement amount is still owed. HERE IS WHAT YOU SHOULD DO STEP 1 - KNOW YOUR SETTLEMENT AMOUNT Request a settlement letter detailing the amount paid and the amount outstanding. Once that has been done, determine if you can afford to settle the amount owed. STEP 2 - SETTLE THE AMOUNT If you’re financially unable to settle the amount, this is where the trading in a financed vehicle journey begins. You would begin by establishing its market value. STEP 3 - ESTABLISH VEHICLE MARKET VALUE Research the vehicle’s brand, make and model to determine its comparative prices as well as popularity. All these factors will give you a clear indication of whether you’ll be paying out of pocket for the shortfall or if will you have change left. Visit an Auto Pedigree dealership to evaluate the vehicle to offer a sound market value amount. If the price of the vehicle sells for more than your settlement amount, you could use the money left as a deposit for your next vehicle. However, if the market value of the vehicle is less than the outstanding amount, the shortfall would have to be paid from your pocket. A payment plan may be discussed with your bank. STEP 4 - PAPERWORK Once the settlement amount has been received, a settlement letter will be handed over to you closing off the debt. Auto Pedigree has a wide range of vehicle options to choose from when considering a trade-in. Visit any of our nationwide dealerships here https://www.autopedigree.co.za/dealers

During the holiday season, there is an influx of vehicles on the road as many people travel home, visit family and go on vacations. This is why regular vehicle maintenance is essential and visiting your nearest service centre becomes crucial. This is to avoid any roadside electrical or mechanical faults which could have been avoided. While accidents can happen anytime, it's essential to adhere to the rules of the road as well as consider these driving tips.  One of the most essential actions to take when travelling is ensuring the roadworthiness of your vehicle beforehand. Has it been well maintained including receiving a major or minor service? If it has, then you’re good to go. However, if it hasn’t, it's best to visit your local service centre and enquire about what it requires. As a rule of thumb, a vehicle should be serviced either every 100 00km or 15000 km, especially when it's still “new” or if you’re looking to maintain its current value. Minor and major services will range from engine oil to brake pad replacement and even installation of new parts where applicable. Auto Pedigree has service centres nationally to visit for check-in and tune-up before hitting the road. They will look into services such as your tyres, their pressure, tire thread as well as an oil change, exhaust systems and spark plugs amongst other vehicle services. Always record these services on your vehicle’s service book as this comes in handy when you’re looking to trade it in. A well-serviced vehicle is less likely to break down. Plan your trip and the route you’ll be taking to give yourself ample time for rest in between the drive. This is a great way to be vigilant of your surrounding. Whether it's during the day or at night, knowing if the road ahead is prone to animal crossing, potholes or a hot spot will assist in understanding the speed limit you need to drive in. Here are some mandatory basic safety rules: Keep to the speed limit. Do not drink and drive. Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles. Always wear a seatbelt as should all other passengers. Always secure infants under the age of 12 months in a rear-facing car seat in the back of a car. If you’re planning a trip anytime soon, visit any Auto Pedigree service centre for minor or major services. We service all brands and models.