Don’t worry, the car pricing experts at getWorth have some advice for you.
If you’re selling your car, it may have some scuffs, chips, and dents, but should you fix it before selling? According to the car buyers at getWorth, it’s not necessary. Most buyers will do an inspection and factor the condition into the price they pay. Dealers will then bring the car up to showroom condition at a lower price because of their relationships with repairers. Fixing the car before selling may actually cost you more and cause inconvenience. Plus, a poor repair job could make the situation even worse.
On the other hand, if your car is out of plan, you should keep servicing it. Regular services are important to keep your car running smoothly and to maintain its value when you sell it. If you’re not driving much, make sure you still hit your mileage services (normally every 10,000 to 15,000 km).
What if you buy a car and don’t like it? Normally, you’re stuck, but there are a few options. If you financed the car, you might be able to use the National Credit Act’s 7-day cooling-off period, but the fine print makes it difficult to apply. Alternatively, you could buy from a dealer that offers a 7-day money-back guarantee. getWorth’s getSeven system is the first of its kind in South Africa and allows you to drive and live with the car for seven days or 700 km (whichever comes first). If you’re not satisfied, you can return it for a refund. The company believes that getSeven shows a genuine commitment to standing behind the cars they sell and has seen about 15 cars returned on average within the 7-day period.
If something goes wrong with your car after you buy it, what legal protection do you have? Buying from a dealer gives you some protection under the Consumer Protection Act, but it’s legally debated and difficult to apply in practice. Cars are complex machines and used cars come with a higher risk. Your best bet is to buy from a dealer with a clear and solid aftersales policy and to take out an extended warranty for peace of mind.
