By Everson Luhanga
- Used cars five to 10 years old can offer airbags, anti lock braking systems and electronic stability control at lower prices.
- Some buyers qualify for instalments under R2,000 per month and a 90 day payment break to ease pressure.
For many South African families, a first car is no longer just a celebration. It is a serious money decision.
When a child turns 18 or leaves for university, parents must balance independence with rising costs. Food, rent and fuel prices are climbing. Road accidents involving young drivers are also a concern.
Weelee, a used car retailer, says families do not need brand new vehicles to keep young drivers safe.
New cars can lose between 20 and 30% of their value in the first year. That drop in value can hurt family finances.
Choosing a car that is five to 10 years old can stretch a budget further. Many of these vehicles still have safety features like multiple airbags, anti lock braking systems and electronic stability control.
Sam Ghisleni, head of marketing at Weelee, said parents should check crash test ratings. He said they should look for models with front, side and curtain airbags.
“Reliability and low running costs are valuable bonuses as you want a vehicle that will not leave your children stranded,” he said.
Student friendly options often include the Volkswagen Polo Vivo, Suzuki Swift, Kia Picanto, Nissan Magnite, Toyota Starlet and Hyundai i20.
Used cars are usually cheaper to insure and maintain. Some buyers qualify for installments under R2,000 per month and a 90 day payment holiday to help manage cash flow.
Pictured above: A parking lot with used cars.
Image source: Pexels
