Buying Cars Tips & Advice - Used

Used Case Study: Jeep Renegade for Under R300 000

The Jeep Renegade shook up the SUV scene with quirky looks and urban charm—but is it a smart second-hand buy today? We take a closer look at its strengths, known issues, and how it stacks up against rivals like the Mini Countryman and BMW X1.

Posted by Charlen Raymond - 16 June 2025

Used Case Study: Hyundai Santa Fe For Under R500 000

The Santa Fe did wonders to change public perception that the Korean automaker had what it takes to go up against its Euro rivals, but is that also the case in the used car market? We find out – what would you go for in this price bracket?

By Charlen Raymond - 2 March 2025

Used Case Study: Mitsubishi ASX for Under R300 000

Considered a fringe player, the Mitsubishi ASX proved to be a solid choice in the burgeoning SUV segment. Here is what to look out for.

By Charlen Raymond - 16 February 2025

Used Case Study: Volkswagen Polo GTI FOR UNDER R400 000

Long held as the de facto entry point to the local hot-hatch game, we explore Volkswagen’s Polo GTI as a used proposition. Which would you take between this and the two rivals listed?

By Charlen Raymond - 12 January 2025

Buying Used: Jeep Wrangler (2007 – 2017)

The Jeep Wrangler is a legendary 4×4, but what to do if you want a third-generation model for yourself? We explore that option…

By Charlen Raymond - 13 December 2024

Used Case Study: Renault Duster for Under R300 000

Since 2013 the Duster has been a robust and capable mainstay in the South African compact SUV segment but how does it hold out in the used car market? We find out and list two potential rivals for consideration.

By Charlen Raymond - 1 December 2024

Used Case Study: Suzuki Vitara Brezza & Toyota Urban Cruiser for Under R300 000

Only on offer for a two-year stint which ended last year, the Suzuki Vitara Brezza and Toyota Urban Cruiser still remain great value-for-money options. Here is what to look out for and two rivals that could win some buyers in the used car market.

By Charlen Raymond - 15 November 2024

Buying Used: Ford Ranger (2011 – 2022)

The T6 Ford Ranger made an undeniable impression on South Africa’s bakkie market, but is it still relevant after an 11-year run?

By Charlen Raymond - 23 October 2024

Case Study: Ford EcoSport For Under R400 000

The Ford EcoSport was a top seller in its time on the new car market, but how does it stack up the year after it was discontinued.

By Charlen Raymond - 17 October 2024

Buying Used: Audi Q7 (2006-2016)

The Audi Q7 made a big impression when it launched in SA in 2006. Here’s what you should know about this SUV’s first generation if you are looking at buying a used example.

By Charlen Raymond - 15 October 2024

Buying Used: Ferrari California T (2014 – 2017)

The California T changed the direction for Ferrari in many ways, but is it still as defining as the day it was launched in SA? We detail what to look out for when shopping around for this drop top Prancing Horse.

By Charlen Raymond - 9 October 2024

Buying Used: Volkswagen Eos (2007 – 2016)

The Volkswagen Eos made quite the impression on South Africans shopping in the extremely niche convertible market, but is it still valued eight years after its market exit?

By Charlen Raymond - 1 October 2024

Buying used: Tata Bolt (2015 – 2019)

The Tata Bolt had a brief stint in SA. But is it good enough to be considered as a used purchase five years after its discontinuation? We find out!

By Charlen Raymond - 25 September 2024

Used Case Study: Mini Hatch for Under R400 000

The Mini hatch has served as a staple for the British brand in its 30 years and 3 generations. Here is what to look out for when buying used.

By Charlen Raymond - 23 September 2024

Used Cars Up, New Cars Down Midway Through 2024

SA’s automotive market has seen a marked shift in 2024, driven largely by the ongoing economic challenges affecting multiple sectors. Here is what it means for new and used cars.

By Charlen Raymond - 10 September 2024

Buying used: Ford Focus RS (2016 – 2018)

Serving as the final RS badged Ford Focus before the lineup gets culled, is the third-generation model a good buy 8 years after it was last offered new? Charlen Raymond provides some insight in a buyers guide.

By Charlen Raymond - 9 September 2024

Buying Used: Volvo XC90 (2015 -)

The second-generation Volvo XC90 made its South African debut in 2015 and symbolised a significant shift in Volvo’s approach to luxury SUVs in an effort to go against the German stalwarts. Here is what to consider when buying used.

By Charlen Raymond - 4 September 2024

Buying Used: BMW 4 Series (2013 – 2020)

The BMW 4 Series has been in South Africa since 2013, but it is the first-generation that captured locals’ imaginations. Looking for a new or […]

By Charlen Raymond - 29 August 2024

Buying used: Jaguar XF (2008 – 2015)

The Jaguar XF made quite the impression when it launched in 2008, reinventing the British automaker’s appeal in the public eye. But just how good […]

By Charlen Raymond - 27 August 2024

Buying Used: Honda S2000 (2000 – 2009)

The Honda S2000 was one of the revered vehicles of its time and an immensely desirable driver’s car. Here’s what you should know if you are considering buying one.

By Charlen Raymond - 23 August 2024

Used Case Study: Ford Mustang for Under R800 000

Celebrating its 60th year in 2024, we take a look at how the sixth-generation Mustang fares in the used car market and what its rivals are. Which would you take?

By Charlen Raymond - 18 August 2024

Buying Used: Nissan Livina (2007 – 2015)

The Nissan Livina enjoyed a solid run of success in South Africa. But is this locally-built MPV still a good choice as a used buy? Charlen Raymond addresses what was once an incredibly popular MPV for Nissan.

By Charlen Raymond - 14 August 2024

Buying Used: Alfa Romeo 156 (1998 – 2007)

Arriving at the close of the millennium, the Alfa Romeo 156 heralded a new era for the Italian Automaker. Charlen Raymond details things to keep in mind when shopping for one. Which iteration would you opt for?

By Charlen Raymond - 7 August 2024

Buying used: Hyundai Atos (2019 – 2022)

The Hyundai Atos was reintroduced to the South African market in 2019 after a six-year hiatus but is it still relevant? Charlen Raymond finds out.

By Charlen Raymond - 29 July 2024

Used Case Study: Toyota Fortuner

Considered by many as the quintessential Adventure SUV, the Fortuner is about as strong a used buying proposition as you can get in this segment. Charlen Raymond details the things to look out for when shopping in the used market and lists two rivals for comparison.

By CAR magazine - 22 July 2024

Buying Used Cars