7 Things that Roadside Assistance should include

Whether you suffer a mechanical breakdown, a flat tyre, a dead battery or accidentally lock your keys inside of your car, there’s no need to feel despondent when things go awry… If you invest in a roadside assistance service, help will be a phone call away.

PARTNERED CONTENT

Picture it: You’re cruising down the highway when disaster strikes. You hit an unexpected pothole, which results in a deflated tyre. Or, you’re on your way to a meeting, only to discover you have a flat battery.

These common mishaps can leave you stranded on the side of the road, feeling helpless and frustrated, which is why you’ve decided to invest in roadside assistance. But what do you actually need? Budget Insurance outlines this benefit in more detail so you can get the best service and value for money.

What is roadside assistance?

Roadside Assistance delivers a range of services that can get you back on the road if your vehicle suffers a mechanical or electrical breakdown. Expert roadside assistants are usually qualified mechanics who can resolve simple issues such as flat tyres, empty tanks or keys locked in your car on-site.

However, if the problem is more complex and requires further expertise, your car breakdown service provider will probably have to tow your car to a dealership or garage for repair.

7 Things to Ask When Getting Roadside Assistance

In South Africa, roadside assistance offerings can vary, and not all are equal. It’s not advisable to assume you’re fully covered for any eventuality. To avoid costly mistakes, ask the following questions when you’re looking for an assistance provider:

1. What are your callout limits?

Many providers limit the number of calls per insured vehicle. Ideally, you should be able to call for assistance at least 3 times per year. Make sure you know your policy limits. It’s also important to clarify whether the coverage is limited to a specific geographical area.

2. What services are covered?

What specific roadside services are included in the coverage? Common services include towing, jump-starting a flat battery, tyre changes, lockout assistance and fuel delivery. You also need to confirm if the policy covers all call-out fees and labour or if there are limitations and exclusions.

Typically, if you don’t have roadside assistance, a service provider will charge a fee to come to and charge you separately for their labour. So, make sure your provider covers both services.

3. What is your response time?

Establish what the typical response time is for the provider. In many situations, a quick response can be crucial. Find out if the service offers any emergency assistance or transport in case of a car accident.

4. Are there any vehicle eligibility restrictions?

Some vehicles may not be eligible for roadside assistance based on factors such as the age of the car, weight or extensive wear and tear. Vehicles that may also require specialised services are also ineligible.

5. Will you provide notifications for family members?

Some roadside assistance services can notify your family or designated contacts to let them know what’s happened and how long you’ll be.

Auto & General Roadside Assistance, for example, comes with a complimentary phone application that, when downloaded, can send out an automatic SOS in the event of a car accident or collision.

6. What is the cost or membership fee?

Find out what the membership fees or costs are for the benefit or service so you can compare quotes to find a good deal. Many service providers will offer different tiers of coverage or a discounted option to add the service to your existing car insurance policy.

When you take out Budget Insurance for Third Party, Fire and Theft, Comprehensive Vehicle, Motorcycle, 4×4, Building, or Home Contents, Assist Benefits are included.

7. Can you make trustworthy referrals for repair work?

You might not know who can or should assist you with a particular car issue when your car isn’t working as it should. To avoid causing any further damage or voiding your car’s warranty, many roadside assistance services can refer you to a make and model specialist you can trust.

Get a quote now

Gain peace of mind in knowing that there is always someone available to help you in your time of need. If you take out a Budget Insurance policy, you’ll get the benefit of Road Assist. You never know when disaster may strike, so ensure you have as much protection as possible for your own security.

Remember, if you want to learn more about car insurance or review your car insurance requirements with the help of experts, Budget Insurance’s team is always ready to assist. Contact them on 086 1600 120 or leave your details and they’ll call you back at no expense to you! You can also request an online quote.

BMW E30 Bakkie! 325i Convertible turned into a pick-up Video (and it’s running an E36 2.8-litre engine!)

Jacob Moshokoa checks out two incredible BMW 3 Series bakkie conversions!

There is some incredible engineering talent in South Africa. Some of the best cars in history have been conceived and built in our country. But every now and then we come across something which just blows us away, and this is one of those occasions.

In this video, we feature not one, but two BMW 3 Series bakkie conversions, hand made right here in Mzansi. And what’s fascinating is that the white E30 in this video started off in life as a 3 Series Cabriolet. Oh, and then, not satisfied with the original motor, the owner dropped an E36 328i engine into the engine bay.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on these one-off builds!

Want to purchase a new or used BMW? Browse stock here

These 23 vehicles each just had their best sales month of 2023

November 2023 saw SA’s new-vehicle market suffer its biggest losses since early 2021. But, fascinatingly, as many as 23 nameplates registered their best performances of the year so far…

In November 2023, South Africa’s new-vehicle market suffered its most significant year-on-year losses since the beginning of 2021, with sales declining 9.8% to 45 075 units. Despite this subdued performance, something fascinating occurred: as many as 23 nameplates registered their strongest showings of the year thus far.

Yes, combing through the official sales figures, we found example after example of models that sold better in November than any of the preceding 10 months of 2023. So, let’s take a closer look at the performances of these nameplates (ranked by overall volume) last month, each of which bucked the market trend.

*Haval’s H6 hit the 600-unit mark for the first time this year.*

In November 2023, the Nissan Magnite registered as many as 997 sales, beating its previous best this year of 798 units (achieved in July). As many as 833 units came via the dealer channel, with a further 14 sold to government and 10 to the vehicle-rental industry. Interestingly, the Magnite’s best month of 2023 seemingly came courtesy of Nissan SA itself, which reported a whopping 140 single registrations (so, vehicles registered by the manufacturer for its own use).

With 986 sales, the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro likewise enjoyed its strongest month of 2023, eclipsing its year-to-date monthly average of 832 units. A neat 100 units were sold to the rental industry, with a further 3 examples purchased by the South African state.

*The new 5-door models helped Suzuki’s Jimny range hit a peak in November.*

Though the first registrations of the Toyota Vitz – which is currently South Africa’s cheapest new car thanks to an ongoing promotion from the Japanese brand’s local division – were reported only in April 2023, November was easily the Suzuki-built budget hatchback’s top showing of the year, with 855 units sold. The rental industry also played its part here, with 216 units sold via this channel (plus 16 single registrations).

Meanwhile, the Haval H6 (654 units, including 201 sold to the rental industry) breached the 600-unit barrier for the first time this year, with the Suzuki Fronx not far behind on 547 units (bear in mind the latter model has been on the local market for only a little over 3 months, with its maker reporting early “stock challenges”). With the new 5-door version now online, the Suzuki Jimny (350 units) likewise enjoyed its best performance of 2023 last month.

*Nearly 350 examples of the Ford Everest were registered in November.*

Other models to peak in November 2023 included the Ford Everest (346 units), Hyundai Tucson (295 units), Nissan Qashqai (163 units), Honda Amaze (149 units), Ford Puma (132 units), Isuzu MU-X (132 units), Audi Q5 (126 units, including both the standard SUV and Sportback body styles) and Hyundai Kona (119 units).

Finally, the nameplates that couldn’t quite reach 3 figures but nevertheless recorded monthly highs in November were the Volkswagen Kombi (93 units), Proton X50 (54 units), Proton X70 (40 units), Jeep Renegade (29 units), Proton Saga (29 units), Volkswagen Caravelle (27 units), Honda CR-V (22 units), Opel Crossland (15 units) and Ferrari 296 GTS (2 units).

New Fiat Titano revealed as Peugeot Landtrek twin

The wraps have come off the new Fiat Titano 1-tonne bakkie, which appears to be little more than a rebadged Peugeot Landtrek. But could it end up being assembled in SA?

This is the new Fiat Titano 1-tonne bakkie. Look familiar? Well, that’s because it’s effectively a rebadged Peugeot Landrek, which itself is based on the Changan Kaicene F70 offered in China.

Judging by the only images (a pair of front-3-quarter shots) released thus far, the Italian automaker has made very few changes to the bakkie’s exterior styling. We can spot a tweaked grille (with Peugeot’s lion emblem supplanted by the Fiat badge, of course) as well as a new alloy-wheel design. Other than that, the Titano looks just like the Landtrek.

So, will we see the new Titano in South Africa, playing in a segment dominated by the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger and Isuzu D-Max? Well, official details are still very thin on the ground, though the press material from Brazil suggests the Landtrek twin will be available in both Latin America and Africa.

*Orders for the new Titano have already opened in Algeria.*

For now, Algeria is the only African country for which the Titano has been confirmed, with orders having already opened in that nation. But, like the vast majority of Latin America, Algeria is a left-hand-drive market, which leads us to believe right-hand-drive production has not yet commenced.

That could change, however, considering Stellantis South Africa plans to start assembling the Landtrek at its new Coega facility near Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape in early 2026. With the multinational automotive group claiming production volumes “up to 50 000” completely knocked down (CKD) units annually, including for export, there certainly seems to be an opportunity to add the new Titano to the assembly line.

*Peugeot’s Landtrek remains a fairly unfamiliar sight on SA roads.*

So, what do we know about the new bakkie? Well, slotting in above the Strada (the next-gen version of this half-tonner has incidentally been pencilled in for Mzansi) and Toro in Latin America, the Titano – with production having already commenced in Uruguay – looks set to be offered on that continent with a 2.2-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine, and exclusively in double-cab form.

However, in Algeria, the Titano instead inherits the Landtrek’s 1.9-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine, which generates peak outputs of 110 kW and 350 Nm. Furthermore, Algeria will receive both single- and double-cab body styles, with the former offered in 4×2 form and the latter in 4×4 configuration (though both seemingly with 6-speed manual gearboxes only). The payload capacity is listed as “up to 1 210 kg”.

*Fiat’s last stab at the 1-tonne bakkie market came in the form of the Triton-based Fullback.*

Of course, not too long ago, Fiat offered a 1-tonner in the form of the Fullback, though that model was based on the 5th-generation Mitsubishi Triton and quietly went out of production around 2020. Will the Landtrek-based version see more success?

As a reminder, the Landtrek launched in South Africa towards the end of 2021, with just a pair of derivatives (4×2 and 4×4) available locally. Both employ the aforementioned 1.9-litre oil-burning motor, though in combination with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Over the past 11 months, Peugeot SA has sold 312 examples of its Landtrek locally, which translates to a monthly average of just 28 units.

Honda Fit e:HEV Facelifted for 2024

The Honda Fit e:HEV facelift has arrived in South Africa. Here’s a look at how much it costs and what has been updated.

The Honda Fit e:HEV is the brand’s most frugal model offered locally in South Africa. Combining the legendary practicality with an updated and more powerful engine, the Honda Fit e:HEV should make a compelling argument for a modern and economical city slicker.

The Fit e:HEV features a sportier look, with revised bumpers to differentiate it from the other models in the range.

The real change can be found under the bonnet where there’s an increase of 10 kW to the overall power output. It now stands at 90 kW and 253 Nm for total output from a 1.5-litre electrically-assisted naturally-aspirated petrol 4-cylinder motor, with the engine power increased to 78 kW from 72 kW. Impressively, the hybrid system still claims CO2 emissions of 88 g/km and a combined fuel economy figure of just 3.7 L/100 km.

There has been a specification increase too, with the Honda Fit e:HEV gaining a wireless smartphone charger on top of the already comprehensive comfort and tech features package. As a reminder, the flagship Fit features heated seats, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, digital instrument cluster, fast charging USB ports, and a host of semi-autonomous safety features such as radar-guided cruise control and lane-keeping assist.

How much does the facelifted Honda Fit e:HEV cost in South Africa?

The Fit e:HEV is sold with a 5-year / 200 000km warranty, a 4-year / 60 000km service plan as well as an additional extended warranty of 8-year / 200 000km covering the lithium-ion battery and other related components of the hybrid system.

1.5 Hybrid eCVT R 544 900

5 Fuel Efficient Used Double Cab Bakkies Under R500k in SA

Fuel efficiency is an important factor to consider when buying a car but what are your options if you are shopping for a double-cab bakkie in the used car market with a budget of up to R500 000? Take a look at this list!

Double-cab bakkies aren’t typically associated with fuel efficiency but some powertrains are more fuel efficient than others. The fuel consumption return on the smaller, entry-level engines is generally better than what’s offered on the larger capacity powertrains with higher outputs.

Anyone that’s considering taking the leap to purchase a car will have to think about the operating costs (maintenance, insurance etc.) of that vehicle, including fuel costs. Fuel efficiency is therefore an important factor to consider whether you are buying a new or used car.

The real-world fuel consumption return you get will depend on many factors including driving style, terrain, load and surface conditions, to name a few.

So, if fuel efficiency is important to you and you have a budget of up to R500 000 to spend on a used double-cab bakkie, then this list will help you find one!

Note that cars between 2018 to 2023 (5 years old) are considered and this list is not exhaustive.

If you are unsure about how much you are able to afford to spend on a car then we suggest you use our new Car Affordability Calculator and you can also work our estimated monthly premiums using your Finance Calculator.

Fuel Efficient Double Cab Bakkies For Under R500k

1. Ford Ranger 2.2 Double Cab Hi-Rider / XL / XL Sport / XLS – 6.5 L/100 km

The all-new Ford Ranger is here and while the current Ranger 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine is a frugal option (6.9 L/100km), the previous generation 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine is particularly efficient and there are numerous examples available on the used car market for under R500k!

The 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine is offered in 2 states of tune including 88 kW and 285 Nm and 118 kW and 385 Nm of torque.

Buy a used Ford Ranger 2.2 TDCi for under R500k on Cars.co.za

2. Toyota Hilux 2.4 GD-6 Raider / SR – 7.1 L/100km

The Toyota Hilux 2.4GD-6 4×2 SR and Raider double-cab derivatives are the most fuel-efficient in the Hilux range. Its 2.4-litre turbodiesel engine produces 110 kW and 400 Nm of torque while returning a claimed fuel consumption figure of 7.1 L/100 km.

Buy a used Toyota Hilux 2.4 GD-6 for under R500k on Cars.co.za

3. Nissan Navara SE / SE Plus – R7.2 L/100km

The 4×2 Nissan Navara in SE and SE Plus manual guise is a fuel efficient option to consider with a claim of 7.2 L/100km and there are numerous used examples currently for sale on Cars.co.za for under R500k. The Navara is powered by a 2.5-litre turbodiesel engine with 120 kW and 403 Nm.

Buy a used Nissan Navara on Cars.co.za for under R500k.

4. Isuzu D-Max 1.9 TD L / LS / – 7.3 L/100km

The new Isuzu D-Max launched in South Africa earlier this year and the 1.9-litre turbodiesel derivatives in L and LS guise are relatively frugal. This engine offers 110 kW and 350 Nm of torque. There are already a growing number of used examples for buyers to consider.

Buy a used Isuzu D-Max 1.9 TD for under R500k on Cars.co.za

5. Mitsubishi Triton 2.4 DI-D – 7.5 L/100km

The Mitsubishi Triton is one of the most fuel-efficient double cabs you can buy and there are numerous examples on offer under R500k on Cars.co.za. The Triton is powered by a 2.4-litre turbodiesel engine and packs 133 kW and 430 Nm of torque. The manual Triton claims a fuel consumption figure of 7.5 L/100 km while its automatic counterpart claims 7.6 L/100km.

Buy a used Mitsubishi Triton 2.4 DI-D for under R500k on Cars.co.za

All-New Suzuki Swift: What to expect

The fourth-generation Suzuki Swift has been revealed and we have some details on what’s to come.

The current-shape third-generation Suzuki Swift is approaching the end of its current lifecycle, with this generation first landing in SA back in 2018. The Japanese carmaker has been hard at work developing the next all-new Suzuki Swift and there’s been a slow trickle of information and images since the concept was shown at the Tokyo Motor Show in October 2023.

As predicted, the Swift Concept looked too refined to be a concept and we suspected correctly that its 99% the production model. The info accompanying the concept images was short and sweet, and the all-new Swift will feature a high-efficiency engine, advanced safety technology like collision mitigation braking, adaptive high beam and a driver monitoring system.

Hybrid engine

Let’s talk about that engine. We already know Suzuki is dipping its toes into hybrid powertrains, evidenced by the flagship Suzuki Grand Vitara AllGrip with its mild-hybrid setup and we know that the European market’s Euro7 regulations are strict, and we’ll be very surprised if the new model doesn’t feature some form of electrification. In fact, Autocar India has gone further to say that the new engine will be a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder with a mild hybrid system bolted on.

Interestingly, Suzuki UK says its Swift units will be arriving in the Spring of 2024 and some will feature the brand’s AllGrip Auto, which essentially is a “four-wheel drive system that engages when it detects a loss of front wheel traction. When front-wheel slippage is detected, a viscous coupling engages to transfer torque to the rear wheels, providing additional traction for driving on snow-covered roads or other slippery surfaces.”

When will the new Swift come to South Africa?

Given India and South Africa’s love for the Suzuki Swift, it will be interesting to see if the new model can continue to be the value champion. We’re yet to see the Maruiti-built version of the new-gen Swift, but will update this article when more information and images surface.

We expect the new Suzuki Swift to hit South Africa’s showrooms by the middle of 2024. We already know the new-gen Swift will be hitting European markets in Spring 2024.

Mercedes-AMG CLE53 Announced with 330 kW

The high-performance version of the stylish coupe has been announced. Meet the Mercedes-AMG CLE53 with a hybrid 6-cylinder turbo engine!

We’ve already seen the Mercedes-Benz CLE, a coupe that blends the C-Class and E-Class in one very pretty package. Now there’s the Mercedes-AMG CLE53, which brings a whole lot of firepower.

Visually, it has so much going for it. A long coupe body, big wheels with AMG brakes, quad exhausts, rear diffuser, boot spoiler, Panamericana grille and subtle AMG badges separate it from the lesser CLE models.

Under the bonnet is a 3.0-litre straight-six turbocharged petrol engine which makes 330 kW and 600 Nm. Power goes to all four wheels via a 9-speed automatic transmission. Of course, it has to have the go to match the show, and Mercedes-AMG claims the new CLE53 will sprint to 100 kph in 4.2 seconds.

This engine is an enhanced version of the old 53 motor and features a new exhaust gas turbocharger, new piston rings, new combustion chambers and optimised injection. As a reminder, this powertrain also features a 2nd-generation integrated starter generator and 48V electrical system that can produce 17 kW and 205 Nm for short bursts of time.

The vehicle features Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+, and Individual modes and the engine, transmission, chassis, and steering response can be adjusted. There’s also a drift mode. The new CLE53 4Matic+ also features rear-wheel steer that sees the rear wheels turn up to 2.5 degrees at speeds of up to 100 kph.

Climb inside and you get the usual high-end AMG treatment, like the flat-bottomed AMG Performance steering wheel in black leather and Alcantara with its driving mode dials. There’s an abundance of carbon fibre and red contrast stitching to be found, and those AMG performance seats look lovely.

When will the Mercedes-AMG CLE53 go on sale in South Africa?

Mercedes-Benz has not confirmed when its new sporty coupe will go on sale or shown any indication of pricing, but understand the new CLE coupe should be making its way to South Africa during the course of 2024.

Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Series: V8’s retirement in sight

While the revised Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Series range will retain the 4.5-litre V8 for now, the big turbodiesel’s retirement date is on the horizon, according to our sources. Here’s how long it still has…

We’ve already brought you early details of the refreshed Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Series range, which will gain the option of the familiar 2.8 GD-6 motor and the 6-speed automatic transmission. But the imminent arrival of 4-cylinder power in the evergreen J70-generation line-up has again sparked questions about the long-term future of the venerable 4.5 D-4D V8 turbodiesel engine.

So, just how much longer does the 1VD-FTV powerplant have? Well, while the 4.5-litre V8 turbodiesel mill – which is a 32-valve DOHC engine generating peak outputs of 151 kW and 430 Nm – is set to soldier on alongside the 4.0-litre V6 petrol unit (170 kW/360 Nm) and the 4.2-litre straight-6 diesel motor (96 kW/285 Nm) in the revised 70 Series portfolio for now, our information suggests a date for the 8-cylinder unit’s discontinuation has indeed been set.

*The V8 will carry over to the revised range, though won’t be around indefinitely.*

Our understanding is that Toyota plans to put the V8-powered version of the Land Cruiser 76 station wagon out to pasture around August 2024, before pulling the plug on the Land Cruiser 79 single- and double-cab derivatives powered by this engine a year later (in August 2025). Though there may well end up being some minor leeway in these dates, we’d speculate this is a global production decision rather than one limited to the South African market.

Interestingly, no discontinuation date has seemingly been set for the 4.0-litre V6 petrol unit nor the 4.2-litre straight-6 diesel motor, despite the fact that the latter 1HZ engine traces its roots all the way back to 1990 (while the V6 went into production in 2002 and the 8-cylinder unit in 2007).

*The outgoing version of the Land Cruiser 79 double cab, powered by the V8.*

As a reminder, the 4.5 D-4D is the Japanese firm’s lone surviving V8 engine, with production of all other Toyota-branded 8-cylinder motors (including the 5.7-litre petrol unit known as the 1UR-FSE) having already ceased. While the 1VD-FTV also did duty in the long-running J200-generation SUV, the Land Cruiser 300 that replaced it switched to a twin-turbo 3.3-litre V6 (F33A-FTV) turbodiesel heart.

The 8-cylinder motor is currently employed by the Land Cruiser 76 4.5 D-4D LX V8 (priced from R1 022 100), the Land Cruiser 79 4.5 D-4D LX V8 single cab (R910 800) and the Land Cruiser 79 4.5 D-4D LX V8 double cab (R998 500). Though, as we have pointed out above, it will carry over to the renewed range for a period, before eventually reaching the end of the road…

Tips for buying & insuring a used or ex-rental car

If you need to replace your vehicle, but cannot afford to buy a brand new one, a reliable used or ex-rental car can present an attractive value proposition. Budget Insurance presents a handy guide to purchasing and insuring a 2nd-hand or former hire car.

Cars.co.za lists thousands of new- and used cars listed by hundreds of respected dealers countrywide – you’re highly likely to find a vehicle that suits your wants and/or needs on our site! But, before you begin your search, let’s explore what you should be looking for when shopping for a used or ex-rental car.

If you are a 1st-time car buyer (or have never bought a used vehicle before), this article may help you make an informed purchasing decision. Before you hit the road with your new wheels, however, it would be wise to make sure that your new car is sufficiently insured too. To that end, Budget Insurance also details some of the myriad policies, premiums, and coverage options that are available to you below…

What is your budget? Use our Car Affordability Calculator to find out

Is it a good idea to buy a used or ex-rental car?

Yes, absolutely. Some regard hire vehicles as “dour, hardworking appliances”, but an ex-rental car can be quite a sensible purchase because it offers some peace of mind. A car rental company can’t afford to have damaged or unreliable vehicles in its fleet and therefore maintain those vehicles strictly. Also, such firms keep their inventories up-to-date by regularly selling off older cars to purchase new vehicles.

Don’t forget, car rental companies favour models of well-known and trusted car brands. That means an ex-rental car should retain its value over time and have a relatively low cost of ownership in the long run.

Buying a used car can also be a smart choice, provided that you purchase the car from a reputable seller (who has maintained the vehicle well) or a dealership that can vouch for its warranty and service history. So, do your research, conduct inspections, take test drives and review the histories of all the vehicles on your shortlist. If the car you choose has a complete history and its condition accurately reflects its age and mileage, you can expect it to be reasonably reliable (as long as you service/maintain it correctly).

Check our library of Buyer’s Guides of popular used-car models

Benefits of buying a used or ex-rental car

There are several benefits to buying a used or ex-rental car. Some of these include the following:

1. Lower prices and savings

Used and ex-rental cars tend to be priced keenly; private sellers want “money in the bank”, car rental firms want to “free up space” and dealerships don’t want cars to “sit on their showroom floors” too long!

Note that should you want to resell your car one day, it will have a lower resale value when compared with a car with only 1 previous owner. Having said that, new cars are known to depreciate rapidly during the first few years of ownership, while (obviously older) used vehicles have already undergone the steepest part of that depreciation curve. A 2nd-hand car will lose value at a slower rate over a comparable period.

2. Well-maintained candidates

To reiterate, ex-rental cars have been well maintained with regular service checks, because it is in car rental companies’ best interests to keep their fleets in top-notch condition.

3. Affordable finance options

If you are creditworthy, new- and used car dealerships can provide you with financing options through accredited South African financial service providers. But don’t worry, so can car rental companies!

4. 30-day exchanges

Some vehicle hire firms offer a 30-day exchange plan should you not be satisfied with the mechanical condition of the ex-rental car that you have purchased. In that case, they will replace it with a similar vehicle (or one within the same price range).

7 things to bear in mind when inspecting a used or ex-rental car

Check the mileage – an ex-rental car tends to have a higher mileage on its odometer than a typical used car of the same age. However, most former hire cars for sale are less than 2 years old and have clocked up around 100 000 km. If a car is a little older, choose one with the lowest mileage.
Confirm ownership – request registration details and proof that the car has been bought directly from the manufacturer.
Look at the service history – make sure the car comes with a full service history. If there’s a drop in the documented mileage between services, for example, it could be a reason for concern.
Check the service plan intervals – a failure to adhere to the regularly scheduled service may make a manufacturer’s warranty invalid. Double-check this with the car manufacturer.
Opt for an Extended Motor Warranty – ask if there is an option to extend the car warranty through an accredited insurance provider, such as Budget Insurance.
Confirm any accidents – ask the rental company or the original/previous owner for detailed records of all incidents involving the car, as previous damage repairs may affect the vehicle’s residual value.
Consider a trade-in – if you’re replacing an existing car, some car rental companies may be open to a trade-in to help sweeten the deal. You can also sell your car to dealers via Cars.co.za Sell Car.

Getting car insurance for a used or ex-rental car

It’s advisable to take out an insurance policy for your car, regardless of whether you buy it new or used, because it will provide cover against damage or total loss of your vehicle through fire, theft, or a road accident (such as a traffic collision), as well as repairs to a 3rd party’s car or property (if required).

Note that it is mandatory to have car insurance if you acquire your vehicle through a finance agreement (car loan) with a bank. Also, bear in mind that when you take out insurance cover for a used or ex-rental car, there are factors you need to consider that will affect your monthly insurance premiums.

Age and mileage. Your car insurance premiums are influenced by a variety of factors, including the vehicle’s age, make and mileage. The insurer will take into account the condition of your newly purchased car. Older car models or those with high mileages may have lower premiums.
Vehicle history. A car insurance company will check the car’s history for accidents or prior insurance claims, which will affect the monthly premium and cover options.

Get a car insurance quote from Budget Insurance

What type of car insurance is best for a used or ex-rental car?

Comprehensive Car Insurance encompasses cover for loss, theft, and damage to your car. It also covers fire damage and damage to a 3rd party’s property or vehicle – even if you’re the cause of an accident. Typically, comprehensive cover is best suited for high-value or newer vehicles.
Third-Party, Fire and Theft Car Insurance covers you for theft and fire damage to your car, and 3rd-party damage you may cause in an accident. It’s a good option if you only need cover for specific risks, have budgetary restraints, and own a vehicle with low market value, such as an old used car.
Third-Party-Only Car Insurance will cover damage to a 3rd-party’s vehicle or property that results from an accident that you caused. Third-party-only insurance is also suitable for older vehicles with a low market value. While it does save on premium costs, remember that it offers limited coverage.

Did you know? Budget Lite Insurance is tailor-made for vehicles under R250k

Want to know more about car insurance?

We hope that you have found this car insurance guide helpful. Remember, if you want to learn more about car insurance or review your car insurance requirements with the help of experts, Budget Insurance’s team is always ready to assist. Contact them on 086 1600 120 or utilise their online car insurance calculator, which gives you an accurate and budget-friendly quote in minutes.

7 Things that Roadside Assistance should include

Whether you suffer a mechanical breakdown, a flat tyre, a dead battery or accidentally lock your keys inside of your car, there’s no need to feel despondent when things go awry… If you invest in a roadside assistance service, help will be a phone call away.

What is roadside assistance?

7 Things to Ask When Getting Roadside Assistance

Get a quote now

Related content:

BMW E30 Bakkie! 325i Convertible turned into a pick-up Video (and it’s running an E36 2.8-litre engine!)

Jacob Moshokoa checks out two incredible BMW 3 Series bakkie conversions!

These 23 vehicles each just had their best sales month of 2023

November 2023 saw SA’s new-vehicle market suffer its biggest losses since early 2021. But, fascinatingly, as many as 23 nameplates registered their best performances of the year so far…

Related content

New Fiat Titano revealed as Peugeot Landtrek twin

The wraps have come off the new Fiat Titano 1-tonne bakkie, which appears to be little more than a rebadged Peugeot Landtrek. But could it end up being assembled in SA?

Related content

Honda Fit e:HEV Facelifted for 2024

The Honda Fit e:HEV facelift has arrived in South Africa. Here’s a look at how much it costs and what has been updated.

How much does the facelifted Honda Fit e:HEV cost in South Africa?

Further Reading

5 Fuel Efficient Used Double Cab Bakkies Under R500k in SA

Fuel efficiency is an important factor to consider when buying a car but what are your options if you are shopping for a double-cab bakkie in the used car market with a budget of up to R500 000? Take a look at this list!

Fuel Efficient Double Cab Bakkies For Under R500k

1. Ford Ranger 2.2 Double Cab Hi-Rider / XL / XL Sport / XLS – 6.5 L/100 km

2. Toyota Hilux 2.4 GD-6 Raider / SR – 7.1 L/100km

3. Nissan Navara SE / SE Plus – R7.2 L/100km

4. Isuzu D-Max 1.9 TD L / LS / – 7.3 L/100km

5. Mitsubishi Triton 2.4 DI-D – 7.5 L/100km

Related Content

All-New Suzuki Swift: What to expect

The fourth-generation Suzuki Swift has been revealed and we have some details on what’s to come.

Hybrid engine

When will the new Swift come to South Africa?

Further Reading

Mercedes-AMG CLE53 Announced with 330 kW

The high-performance version of the stylish coupe has been announced. Meet the Mercedes-AMG CLE53 with a hybrid 6-cylinder turbo engine!

When will the Mercedes-AMG CLE53 go on sale in South Africa?

Further Reading

Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Series: V8’s retirement in sight

While the revised Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Series range will retain the 4.5-litre V8 for now, the big turbodiesel’s retirement date is on the horizon, according to our sources. Here’s how long it still has…

Related content

Tips for buying & insuring a used or ex-rental car

If you need to replace your vehicle, but cannot afford to buy a brand new one, a reliable used or ex-rental car can present an attractive value proposition. Budget Insurance presents a handy guide to purchasing and insuring a 2nd-hand or former hire car.

Is it a good idea to buy a used or ex-rental car?

Benefits of buying a used or ex-rental car

7 things to bear in mind when inspecting a used or ex-rental car

Getting car insurance for a used or ex-rental car

What type of car insurance is best for a used or ex-rental car?

Want to know more about car insurance?

Related content: