Autowise SA

Top 5 Tips to Save Money When Buying a Used Car in South Africa (2025 Guide) Top 5 Tips to Save Money When Buying a Used Car in South Africa (2025 Guide) Buying a second-hand vehicle can be a smart move if you know what to look for. Here are 5 powerful strategies to help you save money in 2025. 1. Research Vehicle Prices Thoroughly Always compare prices on platforms like AutoTrader South Africa or Cars.co.za . Knowing the market average ensures you don’t overpay. 2. Check Vehicle History Use tools like TransUnion Vehicle Check to see if the car has been in accidents, stolen, or has outstanding finance. This prevents costly surprises later. 3. Inspect Before You Commit Get a trusted mechanic to inspect the vehicle. Look out for engine wear, oil leaks, and unusual noises. A small inspection fee could save you thousands. 4. Negotiate With Confidence Most used c...

Best Cars Under R150,000 in South Africa (2025): Prices, Reliability & Running Costs Best Cars Under R150,000 in South Africa (2025): Prices, Reliability & Running Costs A practical guide for students, first-time buyers, Uber Go drivers and families on a budget. With prices and interest rates still squeezing South African wallets, the **under-R150k** market remains the sweet spot in 2025. The right pick can keep monthly costs low, sip fuel, and still hold decent resale value. This guide compares **realistic price ranges**, **fuel economy**, and **maintenance expectations** so you can buy with confidence. Pro move: Before you message any seller, open the Autowise SA vehicle price comparison dashboard to scan prices across WeBuyCars, AutoTrader and Cars.co.za in one view. It’s the fastest way to spot bargains vs. overpricing. Top Picks Under R150,000 (Used) — 2025 Sna...

Used-Car Scams in South Africa (2025): How to Spot Them & Stay Safe Used-Car Scams in South Africa (2025): How to Spot Them & Stay Safe Protect your money, your time, and your peace of mind with this up-to-date guide. Scammers have gotten smarter in 2025. They use polished listings, fake finance “approvals,” and pressure tactics to rush buyers. This guide covers the most common South African used-car scam patterns and gives you a practical checklist you can follow before you pay a cent. 🚩 10 Red Flags You Must Never Ignore Unrealistic price : R30k–R60k below market “because owner is overseas / urgent sale.” No physical viewing : Seller refuses a public meetup or says “car is in storage, pay deposit first.” WhatsApp-only communication : No valid SA phone calls, constant number changes, or odd grammar. Stolen images : Reverse-image search sh...

Chinese EV Brands Arriving Soon: What South Africans Need to Know (2025) Chinese EV Brands Arriving Soon: What South Africans Need to Know (2025) South Africa is entering a new automotive era in 2025. Major Chinese automakers like BYD , Chery , and Leapmotor are investing heavily in the local market. These brands are not just competing with traditional players—they’re bringing affordable electric and hybrid cars that could change the game. 📈 Why Chinese EVs Are Booming in South Africa BYD plans to nearly triple its dealership network by 2026, expanding its EV reach. Chery has launched its Omoda & Jaecoo hybrid SUVs, offering style and affordability. Stellantis is introducing Leapmotor EVs, supported by a future SA manufacturing hub. The South African government is offering EV incentives to attract local production...

🔧 Cheapest Cars to Maintain in South Africa – 2025 Budget-Friendly Guide In today’s tough economy, keeping your monthly expenses low matters more than ever — especially when it comes to owning a car. If you're looking to save on repairs, parts, and services, these are the best low-maintenance cars South Africans can buy in 2025. 💡 Why Low Maintenance Matters 🛠️ Less time in the workshop, more time on the road 💸 Lower repair costs = more money in your pocket ⚙️ Affordable parts, readily available in SA 🔁 Strong resale value thanks to reliability ✅ Top 5 Cheapest Cars to Maintain in 2025 Suzuki Alto – Basic, reliable, and known for its super cheap parts Toyota Etios – Easy to fix, parts widely available, under R150K used Hyundai Atos – Affordable services and fuel-efficient Datsun Go – Low-cost ownership, engine simplicity Volkswagen Polo Vivo – Common in SA, huge parts network 🧾 Example: Annual Maintenance Co...

⚡ Electric vs Petrol Cars in South Africa – Is an EV Worth It in 2025? With petrol prices constantly rising and load shedding gradually stabilizing, many South Africans are asking: “Should I go electric?” In 2025, electric vehicles (EVs) are more available than ever, but are they truly practical for daily life in SA? 🔋 Pros of Driving an EV in South Africa (2025) ✅ Zero fuel costs – charge at home or public station ✅ Lower maintenance (no oil, fewer moving parts) ✅ Instant torque – smooth and silent drive ✅ Green energy tax incentives coming soon ⛽ Why Petrol Still Rules for Now ⛽ Fuel stations are everywhere, EV chargers are not ⚡ Load shedding can affect home charging schedules 💸 EVs still cost more upfront (even base models) 🔌 Public charging is limited outside major metros 💰 Cost Breakdown: EV vs Petrol (Example) Renault Kwid (Petrol) Price: R189,000 Fuel: R1,500/month (avg 50km/day) Maintenance: R6,000/year ...