Used Car Discourse

While the South African automotive market sees the introduction of new models from Chinese automakers almost monthly, there are hundreds of other brands on offer from the Far East nation. Here are four taking the world by storm. MG If it sounds like that familiar name and badge, it is! While officially of British origin, MG has become one of the most globally recognized car brands, predominantly under SAIC ownership since 2006. In 2022, it emerged as the most popular “domestic” brand beyond China’s borders. Its potential lies in its capacity to manufacture appealing and highly competitive electric vehicles suitable for both developed and developing economies. Notably, in the first half of 2023, MG secured its position as the fourth best-selling Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) brand in Europe, surpassing established mainstream competitors like Renault, Peugeot, and Hyundai. With nearly a century of history in the automotive industry, MG’s recent success can be attributed t...

Used cars can be expensive. Here's how to finance your purchase without paying more than you have to. Used cars for sale in Johannesburg can offer big savings over new ones, but if you need to finance your purchase, you may not save as much as it seems at first blush. For starters, the average price of a used car is almost R170,000—much higher than in pre-pandemic times. Interest rates for used cars can be double what you would pay for new-car financing, which is often subsidized by the manufacturer to make higher-priced new cars more attractive. With interest rates on the rise, a higher rate could cost you thousands. “The price of the used cars for sale you’re looking at in Jozi may still be pretty elevated, so it’s a good idea to avoid high-cost financing and dealer add-ons,” says Chuck Bell, a financial policy advocate for CR. “It may be better to arrange your own financing, or consider buying from a private seller, which can be more of a hassle but can result in a better pri...