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Buying used: VW T5 Kombi (2004 – 2010)

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The Volkswagen Kombi has a storied history and remains highly popular as transport for people and goods (or as converted campers). Examples from the ‘50s, ‘60s and even the ‘70s are much sought after and prices are rising as they become rarer. As the years sped by, so the power outputs (and sizes) increased. The T5 detailed here has built a strong following among tour group operators and large families alike. WHICH MODEL? On the diesel side, you have a choice between the well-known four-cylinder 1,9 TDI with 77 kW and 250 N.m of torque or the five-cylinder 2,5 TDI with 96 kW and 340 N.m. In the more luxurious Caravelle model, the latter engine offers generous outputs – 128 kW and 400 N.m of torque. On the petrol side, there was only one choice – a 3,2-litre V6 with 173 kW/315 N.m and a Tiptronic gearbox. This model was available until 2007. Facelifted T5s saw a trio of 2,0-litre TDIs introduced with 75 kW and 250 N.m, 103 kW and 340 N.m or 132 kW and 400 N.m (thanks to a pair o...

Buying used: Ford Fiesta

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Spacious and brilliant to drive, the Fiesta is a great small car choice For whatever reason, many motorists will never own a Ford. When it comes to the Fiesta, they’re really losing out. Almost by magic, this supermini somehow manages to combine sweet handling with a wonderful ride. It will deal as easily with broken urban roads as it does with long motorway hauls, and it’s also very practical. It may not have quite as much passenger space as a Skoda Fabia or a Vauxhall Corsa, but the Fiesta counters that with a fine range of engines and a massive selection of used examples to choose from. You might not be able to run to a brand new Fiesta, but most of the current model’s talents are on offer in the used Fiesta . Which is the best model to go for? Best versions Among pre-2013 Fiestas, we’d go for the 81bhp petrol 1.25. In the diesel, the 1.6 is nicely responsive, but the 1.4 is more affordable and not at all deficient in its real-world driving manners. If your budget will stretch to ...

What Does CPO Mean?

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When looking at used cars for sale Gauteng or Cape Town alike, you’ll often see listings for CPO, or certified pre-owned vehicles. While that looks good in ads, its meaning can vary greatly. Generally speaking, CPO certification means that a vehicle has been through some sort of pre-sale inspection, typically involving more than 100 items from the engine and transmission to tires, battery, cosmetic appearance and more. In theory, issues with these are addressed. If they cannot be, the vehicle doesn’t make the cut. Depending on the manufacturer and/or the dealer, certification also includes limitations on the vehicle’s age, how many miles are on it and whether it has been in an accident, flood or otherwise has an undesirable history. Other benefits of buying a CPO vehicle from Group 1 Cars can include an extended warranty, roadside service, scheduled dealer maintenance and use of a loaner while the vehicle is in the shop. Chevrolet , for example, includes all the above and adds an ad...

New vs. Used Car – 6 Benefits of Buying a Slightly Used Car for Cheap

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Other than your home, your car might be the most expensive purchase that you ever make. I love nice cars, but I also try to manage my finances responsibly. As a result, I have reluctantly come to the conclusion that a new car is an unnecessary expense. Sure, you can find overpriced used cars for sale, Western Cape to Gauteng, and bargain buys on brand-new vehicles, but it’s not just the sticker price that makes a new car a waste. The associated fees, subsequent costs, and losses in value (i.e. depreciation) add up to thousands of dollars over the first few years of new car ownership. This is especially bad news if you end up upside down on your car loan. On the other hand, a “slightly-used” car – one that’s only around two years old and has under 30,000 miles on it – can help you keep cash in your pocket without sacrificing quality. Below are 6 benefits of buying a used car (in like-new condition) over a brand new one. 1. Used Cars: Lower Price Tag, Less Depreciation Remember the ol...

Battle of pickups: Toyota Hilux vs Nissan Navara

In Summary In the quest for a pick-up, usually two models will come to mind; Toyota Hilux and Nissan Navara. This drove us to make a comparison between the two. We believe that despite both looking handy, big and functional, getting into the details will help you to make an informed purchase decision Experts say when it comes to pickup trucks, Toyota has history on its side. It has been making its Hilux pickup for more than 50 years. And over that time, it has gained something of a reputation for being one of the most capable all-terrain vehicles out there. But there is another kid on the block, the Navara from Nissan. This pickup has been around in one form or another for more than 80 years. And in that time, Nissan has developed tremendous expertise in making a car that is durable and practical. So which is better? Interior Jonathan Masiga, a mechanic, says both cars offer a very spacious and neat layout. They also made sure that the plastics used within do not appear chea...

Is it a bad idea to buy a used Ford Fiesta/Classic 1.6 petrol now?

Used Ford cars are one of the best cars in the market out there which support spares and service. Ford has launched a program which targets service at the minimal part/labour criteria. For example if you have a bad dent on your FR Door and want to get it changed, the other OEM’s would recommend a complete door change which would involve the door, interior padding, wiring mechanisms, the ORVM at times and a long wait to get the door from the factory. But Ford, they do something smart, you can get only the outer panel replaced. This generally means huge savings for the end user and a small service downtime. Since the used Ford Fiesta for sale shares its platform with other B cars and most of the cars use common parts, you will not have any trouble locating spares. Best of luck with your car purchase. If you’re in the market for a used Ford Fiesta - browse the wide range available at Group 1 Cars. Article source: https://www.quora.com/Is-it-a-bad-idea-to-bu...
Reasons to buy a used car Buying a new car isn’t always easy. It doesn’t matter whether you’re still a student or just someone who wants a new vehicle, the car-buying process will always be one of the most difficult ones. Other than a home, your car might be the most expensive purchase you’ll make. The question that pops up in everybody’s mind is whether they buy new or used? When it comes down to whether you should buy a new or used car, you’ll first have to take a look at your financial and life requirements. While buying a new car straight from the showroom can be tempting, first take a look at how much you can save from buying a used car. When someone pictures a used car, they usually think of an old rusted green 1976 Foxy. But we’re in the 21st century and that’s not the image of used cars anymore. There are many good reasons to buy a used car. The biggest one of all being affordability. Do proper research on what you want in your car. That’ll help you decide on the right ...

The Pros and Cons of purchasing Demo Cars

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Are you looking for great deals on cars? When it comes to purchasing a car there are plenty of options to choose from. You could buy a new model, a second hand vehicle or even opt for demo cars for sale. Each option has its advantages and disadvantages. Demo models are a popular option for many people. What exactly are demo cars? Demo cars are used by car dealerships. Prospective clients test-drive demo models to experience the performance of the vehicle. The managers of the dealership may also drive the demo models to and from work. Ultimately the demo model is used to show off the capability of the vehicle with the aim of promoting sales. Before you decide to buy a car, take a look at our informa...

2018 MAZDA 3 ESSENTIALS: THE BEST SMALL CAR YOU CAN GET?

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2018 MAZDA 3 ESSENTIALS: THE BEST SMALL CAR YOU CAN GET? That depends on what you need your compact car to do, but Mazda’s little 3 could well fit your needs The Mazda 3 for sale is well built, handles nicely and is good-looking. It’s been an Autoweek favorite for years. Our tester, the Grand Touring version, is the top of the line, above the Sport and Touring models. Touring and Grand Touring get you a half-liter more displacement and 29 hp more than Sport, but really you’d likely be happy with any 3. The Mazda 3’s look was subtly upgraded in 2017 inside and out. For 2018 the 3 got more standard equipment including City Brake Support (autonomous low-speed braking) and LED headlights with auto leveling (on the Grand Touring). All models now have standard G-Vectoring Control -- the system uses software to put more load on the front wheels during turn in, aiding grip, responsiveness and handling. “Once again,” says the Mazda press kit, “th...

Which Generation Of BMW 3 Series Is The Best?

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We got a new BMW 3 Series today. It’s not every day that happens! (More like every seven to 10 years, generally.) The G20 model has a lot of improvements over the outgoing car, but things are not looking good for the manual transmission—and that’s a huge loss for us all. Let’s talk about what it has to live up to to stay the luxury sport sedan (and coupe, and wagon) benchmark. With this car we’re now on our seventh generation of BMW 3 Series for sale . Which one has been the best to date? Let’s discuss. The first 3, the E21 , came to us in 1975 as a replacement for the legendary 2002. It was a compact coupe only and, mired in the same Malaise Era bullshit as everyone else, isn’t as well-regarded as later generations. I’m still a fan, and I dig the way they look. But I honestly don’t think anybody’s gonna pick this guy. After that we had the E30, a vastly more successful follow-up to the E21. This sedan and coupe brought everything we loved about the 2002 wit...