Dear Mabs
I was involved in a minor accident and got a bit of compensation from the RAF. I have set aside R 250 000 towards a deposit for a new car, an SUV to be precise. I want to upgrade my car into a more modern vehicle that I will use for an extended period. I currently drive a starter pack from my varsity days but plan to hold on to it for sentimental reasons and use it to teach my son to drive when he is old enough.
I have been researching and shopping around to get as much information as possible and narrow my choices. However, it is much more difficult than I thought. I am torn between 4 cars, namely the Kia Sportage, BAIC Beijing X55, Toyota Corolla Cross, and the Haval H6. I need to decide as soon as possible, I need help urgently.
Mabs Answer:
Phew, this is a tough one. I wish I could swoop in and tell you to go with a specific car, but I cannot. Only you can decide which car is best for your needs. However, if it is any consolation, there are no longer ‘bad’ cars. All the four choices you mentioned are impressive and have their characteristics that stand out. For example, the BAIC Beijing X55 and Haval H6 were among the finalists at SA’s Car of the Year (COTY) last year. The Toyota Corolla Cross won the overall COTY in 2022, while the Sportage has been named COTY in other markets.
My advice to you and other people who are in the market for a new car is to look inwards. It is not about the car, but about your specific needs and how it fits your lifestyle. Carefully interrogate what you need the car for. Interrogate your finances and decide how much you can afford to pay in monthly installments should you decide to finance the car. What finance options are available to you? How much will insurance premiums cost you? How fuel-efficient is the model you want to get? Once you have gone beyond the price tag, look at other factors such as the resale value of the car you choose. Should you decide to sell the car two or three years down the line, will it maintain its value or will you have to settle for a loss? Once you have answered all these questions, you will make the right choice for you. And I am certain that it is a choice that you will be comfortable with. I wish you the very best.
Please send your queries to Mabs on email to [email protected] or inbox us or slide into our DMs on our social media platforms.
