Owning your own car is a big deal in South Africa. Whether it’s your first set of wheels, an upgrade for the family, or just something fuel-friendly for the daily commute, it’s easy to get swept away by shiny paint and smooth talk. But unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know the truth: not all used cars for sale are created equal.
Behind the sparkle, there could be a dodgy service history, hidden accident damage, or even sky-high mileage that doesn’t match the ‘bargain’ price. How can you do your own due diligence to determine whether the second-hand car you’re eyeing is a good deal?
The good news? If you ask the right questions before you buy, you can avoid costly mistakes and drive away smiling instead of stressing.
Here are 10 questions to ask before you sign on the dotted line:
1. What’s the car’s service history?
Think of a service book as a diary of your car’s life. You wouldn’t hire someone without checking their CV, right? The same goes here. A complete service history shows that the vehicle has been cared for properly and gives you peace of mind about its reliability.
Weelee sells cars with complete transparency on service history.
View our range of reliable used cars for sale today.
2. Has the car ever been in an accident?
You don’t want to discover six months later that your ‘new’ wheels once kissed a barrier at 120km/h. Always ask about accident history and ensure the dealership can back up their answer with an independent condition report.
A thorough VIN number check can help you ascertain the vehicle’s accident history, giving you a full picture of its past.
3. How many kilometres are on the clock?
Mileage matters. While low kilometres usually mean less wear and tear, it’s also worth checking how those kilometres were driven. A car used mainly on long, open roads is often in better shape than one that’s lived in bumper-to-bumper city traffic.
Mileage is commonly linked to price point, so it often works as a give-and-take. Work out a budget that works for you and weigh your options based on your monthly repayments or cash deposit in the bank.
4. Do you have independent condition reports?
You deserve to know exactly what you’re buying.
Here’s where Weelee sets itself apart. Every car comes with an independent condition report, so you don’t have to rely on a salesperson’s promises.
5. What warranty or guarantees are available?
Cars can be unpredictable. Knowing whether you’re covered if something goes wrong is can alleviate the stress when buying a used car. A dealership offering you an extended warranty or guarantees can give you a little extra peace of mind.
6. Can I see the car’s paperwork?
Always ensure the paperwork is in order, from registration papers to proof of ownership. If something feels off, it probably is. With Weelee, all the documents are ready and waiting, so there are no hidden surprises.
View our range of used cars for sale now.
7. What finance options are available?
Not everyone has cash lying around for a car. The right dealership should help you find financing that works for your budget. Ascertain a monthly repayment budget, taking into account your insurance costs.
At Weelee, you can explore flexible finance options that make buying more doable without the stress.
8. Is the price negotiable?
Here’s a little secret: when you buy through Weelee, the prices are already wholesale-to-the-public, but they’re still negotiable. Because who doesn’t love a little haggling to seal the deal?
Check out our special offers online.
9. What makes this dealership trustworthy?
Trust is everything when buying used cars for sale. Some dealers might be hiding more than they’re showing.
At Weelee, trust is non-negotiable: over 1,000 vehicles to choose from, complete service histories, independent checks, and a transparent buying process mean you can shop confidently.
Unsure of the vibe on the street? Check out Weelee’s reviews on Hellopeter.
10. Can I compare cars before deciding?
You shouldn’t feel rushed into buying the first car you test-drive.
At Weelee, we give you space to test drive a car, ask your questions, bring in that knowledgeable friend for a second inspection and compare prices (because you need to select the best car for you).
If a dealership is haggling with you for a sale or a one-day discount price, consider why.
Why asking questions matters
South Africans know the frustration of dealers who dodge straight answers or gloss over the details. But your car isn’t just another purchase; it’s your daily companion.
Asking the right questions keeps you in control, saves you money, and ensures you don’t regret your choice.
So next time you search ‘used cars for sale near me’, remember: it’s not just about what looks good on the outside. It’s about what’s under the hood, the paperwork, and the history.
Buy right. Buy from a reputable dealer
Buying a car doesn’t need to be stressful or full of ‘what ifs’. With the right questions and dealership, you can find a vehicle that ticks all the boxes without nasty surprises down the road.
So, whether you’re browsing used cars for sale in Gauteng or Pretoria or just searching ‘used cars for sale near me’, make sure you’re choosing a dealer who values transparency, trust, and your hard-earned money.
At Weelee, you’ll get wholesale prices to the public, negotiable deals, low-mileage vehicles, all backed by service histories and independent condition reports.
