r/CarTalkZA

Hey Guys,

Wanted to get your thoughts on this:

I drive a 2024 1.5 TSI T-Cross which i bought on finance in October last year.

The dealership wants to potentially buy my car back - reason unclear at this stage.

And either exchange for another car.

Wanted to get the community's thoughts on this? I have asked to for more information.
I do love the T-cross but is it worth holding on to or depending on the figures do the exchange so to speak.

I have done a fair bit of mileage on it since getting it.

Happy to clarify any questions and appreciate any feedback.

So for context I drive a Rav4 and it's close to 300 000km it only now starting to show it's wear and I need to get a new car, but here's my issue even though I feel like I make a decent salary 30k gross. I don't feel like I can afford a car.

How do people do it? I mean even a chery tiggo is around R4k a month?

Hi Everyone,

If you are planning to import a car from japan, you can ask me anything about auctions, Shipping Costs, Taxes.

I will try my best to answer, that makes the importing process smooth & save you money.

Hey everyone, I’m looking at a used bakkie and would appreciate some opinions before I get too emotionally attached and start making financially questionable decisions.

It’s a 2021 Mahindra Pik Up 2.2CRDe Double Cab 4x4 S11 Karoo, listed in Cape Town for R289,950 before fees/extras.

Basic details from the listing:

- Year: 2021

- Mileage: 172,000 km

- Transmission: Automatic

- Fuel: Diesel

- Body: Double cab

- Seats: 5

- Power: 103 kW

- Claimed fuel consumption: 9.3 L/100 km

- CO₂: 247 g/km

- Previous owners: 2

- Service history: Full service history

- Manufacturer colour: Red, but the vehicle now has a full Raptor coating

- AutoTrader price rating: “Fair Price”, listed as R9,078 below market average

- Listing last updated: 29 April 2026

Seller says the following extras are included:

- Full Raptor coating paint job, professionally done by Vanventures 4WD & Outdoor

- Bundu Gear steel bumpers front and rear

- Full EFS suspension upgrade, also done by Vanventures

- Full service history

- New injectors recently done by agents at Mahindra Vredenburg

- Full aluminium canopy by Wild Accessories

- Securilid roller shutter

- Standard rollbar also included in the sale

My thoughts so far:

The extras seem pretty decent and not cheap, and the fact that the injectors were done by Mahindra agents sounds like a good sign, assuming there are proper invoices. The mileage is high for a 2021, though — 172,000 km — so I’m wondering whether this was used for long-distance travel/touring/work, or whether it may have had a hard life.

The Raptor coating looks cool, but I’m also wondering whether it could hide old scratches, rust, accident repair, or general rough use. Also, the listing says the manufacturer colour is red, so I’d want to check whether the colour change has been properly updated on the registration/eNaTIS.

Questions I’d love opinions on:

1. Is 172,000 km too high for this engine/gearbox if it has full service history?

2. Are “new injectors recently done” a positive, or a warning sign?

3. Anything specific to check on the Mahindra Pik Up S11 Karoo 4x4 auto?

4. Are the EFS suspension, steel bumpers, canopy, roller shutter, and Raptor coating meaningful value-adds, or should I treat them as “nice but irrelevant” when negotiating?

5. What would be a fair price, assuming it checks out mechanically?

6. Would you insist on a Dekra/Mahindra inspection before buying?

7. Any known issues with these bakkies once they’re past 150,000 km?

I’m not expecting Hilux/Ranger refinement — I’m more interested in whether it’s a solid, reliable, value-for-money 4x4/workhorse. Any advice from owners or mechanics would be appreciated.

Im trying to understand how im falling short here.

So I went into a dry spell and lost my job close to a year ago. A month before I lost the job I was applying for car finance at westbank and got rejected because I didn't have credit history(I was 23 and didnt know jack about credit). So I got a credit card and stuff to improve my score. Now I have a 640 score.

After losing the job instead of waiting and applying I immediately rented a car to do uber, paying bro about 2500 weekly :,)

Uber is tedious and stuff so one month in, i started a tourism company and registered it with this rented vehicle. I cold emailed until i landed a contract with an institution. Now they pay me well but it doesnt feel like it because of the 2500 I still have to pay weekly.

LONG STORY Short. I applied again on the website and it got declined again! I don't understand, I have consistent money coming in monthly ranging between 10k-40k depending on the month. I have a 640 score. And I pay 10k monthly to rent the car. WHAT AM I DOING WRONG?

If I can pay this much on a monthly surely that 3k installment isn't much for me. I dont know where to go. Financing a used car would save me a lot. So please, if you know how to maneuver around this problem let me know.

Hi all,

Hope this is allowed, Mods?

I’ve searched the sub but can’t find any posts about carbon cleaning. I’ve recently bought my first sports car and there are a few things that I would like to do such as a carbon clean (it’s a 2010 TSFI or TSI 🤷🏽‍♂️) and then later on refresh the rims. Please spam me with trusted referrals of carbon cleaning professionals in JHB that you have personally used. Bonus points if you can estimate the cost and time.

I’m a 24-year-old male, I am saving up for my first car. Budget is around R50k to R100k max.

I’m looking at smaller compact cars like the Hyundai Atos, i10 or i20 because I like the low fuel consumption and overall lower running costs. It’s mainly going to be a daily runaround car, errands, trips to the mall, taking family around sometimes, etc.

Only thing is I’m a bigger/taller guy, around 95kg. Would cars like these still be comfortable/durable enough or would you recommend something slightly bigger?

I only drive automatic because I don’t have a manual license currently.

Hi everyone, looking for some car suggestions here

My max budget is R400k, but I’m not looking to buy new. I’m happy with a used car, provided it has a full service history, is known to be reliable and has under 100k km.

I already have a Land Rover Defender that I’m fixing up, so that will cover my bigger car / 4x4 needs. For this car, I’m looking for something reliable, relatively fuel efficient, ideally not worse than 10 km/l unless it’s well under budget, premium feeling, and with decent resale value. I don’t necessarily value lots of gadgets, screens, or fancy electronics.

Something sporty looking would also be nice, although that’s not essential.
I’m probably going to avoid 2nd hand BMWs, since I already have one potentially demanding project car and don’t want my daily to become another reliability risk.

I’m also not generally a fan of electric cars, unless there’s a really strong argument for one in this price range.

What would you recommend?

So for some background, I was rear-ended in January this year (very obvious who was at fault so nobody's disputing it). I bought the vehicle in November last year so when I logged the claim with muly insurance (A&G) I was told that I'd basically need to pay R10k excess upfront (my standard excess plus additional because it was so soon after joining), and the advised that I can rather do a 3rd party claim to the other person's insurance (Santam).

So I got the 3rd party claim logged, got repair quotes, one in excess of R200k and the other panelbeater just gave me a quote with "uneconomical to repair" as a line item, and sent through the quotes, photos and supporting docs. Props to Santam for having friendly customer service and an efficient interface to submit the claim. Once it was actually assigned to a processor though, the 4 month long runaround commenced where I had to practically beg for updates.

So after that whole process, and emailing again today to check on the progress, I've received a settlement offer of R30k

For more context, the car is a 1998 Range Rover with significant body modifications, and I got it and another of the same model for R50k altogether because the previous owner took apart the engine of the other one and just wanted rid of the pair. So as part of the documents that I've had to submit was the proof of purchase stating R50k for 2 Range Rovers.

After the accident, and after I'd already submitted the claim the car also started having electrical issues from the battery and fuse box being pushed forward and gradually getting damaged from driving.

Id like to find out from the community, is the R30k a reasonable offer, or should I (either myself or getting someone smarter than me) advocate for a better settlement?

I’m 18, wanna get a 2022/3 Polo TSI or a 2021/2 Audi A1 30TFSI

Can’t lie, my heart going with Polo TSI, but Audi so sleek and rare, if I go with the Audi, I wanna go with the grey light blue colour

And if I go with the Polo TSI, I preferably want it to be auto DSG with sunroof if I can

Please advise me, don’t really know a lot about cars, but still wanna look cool obviously.
Thank you

Hi everybody, I am looking for advice on cars that are fun to drive and practical both new and second hand around the R500 000. I’m a student that also works part-time and next year I would like to purchase a car as by then I would have saved up enough money to buy it completely in cash.

I currently drive a 2012 VW Polo Vivo 1.6 and the driving experience leaves a lot to be desired. It was fun when I was eighteen as every car is fun at that time but now that I commute to school and work with traffic being a regular part of my day. I would like something more comfortable and exciting to drive.

I have been looking at coupès since whilst being in my twenties this is the most practical time to get it. One that has caught my eye is the Audi TTS however I am also hoping to find a few suggestions from this community.

Thank you

Hi everyone

I'm looking to upgrade my 2021 A/T Toyota Agya. My options are the Hyundai i20 Premium, Starlet Cross, Suzuki Baleno or a sub 350k SUV?

What are your thoughts?

My budget is about 4k for the car only. Happy to put down a 10% deposit with a 20% balloon.

I recently bought myself a nice 2 series BMW , so I call a friend to tell them I finally got the vehicle and his advice was that now that I drive a BMW - I need to get myself a gun due to high jacking and theft in South Africa, is it really that necessary though?

Hey everyone,

I’m looking at buying a 2013 Toyota 86 in the Gauteng / Vaal Triangle / South Joburg area, but I’m not local so I can’t view it myself.

Can anyone recommend a trustworthy person or workshop to do a proper pre-purchase inspection on an 86/GT86?

I’d want them to check the usual 86 specific stuff: OBD scan, cold start, misfires/coil packs, oil leaks, gearbox/clutch, underbody, accident damage, major service history, valve spring recall proof and whether any mods/tune look dodgy.

Also, since I’m buying remotely, what’s the best way to avoid being misled by the dealer or an inspector who may be too friendly with them?

Any recommendations or advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

I am seeking advice on buying Sealion 5. It looks the best option in the range. It may not be the best looking though. It would have been nice if there was space for a spare tyre though. What is your take about it?

My wife drives a 2019 Suzuki Swift 1.2 GL. Driving back from Lanseria in the rain I noticed the headlights were terrible. What options are there to upgrade them?

Hello everyone. I have a ford fiesta 1.4 ambiente 2016 and I was wanting to get better headlights. I've seen some amazing neo or zeon or fancy leds on some models but don't know where to get them. Anyone drive something similar or have places that sell the headlights I am after? Thanks

Hey guys

Wanted your thoughts on the below

Bought a second hand bmw electric vehicle from a dealership less then 6 months ago.

Now the vehicle needs the electric motor replaced (I'm told there isn't stock even in Germany so usually have to wait a couple months for the stock).

Has anyone had luck requesting a cancellation and full refund for their vehicle and if so, how difficult and long was it?

From what I've researched online- wall of text below (i think a precident has been set) the CPA does speak to this issue:

"Section 56(2) affords the consumer the right to return the goods where defect occurs within

6 months from the date of purchase and to choose whether he/she wants repairs or

replacement, or whether he/she wants a refund of the purchase price if goods supplied do

not satisfy the requirements and standards of section 55 of the CPA.

2.3 Despite the provisions of section 56 (2), some suppliers insist on repairing the goods when

the consumer has elected a refund. In the case of National Consumer Commission v

Neil Reyneke Exclusive Auto t/a Exclusive Auto One, the consumer purchased a motor

vehicle on 19 December 2019 and took delivery on the same day. On 20 December 2019,

the motor vehicle started to exhibit a strange noise from the engine bay.

2.4 The consumer notified the respondent of the defects, and the respondent advised the

consumer to take the motor vehicle to the nearest garage for inspection. On 30 December

2019, the consumer took the motor vehicle to Ford Vereeniging Auto (For McCarthy (Pty)

Ltd) as directed by the respondent. Ford Vereeniging Auto diagnosed the problem and

issued a quote to replace one part. However, the consumer was later informed that the

engine was faulty and had to be replaced. Ford Vereeniging Auto quoted the costs of

repairs to be R78,599.44

.

2.4 The respondent sent an email to the consumer’s attorneys wherein it stated that it was

taking responsibility for the damage to the vehicle sold to the consumer and offered to

replace the motor vehicle’s engine with an original Ford engine. However, the consumer

refused the offer and demanded that the sale agreement be cancelled and that she be refunded the purchase price. The Respondent argued that it has the Right to repair the

motor vehicle and refused to refund the consumer the purchase price.

2.3 The Tribunal concluded that as a defective vehicle was sold, the

consumer was entitled to cancel the agreement and claim a refund within six months after

purchase. She was under no statutory obligation to first consider or allow any repairs by

the respondent to the motor vehicle. Any other interpretation of the consumer’s right, as

outlined in section 56(2), would be erroneous."