This is the safest way of buying as you get the maximum protection of the law. But there are dodgy dealers too, so look for an established firm with a good reputation. It is also a good idea to choose a dealer approved by the major finance houses. Also ask friends if they can recommend anyone.
A trade association sign may mean that the firm follows a code of practice. The Retail Motor Industry Organisation of South Africa (RMI) can tell you which local dealers are subscribers to this code. Ask to see the report on the vehicle you want to buy. It may not be as detailed as one you pay for yourself, but will provide useful information, or choose a dealer with a quality checking scheme. Most manufacturers operate under a recognized used vehicle quality service.
When buying from a dealer the law says that a vehicle must be:
Satisfactory Quality
It must meet the standard that a reasonable person would regard as acceptable, bearing in mind the way it was described, how much it costs and any other relevant circumstances. This covers, for example, the appearance and finish of the vehicle, its safety and its durability. The vehicle must be free from defects, except those that were pointed out to you by the seller (there will be normal wear and tear when a vehicle is used) and those which should have been uncovered by an inspection ( but only if you inspected the vehicle, or if someone did it for you.)
The Vehicle should be as Described
A vehicle said to have ‘one careful lady owner’ shouldn’t turn out to have had three previous owners all male under 22. A vehicle should be reasonably fit for any normal purpose – it should get you from A to B – and for any other purpose that you specify to the seller – for example towing a caravan. These rights are not affected by any mechanical breakdown insurance (often sold by sellers if the manufacturers warranty has run out), guarantee or warranty giving additional protection. It’s a good idea to get a description of the vehicles condition from the dealer. Ask whether there is a pre-sale inspection checklist.
