Cars for Christmas: Full Checklist for Buying a Used Vehicle

The Christmas period is all about receiving and giving gifts. A car is one of the most extravagant presents that anyone could ever hope to receive, and it sets you up nicely for your transportation needs for the new year. 

But you should never get over-excited when buying a vehicle, especially not over the festive period when deals are floating all around South Africa. Instead, you should follow the checklist below to ensure that you’re buying the best car for your needs! 

We Rent Cars stocks a number of great vehicle options for your purchasing needs this Christmas! Be sure to check out our catalogue if buying or renting a used car is what you’re after!

10 Things to Consider Before Buying a Used Car 

Here are 10 things you should think about when buying a car over the Christmas period. 

1. Consider Performance and Handling 

One of the first things you need to think about when looking at deals for used cars is the performance and handling of each option. A car with good performance and handling features can make your future driving experiences so much more enjoyable. 

Take a look at the condition of the tires and suspension when inspecting any used vehicles. Also check to see what type of steering the vehicle has and if there’s any built-in driving assistance systems. 

2. Think About Your Purpose for Buying the Car

Every car serves a different purpose. Before rushing into any festive purchase, be sure to consider your own lifestyle and what you actually need a vehicle for. 

If you’re not someone to hit the dirt tracks, then it makes no sense to buy a big and burly 4x4. Instead, consider smaller road cars that may suit your everyday needs. This will also help you stick to a budget. 

3. Figure Out the Style and Design You Want

The look of your car is important - you don’t want to drive around in a vehicle that doesn’t feel like “you”. Some drivers prefer cars with sportier looks and sharper angles, while other drivers prefer to keep it low-key or elegant. 

Choosing a car that suits your style preferences will make that Christmas purchase all the more satisfying.  

4. Check Out the Technology and Safety Features 

In the modern world, cars are far more technologically advanced than we realise. Even older models may have features that you never would’ve thought possible. The in-built technology of a vehicle should significantly impact your decision on whether or not to buy a car. 

Features like Bluetooth connectivity, touchscreen displays, and GPS systems, can all make the driving experience more seamless. 

5. Review Maintenance History  

All cars require regular maintenance checks throughout their lifespan - this is what makes them have a longer lifespan and maintain good engine performance. Maintenance checks include oil changes, tire rotations, brake checks, and more. 

Checking the maintenance history of any used car will inform you of any major issues that it may have had, or if it’s been neglected by previous owners. Cars with a solid and well-documented maintenance history is what you should be looking for. 

At We Rent Cars, we are happy to provide all service history, inspection reports, and any else you may want to review. 

6. Consider Your Budget 

We understand that buying gifts, especially something like a vehicle, can be extremely exciting over the Christmas season. It’s important, however, to set and stick to a strict budget. You don’t want to go in the new year with limited funds! 

When setting a budget, you should determine how much you can afford to spend up-front, how much you can afford to pay in monthly instalments, and how much you’ll need to spend on possible repairs and maintenance.

Or, you could consider alternative financing options like the ones offered by We Rent Cars… 

7. Stick to Reputable Dealers 

Buying a car can be a risky endeavour - sometimes you get carried away in the excitement of the purchase and end up buying a vehicle with multiple hidden problems. By choosing a reputable dealer, like We Rent Cars, you won't have to worry about those issues.

Reputable dealers provide a multitude of benefits:

• Reliable service history 

• Professional sales teams 

• Large catalogue 

• Thorough inspections 

• Multiple financing options 

• Customer reviews and reputation 

8. Do Your Own Research 

Doing research on products before making a big purchase is always important - especially over the festive period, when you can get swept up in buying gifts. Doing extra research when buying a car is imperative. 

You should read the reviews of each model you’re considering, do research on hidden gems, and check out catalogues of various dealerships. Doing extra research will only enhance the strength of your decision.

9. Take the Car for a Test Drive 

And now for the fun part… 

Going for a test drive in multiple different cars is highly recommended. This allows you to test the performance, handling, technology, and power of the cars you’re considering. Experiencing different options first hand is the best way to know which car suits your needs.

Getting a second opinion on different cars could also come handy, so we recommend bringing a friend along for the ride! 

10. Consider Different Finance Options 

We know that financing a car is extremely challenging. Getting the money together for such a big purchase can be taxing, especially if you’re looking to buy a car outright. 

You should consider various financing options, as you could end up with a better model at a cheaper price. We Rent Cars’ rent-to-buy model, for example, allows you to pay a monthly subscription to drive the car of your dreams! 

We Rent Cars Offers the Best Deals for Top-Quality Cars! 

You now have a comprehensive checklist to follow when doing your Christmas car shopping this year! If you’re struggling to finance your festive purchase, or are looking for different financing options, our rent-to-buy model might be perfectly suited for you. 

Our rent-to-buy model is subscription based and allows you to simply Apply, Drive, and eventually Buy! Our model also comes with a host of great benefits like: 

• A tracking device

• Yearly licence renewal 

• 24h roadside assistance 

• Comprehensive insurance 

• Minor services included every 10,000 km up to 54 months

We hope you find the car you’re looking for this Christmas!