Are you one of the many individualsinterested in second hand cars for salein South Africa? If so, you are probably feeling less than prepared to dealwith the notoriously wily second-hand car dealers out there. This is why wehave decided to put together a list of purchasing guidelines that will makeyour purchasing experience less harrowing.

Investing in second-hand cars for sale in Cape Town andelsewhere in South Africa has the potential to be a very fruitful venture ifyou take the time beforehand to do your homework and consider your optionsproperly. The following tips should also come in handy:

1.      Be a pain: It is our instinct as South Africans to accommodate everyone wecome across and not to cause needless hassle. Well, this is one of those timesthat you will have to be a pain and insist on seeing all of the car?spaperwork. You should then take the time to go through the service record witha fine-toothed comb.

2.      Keep your eyes peeled: Check every inch on the vehicle. It is also recommended that youhire an impartial professional to do an independent mechanical check.

3.      Go for a ride: Test-driving the vehicle is imperative ? ideally you should beable to take it out of town to test its long road capabilities as well.

4.      Stick to your budget: Before you even set out to look at second-hand cars for sale in South Africa, draw upyour budget. Then stick to it.

5.      Don't fall for it: The used car salesman is a businessman; he is not your buddy. Donot fall for smooth talking, stick to the business at hand.

6.      Negotiate: You should at the very least attemptto bargain for a lower selling price.

7.      Be completely happy: Do not even think of buying a car that you are not completelyhappy with. Once you leave the sales grounds, every quirk that car has becomesyour problem.

8.      Take your time: It is not advisable to buy the first car for sale in Cape Town that you lay eyes on. The process istedious yes, but shopping around will give you a better idea of what is outthere and prevents you from spending your hard-earned money on a vehicle thatwill leave you in the lurch.

9.      Team up: If you are clueless when it comes to the inner workings of a motorcar and have no idea what to look for when it comes to service records and thelike, it would be best to take someone along who actually has a clue. Thiscould be your father, a friend or a professional ? whoever you know that has aneducated opinion and can safeguard you against glib sales personnel that willsmell your ignorance a mile away.