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WATCH: The do's and don'ts of buying a car online

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Image: iStock
Image: iStock
Buying a car online can be incredibly convenient but it's not without risks. We list some dos and don'ts to buying a car online...

When buying a car, whether online or through a dealer, conducting thorough research should be a priority.

Make sure you are set on a budget, or if you have one - make sure the deposit you have been saving for is at an amount that will be in your favour for a good deal.

Make a list of requirements you would want your new car to have; does it have a spacious boot? can it seat two, five or seven people? What is its fuel consumption, and does it have a service history, or Euro NCAP safety rating?

Decide on the type of car you're looking for and make a possible list of options that compete in its segment. Once you know what it is you're looking for, you're ready to shop online and see what's available in the market.

Get in touch with the seller and ask as many questions as possible - the more information you have, the more informed your purchasing decision will be. 

Never purchase a vehicle you have not viewed or test-driven. What you see online in pictures is not always accurate; the car's condition might be far worse than what it appears in images. And, you most certainly can't hear its engine nor any alarming noises without having driven the vehicle. 


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