The used car market in South Africa presents unique challenges, particularly for buyers unfamiliar with assessing vehicle quality. According to Malcolm Cavie, founder of View4You, up to 90% of used cars may not be as advertised, potentially concealing issues that could be costly to repair. View4You addresses this concern by offering pre-purchase inspection services, helping buyers spot red flags that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Every week, View4You inspects approximately 100 vehicles, but only around 10 pass with a positive evaluation. Common issues range from falsified service histories to vehicles previously written off and then sold as roadworthy.

Overview of the Used Car Market

In July alone, over 31,000 used vehicles were sold in South Africa, generating nearly R13 billion in revenue. Unfortunately, this lucrative market also attracts opportunists seeking quick profits, sometimes at buyers’ expense. Cavie has observed that many defective cars evaluated by View4You had recently passed roadworthy checks, despite being in poor condition.

Roadworthy certificates may not always reflect a car’s actual condition, and dealers—even reputable ones—may unknowingly sell vehicles with falsified histories. For instance, View4You is assisting a buyer who recently purchased a sports car from a well-known dealer, only to find out later that the vehicle had been in a previous accident and written off by insurers.

Tips for Buyers and Reliable Inspection Services

Some dealerships purchase vehicles sight unseen and put them on their lots without adequate background checks. They may not obtain accident histories or service records, which can lead to issues later on. View4You has encountered cases where service records were altered, falsely showing repairs completed by certified workshops when, in fact, they were done by unqualified mechanics. Cavie emphasizes that such practices are widespread, affecting dealers across regions like Tyger Valley and Sandton.

Although initiatives like the South African Insurance Association’s VIN Lookup database aimed to curb fraudulent practices, these efforts have seen limited success. To avoid pitfalls, Cavie recommends buyers conduct thorough inspections, including verifying paperwork, avoiding artificial lighting during viewings, performing test drives at different speeds, and checking underneath the car for damages.

Alternatively, working with a professional inspection service can help buyers avoid costly surprises. Below are three reputable inspection companies in South Africa: