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Buying a Second-Hand Car in Gauteng? Here’s What to Check in 2025

Published

2 hours ago

December 15, 2025

Chiraag

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Buying a second-hand car in Gauteng can feel like a rite of passage. Whether it is your first set of wheels or an upgrade from an old faithful, the used car market in Joburg moves fast. Deals pop up daily on social media, WhatsApp groups, and roadside lots. But in 2025, with scams becoming more sophisticated and repair costs climbing, a careful approach matters more than ever.

This is the practical checklist locals swear by before handing over a cent.

Start with the paperwork or walk away

Before you even look at the bodywork, ask for the documents. A legitimate sale in South Africa starts with the registration certificate and a clear paper trail.

Check that the VIN matches everywhere. Windscreen, engine bay, chassis, licence disc, and registration papers must all reflect the same number. If something is off, that is your cue to leave.

Confirm that the seller is legally allowed to sell the vehicle. The person selling it should be listed as the owner or authorised title holder. If there is outstanding finance attached to the car, it cannot legally be sold until that debt is settled.

A vehicle history report is essential in 2025. These reports flag accident damage, insurance write-offs, stolen vehicle records, and mileage inconsistencies. Many Joburg buyers say this single step has saved them from costly mistakes.

Also, confirm that a valid roadworthy certificate will be supplied. It must be less than 60 days old for ownership transfer.

Why independent inspections are no longer optional

In Gauteng traffic conditions, hidden wear shows up quickly. Potholes, stop-start congestion, and long commutes take their toll.

A pre-purchase inspection by an independent professional remains one of the smartest moves you can make. These inspections uncover things most buyers miss. Previous accident repairs, suspension damage, engine faults, or warning codes that have been temporarily cleared.

If a seller refuses an independent inspection, that alone tells you everything you need to know.

Do your own walkaround like a local

Even with a professional report, your own checks matter.

Walk around the car in daylight. Look for mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps, and rust, especially underneath and around wheel arches. Check tyres, including the spare. Uneven wear can point to alignment or suspension problems.

Inside the car, test everything. Windows, air conditioning, infotainment, lights, and indicators. Damp smells can signal flood damage, something buyers in high rainfall areas of Gauteng are increasingly wary of.

Under the bonnet, look for leaks, cracked hoses, and corrosion around the battery. A clean engine bay is good, but an overly polished one can sometimes hide problems.

The test drive reveals the truth

Never skip the test drive, and never rush it.

Start the car cold if possible. Listen carefully. On the road, test city driving, highways, and inclines. Brakes should feel solid. Gears should change smoothly. Steering should feel stable without pulling or vibrations.

Turn the radio off. Strange knocks, grinding sounds, or burning smells often show up only when the cabin is quiet.

Watch the dashboard closely. Warning lights that stay on or flicker are red flags.

Service history tells the real story

A full service history remains one of the strongest indicators of a well-maintained vehicle. Look for consistent records from recognised service centres. Be cautious of service books with mismatched handwriting or suspicious gaps.

Mileage should make sense for the age and condition of the car. Excessive wear on pedals or seats combined with low mileage is a warning sign that many buyers only notice too late.

Know your rights as a buyer in 2025

South African consumer law gives buyers protection, especially when purchasing from dealers. Sellers are required to disclose known defects, and misrepresentation can be challenged.

If things go wrong after purchase and the seller refuses to engage, formal complaint channels exist to mediate disputes. Many Joburg motorists have successfully resolved issues by knowing their rights and acting quickly.

A final Joburg reality check

In Johannesburg, a good deal does not stay around for long. But pressure tactics, urgent cash stories, or offers that feel too good to be true usually are.

Take your time. A second-hand car should make your life easier, not drain your savings with unexpected repairs six months later.