Triton brings the challenge to competitors
The bakkie war has intensified with the local launch of Mitsubishi’s next-generation Triton, an evolution in the iconic bakkie’s 46-year legacy.
- Product News
- 21 November 2024
Used car buyers often face a choice: should they choose an older car with lower mileage or a newer one with higher mileage?
Car pricing experts at getWorth price thousands of used cars each month, analysing market data extensively. Colin Morgan, getWorth’s Head of Pricing, provides an example: “Imagine you are considering two options for the same car, both selling for the same price. One is a 2021 Kia Picanto 1.2 Street Auto with low mileage - only 20 000 km. The other is a 2022 model, but it has 50 000 km. Which one offers better value?”
Colin explains that market data provides a clear answer: “The used car market acts like a weighing machine. The prices that cars sell for indicate what consumers are willing to pay for different ages and mileages.
“Our algorithms analyse this data and can precisely determine the market value of these two cars. A year of age on this Kia Picanto affects the price by 6%, and each kilometre adds 42 cents. This means these two cars should be almost identically priced.
“However, our in-house preference is slightly different. We tend to favour lower mileage over age. Personally, I would choose the older car with lower mileage.”
Colin explains the reasons behind the getWorth house view. It is mostly use and wear and tear on components that affect a car’s mechanical condition. The age of the parts makes less of a difference these days.
Lower mileage usually means the car is in better condition cosmetically as well. “If you assume the exact same driver habits, the higher-mileage car would have 30 000 km more time in the driver’s seat, wear on the carpets, time on the road with little stone chips and scuffs, and the like.”
Warranties, services and maintenance plans can also impact the price. For instance, a car with an additional year on its manufacturer warranty and service plan might save you money on a service and present a lower mechanical risk.
While both age and mileage are crucial in determining the value of a used car, expert advice leans towards lower mileage. Lower mileage generally means less wear and tear on mechanical components and better overall condition. Ultimately, understanding your personal priorities and the vehicle's history is key to making a better informed decision.
The bakkie war has intensified with the local launch of Mitsubishi’s next-generation Triton, an evolution in the iconic bakkie’s 46-year legacy.
Unlike in the past, when dealerships primarily waited for customers to come to them, we now take a more proactive approach, bringing our vehicles directly to places where people gather, allowing them to experience the product first-hand, including offering test drives,” says Gerrie van der Kaay, Dealer Principal at Supergroup Dealerships Jetour Midrand.
JAC Motors added ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) to its X200 2.8L TDI 1.5-tonne single-cab, enhancing safety for both the crew and cargo. This latest upgrade complements the ABS-equipped X200 1.3-tonne double-cab targeted at organisations with labour-intensive crews.
Advertisement
Advertisement
You can't build a reputation on what you are going to do.
Henry Ford
Leading used car trader, WeBuyCars, which listed on the JSE in April this year, is expanding its business focus to include third party sales and is rapidly expanding its vehicle supermarket and buying pods presence in South Africa.
The Isuzu Foundation, in collaboration with IRONMAN4theKidz, donated R250 000 to three Mossel Bay charities dedicated to uplifting vulnerable youth, families and individuals in need.
Hino South Africa has handed over four mobile offices to the Gauteng Government Roads and Transport Department, which are to be used as Smart Driving Licensing Testing Centres by the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC).