RENTAL CARS AT THE LOWEST RATES
Top 5 Car Hire Companies in South Africa
In reality there are a number of car hire companies in South Africa but the thing is, a large portion of those do not deliver the best quality at the best possible price. Let me provide you with an unbiased list of those you should consider.
Avis South Africa
This is a brand that is known all over the world. It is also available in South Africa and it offers an instant online booking facility, unlimited kilometers, comprehensive road map, and you can request a mobile phone as part of the package. It also offers 100% insurance and the cars can be collected and returned at any AVIS branch across the country.
Tempest
A popular car hire company in South Africa with a network of offices across the country and 3000 cars to rent. They also have kiosks at all major airports, which is great for travelers. They have unlimited mileage packages, option to hire a GPS and you can collect of return a car from any TEMPEST branch in the country.
Hertz South Africa
This is yet another international company that has a strong South African presence. Through this car rental company in South Africa, you can get unlimited mileage, comprehensive road maps and mobile phone on request. They also offer instant online quoting and booking facility.
Sixt South Africa
Has an instant online booking facility and is considered one of the cheapest amongst car rental companies in South Africa. Like most of the ones mentioned above, they offer unlimited mileage, representation in all airports, have 1600 cars to rent and they rotate them every 9 months to make sure that you drive a well maintained car.
Imperial/Europ Car
This is one of the largest car rental company in South Africa. Its popular brand Imperial is known country wide and Europ is known world over. This means if you rent a car through this company, you enjoy the best of both worlds i.e. an international brand that has local roots. Their online booking system is fast and instant. A simple four step process whereby you simply provide your pick up details, drop off details, make a car selection and you are done.
Car Buying in South Africa
The success of this programme is largely due to the difficulties associated with buying a pre-owned car privately in any foreign country, South Africa being no exception in this regard.
The procedure of making a used car purchase is fraught with many risks.
Although used cars are generally well priced, the many hidden costs accumulated tend to surface only after the deal is done. Many new owners of pre-owned cars realise afterward that they should have dealt with someone who offers a guarantee. Any undisclosed problems can end up costing a great deal of money over and above the purchase price, with no recompense from the previous owner.
Buy back guarantee means that you purchase a fully licensed, roadworthy, quality used vehicle. When you return home, we buy it back from you. No hassles, no catches - it is really as simple as that!
However, if you do decide to purchase a car privately.
Take note of the following car buying tips and procedures:
Purchase
It is important to conclude a sales contract when buying a used car. Registration forms are available at the local traffic authorities. All used cars must pass a roadworthy test, which will cost about R 200.00.This test is best done at AA Test & Drive Centres, which are located around South Africa.
Payment
Normally you pay the purchase price cash or via bank transfer. It is important to keep the voucher. The voucher will allow you to transfer the money back to your account in your home country after you have sold the vehicle. Without this, you could have difficulty changing the South African Rands back into the currency of origin.
An international bank transfer takes approximately 4-6 days.
Registration
Within 21 days of signing the contract, the vehicle must be registered at the "Department of Licensing and Registration".
For this you need the following documents:
* Change of Ownership / Sale of motor vehicle form
* Roadworthy Certificate
* Original Registration Certificate
* Bank Release Certificate
* Current License Disc
* Driver's License
* Passport
* Traffic Register Number
* Address in South Africa
For the registration you should plan 2-3 days.
Insurance
South Africa has no compulsory cover for vehicle damage. This means that some 70% of drivers are uninsured. Against this background, and keeping in mind the fact that repairs are very expensive in South Africa, it is advisable to obtain fully comprehensive insurance cover, or at least cover for Balance of Third Party, Fire and Theft. This is almost impossible to do without a permanent address in South Africa or without a local bank account. Being young also counts against you.
More Information
Give yourself enough time to market and sell the vehicle before your departure. The less time you have to sell the car, the lower the price you will have to accept. If necessary, sell your vehicle to a local dealer, even if you get a price under the market value.
When selling to a private person, it makes sense to take someone with you for added security. Do not let the buyer do a test drive on his own. Only accept cash, and be weary of cheques, as these are easily forged.
For driving to Kenya or Tanzania, you need a Carnet de Passage, obtainable at the AA. To get it you need 100% deposit of the vehicle cost. Does your holiday budget allow this?