It can be argued that owning a car is a necessity rather than a luxury in present-day Cape Town. But with a plethora of brands, specs and features on offer, buying a car for the first time can be both an exciting and overwhelming experience.
Besides all the technicalities, a few of the most important factors to consider when looking for a car are undoubtedly affordability, insurance, fuel efficiency, reliability and practicality. Not to mention size as well – after all, for most first-time buyers, driving around in a big double cab bakkie when you’re still building confidence and comfortability on the roads sounds more nerve-wracking than fun.
Also read: Compact cars under 100k that are ideal for city dwellers
From the old-faithful Volkswagen Polo Vivo to the stylish Toyota Etios, here are five affordable cars available in the South African market for under R100K that are perfect for first-time buyers, to help you make an informed decision:
Volkswagen Polo Vivo
It’s no coincidence that no matter where you look in Cape Town, you’ll find at least three of these cars. The Volkswagen Polo Vivo has been deemed one of South Africa’s best-selling cars for many many years, and for good reason. This compact car ticks all the necessary boxes: comfortable, fuel-efficient and reliable, making it a great option for any first-time buyer on a budget.
Available in several trim levels and various engine options with several safety features such as anti-lock braking systems (ABS). Plus it’s been produced locally since the early 1990s which means finding parts will be a smooth and inexpensive task.
Find Volkswagen Polo Vivo listings here.
Honda Brio
The Honda Brio is a budget-friendly car that’s long been a popular choice for first-time buyers. Known for its affordability, compact size and practicality, this small hatchback with its sporty appearance is ideal for navigating through urban environments and tight parking spaces (Cape Town in a nutshell, basically).
The Brio is equipped with a small yet efficient engine that provides a good balance between power and fuel efficiency, as well as a smooth driving experience. It also generally comes with features like air conditioning, power steering, and a touchscreen infotainment system which makes driving to and from work or campus a fairly enjoyable experience – depending on the traffic, of course.
Find Honda Brio listings here.
Kia Picanto
Also known as a Kia Morning, the Picanto is simply one of those cars that’s likely to appear on every first-time buyer’s list of potential cars, and rightly so. Produced since 2003, it’s been deemed one of the most well-built and economical cars in contemporary South Africa thanks to its reliability and affordability.
Whilst it has evolved over the years into a young and sporty-looking small car with the latest aesthetics, it has held on tightly to its practicality and safety. It scored a 5-star safety rating on the Australian NCAP test and has one of the highest safety ratings ever for a car in its class.
Find Kia Picanto listings here.
Ford Figo
The Ford Figo is one of the best budget hatchbacks suited for first-time buyers. It offers a combination of aesthetics thanks to its stylish and modern design characterised by its sleek lines and sporty stance, affordability, practicality and performance.
Available with different engine options including petrol and diesel variants, the Figo offers a comfortable ride with responsive handling and supportive seats, making it ideal for those still establishing themselves on their driving journey.
Find Ford Figo listings here.
Toyota Etios
A compact sedan featuring a simple, understated design with clean lines and a traditional sedan silhouette built with robust materials that guarantee longevity and durability makes the Toyota Etios ideal for first-time buyers looking for something that can be maintained for years to come.
This reliable and practical car focuses on offering ample space, fuel efficiency and affordability. Admittedly, it may not have the most luxurious features or cutting-edge technology, but it more than compensates with its practicality and Toyota’s reputation for reliability.
Find Toyota Etios listings here.
Cape {town} Etc discount: Enjoy a 36-piece sushi platter and dessert to share on Kloof Street – R299. Get it here.
Also read:
5 fuel-efficient cars that are perfect for Cape Town commuters
Picture: Antoni Shkraba / Pexels
