How to identify your "The One"

I have been asked by several people to explain to them how to identify your "the One"

Finding the right car for your needs is very important.

I normally take the time to figure out what I would like to use the car for. What is the purpose of the car and what would it's ultimate reason be for becoming a part of the Thrustbee group. We all have different needs and expectations for what you want and see in your vehicle. Some use it as a method to get from A to B, others use it for a purpose(for work) and some just get a car just because someone told them to get that model.

What are things to consider?

Let's start with the Bakkie, South Africans love their "bakkies" or as the Americans call them Trucks. We have an affection for them due to their versatility and space as well as on road manners and presence. Dear readers, Presence is probably the main reason some of us own a bakkie, the high ride height, the size and the apparent intimidation factor when driving around. We have a few typical groups that are classified in their association with a specific brand.

There is team Ford, We have team Hilux (notice I have not said Toyota) and then the VW guys. We have the Isuzu, Mazda and the new P series making some strides. All of them have their own perception of why my bakkie are the best. The Hilux is not called "the legend" for no reason, it has the pedigree of reliability and dealer availability that no one else can match, they can be used in the veld in Thabazimbi or Blouberg strand, you will be immediately respected.

Picture courtesy of Toyota South Africa

The Ford Ranger has been the new one to have as the traditional bakkie buyers have moved to that brand due to the rugged looks and the extensive range of options. We are also very privileged to have the Ford factory for the Ranger in Pretoria. The factory has been there since 1967. The Ranger Raptor is the new millennial dream bakkie.

Picture courtesy of Ford South Africa

Ford has been steadily able to take a big chunk out of the Toyota Hilux market share and this has definitely been due to some real incredible products that have been able to give people confidence in resale and resilience. I have noticed a lot of the Ranger's employed as company vehicles for regular use.

How do you decide?

This is predominantly decided for some buyers, I am sure you know when I say price is the talking point here. All of us would love to spend Estimated Price From: R920,300 for the Raptor. Therefore finding your ideal "One" is looking for the one you can afford, if you cannot afford it now but can save up. Then that is a good option as well.

Now you have found your dream.

Now that you have found your dream, Are we going NEW or Second hand?

NEW

If you are going New and will be financing the vehicle, go to your nearest dealer and go and do the magic deal to make your dreams come true.

The one thing that everyone needs to remember is to still check out your new vehicle, it being bought from a dealer does not mean it will be perfect, look out for damages and signs of irregularities. Remember you have probably been on the manufacturer website 20 + times to look at your beauty and should be pretty familiar with the general look of it, if it looks off, then there is something wrong.

Second hand

The biggest thing is if the price is to good to be true, expect the unexpected, the vehicle could have numerous problems and issues not identified by the owner / seller. Remember the saying " Goedkoop koop is duur koop".

Make sure you have the vehicle checked out by someone that has knowledge and skill to be impartial and provide proper advise on the vehicle.

Send me a Mail for options available for Thrustbee to go and evaluate your dream.

When inspecting a vehicle properly know your vehicle, meaning check pictures on the web of what they used to look like new, this will provide you with clear information just of pictures of what to expect when searching for the "one".

When you first have a look at the vehicle and find out as much of the vehicle that you can, speak to them about previous road trips, the current kilometer reading, what the vehicle was used for and doing some homework on pricing what they sell for when you go to negotiate.

• There is always a reason why someone would sell the vehicle, establish the reason.

• Look for any abuse or accident damages

• Inspect the vehicle panel for panel,

• Is the vehicle clean

• Does the person selling the car know what they are talking about.

• Are they over confident, are they arrogant, are they helpful.

• You can learn a lot of the type of vehicle owner / Seller just in the way they answer your questions.

• Make sure you use a checklist - Request a copy of the Thrustbee Free checklist

• The easiest way to identify poor previous repairs would be to inspect the color of the vehicle, are all the colors the same?

• Do you see any irregularities in the paint or panel gaps.

• Look for important stickers. Such as Vin tags.

• Look for immediate visible leakages

• Parts missing

• Open engine bay and compare what you see with the homework done on what it looked like when new.

• Ask Questions

• Negotiate on price

The Fun part of the discussion around the "braai" is what and how you got your pride and joy.

Bragging a bit with the tjommies.

Who does not like to do that.

All the best

Thrustbee greetings