Secondhand is the New New: What that means for South African Drivers

Secondhand cars have definitely become the preferred option for South Africans hitting the road in the last few years. Don’t believe us? The data backs it up: in the first half of 2024, over twice as many people applied for used car loans compared to new car loans, underscoring how affordability drives consumer choice.



KIA RIO

Looking to spice up your savings and lifestyle at the same time? In this month’s "Around the Spend" feature, we dive into the Kia Rio, a compact yet vibrant car with a Brazilian flair that’s made waves in South Africa. From saving on car insurance with Hippo to spending on everything from shades to swimwear, here’s how you can bring a bit of Rio’s zest into your everyday life.



How To Get the Most Out of Your Warranty and/or Service Plan

Most new cars come with a motor warranty or service plan that helps you pay for a certain number of services or repairs for a set number of years or kilometres. However, if you have an older car this plan might have run out, meaning it’s up to you to foot these bills. OR, you can be a smart cookie and extend or take out another motor warranty or service plan. In this piece, we explained what these plans are and what to consider when getting one



The Hippo Dictionary of Dings and Dents

Car dings, dents, and scratches are a frustrating part of vehicle ownership. From shopping trolleys to stone chips and mystery scratches, damages happen anytime. This guide helps identify different types of damage and offers advice on addressing them, whether through simple fixes or using scratch and dent insuranc.



Hippo’s Practical Guide To Practical Things For Your Corolla (When You Save Using Hippo)

There are a lot of Toyota Corollas on Mzansi’s roads and while some of them are used as the family car for parents, or as a reliable ride for sales reps as they travel the countryside, Corollas are mostly used as Ubers these days.



What Car Can You Afford on South Africa’s Average Salary?

It's a simple question... but the answer's pretty complicated. Here's a look at your options.



The Pitfalls of Potholes: A Closer Look at South African Roads

Potholes have become a serious point of discussion especially, as they seem to have increased in number over the past few years.



Buckle Up: Stats Reveal SA’s Road Carnage

Today as you read this, on a South African road, you have one of the highest chances in the world of having



Why Are South African Roads So Dangerous?

South Africa has dangerous roads, and that’s a fact. Our road fatality rate in 2023 sits at 19.39 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants, well above the global rate of 15.



How Much Can a Car Warranty Save You?

Paying a monthly fee for an extended car warranty feels expensive until you have to pay out a lump sum for a major repair.



The Benefits of Having a Car Service Plan

Ah, the joys of car ownership: the wind in your hair, the open road, the gentle purr of the engine... until, of course, it all goes horribly wrong. A blinking light, a rattling sound that just won't go away and – bham! You're left with a hefty bill for repairs. And that, friends, is why you should always take out a Service Plan.



The most fuel-efficient cars in South Africa in 2023

From budget-friendly city runabouts to family-focused, school-run and pavement-hopping SUVs, there are many car brands that offer buyers value for money and lower-than-average fuel consumption. Let's take a look at the most fuel-efficient cars South Africa has to offer.



The ruling that puts YOU back in the driver’s seat

At last, the Right2Repair guidelines put you in the driver's seat when it comes to choosing who services your car, and how much you're willing to pay for it – because why should car manufacturers be making decisions for you?



Balloon Payment Hacks

Vehicle financing with a balloon payment is an attractive option, but remember that you'll still have to pay the piper at the end of your term!



When Did You Last Check Your Tyres?

The state of your tyres plays a major role in your car's roadworthiness and safety. When was the last time you checked them?



How to Save on Fuel

Walk to work? Buy a bike? You'll need better ideas than those if your budget is going to survive the sky-rocketing fuel price. Here are some suggestions.



New Car, Used Car, Cover Your Current Car

It's hard to find a car (new or used) at a good price right now. So why not stick with your current vehicle and buy an extended Motor Warranty to prolong its lifespan?



Driver’s Licence Delays: What They Mean For You

South Africa has a serious driver's licence backlog. What could an expired licence mean for you and your insurance cover?



The Best Cars Made in South Africa

Is your car proudly made in South Africa? There's a wealth of car-building expertise in our Republic, with plants manufacturing marques like Toyota, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, VW, Mahindra and more.



Best Car in SA based on the Car of the Year Award

Over the course of the past decade, Porsche has claimed the South African Car of the Year (Coty) title four times. 2020's winner was the Jaguar I-PACE, which costs about the same as a two-bedroom apartment in northern Joburg. Much like the glory days of Top Gear, you'd be forgiven for thinking that SA's Coty jurors had become... what's a nice way of saying this?... out of touch.



Used-car Warning Signs

Looking to buy a second-had car? Here's how to make sure the deal isn't too good to be true.



Everything You Need to Know About Vehicle Financing

Buying your very own first car is a big deal, so before you take the leap, think about how it's going to hit your pocket. Read on to find out how to finance your first car and what to budget for.



Maintaining Your Car Is Getting Cheaper, but Not Necessarily Easier

A seismic shift occurred in the South African car market at the end of 2020, as the Competition Commission released new regulations concerning vehicle servicing and maintenance. Informally known as the Right to Repair, it permits car owners to use any service provider and non-original parts to maintain their vehicles – without losing their manufacturer warranty.



Is a Balloon Payment Right for Me?

Are you a good candidate for a vehicle-finance deal that includes a final large – and potentially eye-popping – sum of money due at its conclusion, or should you rather avoid it? Read on before you jump into it.



The True Cost of Owning a Car

The cost of running a car isn’t simply the price of your monthly instalment – there’s plenty more to consider.



Could This Actually Be a Great Time to Buy a New Car?

You’re working from home, spending a lot less time in traffic, and not driving nearly as much as you used to. Yet this might be the best time to buy a new car.



Driver's Licence Renewal Guide

The time has come for you to renew your driver’s licence and you’re probably already dreading dealing with all the administration. Don’t be! Our quick guide to renewing your driver’s licence will help you get it done in no time.



Tips for Renewing Your Car Licence

If you own a car, you may have noted that you didn’t get a reminder notice this year about renewing your licence. Have you checked on your windscreen for when your licence expires? Unfortunately, AARTO (Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences) is currently not sending these notices out, which may mean that many people have either forgotten to renew them or may not know how to do it…



Importance Of Having A Car Tracker Installed

A car tracker is a small device that when installed in your vehicle, makes a big difference – to your safety, your budget, your insurance premiums and your chances of recovering your vehicle if it's stolen.



Is rent-to-own car financing risky?

If you've found the car you love but it's too expensive, you're not alone. Most people don't have enough cash available to buy a car outright, which is why they turn to car financing.



Are balloon payments a good way to save on car repayments?

Buying a car is a big financial commitment and figuring out how you're going to pay for it beforehand is the best way to make sure you stay within your budget. If you want to buy a car and are looking for ways to save on the monthly repayments, you might be considering a balloon payment or residual value loan.



The top 5 best-selling cars of all time

When thinking about popular cars, vehicles like the Volkswagen Polo and the Toyota Etios probably come to mind. While these vehicles do regularly top local sales charts, they’re not among the top five best-selling cars of all time.



Top 5 most influential vehicles

There are thousands of vehicles on the market today, each offering their own unique approach to a segment. All of them are great in their own way, but only a select few have managed to change the course of automotive history.



Tesla Unveils Self Driving Car Chips

Tesla Motors unveiled their latest development in autonomous vehicle engineering at their Tesla Autonomous Day event on April 22 in Palo Alto, California. Tesla CEO and South African born billionaire Elon Musk took the opportunity to woo Tesla investors with the new FSD Computer Assembly hardware, the chip that Elon Musk says makes the Tesla the only financially viable option for consumers and ready to ship.



3 of South Africa’s Best Car Owners’ Clubs

Joining a car owners’ club can have several benefits, including access to service guides, more affordable parts, and being part of a community. Some owners’ clubs also offer advanced driving courses and training, which could get you a preferential car insurance quote.



4 Towns You Can Stop at Between Gauteng and Cape Town

Hey, Gautenger! Did you take a road trip to Cape Town over the holidays? Did you stop at any of these gems on your way? If not, read on to find out why these four towns are well worth a visit on your next road trip.



Tesla Is The Future…Maybe

The future is electric! We’ve been hearing that sentiment for quite some time. Despite the impracticalities around charging them, hefty price tags, and possibly even higher car insurance premiums, electric vehicles are finally coming into realisation. Companies are frantically playing catch-up with Tesla, but will they ever get there?



Car Insurance Day: a Day to Celebrate

Your car is one of the most important items you can insure, so it’s a good idea to regularly check that you’re covered correctly. That’s what Car Insurance Day is for. Think about it – when last did you read through your policy to make sure it was up to date? If, say, your child has just started learning to drive, you’d likely need to tell your insurer to update the regular drivers on your policy; if you don’t, an accident claim could be rejected.



How Much Should You Spend on Your Car?

Buying a car is exciting. Once you’ve made up your mind to get some new wheels, you suddenly take an interest in cars you hardly noticed before. You wonder what they’re like to drive, what colour looks best, do I need mags or a decent sound system?



Insuring Your Car – Retail, Market, or Trade-In Value?

If you’ve ever had to insure a car, you’ve probably been asked if you’d like to cover it for its retail, market or trade-in value.



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