Latest news with #KiaPicanto
Daily Maverick
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Maverick
The true price of owning a car
Most prospective buyers of a vehicle tend to focus on its purchase price when figuring out if it's affordable. But there are many other factors to consider because they will inflate your monthly costs. Having recently bought a new car, I've found it quite a big adjustment getting used to a vehicle loan instalment going off my bank account after not having to pay one for eight years. That said, buying a car is about so much more than its financing. I found WesBank's recent calculations about car ownership costs incredibly helpful. These calculations look at the estimated total monthly expenses associated with owning and maintaining one of the top-selling hatchbacks locally. The data also shows how the total cost of ownership has changed over time. 'Despite the recent improvement in passenger car sales, South Africa remains a price-sensitive market,' says Lebo Gaoaketse, head of marketing and communication at WesBank. 'This means when they decide to buy a car, new or used, most buyers base their decision primarily on the purchase price. But it's important to look beyond just that and consider the total cost of ownership, which is influenced by several other factors.' Cost breakdown For a mid-range hatchback with a retail price of about R294,000, including VAT, you can expect to pay an estimated monthly instalment of R5,554.80. Cars in this price range include the Volkswagen Polo Vivo 1.4 Comfortline, Kia Picanto 1.2 EX manual, Suzuki Swift 1.2 GLX, Toyota Starlet 1.5 XS and the Fiat 500 Cult. The instalment is influenced by the interest rate linked to the vehicle financing contract, which in turn is influenced by factors such as your credit score and the loan term. It's important to note that the interest rate will vary between customers, depending on their credit profile. Insurance options If you're financing your car through a bank, insurance is compulsory before you drive it off the showroom floor. But even if your vehicle is not financed, insurance protects you against losses that might result from an accident or theft. Insurance premiums vary depending on factors such as the make and model of the car, as well as the driver's history and location. For the model in question, a comprehensive insurance premium of R1,827.24 monthly can be expected. It's worth noting that even if you have comprehensive insurance, the amount you owe the bank includes interest and is usually significantly more than the value of the car, especially in the first four years of ownership. Credit shortfall insurance is a valuable add-on to your policy. I made a point of letting my family know that I had taken this option in case I end up dying in a car accident, because I wouldn't want them stressing about the debt. Nor would I want to be stuck paying off the debt if my car is written off. Fuel costs Fuel is one of the largest recurring expenses for car owners. Gaoaketse recommends that you estimate your monthly fuel costs, determine your car's fuel consumption rate and the distance you travel each month. The average monthly fuel costs for the vehicle in this scenario are R3,902.50. This is where your choice of car can make a massive difference. Although I didn't have a car instalment previously, I was forking out between R4,000 and R6,000 a month on fuel – the 'perk' of living two hours away from the city. Swapping my gas-guzzling SUV for a hybrid car has been an absolute game-changer, and the difference at the fuel pumps still astounds me two months later. Continuing maintenance Routine maintenance is important to ensure the safe and reliable operation of your vehicle. In the WesBank example, you could expect to pay in the region of R475.75 per month, or R5,709 annually, for running costs, including routine maintenance and general upkeep. Total monthly mobility costs When combining the monthly instalment, fuel, insurance and running costs, the total monthly cost for one of the bestselling hatchbacks in South Africa comes to R11,760.29 – marginally higher than the average total cost of ownership in 2024, which was R11,578.70 per month. Historical data Reviewing historical data, the increase in the total cost of vehicle ownership becomes apparent. For instance, because of vehicle price inflation, the estimated monthly instalment for the study model has jumped from R2,417.03 in 2012 to R5,554.80 in 2025. Insurance premiums have increased from R802.66 to R1,827.24 over the same period, and fuel costs have ballooned from R1,856.75 to about R3,902.50 per month. 'Viewing the cost of vehicle ownership from this perspective is important and underscores the need to objectively and honestly evaluate one's affordability level before signing a long-term vehicle finance contract to ensure a fulfilling vehicle ownership experience,' says Gaoaketse. DM PS the numbers in this story were hypothetical and not what Neesa Moodley is paying for her car.
Daily Record
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Record
Packing the car this summer could see drivers hit with £2.5K fine, warn experts
Little-known motoring rules could catch drivers out this summer season. Drivers could be hit with hefty fines if they are caught breaking the law when heading on holiday this summer. Packing a car before travelling can seem like a tedious task, but experts have warned that taking extra caution when loading your vehicle can save you thousands of pounds. Motorists have been warned they face hefty fines if their luggage obstructs the driver's view and if it means they've exceeded weight limits for their vehicle. Overpacking can lead to big penalties, invalidated insurance, and even legal action in extreme cases. Car expert Gabriel Hambleton from car detailing supplier Gold Label Car Care shares what drivers need to know to avoid costly errors which would put a real dampener on the start of your holidays. Packing suitcases and other items too high so that they block the driver's view can lead to a £50 penalty, and in more serious cases, this could result in fines of up to £2,500, a driving ban, and three penalty points. Additionally, accidents caused by overloading or obstructed vision can invalidate insurance, leaving drivers fully liable for damages. Legal risks of overloading - £300 Drivers face fines of up to £300 and three points on their license if their car is overloaded by 15% or more. Smaller overloading violations can also lead to fines, with £100 for loads up to 10% over the limit and £200 for 10-14% over. Severe cases over 30% may lead to a court summons, and in extreme instances, a prison sentence under dangerous driving laws. Understanding payload weight Many drivers underestimate how quickly a car's payload weight can be exceeded. For example, smaller vehicles like the Kia Picanto or Fiat 500 often have payload capacities between 385kg and 482kg. With four passengers, luggage, and hand baggage, it's easy to cross this threshold. Checking your vehicle manual for payload weight and calculating the combined weight of passengers and luggage before travelling is essential. Insurance issues and travel disruptions Overloading your car can have serious consequences beyond fines. It can invalidate your insurance policy, leaving you unprotected in the event of an incident. In some cases, overloaded vehicles may be stopped, and drivers won't be allowed to continue until the weight is reduced. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. How to avoid overloading To avoid overloading, start by loading heavy items at the bottom of the boot to keep a low centre of gravity. Consider using roof racks for bulky but lighter items like bedding and vacuum-sealed bags to reduce luggage size. Tyre pressure adjustments "When carrying additional weight, make sure your tyre pressure is adjusted to match the load. Tyre pressure is measured in pounds per square inch (PSI) and indicates how much air your tyres need to handle the extra weight safely. 'Underinflated tyres can increase braking distance, reduce steering control, and waste fuel. Check your vehicle handbook or the inside of your fuel door for the recommended PSI for heavier loads. Inflate the tyres while they're cold for the most accurate reading." Effect of constant overloading "Occasionally driving with heavy loads shouldn't cause major issues, but if you're planning to go on a road trip this summer, persistent overloading wears down critical parts of the car, including the suspension, engine, brakes and tyres, which can lead to expensive repairs and a shorter vehicle lifespan."
Perth Now
27-05-2025
- Perth Now
Pedestrian hit by car then takes driver on horror joyride
A good Samaritan was taken on a terrifying joyride through multiple suburbs by a brazen carjacker after offering her a lift to hospital. Cannington detectives have launched an investigation into the dramatic ordeal, which started when a 30-year-old woman driving a red Kia Picanto north-east on Canning Highway in Como hit a female pedestrian at low speed about 5pm on Saturday. The pedestrian was running across the road when she was hit, moments before the driver offered her a lift to hospital. Shockingly, despite the offer of assistance, the pedestrian then hopped in the Kia's driver's seat. The pedestrian then sped off 'recklessly' onto the Kwinana Freeway before driving through the suburbs of North Perth, Osborne Park and Leederville. 'The vehicle eventually came to a stop, allowing the victim to exit,' police said. Police said the carjacker then drove away alone before the stolen car was found in Joondanna. Detectives are appealing for any footage of the car or the suspect to upload it directly to investigators here. Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
West Australian
27-05-2025
- West Australian
Detectives investigating terrifying carjacking of good Samaritan on Canning Highway
A good Samaritan was taken on a terrifying joyride through multiple suburbs by a brazen carjacker after offering her a a lift to hospital. Cannington detectives have launched an investigation into the dramatic ordeal, which started when a a 30-year-old woman driving a red Kia Picanto north-east on Canning Highway in Como hit a female pedestrian at low speed about 5pm on Saturday. The pedestrian was running across the road when she was hit, moments before the driver offered her a lift to hospital. Shockingly, despite the offer of assistance, the pedestrian then hopped in the Kia's driver's seat. The pedestrian then sped off 'recklessly' onto the Kwinana Freeway before driving through the suburbs of North Perth, Osborne Park and Leederville. 'The vehicle eventually came to a stop, allowing the victim to exit,' police said. Police said the carjacker then drove away alone before the stolen car was found in Joondanna. Detectives are appealing for any footage of the car or the suspect to upload it directly to investigators here . Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
The South African
22-05-2025
- The South African
Man bleeds to death after allegedly kicking a gate in KZN
KZN: A man bled to his death after allegedly kicking a gate at his home in Gandhi's Hill, Tongaat, on Wednesday, 21 May 2025. The 36-year-old man from KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) died from excessive bleeding after sustaining injuries to his foot. The deceased's father told Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) that he found his son bleeding when he returned home. The suspect's arms were folded, and his head tilted to the right with blood pooling around his right foot. 'They attempted [to] treat the wound on their own and did not seek professional help. The injured male continued bleeding and became unresponsive two hours later,' RUSA explained. A biker was killed in a collision with a light motor vehicle on the R102 in Caneland's, KwaZulu-Natal. The motorbike was travelling contraflow on the southbound lane when it collided with a white Kia Picanto. The Picanto driver sustained injuries and paramedics rushed to stabilise him. 'The motorcyclist sustained life-threatening injuries and demised on the] scene. His motorbike was in a bush on the side of the road,' said RUSA. Police have arrested a 36-year-old suspect in connection with the murder of a nurse in Kanyamazane, Mpumalanga. The victim, Thembeka Nomfundo Bembe (33), worked at Rob Ferreira Hospital and was allegedly the suspect's ex-partner. According to a police statement, the suspect fatally shot Bembe at a rented property in the area in June 2022. The suspect, Mandla Nkosi, appeared at Kanyamazane Magistrate's Court today and was charged with murder. The case was postponed to 6 June 2025 for a bail application. Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
