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4 used cars that are great investments

The Nissan Almera, Toyota Fortuner and RAV4, and VW Polo are four vehicles that are “great investments” on the pre-owned market, according to Motus Select.

“So what makes a car a great investment? In our opinion, as one of the largest automotive retailers in South Africa, we believe it’s a car that holds its value,” said the company.

Motus Select highlighted these four models as meeting this requirement for various reasons, most importantly, because they are constantly in demand in the new and used spheres and “usually make the best buys,” it said.


Nissan Almera

The Almera is a standout contender for a great investment as it is both affordable and “offers customers more interior capacity than most these days,” said Motus Select.

“You can easily pick up one of its previous-generation models on the second-hand market and have a good, reliable car on your hands.”

The sedan boasts a 1.5-litre, naturally-aspirated petrol engine mated either to a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission, and it delivers a fuel consumption of 6.3-7.2l/100km.

Boot capacity for the newer models comes in at a sizeable 490 litres, and features encompass a multifunction steering wheel, rear parking sensors, a Bluetooth radio, two airbags, and ABS with brake assist.

At the time of writing, there are two Almera listings on Motus Select ranging from R194,900 to R199,999.


Toyota Fortuner

The Fortuner needs no introduction as it has been a staple of South African roads for 16 going on 17 years.

It gives owners “the flexibility to drive on and off-road” and has remained a best-seller since day one, meaning demand will always be there when you have to let go again.

In its current iteration, the Fortuner can be had with a 2.4-litre or 2.8-litre turbo-diesel power unit connected to a six-speed manual or automatic shifter. Fuel usage ranges between 6.8-7.9l/100km, and both rear-wheel drive and 4×4 models are available.

If you can bag a 2020 model year or newer, the SUV also brings an 8-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, parking sensors, full-LED lighting, cruise control, a reverse camera, a multifunction steering wheel, and an airconditioned upper glovebox.

At the time of writing, there are 11 Fortuner listings on Motus Select ranging from R239,995 to R624,800.


Toyota RAV4

The RAV4 is experiencing a growing consumer base and offers “real value for money” in any specification, said Motus Select.

The SUV is sold in manual and automatic specifications and buyers can choose between 2.0-litre, 2.5-litre, and petrol-hybrid powertrains turning the front or all four wheels.

This time around, the more city-focused Toyota gives buyers the choice between a continuously variable transmission (CVT) or a more traditional eight-speed automatic, and fuel consumption comes in at a minimum of 4.8l/100km and a maximum of 7.3l/100km.

Nice-to-haves worth mentioning include adaptive cruise control, a reverse camera, lane assist, a central touchscreen with smartphone mirroring, automatic lights, and climate control on the newer models.

At the time of writing, there are two RAV4 listings on Motus Select ranging from R549,900 to R569,900.


VW Polo Vivo

The Polo Vivo is “perfect for daily driving, but more importantly, affordability,” said Motus.

The hatchback is known for being reliable and is equipped with either a 1.4-litre or 1.6-litre, naturally-aspirated petrol motor, or a 1.0-litre, turbocharged block.

Five-speed and six-speed manual, as well as six-speed auto-boxes are available, which depending on the configuration, accomplishes a low fuel spend of between 4.6-6.2l/100km.

Later-generation examples also have welcome fittings such as a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a multifunction steering wheel, cruise control, ABS, and two airbags.

At the time of writing, there are 57 Polo Vivo listings on Motus Select ranging from R109,995 to R294,900.


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