Anyone who aspires to own a double cab in South Africa will need to earn at least R40,000 per month to purchase one on a finance plan, according to a calculation by TopAuto.
The title of the most affordable double-cab bakkie in the country is currently held by the JAC T6, which starts at R354,900.
It has two engines at its disposal, the first of which is a 2.0-litre petrol plant with 108kW and 190Nm, which has a combined fuel consumption of 10.0l/100km.
The other option is a 2.8-litre, turbo-diesel block, which generates 68kW and 210Nm while averaging 7.9l/100km.
Both of these engines are linked to a five-speed manual gearbox which sends power to the rear wheels; however, you can also get a four-wheel-drive version of the 2.8l T6 with a six-speed manual.
Regardless of the drivetrain chosen, owners will be able to tow up to 2,000kg, whereas the petrol unit has a slightly lower carrying capacity of 820kg compared to the diesel’s 900kg.
Equipment-wise, the JAC comes standard with 17-inch wheels, air conditioning, a multifunction steering wheel, cruise control, artificial leather upholstery, front and rear electric windows, a radio, and rear park distance control.
Each purchase also includes a 5-year/150,000km warranty and a 5-year/60,000km service plan.
What you need to earn
We can use the following formula to calculate the monthly repayments for the country’s most affordable double cab.
- Car price – R354,900/R369,900/R419,900
- Payment term – 60 terms (5 years)
- Interest – 11.75%
- Deposit – 0%
- Balloon – No balloon payment
- Extras – No optional extras
Based on this, South Africans will need to spend at least R7,945 per month for a bakkie, R8,277 per month for one with a diesel engine, and R9,383 per month for one with 4×4.
Financial experts then recommend that you do not spend more than 20% of your gross monthly salary on vehicle payments.
This means you’ll need to earn at least R39,725 per month for a double cab, R41,385 per month for a diesel, and R46,915 per month for a 4×4.
Note that this figure does not account for insurance, fuel, and maintenance, which all need to be factored into your budget.
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