At the Bank Windhoek Motor Show, which takes place this week from 4 – 7 June at the Windhoek Showgrounds, clients who are in the market for a new car, will be spoiled for choice as Namibia’s favourite vehicle dealers will be displaying various types and models to choose from.
When it comes to buying a car, everyone is an expert and you could be overwhelmed by advice from friends and family, to the point that you overlook the fact that you are the one who will be driving the car everyday for a number of years.
This does not mean you should ignore their advice, but ultimately, it should be your decision.
“There are many things to consider when buying a car and this includes whether to buy a bakkie, sedan or a hatchback, a used or new car, a diesel or petrol model, an automatic or manual car, the colour, the make, safety features, and the interior”, said Sandra Blaauw, Manager: Vehicle and Asset Finance at Bank Windhoek.
The type of car you choose ultimately depends on what you like or what it will be used for. If you are a city dweller who hardly travels out of the urban surroundings, then a sedan or hatchback is the safest bet, as it is easy on fuel. But if you transport heavy loads or travel a lot to the farm, then a bakkie is more suited, because it handles gravel roads and rocky terrain better.
Another common dilemma faced when buying a car, is whether to buy a three-door or a five-door. Some car manufacturers produce both versions for the same vehicle model. .
Many people buy cars based on its looks rather than practicality. This is especially true for three-door vehicles, because people buy it for the sporty look and feel, rather than practicality.
Below are advantages and disadvantage of each version:
Three-door cars
Advantages
– Considered by some to better looking than its five door counterpart.
– Easy to park, although it has longer front doors than the five door, making it a little difficult to open in tight parking areas.
– Considered to be young and cool.
Disadvantage
– Annoying as one have to tilt your front seat to let people in and out of the back seats.
Five-door car
Advantages
– More practical than the three-door. Passengers in the rear seats can easily get in and out of the car, without having to inconvenience the passengers on the front seats.
Disadvantages
– A bit more expensive than its three door counterparts.
– Considered to be for grown-ups and families.
The type of car you choose ultimately depends on what you want to use it for.
“If you are unsure what to buy, car experts of participating dealers will be at the Bank Windhoek and Republikein Motor Show between 4-7 June 2014 to share more expert tips on the pros and cons of a three-door versus a five-door version”, concluded Blaauw.