Drivers in South Africa (SA) looking for a new car are being warned that picking the cheapest sticker price in the showroom can often lead to far higher running costs down the line.

With household budgets under pressure and dozens of competitively priced new models entering the local market, automotive experts stress that motorists must calculate the true cost of ownership, including fuel, insurance, servicing, and long-term depreciation, rather than relying solely on low upfront monthly repayments.

National Automobile Dealers’ Association (NADA) Chairperson Brandon Cohen highlighted that a bargain price tag does not automatically translate into long-term savings for motorists.

“Price remains the starting point for most vehicle buyers, particularly while SA households are under significant financial pressure,” Cohen stated. “However, the vehicle with the lowest purchase price may not necessarily be the one that will prove most affordable over the full ownership period.”

–ChannelAfrica/NADA–