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Group1 Cars Blog

News, Reviews and Interesting Facts on all Cars


Car Buying Trends In South Africa For 2026: How To Shop With The Savviest

Posted by on 13 Jan 2026 under Car Buying Tips

Car Buying Trends In South Africa For 2026: How To Shop With The Savviest

Car Buying Trends In South Africa For 2026: How To Shop With The Savviest

Buying a car in South Africa has always required careful thought. In 2026, that careful thinking has become the norm rather than the exception.

Economic pressure has not disappeared; instead, it has reshaped behaviour. Buyers are still in the market, still upgrading, still changing vehicles, yet they are doing so with sharper questions and a clearer sense of what matters long term. The days of walking into a dealership with only a vague idea and a hopeful budget are largely behind us.

Instead, South African car buyers are approaching 2026 informed, cautious, and intentional. Understanding the trends shaping this environment can help turn uncertainty into confidence.


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From TikTok To Test Drive – How Young South Africans Are Buying Used Cars

Posted by on 17 Dec 2025 under Blog, Car Buying Tips

How Gen Z & Millennials Buy Used Cars in SA Now

How Gen Z & Millennials Buy Used Cars in SA Now

South Africa’s used-car market is evolving – and younger buyers are leading the change. Gen Z (18-27) and Millennials (28-43) now account for more than two-thirds of new-vehicle finance originations, according to TransUnion South Africa. Affordability pressures mean used cars are not a compromise but a smart choice.


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The South African Guide to Choosing the Right Used Car for Every Chapter of Your Life

Posted by on 05 Dec 2025 under Blog, Car Buying Tips

The South African Guide to Choosing the Right Used Car for Every Chapter of Your Life

The South African Guide to Choosing the Right Used Car for Every Chapter of Your Life

Life has a way of shifting under your feet. One moment, you are navigating varsity parking lots, squeezing your first little hatchback into impossible spaces. The next moment, you are commuting to work every day, running children to school and sports, or loading tools into the back of a bakkie for your growing side hustle.


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Best Used Cars For Uber And Bolt In South Africa (2025 Guide)

Posted by on 28 Nov 2025 under Blog

Best Used Cars for Uber & Bolt in South Africa | 2025 Guide

Best Used Cars for Uber & Bolt in South Africa | 2025 Guide

E-hailing has become one of South Africa’s most accessible ways to earn an income. Whether full-time or part-time, thousands of drivers rely on Uber and Bolt to support their households. But your car choice can make or break your earnings. Fuel consumption, repair costs and downtime all impact your profit, and choosing a car that does not meet platform requirements can stop you before you even start.


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Why Now Is The Best Time To Buy A Used Car In South Africa

Posted by on 11 Nov 2025 under Blog, Car Buying Tips

Why Now Is The Best Time To Buy A Used Car In South Africa

Why Now Is The Best Time To Buy A Used Car In South Africa

As the festive season approaches and Mzansi starts gearing up for road trips, braais, and bonuses, there’s another reason to get excited: year-end used-car deals. If you’ve been eyeing a pre-owned vehicle, November through #Dezemba is one of the smartest times to shop.


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How AARTO Is Changing Traffic Enforcement And Why It Could Make Our Roads Safer

Posted by on 20 Oct 2025 under General

How AARTO Is Changing Traffic Enforcement And Why It Could Make Our Roads Safer

How AARTO Is Changing Traffic Enforcement And Why It Could Make Our Roads Safer

If you’ve ever flinched at the sight of a camera flash on the highway or received a fine you didn’t even know existed, you’re not alone. However, we’re here to tell you it’s a good thing. We know, we know. Hear us out.


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Africa’s Free Trade Deal: A Boost For SA’s Auto Industry

Posted by on 08 Oct 2025 under Blog

How the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Could Reshape SA’s Auto Industry

How the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Could Reshape SA’s Auto Industry

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is poised to become a genuine catalyst for economic transformation across the continent. Since it became operational in January 2021, AfCFTA has been steadily reshaping how goods move across Africa’s 55 participating countries. For South Africa’s auto industry, this is opening doors to new growth, regional integration, and heightened global competitiveness. Let’s explore how AfCFTA is poised to reshape the South African automotive landscape and what it means for the industry’s future.


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10 Common Car Issues Mzansi Drivers Should NOT Ignore

Posted by on 22 Sep 2025 under Blog, Car Maintenance

10 Common Car Issues Mzansi Drivers Should NOT Ignore

10 Common Car Issues Mzansi Drivers Should NOT Ignore

Owning a car in South Africa is a bit like joining a club; it comes with plenty of freedom, but also responsibility. While most of us keep an eye out for potholes, taxis cutting in, or traffic lights stuck on four-way flash, we often overlook the one factor we can control: the condition of our own cars.

The reality? A large number of accidents and breakdowns on South African roads come down to neglected maintenance. Let’s break down the ten most common issues, what they can lead to, and how a little preventative care can save you from a nasty surprise.


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What Really Happens If You Skip Your Car Service?

Posted by on 08 Sep 2025 under Blog, Car Maintenance

What Really Happens If You Skip Your Car Service?

What Really Happens If You Skip Your Car Service?

Skipping a car service might save you a few Rands today – but it could cost much more in the long run. Your car isn’t just a way to get from A to B – it’s your daily workhorse. Like any valuable investment, it deserves proper care.

Just like routine check-ups keep you healthy, your vehicle benefits from regular servicing. Skipping a service might seem harmless, but poor vehicle maintenance can have serious consequences – for the car and everyone in it.

Let’s find out why you should not skip that car service…


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From Challenges To Change: Vital Factors Driving The RSA Auto Industry Forward In 2025 And Beyond

Posted by on 26 Aug 2025 under Blog

From Challenges To Change: Vital Factors Driving The RSA Auto Industry Forward In 2025 And Beyond

From Challenges To Change: Vital Factors Driving The RSA Auto Industry Forward In 2025 And Beyond

The South African auto industry has always been a cornerstone of the Mzansi economy, balancing global trade pressures with local innovation. As 2025 unfolds, the industry finds itself at a crossroads.


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