Importing used cars for use in Zimbabwe constitutes 85% of the vehicles being driven by the majority of motorists.
Cheap pricesfor used cars is the key motivation for buyers to choose them in comparison to the brand new vehicles.
The Japanese used cars dominates among other sources such as UK, Thailand, Singapore or our neighbors, South Africa mostly as a result of offering the best condition at the lowest prices.
While importing has been made so easy because of online adverts and dealer representations locally but there are important things that one should improve upon receiving their used car before driving it.
I know that it is very common among motorist to immediately go celebrating with friends and family soon after receiving their long awaited motor vehicle, but l strongly recommendyou to remain calm and do the below listed improvements first before embarking on a long journey or just taking a spin of over 100kms;
Engine service
The car you have imported is pre-owned and it automatically means somebody was driving it from the country you imported it.
While the car owners in Europe and Asia take excellent care of their cars, it is still important to start on a fresh slate.
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Bulls to charge into Zimbabwe gold stocks
- Ndiraya concerned as goals dry up
- Letters: How solar power is transforming African farms
Keep Reading
Take your vehicle for a full engine service to be confident as you drive it.
The service should include the braking system and tightening of bolts and nuts to ensure that everything is in perfect condition.
If your imported vehicle is a diesel engine, then you should get a mechanic to remove the catalytic converter, which is usually located between the exhaust manifold and the muffler.
If you delay in removing it, you may experience some reduced performance and increased fuel consumption.
Tyre change
It is not safe to start driving a used car with its old tires as the age, condition and unknown history may compromise road grip, handling and the braking that can potentially lead to accidents.
Majority of imported used cars come fitted with snow tyres that are not idle for our whether conditions locally.
Although sometimes the tyres may be looking good from the way you look at them but they may have some hidden damages like weakened sidewalls, internal belt damage or some punctures that may not be immediately visible.
So in order to avoid experiencing some performance issues caused by uneven wear that can cause increased braking distance and poor handling, it is advisable to buy new tyres or good used ones for you to drive your car with absolute confidence.
Insurance
Motor vehicle license, insurance, and the radio licence are all mandatory in Zimbabwe and you cannot drive your car without them.
I understand that when cars are cleared at the border there is a third party insurance that is purchased at that point.
However, that type of insurance does not cover your own , hence you should consider taking the comprehensive cover that offers compensation to the car, driver and third parties involved in the accident with you.
Accidents do not have a timetable, hence you should avoid procrastinating to buy it and transfer the risk to the insurance company.
Car tracking
These days there are too many criminals targeting some particular vehicles and your imported car may just be what they are looking for.
So it is advisable to get the tracking device fitted on the same day it arrives at home. The advantages of installing car track are obvious. Installing a tracker from a reputable company allows you to:
- Know the location of your car at any given time, including where it has been.
- Stop theft — in case your car is stolen you can stop the engine from anywhere from your phone.
- Geo fence routes —this allows you to set an area of operation for your car e.g. Harare, Chitungwiza, Mutare, Masvingo especially if it’s a taxi or a car hire vehicle. If it goes out of this fencing route you will receive a message on your phone.
Car identity
Car identity is etching of the registration number on side mirrors, windows and front lights etc. This is a great deterrent to petty thieves; no one will steal a marked mirror. Car identity is also important because it helps to identify your car in instances of theft where the registration plates are missing.
Securing spare tyre and removable parts
The unfortunate reality in Zimbabwe and particularly the main city centres like Harare, Bulawayo, Mutare and Masingo is that petty crimes are so high. You need to secure your spare tyre especially for 4WDs, so that it’s not easily removed. Other small removable parts make sure that you get them riveted in to make it difficult to remove them.
Install sump guard
A sump guard is a metal plate fitted under the chassis of the car to protect it from mud, corrosion, debris and other impact especially when going off road. If your car has lower clearance and you sometimes have to drive it to your home area where the roads are not tarred, then you surely need to install the sump guard.
Install alarm system
Installing an alarm system on your car is important to enhance security and deter theft from happening.
This will certainly bring some peace of mind as you drive your new investment.
Once you have strong security around your car then it is easier to get on with other soft things like the radio system.
Like in the case of cars coming from Japan, unfortunately, majority of them come with radios that do not work in Zimbabwe.
A good sound system in your car helps you enjoy the car as you sing along your type of music.
Importing cars take between 60 to 120 days depending on where you are bringing it from.
Therefore, it would sound justifiable to lose patients from driving the car immediately after receiving it.
However, the majority of the things l have mentioned above must be done before embarking on a long distance trip so that you can protect your asset that is usually the second most expensive after your house.
A full valet wash is also essential to remove cigarette smoke, stains and get it clean after a long road trip from the Dar es Salaam port or from Beitbridge border post.
*Stanley Makombe has 25 years of experience in the motor industry, currently handling vehicle imports from Japan, Thailand, the UK, and South Africa into African countries. He is writing in his capacity and can be contacted on +254 743 900 590, on X @Stan_Carsales, email: stanley@stanleymakombe.com, www.stanleymakombe.com
