Choosing your first Rent to Buy car is not only about finding the cheapest monthly payment. The right vehicle should suit your income, daily travel, family responsibilities and the reason you need a car.
A young professional travelling to work may need something very different from a business owner transporting equipment. Similarly, a growing family may prioritise passenger space and comfort over having the lowest possible monthly rental.
SA Motor Lease offers different types of Rent to Buy cars, SUVs and bakkies for customers with different needs. Here are some practical options to consider when choosing your first vehicle.
What is a Rent to Buy car?
Rent to Buy is a long term vehicle rental agreement that gives you the option to purchase the vehicle after completing the required payments and meeting the conditions of your agreement.
It is not traditional bank finance. This means that people with little or no credit history, a low credit score, blacklisting or debt review may still apply.
Once you have been approved, you can select an available vehicle with a monthly rental that falls within your approved amount. With SA Motor Lease, the monthly rental also includes theft and damage cover, tracking and annual licensing.
Affordable cars for young professionals
A young person applying for their first vehicle may not have a long credit history or a large monthly budget. However, having a reliable car can make it easier to travel to work, attend interviews, study or manage everyday responsibilities.
A smaller hatchback may be a practical starting point because it is usually easier to drive and more fuel-efficient than a larger vehicle.
Examples currently listed by SA Motor Lease include:
- Renault Kwid models from approximately R4,799 per month
- Toyota Vitz models from approximately R6,699 per month
- Suzuki Swift models from approximately R6,999 per month
Prices differ according to the vehicle’s model, age, mileage, location and condition. Availability can also change as vehicles are rented or sold.
Before selecting a vehicle, consider how far you travel every day, how much fuel you can afford and whether the monthly rental will remain manageable after your other expenses have been paid.
Choosing a more affordable vehicle can give you reliable transport without placing unnecessary pressure on your monthly budget.
Rent to Buy bakkies for business owners
For a business owner, a vehicle may be more than a way to get from one place to another. It can be an important tool for completing jobs, moving equipment, making deliveries and visiting customers.
A single-cab bakkie such as the Nissan NP200 can be suitable for plumbers, electricians, contractors, gardeners, mobile service providers and small delivery businesses.
Selected Nissan NP200 models are currently listed from approximately R7,752 per month, although prices vary between individual vehicles.
Before choosing a business vehicle, think about:
- The equipment or stock you need to transport
- The weight and size of your usual loads
- How many people need to travel in the vehicle
- The distance you drive each month
- Whether a single cab or double cab would suit the business better
A smaller bakkie may be enough for light equipment and daily deliveries. A larger single cab or double cab may be more suitable when the business needs additional loading capacity, passenger space or access to difficult worksites.
Self-employed applicants can also apply for Rent to Buy. Income that changes from month to month does not automatically prevent someone from qualifying, but the application must still show that the monthly rental is affordable.
Spacious vehicles for growing families
A small hatchback may work well for one person or a couple. However, a family may need more passenger room, luggage space and comfort.
An SUV such as a Haval Jolion could be suitable for school runs, shopping, family travel and daily commuting. Selected Haval Jolion models are currently listed from approximately R10,699 per month.
Larger options may also be available. For example, selected Haval H6 models have been listed from approximately R14,699 per month, while a Toyota Fortuner has been listed from approximately R16,069 per month. These options require a higher approved monthly amount and may not be suitable for every applicant.
Families should consider:
- The number of passengers travelling regularly
- Space for school bags, prams or luggage
- Fuel consumption
- Safety and comfort features
- Whether an automatic or manual car is preferred
- The monthly amount the household can comfortably afford
The biggest vehicle is not always the best choice. A compact SUV may provide enough space without the higher monthly and fuel costs associated with a larger SUV.
Should you choose the cheapest Rent to Buy car?
The cheapest available vehicle may be a good choice when affordability is your main concern, but price should not be the only deciding factor.
A car that is too small for your family or a vehicle that cannot support your business may need to be changed sooner than expected. On the other hand, choosing a vehicle with a monthly rental at the top of your budget could make it difficult to manage unexpected expenses.
The best first Rent to Buy car is one that:
- Meets your most important daily needs
- Falls comfortably within your approved amount
- Is practical for your usual travel
- Has manageable fuel and running costs
- Can support your current lifestyle
SA Motor Lease customers may also have the flexibility to upgrade or downgrade their vehicle if their circumstances change.
Find the right Rent to Buy car for you
There is no single vehicle that is right for every Rent to Buy customer.
A Renault Kwid or Toyota Vitz may make sense for a young professional who needs affordable daily transport. A Nissan NP200 may help a business owner carry equipment and complete more work. A Haval Jolion or another SUV may provide the additional space needed by a growing family.
Your final choice will depend on your affordability, approved monthly amount, location and the vehicles currently available.
Apply with SA Motor Lease to find out whether you qualify. Once approved, you can explore the available Rent to Buy cars, bakkies and SUVs that suit your lifestyle and monthly budget.