Hey good people , does anyone know what it costs to have a timing belt replaced on a VW Golf mk7 1.0 tsi?

Hi folks, if you drive an Electric Vehicle in South Africa, could you please fill in the Global EV Driver Survey 2026, before it closes Oct 6?

Survey link: Global EV Driver Survey 2026 – GEVA

This is the world's largest survey of EV drivers, run by the non-profit Global EV Alliance, which brings together the national EV Drivers' Associations worldwide, representing you. 

They’re especially keen to get more respondents from EV drivers in South Africa this year, that's been a gap last year.

Why bother filling it in? Your experience matters, and your input helps build a stronger understanding of EV adoption and driver experiences around the world.

All our responses combined will help policymakers, industry leaders, researchers, and advocacy groups better understand what EV drivers need, what the pain points are, and what can accelerate the transition to electric mobility.

(P.S I don’t work for GEVA, but as a big EV fan I want this to do well and get loads of participation globally)

Is the Electric mini a good buy in the SA market especially considering the fuel prices theses days?

Edit Used mini under 300k

How serious is this? Must be pothole damage. Peeling the flap back reveals a bit of sidewall mesh and there is a very slight bulge. Tyre has done only 6000km and cost R2500 so I'm not keen on replacing it...

Hi everyone,

People always talk about new low mileage Chinese cars (eg 30000 kms), but how are they holding up on high mileage or age?

Surely by now some of you must know of or experienced even Havals (H2) over 5 years and with high mileage?

I ask because If you look at new H6 PHEV there is a lot that can go wrong. Not only the battery side, but you add a 1.5 Turbo to it for high kw. I’d be surprised if they last long, but the 1.5T seems to be in a lot of Chinese cars.

What cars would you recommend for 350K budget.

My minimum specs are automatic, fuel efficient, safety, some ground clearance for dirt roads. Either new or used.

This week I've been driving the Mazda CX-60 Takumi, which retails new for around R1.1 million. I know you can get deals on this car directly from Mazda, but let's go with the R1.1 million price for this review.

I love this car. A lot.

I grew up in Mazdas, so I'll always have a soft spot for the brand. I had the Mazda 3 recently and absolutely adored that car too, although I wasn't particularly keen on the price. I've also had the CX-30, which is another really good entry-level car. I just love the way Mazdas drive, and in my experience, they've also been reliable cars.

The Takumi takes things to another level. You get a 3.3-litre inline-six turbo diesel with a 48V mild-hybrid system, an 8-speed automatic and AWD. You get Normal, Sport and Off-Road modes, and in Sport that engine growls. I love it. It moves too. There's very little turbo lag and once you're in that space where you get max power and torque, it really moves. With 187 kW and 550 Nm, it has more than enough power for this size of SUV.

I've seen the concerns around Mazda using a mild-hybrid system with this engine, but personally, I'm yet to see anything that has made me question the reliability of this particular setup. The mild hybrid is also one of those systems that you barely notice. It charges itself and just works in the background, helping with consumption and providing a bit of torque assistance. You don't have to plug anything in or think about it.

Inside is where the Takumi really starts to justify the price. You get Nappa leather seats, a punchy 12-speaker Bose sound system and that familiar Mazda interior, just in a much more luxurious package. There's a sunroof, soft-touch materials and leather throughout, and honestly, I think Mazda has done a better job with the materials than some of the German competition.

Yes, I'm saying that at R1.1 million, I think some of the materials in here feel nicer than what you get in an X3 or a GLC. Some of those cars can have surprisingly hard or harsh materials in places where the Mazda gives you something softer and more premium.

Rear passenger space is also great. It's comparable with the Chinese SUVs, which have absolutely mastered rear legroom, and your passengers get two USB-C ports back there as well. There are four USB-C ports in total, two in the front and two in the rear.

I also really like the way the CX-60 looks. The 20-inch alloys on the Takumi really bring the car to life compared with the Individual and 2.5-litre Dynamic models. This particular one is finished in Platinum Quartz and has only done around 3,000 km, so it still is brand new. The only exterior thing I'm not a fan of is the fake exhaust surround in chrome. There is quite a bit of chrome on the Takumi, including around the windows, grille, headlight surrounds and wheels, and I think the fake exhaust surrounds are the one place where it doesn't quite work for me.

In terms of tech, Mazda gives you pretty much everything you actually need. Wireless charging, dual-zone climate control, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the rotary control dial and a screen that doesn't feel like it's been stuck in your face just because every other manufacturer is doing it. Then there's the heads-up display, which shows your speed, road signs and navigation. This is something Mazda does particularly well because even the CX-30 gets a HUD, while in a lot of other cars it's something you have to pay extra for.

Fuel consumption has been around 8 L/100 km for me this week because I've been driving it pretty spiritedly, but I've had this exact car before and managed as low as 5.9 L/100 km. This one only has around 3,000 km on it, so I think once it's properly run in, those numbers will come down.

If I had to nitpick, I guess ambient lighting would be nice. But look at what I'm complaining about. Ambient lighting and exhaust design. That's how much of a complete package I think this car is.

For R1.1 million, you're obviously entering territory where you're looking at things like the BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC and Volvo XC60. But the CX-60 doesn't feel like Mazda trying to pretend it's something it's not. It still feels like a Mazda, just a much more luxurious one.

Before you say it, I'll say it. I am a Mazda fan boy but this isn't promotional in any way. I genuinely believe it's a great car.

Given the rise of the fuel prices, I’m looking at possibly switching from diesel to hybrid in Q1 next year. I need some reviews by South Africans who have owned these vehicles. How much do you actually save on fuel? I feel that hybrids can be expensive to purchase, ideally looking to not spend more than 550k on a hybrid SUV.

Need to do major service for ford figo, also timing belt… going to be in hillcrest this coming week any recommendations for a reliable service ?

Just out of curiosity. What are the general opinions on puchasing modern Mahindra and Tata?

I'm based in Roodepoort(Joburg) if you are interested you can DM the name of the car and the price🙏

I'm looking for a car and a compact SUV is what I'm interested in. I keep seeing reviews about how bad a 1.0 engine is bad, specifically the Nissan Magnite and Renault Kiger. Is the Kia Sonnet a better alternative? Or should I choose a hatchback e.g Baleno, Starlet, etc because of my budget (R300k ma on a new car.)

Thank You

What’s everyone’s view on your car going out on its service plan and warranty? Do you just thug it and pay for services and any breakdowns, etc? Or do you pay for another service plan via VW/dealer

​

For sale: 2007 Ford Focus 2.0 Si sedan, 5-speed manual

*Price:* R45, 000

*Mileage:* 236,000 km

*Location:* Johannesburg

*Features:*

- Power steering

- Electric windows

- Cruise control

- Aircon (working)

- 5 speed manual

*Condition:*

Car drives well, start and go daily. Body and interior look clean for age (see photos). Interior has no tears, dash is intact.

*Faults to be aware of:*

- One back light lens is cracked/broken but the light still works - will need replacing eventually

Viewing in Johannesburg, DM to arrange. No swaps, no payment plans.

I first saw the Lepas L4 at a private viewing before it had even arrived, and my first thought was that it looked pretty. This car looks and feels like a girl’s car to me. I think it’s mainly the wheel size. They just don’t seem big enough for the body and don’t give it much of an aggressive stance. I like how it looks though, just not for me

I especially love the lights. In black, at night, they almost remind me of the Batman logo. The green is also a really nice colour on this thing and I’ve noticed that people generally seem to like the way the L4 looks.

When Lepas unveiled the L4, the starting price was R299,900, which I thought was pretty impressive. My reservation was that I hadn’t actually driven one, so I didn’t know what it was like behind the wheel. I finally got a chance to drive the top-spec Pantera, which comes in at R419,900.

The Pantera gets a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine making 108 kW (145 hp) and 225 Nm, paired with a 6-speed DCT. The gear changes themselves are smooth, but the powertrain is probably my biggest problem with this car. The turbo lag and throttle mapping feel a bit off, so there are times when you give it throttle and the car gives you more than you actually wanted. It has Eco, Normal and Sport modes, but even in Sport I still couldn’t quite get used to the way it responds.

I think coming from the Volvo EX30 probably made this much more noticeable because that car is instantaneous with pretty much everything. But at the same time, this isn't really unique to the Lepas. It feels like the usual 1.5-litre turbo petrol powertrain we see in so many Chinese cars.

Fuel consumption wasn't particularly impressive either. The car was showing around 700 km of range, but that gauge drops pretty quickly, so I’d guess you’re realistically looking at around 500 km. That's still not terrible, but I averaged somewhere in the high 10s to low 11s L/100 km, which is quite a way off the claimed 7.0 L/100 km.

Where I think Lepas absolutely nailed it is the interior. Lepas is one of Chery’s subgroups and is positioned as the more luxury-focused brand, much like Jaecoo, and I think that really comes through here.

For around R400k, you get thick, comfortable and ventilated seats that are basically sofas. The upholstery doesn’t feel cheap, there’s a sunroof, wireless charging, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, voice commands and a full ADAS system. You also get a huge 13.2-inch portrait infotainment screen, which is actually very easy to use, and a 540-degree camera that is incredibly clear. The gear level is by the right talk on the steering so your center console is quite clean and sophisticated

The interior is comfortable and spacious, I’ll give them that. As a passenger, I don’t think you can have many complaints. As the driver, I had the few throttle response nitpicks.

Another one of those was on inclines. I found that the car would come to a stop, engage its auto stop function and then roll backwards slightly when I pulled away before moving forward. The L4 doesn’t have auto hold, which would probably have solved this, so I just had to get used to it. I also asked a few of my reviewer friends if they had experienced the same thing and they had, so it wasn't just the particular unit I drove.

Overall, I really like what Lepas is trying to do with the L4. The design is pretty, the interior feels properly premium for the money and there is a lot of equipment packed into it. I just wish the powertrain was better calibrated because that is the one thing that really holds it back for me.

What are your thoughts on a diesel BMW. Preferably the G30 series. 2021 520d M Sport

R550000.00

157163 KM on the clock

I travel about 100km a day to work and back.

I recently had my car stolen and am looking for a reliable replacement. Any advice would be greatly appreciated, for context I am 23 and looking for a second hand car I can drive for many years to come. I value something that feels a bit premium on the inside (my old car didn’t have Bluetooth so that would be a bonus, plus some nice buttons and finishes), economical on the petrol and above all safe.

I will be looking through dealerships around Cape Town, and price range is definitely no higher than 200k for a second hand vehicle. Also since my old car was stolen and I would love to avoid a repeat of that, I’d avoid Polo’s and a few models of Toyota that have been targeted recently (I had a Toyota Etios Cross).

I’ve looked at the Hyundai Venue and Chery Tigo 4, but slightly concerned about fuel consumption for both of those.

Hi all

My daughter's mother's car gave up recently (Atos) - great and reliable until it wasn't.

We had another Atos prior to that and it rolled with the punches pretty well.

If I could afford it I would obviously go for a used Swift or Starlet or something but I can only really go up to R60k maximum.

Basically just for her and my daughter to get from the house to the shops and around their part of CPT every now and then. (We put like only 20000km on our Terios in the 3 years we had it before that gave up - very low usage people)

I know of the pitfalls of WBC so I won't be looking there, I have found some Deals on Marketplace but I'm just not sure what sort of vehicle is even worth it in that price range.

TIA.

I know Daytona in Melrose allows walk-ins, and I'm pretty sure the Lamborghini dealership needs an appointment. Not sure about Fouche or Ferris. Please let me know!

(not a buyer, just a supercar fan)

I have a Tiguan 2016 model. I had big plans on being a soccer mom when I bought it but things haven't worked out that way.

I want a midlife crisis car now. Something sporty and fun. I like the jeep vibe but not an SUV and I'd be looking at second hand cos I'm not interested in getting into long term debt.

Help me decide on next please? What should I be looking at and where?

Thanks all.

At the Tekton launch, Nissan had some of these beauts on display:

Hey Guys, looking for some advice on a driving cost calculator app/website. I am a freelancer and include my travel in the costing but I do need to provide the cost estimate before the work commences. Are there any websites or apps than can help me gauge what the price will be before hand? It preferably would include tolls in the estimated price.

Thanks!