You can get most cars here as in Europe but they are expensive. Audi A4 new would cost you around the equivalent of £24,000.00. A more run of the mill type small car around £8,500.00.You WILL need a/c ! Auto insurance is easy to obtain but bring a recommendation/No Claims letter with you from your previous company. Petrol = £0.80 litre at the moment. If you buy a second hand car then best to buy from a dealer and not a private person. Cars only need an "MOT" when they change hands so be carefull and make sure they have FSH and no rust if they originate from the coastal areas

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What is "MOT" & "FSH"?

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Sorry I thought you might be from the UK.."MOT" is a test required on a vehicle in the UK every year once it is 3 yrs old to check its roadworthiness. In S.Africa it only has to undergo a roadworthy upon transfer.
FSH = Full Service History. You make sure the vehicle has been serviced in accordance with the manufacturer's handbook to make sure it's been properly looked after.

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Sorry about that, I should have mentioned I'm originally from the US, moved to Germany a couple yrs back and now moving to CT. MOT only upon transfer and never again? Doesn't sound too good for the environment. :-| thx for the info.

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We'll definitely buy our first car from a dealership. It's probably wise to buy a used car initially as I learn to drive on the left side of the road. :). Any suggestions on dealerships?

I wasn't going to buy a nice car (Audi, BMW,etc) because I've been told the crime rate is so high. Do you think an A3 or A4 would make me a target?

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As far as dealerships go the main car brands all have their own showrooms that sell new and used cars but you'll pay a little more here but get peace of mind, probably with a balance of warranty/service plan. Also take a look here for some ideas:- http://www.autotrader.co.za
For your guidance there is approx R14 to €1 or R10 to US$1
There are also dedicated second hand car dealerships which will be ok if you keep to the larger ones.There are so many around.
Yes the crime rate is high but it depends where you are. For instance you wouldn't go driving in the Bronx after dark ! Just be sensible and be aware. Drive with your doors locked and keep your windows closed when stopping at red lights, but don't let it worry you too much. It's normally organised gangs that are stealing "to order" I don't think an A3 or A4 would necessarily make you a target because there are many on the roads. If you don't want to start off with an Audi then Toyota and Honda have excellent reputations over here. Car insurance probably best through "Outsurance" and "Dial Direct".
Just remember the distances are probably more like the US than Germany. Jo'burg to Durban is around 800 kms

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MOT only on transfer to a new owner. So as the law stands at the moment your dealer will get you the roadworthy certificate when you buy the car and then until it changes hands again you just keep it in order. There are road blocks now and then to weed out unroadworthy/unlicenced cars. You must carry your driver's licence with you at all times.

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Thanks for all the info! I think peace of mind is going to be a priority over everything else. I grateful for the auto insurance recommendations. I know the premiums vary greatly depending upon coverage but, in general, do you know if it costs much more than in the US or Germany? In my little experience, I've found that insurance costs less in Germany than in the States but the coverage is much more extensive.

It's good to hear a different perspective on crime. What I've been told beforehand has really gotten me scared! I feel that even in the nicer areas (eg. Constancia, Tokai), I need to be worried about being mugged during the day.

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My wife and I live in Somerset West and, being very active, we spend a good bit of time in various parts of Cape Town. During the 10 years since we came here from the States, we have had only one incident of crime. Our car was broken into and camera equipment stolen because we parked out of site of the car guards. We feel quite safe, but I am a member of the local neighborhood watch.

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Hi again. The insurance will also depend on your "No Claims" history, something you will need to bring a letter with you from your current insurer in Germany, and also the area where you live. You will be able to include your household contents in the premium. I am retired and have a 2011 Smart Passion. That insured Fully Comprehensive with my household contents included, costs me around US$60 pm if that helps.
Do not get obsessed with crime. I have lived in Cape Town for over 20yrs and nothing has happened to me. I went back to the UK on holiday and was accosted twice by "yobs" in the space of 6 weeks !
Just be aware of your surroundings if walking and don't invite muggers by displaying Rolex watches etc.Keep car doors locked/windows closed and you should be fine. Crime today is as a result of 1) Organised gangs 2) Drugs 3) The poor black communities that basically steal to keep alive. Keep out of these poorer areas especially at night and you'll be fine. Never had to use it but I carry a pepper spray in my car just in case. Lastly when driving you'll stop at the red lights (they call them robots here ! ) and then about 3 or 4 poorer people will walk amongst the cars trying to sell all sorts of rubbish or kids will be begging. IGNORE them all. The kids use the money to sniff glue and get their "high" that way. Relax and enjoy a fabulous City and surroundings.

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Dave has mentioned car guards.These are mostly found in shopping areas or outside restaurants etc. They will often direct you to an empty space. Just acknowledge them when you get out and then upon your return they will help you reverse out/take your shopping trolley away. Give them R4.00. They act as a deterent to possible thieves.

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Dave, it's good to hear that in 10 yrs you've experienced little crime while traveling through different parts of CT. Are neighborhood watches common in the nicer areas? I think an active watch will be a major determining factor to where we eventually settle down.

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Hi Western! $60 sounds pretty cheap (which will help offset the add'l cost of buying a car). Are home & auto insurances always combined? I'm in my 40's & have never even gotten a traffic ticket (pure luck given that I commuted to Los Angeles for 15+ yrs). I've read that I can use my German driver's license indefinitely but I could also get an international DL if that is easier. Do you know what would be best?

I appreciate your advise NOT to get obsessed w/crime. Obsessing is exactly what I've been doing and it's not making the situation any better. It is reassuring to hear you've had nothing happen to you. Where can I buy pepper spray? It's probably a good idea to buy it shortly after we arrive in Jo'burg.

Because we are bringing our dog, we are going to drive from Jo'burg to CT to avoid an add'l flight for her. Any recommendations of areas to stay close to the middle of the drive?

Thanks again for your advise, recommendations and time.

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Car guards - good to know. Thanks for telling me how much to tip! :)

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Hi.No you don't have to buy the insurance together but it's normally cheaper this way. If your German driving licence has a photo on it then you can use it but I'm not sure about "indefinitely" If you are staying here for more than a year then you can do an "exchange" for a S.A. licence.
Now driving from Jo'burg to Cape Town would not be on the top of my list even nowadays let alone your first time in the Country. This is NOT because of crime !! but it's around 1000 miles, the route goes through the Karoo, probably like driving through the Arizona desert ! It is boring with long straight roads reaching to the horizon on occasion and if you are not used to it, you can easily fall asleep at the wheel ! There will also be many long distance trucks that you encounter. If you do this drive then either Beaufort West or Three Sisters are the normal stopping places.
I'm sure Lufthansa flies direct to Cape Town Int'l airport.

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