South Africa's best-selling cars cater to diverse needs, from compact hatchbacks to rugged bakkies. This article breaks down the costs of owning the top 5 popular models, covering purchase price, fuel, and insurance, to help you find the perfect fit for your lifestyle and budget.

The Ford Ranger is more than just a vehicle; it's a lifestyle. This blog explores its rugged charm and offers ideas to channel your inner game ranger. Let’s dive into how the Ranger inspires adventure.

Do you know how to spot the signs that your car needs a service? While there are things you can ignore, other changes in your car require immediate attention, as they may seem minor at first but can lead to several other problems if the car is not given attention.

Secondhand cars have definitely become the preferred option for South Africans hitting the road in the last few years. Don’t believe us? The data backs it up: in the first half of 2024, over twice as many people applied for used car loans compared to new car loans, underscoring how affordability drives consumer choice.

Looking to spice up your savings and lifestyle at the same time? In this month’s "Around the Spend" feature, we dive into the Kia Rio, a compact yet vibrant car with a Brazilian flair that’s made waves in South Africa. From saving on car insurance with Hippo to spending on everything from shades to swimwear, here’s how you can bring a bit of Rio’s zest into your everyday life.

Most new cars come with a motor warranty or service plan that helps you pay for a certain number of services or repairs for a set number of years or kilometres. However, if you have an older car this plan might have run out, meaning it’s up to you to foot these bills. OR, you can be a smart cookie and extend or take out another motor warranty or service plan. In this piece, we explained what these plans are and what to consider when getting one

Car dings, dents, and scratches are a frustrating part of vehicle ownership. From shopping trolleys to stone chips and mystery scratches, damages happen anytime. This guide helps identify different types of damage and offers advice on addressing them, whether through simple fixes or using scratch and dent insuranc.

In this edition of Hippo's Around the Spend, we take a fun look at the popular Hyundai i20 and explore other iconic "i" products you could buy with the money you save by using Hippo. From tech gadgets like Apple's iPhone and iMac, to everyday essentials like ID cards and I&J’s crispy fish, we dive into how much you can stretch that R390* monthly saving. Whether you're a young driver in Gauteng or simply curious about where your savings can take you, Hippo is here to help you compare and get the best deals, quickly and easily.

There are a lot of Toyota Corollas on Mzansi’s roads and while some of them are used as the family car for parents, or as a reliable ride for sales reps as they travel the countryside, Corollas are mostly used as Ubers these days.

It's a simple question... but the answer's pretty complicated. Here's a look at your options.

Potholes have become a serious point of discussion especially, as they seem to have increased in number over the past few years.

Today as you read this, on a South African road, you have one of the highest chances in the world of having

South Africa has dangerous roads, and that’s a fact. Our road fatality rate in 2023 sits at 19.39 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants, well above the global rate of 15.

Paying a monthly fee for an extended car warranty feels expensive until you have to pay out a lump sum for a major repair.

Ah, the joys of car ownership: the wind in your hair, the open road, the gentle purr of the engine... until, of course, it all goes horribly wrong. A blinking light, a rattling sound that just won't go away and – bham! You're left with a hefty bill for repairs. And that, friends, is why you should always take out a Service Plan.

From budget-friendly city runabouts to family-focused, school-run and pavement-hopping SUVs, there are many car brands that offer buyers value for money and lower-than-average fuel consumption. Let's take a look at the most fuel-efficient cars South Africa has to offer.

At last, the Right2Repair guidelines put you in the driver's seat when it comes to choosing who services your car, and how much you're willing to pay for it – because why should car manufacturers be making decisions for you?

Vehicle financing with a balloon payment is an attractive option, but remember that you'll still have to pay the piper at the end of your term!

The state of your tyres plays a major role in your car's roadworthiness and safety. When was the last time you checked them?

Walk to work? Buy a bike? You'll need better ideas than those if your budget is going to survive the sky-rocketing fuel price. Here are some suggestions.

It's hard to find a car (new or used) at a good price right now. So why not stick with your current vehicle and buy an extended Motor Warranty to prolong its lifespan?

South Africa has a serious driver's licence backlog. What could an expired licence mean for you and your insurance cover?

Is your car proudly made in South Africa? There's a wealth of car-building expertise in our Republic, with plants manufacturing marques like Toyota, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, VW, Mahindra and more.

Over the course of the past decade, Porsche has claimed the South African Car of the Year (Coty) title four times. 2020's winner was the Jaguar I-PACE, which costs about the same as a two-bedroom apartment in northern Joburg. Much like the glory days of Top Gear, you'd be forgiven for thinking that SA's Coty jurors had become... what's a nice way of saying this?... out of touch.

Looking to buy a second-had car? Here's how to make sure the deal isn't too good to be true.

Buying your very own first car is a big deal, so before you take the leap, think about how it's going to hit your pocket. Read on to find out how to finance your first car and what to budget for.

A seismic shift occurred in the South African car market at the end of 2020, as the Competition Commission released new regulations concerning vehicle servicing and maintenance. Informally known as the Right to Repair, it permits car owners to use any service provider and non-original parts to maintain their vehicles – without losing their manufacturer warranty.

Are you a good candidate for a vehicle-finance deal that includes a final large – and potentially eye-popping – sum of money due at its conclusion, or should you rather avoid it? Read on before you jump into it.

The cost of running a car isn’t simply the price of your monthly instalment – there’s plenty more to consider.

You’re working from home, spending a lot less time in traffic, and not driving nearly as much as you used to. Yet this might be the best time to buy a new car.

The time has come for you to renew your driver’s licence and you’re probably already dreading dealing with all the administration. Don’t be! Our quick guide to renewing your driver’s licence will help you get it done in no time.

If you own a car, you may have noted that you didn’t get a reminder notice this year about renewing your licence. Have you checked on your windscreen for when your licence expires? Unfortunately, AARTO (Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences) is currently not sending these notices out, which may mean that many people have either forgotten to renew them or may not know how to do it…

A car tracker is a small device that when installed in your vehicle, makes a big difference – to your safety, your budget, your insurance premiums and your chances of recovering your vehicle if it's stolen.

If you've found the car you love but it's too expensive, you're not alone. Most people don't have enough cash available to buy a car outright, which is why they turn to car financing.

Buying a car is a big financial commitment and figuring out how you're going to pay for it beforehand is the best way to make sure you stay within your budget. If you want to buy a car and are looking for ways to save on the monthly repayments, you might be considering a balloon payment or residual value loan.

When thinking about popular cars, vehicles like the Volkswagen Polo and the Toyota Etios probably come to mind. While these vehicles do regularly top local sales charts, they’re not among the top five best-selling cars of all time.

There are thousands of vehicles on the market today, each offering their own unique approach to a segment. All of them are great in their own way, but only a select few have managed to change the course of automotive history.

Tesla Motors unveiled their latest development in autonomous vehicle engineering at their Tesla Autonomous Day event on April 22 in Palo Alto, California. Tesla CEO and South African born billionaire Elon Musk took the opportunity to woo Tesla investors with the new FSD Computer Assembly hardware, the chip that Elon Musk says makes the Tesla the only financially viable option for consumers and ready to ship.

Joining a car owners’ club can have several benefits, including access to service guides, more affordable parts, and being part of a community. Some owners’ clubs also offer advanced driving courses and training, which could get you a preferential car insurance quote.

Hey, Gautenger! Did you take a road trip to Cape Town over the holidays? Did you stop at any of these gems on your way? If not, read on to find out why these four towns are well worth a visit on your next road trip.

The future is electric! We’ve been hearing that sentiment for quite some time. Despite the impracticalities around charging them, hefty price tags, and possibly even higher car insurance premiums, electric vehicles are finally coming into realisation. Companies are frantically playing catch-up with Tesla, but will they ever get there?

Your car is one of the most important items you can insure, so it’s a good idea to regularly check that you’re covered correctly. That’s what Car Insurance Day is for. Think about it – when last did you read through your policy to make sure it was up to date? If, say, your child has just started learning to drive, you’d likely need to tell your insurer to update the regular drivers on your policy; if you don’t, an accident claim could be rejected.

Buying a car is exciting. Once you’ve made up your mind to get some new wheels, you suddenly take an interest in cars you hardly noticed before. You wonder what they’re like to drive, what colour looks best, do I need mags or a decent sound system?

If you’ve ever had to insure a car, you’ve probably been asked if you’d like to cover it for its retail, market or trade-in value.

Toyota South Africa is firmly on top of the automotive pedestal. Outselling other vehicle manufacturers regularly, it’s considered to be a go-to brand for many drivers. Few brands have a grip on the automotive market quite like Toyota does in South Africa, and this has helped the company build an extensive customer base that’s loyal to them.

For years, Volkswagen (VW) has been at the forefront of South African automotive brands. Loved for their affordability, durability, and styling, VW is arguably a true part of South African culture.

After a prolonged uncertainty about the Road Accident Benefit Scheme (RABS) and concerns about how it will be funded, the Treasury announced that it will finance RABS, according to a recent IOL report.

While you may be very happy with your two-door set of wheels, if you’re planning on starting a family or are about to expand, it may be time to upgrade to a family car. Once the baby is here you’ll need a car that can take the child seat, pram and the toys. To help you make the right selection, here are some favourites for a family car in South Africa.

You’ve probably heard that most accidents happen around the corner from where a driver lives, however, several studies show you run the maximum risk of being involved in an accident if you drive on certain days and times. Researchers from North-West University (NWU) ran the stats on fatal car accidents to figure out the periods when drivers are most vulnerable to fatal car accidents on South African roads, and what type of car accidents are most common.

When thinking about car write-offs, an image that often comes to mind is a mangled wreck destined for a scrap yard. While extensive damages are often enough to warrant the car being written off as ‘beyond repair,’ in many instances the car is just not worth repairing even though it still looks to be in decent condition.

Considering the high cost of owning a car, many motorists pinch every penny they spend on it and may even start looking at saving a few extra bucks on their Car Insurance. While there are a variety of ways insurance companies allow a discount on their premium, not all drivers play fair.

Poor road conditions can make driving a real challenge for motorists and can even result in vehicle damage or an accident. Potholes - a common sign that a road is deteriorating– are widespread throughout South Africa; according to the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA), 48% of the city’s roads have been identified as being in “poor” or “very poor” state while a poll by Wheels24 also ranks East London, Durban and Bloemfontein’s roads below top standard.

If going to the movies is one of your favourite leisure activities, then you know how expensive it has become to go and see the latest blockbuster on the big screen. Considering the price of a cinema ticket nowadays, it’s easy to see why many adults prefer to watch new releases at home on their laptops or flat screens rather than opt for the movie-theatre experience.

Whether you’re buying your first car or your third, purchasing a car is a big deal. Considered to be the second biggest purchase you’ll make in your lifetime, after buying a house, purchasing your next car takes careful consideration. If you’re in the market for a new car, chances are the market has changed, prices are higher, and newer models are on offer every year. With so many options available, even experienced buyers look for guidance on what to look out for when buying a new car.

So you’ve turned 18, you’ve got your learner’s licence, and you’ve decided it’s time to take the big test so that you can get yourself out onto the open road. While it’s an exciting time becoming a legal driver, the whole process can seem a little daunting. From booking your test to finding the right instructor, there are a number of steps you have to complete and forms you have to submit to get the process rolling, and it can all get quite confusing.

South African motorists are locked in a seemingly constant battle with the high cost of fuel. The price of petrol has already climbed by 49 cents per litre in May and 82 cents per litre again in June. Forecasts now show we may be on track for another possible rise in July, while some even predict that it could cost R20 per litre to fill up our tanks by the end of 2019 if the rand continues its weak streak against the dollar.

We all want our beloved car to last as long as possible on the road. After all, some of us invested a small fortune in it and expect it to run well and look good whenever we take it for a drive. But, this is not always possible since your vehicle starts to depreciate the moment you drive it from the showroom floor.

One of the biggest concerns you may have in the aftermath of a car accident, is figuring how to seek compensation to fix or replace your car. A car accident can be a devastating and scary incident but it’s important to handle yourself correctly to achieve a positive outcome. Once you’ve assessed your own injuries, notified the police, and exchanged information with the other driver, you can get started determining the damages to your car and get the claims process started.

Driving in South Africa has its fair share of difficulties, from navigating potholes, to dodging taxis and getting delayed in roadworks. On top of this, there’s the chance of a flat tyre or even a fender bender. And while no one can predict these situations, you can deal with them far more effectively if you have the essential tools in your car. Whether you’re a regular road tripper or just rely on your car to get you to and from work everyday, having an emergency car kit makes a huge difference when you break down. Here are some essential items to put in your emergency car kit, to help you deal with car emergencies that you may find yourself in.

Many car owners choose to put their own stamp on their new set of wheels. Some may go to extreme lengths to make their car stand out on the road as seen in the popular television show Pimp My Ride, while others may make a few tweaks here and there. They may add modifications to enhance the performance of the car or simply to do cosmetic upgrades. Even used-car shoppers will likely come across a car with custom parts installed.

Vehicle crimes such as hijacking affect South Africans a lot more than we are aware of. Not only is it about losing a vehicle and going through a traumatic experience, but there are also huge financial implications.

In the aftermath of a car accident, one of the first things that Car Insurance companies do before processing a claim, is pinpointing who is partially or fully to blame. The company usually takes into account the police report describing circumstances that led to the accident and the actions of the drivers involved to conclude who is responsible for damages.

Organising a honeymoon can be the last thing on a couple’s mind while planning a wedding and looking forward to the big day, but it’s important to consider it before you tie the knot. According to The Wedding Expo, couples only allocate about 10% of their wedding day budget to their honeymoon, and as wedding plans come together and the budget grows almost daily, a honeymoon can become a daunting and expensive trip to plan.

More than 50 million vehicles are recalled worldwide every year due to safety-related defects or problems. In South Africa, Ford made headlines this year after issuing a safety alert for its 1.6-litre engine Kuga models, some of which caught fire as a result of engine overheating conditions. Ford also withdrew its entry-level Figo and Ikon models mid-2017 because it has found these vehicles’ power steering high pressure hose poses a burn hazard.

Many people who enter the market for their first car can be overwhelmed by the countless financing options available. While almost every car buyer can apply for a vehicle loan, not everyone has the same credit history. In light of the ongoing economic troubles across the country, car buyers are finding it more difficult to secure funding for a brand-new car. Blacklisted or under-debt-review consumers are especially drawing the short straw when it comes to loan approval.

When you're in the market to purchase a vehicle, you can expect that there will be consumer protection plans attached to cover the vehicle against certain risks. The two most common plans are Car Insurance and a Motor Warranty.

Winter is the time most of us prefer to just cuddle up under blankets and switch to hibernation mode. But, for entertainment junkies, being trapped indoors on those drizzly days provides plenty of opportunities to catch up on new movies, books, series, and video games.

May 2017 saw a fuel price hike of 49 cents per litre for 93 and 95 petrol, and a 30 cents per litre hike for diesel after a weakened Rand following President Jacob Zuma’s cabinet reshuffle. While analysts predict a possible decrease in fuel prices in June, the average South African motorist has to foot the bill until then.

BusinessTech reports that Nissan is collaborating with the uYilo e-Mobility programme to put on trial a system that enables electricity reserves in the LEAF's battery to be distributed to homes where it can be used for cooking and lighting. The experiment was implemented to help uYilo – a manufacturer of electric mobility technology – develop their charging technology in South Africa.

While 2017 vehicle sales in general might be at an all-time low, it appears to be the year that luxury SUVs gain consumer interest, as Land Rover, Volvo, and Bentley put energy into even more technological features in their latest SUV models

New vehicle sales in South Africa have increased by 3.7% from January 2016 to January 2017, a welcome improvement from the previous year of sales that saw an 11.4% drop from 2015 to 2016. With an increase in sales, and a seemingly spiked interest in new vehicles from the South African consumer, Hippo.co.za decided to take a look at the top 10 most searched for car brands in South Africa, according to the Google’s keyword planner search results.

This article presents several road scenarios that show the importance of mastering the art of defensive driving. Spotting and avoiding road hazards in time will not only ensure a safe driving environment for yourself and other road users but will also keep your driving record spotless (hint: Car Insurance companies take your driving record in consideration when calculating your premium and many will ask if you’ve had additional training).

Buying a car is usually one of the bigger financial ventures you'll take on in your lifetime. Whether you're in the market for a newly arrived model or intend to approach a used-car dealer, a key step in the car-buying process is figuring out how you're going to pay for it. With the year-on-year increase in car prices, many prospective buyers find that Vehicle Financing is the only way they'll be able to afford their dream car.

There seems to be an app for everything these days, from fitness tracking, photography and deal finders, to translation and even travel. So if you plan to travel around the country in the near future you might be wondering which of the thousands of travel apps might be worth getting hold of to help you have the best experience. You want to see all the big sites, find the best accommodation and do it all within your budget. Luckily, exploring and dining in a new city has never been easier with the help of some locally built apps that we’ve listed.

Looking to get the best possible Car Insurance premiums? Hippo.co.za digs deep into some of the aspects your insurer will look at, so that you get a money-saving deal. View the world through the eyes of your Car Insurance company and possibly save a fortune.

Every car runs the risk of malfunctioning at the worst possible time, which is why it's best to have Car Insurance so that you can protect yourself in the event of a car accident that may result from mechanical failure. Fortunately, you don't always need to be a mechanic to know when something is wrong with your precious set of wheels. Most of these problems can actually be detected by just listening, feeling and being alert while driving.

Buying a first car is a huge decision for both parents and the young adult who’ll actually be driving it. Motives can often differ however, with the driver typically being focused on aesthetics, trends and fuel costs. The parents, though wanting to take the above into account, may still be more concerned with safety features and mechanical soundness – and, of course, Car Insurance options.

Given the 14.25% increase in car and truck hijackings in South Africa over the last year, having Car Insurance can be worthwhile as it provides you with financial protection from potential loss of and damage to your vehicle.

Insurance companies usually look at demographic factors such as age, gender and location as one way to measure the risk profile of Car Insurance policy holders. For example, vehicle accidents are considered to be more frequent amongst male drivers 25 years and younger, hence this group tends to pay a higher rate on their Car Insurance premium.

Whether you're new to the world of owning your own motor vehicle and having both the responsibility and freedom that it affords you or you're a veteran owner, you've probably found out that a car can come to serve as a second home of sorts.

You're already watching Ignition religiously on DStv, while Top Gear magazine has become your very own motoring Bible – but as a petrolhead you also like to experience all the action in the flesh.

If you’re an avid sports car fan then you’ve probably enjoyed the swath of exciting models which have been released over the last few years.

Many South Africans have been the unfortunate victims of smash-and-grab attacks on their cars.

Many people wonder if they need anything more than the most basic car alarm systems. If you're in this boat at the moment, then consider the fact that most car insurance companies offer a decreased premium based on the type of alarm installed.

The decision to go with a new or used car can affect your car insurance premium as well as impact your wallet in various other ways. There are pros and cons for both sides of the argument and a lot of it comes down to your personal situation.