Lifestyle

Should you buy a demo model?

Ah the age-old question, “should I buy a demo model?” Ok fine, it might not exactly be age-old, but it has certainly been a question many of you have asked me. There is always a debate surrounding buying new or used when it comes to cars, but are demo models perhaps the happy medium? WHAT IS A DEMO MODEL? I am sure most of you already know the answer to this, but just to refresh our memories, a demo is a new car that is used to showcase its abilities to potential customers. It is driven by the employees of the dealership as well as by potential customers. It usually isn’t driven more than 5 000 km. Essentially, it is the car used to sell the others cars just like it. The tester, if you will, think ‘perfume bottles at Duty Free’. WHY BUY A DEMO? It is pretty obvious I would say. You essentially get a brand new car at a lower price. Dealers usually use the higher-specced models to show off to customers, so you can find yourself a top of the range model at a price that would be closer to the entry-level model. HOLD YOUR HORSES This all sounds fantastic, right? A brand new car at a steal! But there are a few disadvantages to buying a demo model. The obvious one is that the car now has mileage on the clock and the warranty and/or service plan is now shortened. But another disadvantage of buying a demo and something to consider, is that many people would have driven the car. People’s driving styles differ dramatically and you won’t know just how hard this car has been driven. So expect some wear and tear on it. DON’T DESPAIR Although there are a few disadvantages to buying a demo model, if you do your homework and know what it is you are looking for, you might just find the greatest deal of your life with a demo model. TAKE MY ADVICE I sound so bossy, but you really should read these tips: Find out everything you can about the car. Ask the dealer what the car was used for. Request proof of the car’s in-service date — the day that the warranty begins. Sometimes warranties begin earlier on demo cars, since dealerships are technically using them before making a sale. If the warranty starts early and there isn’t an option to extend it, you can use this as leverage to ask for a lower buying price. To make absolutely sure you are getting all the info you need, get the FirstCheck app where you will be able to find out all the info you are looking for. Compare pricing with new models. Make sure it really is worth it. Don’t just take the first offer. Compare models and pricing and go back to the dealer with an offer that works best for you. Go over the car with a fine toothcomb as it is very possible that the car would have been damaged on one of the many test drives. Check things like rims and tyres, check the windscreen for cracks, check the whole car for dents or scratches, and make sure that everything is almost as good as new before making the purchase. Don’t just sign on the dotted line. Make sure you have gone over every detail of the contract and ensure you are happy with everything before you sign and hand over your hard-earned cash. THE EXPERTS AGREE I chatted to Peter Palm, Road Test Engineer for CAR magazine, and I asked him what he thinks of buying a demo. His response was, “I think it’s an excellent idea. Any teething problems will be discovered and fixed by the dealer, mileage will be minimal and some of the initial depreciation knock is removed before you open your wallet.” There you go!!! I was right, perhaps a demo is the happy medium when it comes to car shopping. Source: Finder.com

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This is the biggest mistake you’re making when buying a car

Lifestyle / julzmcg

Most people base their decision on price when it comes to buying a car. This is a mistake! You need to look beyond what the car costs. You need to look at what it will cost you to own the car, not just purchase it. The first question you should ask yourself is whether you want to buy new or used. There are pro’s and con’s to either. BUYING A NEW CAR There are still many costs you need to consider even if you are buying a new car. Things such as fuel and insurance costs come to mind. Your fuel cost will be determined by how many kilometres you generally do in a month. Do you need something for around town or will you use the car for long distance driving? Insurance costs are obviously higher the more expensive the car is, so make sure you can afford the monthly payments. When it comes to the finance side of things and financing a car, be sure that you have read and understand every single term and condition of the contract. Balloon payments make it easy to buy a car you would not necessarily be able to afford, but that does not mean you should buy it. You might be able to afford the repayments now but at the end of the loan, you will have a lump sum that you will need to cough up. Only consider a balloon payment if you really know what you’re doing and you are certain you will have that money when you need it. BUYING A USED CAR Buying a car that is pre-owned, although cheaper than new, has its own set of criteria to consider. You need to do a lot more homework when it comes to buying used cars. The most important of which is to find out what the market price is of the car you’re interested in buying, whether or not it is still under finance, and what its full history is. You always want a car with a full service history! It can be the difference between loving the car you drive or hating the piece of rubbish you bought. TransUnion is a very handy site that will be able to provide you with a lot of answers to your queries. The best place to get all the information you need on a car is through TransUnion’s FirstCheck app. Try it, you will be thrilled with your choice! MAINTENANCE IS KEY Another huge mistake South African’s make is overlooking the maintenance costs of a vehicle, especially when it comes to buying the more premium and performance models. It is all well and good to be able to afford the price tag of a 10-year-old BMW M3, but can you afford the R2 000 oil change or the costs involved in servicing such a car? Give it a LOT of thought! DO YOUR HOMEWORK This is a huge purchase you’re about to make. And it is not an investment like many people think. You will not make your money back on the car you buy. So make sure you have done all your homework. Run the numbers again and again until you get to a point where you are truly comfortable with making the purchase. There are always unforeseen costs that creep up, it is inevitable. So be prepared. If you are in the market for a car, whether new or used, I know the perfect place to find it.

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I truly hate drunk drivers, don’t you?

Lifestyle / julzmcg

There is nothing that grates me more than hearing some dumbass explain to me that he/she drives better when he/she is drunk because they drive more cautiously. No my friend, you are just a tool! There is absolutely no excuse to drive drunk. You have every means to avoid drinking and driving whether it be getting home via a taxi service, a take-me-home service or by just not drinking and driving. It is really that easy. DRUNK DRIVERS ON THE RISE MasterDrive has sent out its press release on the crime stats that were released. It does not look good! The managing director of MasterDrive, Eugene Herbert, says despite extensive efforts to educate and encourage drivers to avoid driving under the influence, we are not seeing the decreases we should. “While we shouldn’t lessen our efforts to decrease the number of impaired drivers, we can improve our efforts to help unimpaired drivers avoid the danger that these drivers present,” says Herbert. THE FRUSTRATION IS REAL No matter how many times I tell a friend that it is not ok to drink and drive, I cannot control what each and every person decides for themselves. What bothers me most in this situation is that you are also deciding for other road users. You might just destroy someone else’s life because YOU chose to drink and drive. MASTERDRIVE TO THE RESCUE Because we can’t control the idiot drunk drivers out there, MasterDrive has provided the following tips on how to identify and what to do, should you suspect a driver has consumed drugs or alcohol: If a driver is weaving in their lane or hugging the centre line, increase the space between your vehicles and immediately put some distance between yourselves as soon as it is safe to do so. Be aware the vision of drunk drivers can be severely affected and you should avoid travelling in front of these drivers. It is easy for them to make errors in judgement. Additionally, avoid driving in front of a driver you believe is impaired as they may use your car for guidance and tailgate your vehicle increasing the risk of a rear-end crash. Conversely, do not drive too closely to a driver that appears impaired as they often brake unnecessarily and suddenly. Be cautious of impaired drivers that sometimes overcompensate by driving too slowly for the conditions. Pay extra attention when the drunk driver approaches intersections or four-way stops. They tend to make errors like stopping at green lights or may not see a stop sign at all. The same applies when there are hazards in or close to the side of the road. For example, the driver is likely to fail to identify stationary vehicles If you are driving on a single-lane road, rather increase the distance between yourself and the driver than risk overtaking them. Do not engage with the drunk drivers. Rather focus your attention on placing distance between yourselves. If you have Bluetooth, and it will not remove your attention from the impaired driver, call the authorities as soon as you can. CHANGE YOUR MINDSET If you decide to never drink and drive again and plan accordingly, you will realise just how easy it is. Once you have altered your mindset, you will never go back again. Just think, you might be saving someone else’s life by making this decision…or even saving your own.

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Let’s talk about the N2 highway in Cape Town

Lifestyle / julzmcg

Yesterday I posted a video of me driving on the N2 between Somerset West and Cape Town CBD. The reason I made this video was because I felt some people may benefit from a few tips for when driving on this notoriously dangerous road. DANGER! Let’s talk about the dangers, shall we? This road is a criminal hotspot. If you didn’t know that, well then you probably don’t live in Cape Town or you’ve been avoiding the news over the past ten years. We have seen robberies, hijackings, assaults and even murder along this stretch of road. Just this week someone posted in a Facebook community group that they had been robbed and stabbed after they’d had to pull over on the side of the road just after the Airport Approach road due to their car overheating. My husband encountered a situation two weeks ago on his way to catch the red-eye flight whereby two men in a Mercedes-Benz C-Class followed him. He managed to escape them by pulling up next to an accident where police were stationed. WHAT’S YOUR STORY? There are a million stories similar and worse than these. I am certain you have a few of your own to tell. What’s worse is that it doesn’t seem to be getting better on that road. I have to drive the N2 many early mornings to catch flights and many nights coming home from a car launch. It is terrifying and if I can avoid it, I will. But sometimes we cannot avoid the N2. Many commuters use it daily to get to and from work. So what can we do to keep ourselves safe? I have a few tips that may just help you avoid or get out of a potentially threatening situation. 10 SAFETY TIPS FOR THE N2 1. Don’t ever stop on the N2 highway. If you have a tyre blow out, keep driving on the rim until you get to a safe area. A wheel can be replaced, your life cannot. Avoid driving over any cardboard, packets or boxes. There might be bricks or rocks that will cause damage to your car which could force you to stop. If your car can drive, keep driving it. DO NOT STOP! 2. If you have no choice but to stop, call emergency services immediately. Do not get out of your car. Lock your doors and close your windows and remain inside until help arrives. Another tip I read about the other day is that if you have to stop, try and stop in the middle lane and put your hazards on. It makes it harder for the criminals to get to you and hopefully by the time they do, help would have arrived. Traffic services will also take note of you quicker if you are in the middle of the road (I added that part in, it is complete assumption, but a good one I think). 3. Ensure your car is properly serviced and well maintained. This can avoid a potential breakdown. Don’t forget to check your tyres often. 4. Always check your fuel levels. Do not chance it on the N2. You don’t want to have to pull over because you have run out of petrol. This is a situation that can ALWAYS be avoided. 5. I keep the N2 emergency number dialled in to my phone before I even get on to the N2. That way if I need to call them I just press one button and it dials. Keep this number saved in your phone: 021 480 7700. 6. If you frequent the N2, consider joining an emergency service group such as Soteria and the Safe Freeway Project. You can also download their app. Soteria offers: A fully functional Individual and Group Instant Messaging Chat System Watch Over Me (WOM) Emergency Notifications and Alerts 7. Always drive in the far right hand lane to avoid pedestrians who could be walking on the shoulder of the road. I also tend to stick to the middle lane as much as possible. That way if there are pedestrians on either side of me, I am further away from them. 8. Try and drive with a grouping of cars. Catch up to cars in front of you or slow down for cars coming up behind you. Try avoid driving as a stand alone car. 9. If you suspect you are being followed, call emergency services immediately and drive to the nearest public space. A fuel station is often the go to, but make sure you have informed emergency services so they can potentially meet you there. 10. Always remain vigilant. Do not fiddle with the radio or worse, text and drive. Look ahead of the cars in front of you. Keep your wits about you and don’t ever become complacent on that road. There is a reason it is known to be one of the most dangerous roads in our country. The N2 is not the only dangerous road in South Africa, the R300 comes to mind as well. And there are a dozen more, many outside of Cape Town as well. Please be careful, guys. I know many of these tips seem obvious, but sometimes a reminder or refresher can be life saving.

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My weekend road trip tips

Lifestyle / julzmcg

After the roaring success (obviously) of my article on girl’s weekend getaways, I thought you might all be waiting with bated breath for me to do something similar. So here it is. Here are my weekend road trip tips to ensure you ALWAYS have a good time. And a safe time. PLANNING Planning sounds really obvious, but you don’t know what I am actually referring to. So read on, because this is three-fold. If there is a long weekend or it is the end or beginning of school holidays etc. DO NOT leave on those days. I realise that it might give you an extra night or whatever, but crisis, the stress of traffic is too much. I generally need another holiday after just the drive home on a long weekend Sunday. Plan better. Choose your road trip partners wisely. If a dinner party with a certain someone makes you want to stick needles in your eye balls, don’t invite them to drive with you and/or make an excuse as to why they must go with someone else. If you are asked to give someone you don’t know well a lift, ensure you have downloaded podcasts or great music. Put them in the back and turn that system up. They will hopefully get the gist that you are more of a non-talkative road tripper. And also, plan your route really well. If you are the complete opposite of me and enjoy throwing caution to the wind, then this tip is not for you. In fact, most of my website might not appeal to you. I am more your A-Type personality and I love a plan. I will generally know if there are road works or general traffic issues to avoid, I know the places with the best food, and I know exactly how long it will take me to get to my destination. Plan. Plan. Plan. ENTERTAINMENT I am all for music (my husband is, after all, in the music industry). But there is nothing like a good podcast to while away the hours on a long road trip. One of my favourite podcasts for a road trip is My Dad Wrote a Porno. It is just fantastic. Otherwise, a good crime podcast is also a crowd pleaser. Here are a few of my favourite criminal podcasts. You can thank me later. Serial The teacher’s pet Criminal The Prevention Project CHOICE OF WHEELS This plays a huge roll in my road trip planning. I am, of course, a lucky fish, because I get to organise whichever car I want…to a degree, obviously. But, if you and your partner or friend have different cars, pick the one that is safest and most comfortable. If you only have the one car available, be sure to have it serviced in time for your road trip. Check everything from your engine to your tyres to your windscreen wipers. There is nothing that can ruin a road trip quite like being stuck on the side of the road can. PADKOS You cannot leave for a road trip without at least a packet of chips, water and chewy sweets. I know you should probably include some healthy snacks, and please, if that is your vibe, feel free. My healthy snack consists of droëwors. The best road trip tip my Dad taught me doesn’t so much involve the actual road trip but more the destination. Ensure that your beers and wine (or whatever you drink), is in a cooler box and cold before you leave the house. Add ice to said cooler box. This ensures that as soon as you arrive at your destination you have a cold beverage on hand. No need to wait for the beers to cool down in the freezer. Great tip, right? IN CLOSING I may talk about the fun parts of road tripping in this piece, but there are a few things you need to take seriously. One such thing I find happening all too often, is people having a boozy night before they leave on a long journey. It is so dangerous, a part from it being illegal as you might still be over the limit, being super tired can also affect your driving. Patience is another thing people need to practice on a road trip (and just on the road in general.) Don’t take chances. I know what it is like to just want to get to your destination, but rather get there safely than not get there at all.

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Is there a need for car salespeople anymore?

Lifestyle / julzmcg

Car salespeople get such a bad rap. But have you ever enquired about a car before and then decided you are no longer interested, only to be harassed by the salesperson twenty times a day? I think we can all relate to this. But in fairness, they are just trying to make a sale. More often than not, the ‘fear’ of car salespeople comes from not having enough information about the car you might want to buy. Some fear they are being ripped off or taken for a ride. Knowing exactly what you are buying before you buy it is the key to a great car-buying experience. AUDI TO THE RESCUE How would you feel if you could choose your car via a virtual experience? A place where you can feel comfortable going through all your options and having all the info right there in front of you. Audi has launched a virtual reality-enabled Audi Customer Private Lounge (CPL) at Audi Centre Centurion. WHAT’S THAT NOW? The Audi CPL allows for a one-to-one engagement between a customer and a sales consultant in a digital, premium and intimate environment. Once in the CPL, digital technologies like the VR headset and 75-inch screen allows the Audi sales consultant to present the entire Audi model range, including all equipment options, colour combinations, packages and specifications during the customer sales dialogue. This means that you see the exact car you’re after, prior to the purchase decision, without having to actually see the physical vehicle on the dealership floor. The configured Audi is experienced in three dimensions and 360 degrees, with all light and sound effects. IT MIGHT NOT SOLVE ALL YOUR FEARS You still need to do your research before you enter any dealership. If you have loads of cash to drop and know you are after a brand new, customised Audi, then this experience will be incredible. But if you’re unsure of what it is you want or how much you can actually spend, you might want to brush up on your car-buying skills. I think it is safe to say that there is still a need for car salespeople. Even in this cool virtual experience Audi is offering, a ‘sales consultant’ is needed. But there is something comforting about seeing exactly what they are speaking about. INTERESTED? Audi expects to roll out the CPL concept to more dealerships around South Africa within the coming years. The full, VR-enabled, Vorsprung experience is now available to Audi enthusiasts and customers at the newly revamped Audi Centre Centurion, at 1016 Lenchen Avenue North, Centurion, Gauteng.

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Medication and driving…not a great idea

Lifestyle / julzmcg

Yoh, it has been a flu-filled winter, hasn’t it? Although, I have not had flu (touch wood), but just about every one else has. Bronchitis also did a round this year. Can you just imagine the amount of zonked out people who have been on our roads. It can be a little dangerous I fear. MasterDrive sent out a press release on this very issue, because, well, they obviously know just how dangerous flu mixing medication with driving can actually be. SICK PEOPLE STAY HOME PLEASE What is believed to be a new strain of the H1N1 flu virus is making its rounds through the South African public at a considerable speed. Close contact and office heating make offices breeding grounds for illnesses. If you are one of the people who has been affected by colds or flu this winter, you might want to think again before popping flu medication before your commute to the office or home. MEDICATING A common side-effect of these medications is drowsiness. The managing director of MasterDrive, Eugene Herbert, says while most drivers are likely aware of this, they still underestimate the effect this can have on their driving. “Coupled with the fatigue that accompanies colds and flu, it can be a recipe for disaster. Various studies have been conducted and suggest that driving while fatigued is just as dangerous as drunken driving. “These medications can reduce reaction time, increase drowsiness, and cause nausea and dizziness. If you experience these symptoms while operating a vehicle, you place yourself in a very dangerous position. Rather hold off on taking any medication until you have arrived safely at the office.” A DEFINITE NO NO! For those who need to drive for a living, like salespeople or delivery drivers, this becomes more complicated. “If you are on the road most of the time, there is almost no scenario where it is safe to take flu medication. Employers and managers must be aware of the danger that employees who are consuming flu medication pose to themselves and to the company. If necessary, ensure they take the sick leave recommended by their doctors and provide desk-bound duties for them to complete until they are well enough to return to the roads. “It should be the responsibility of employers to create awareness around the dangers of using drowsy-causing medications while driving and strongly discourage it. Employers should also have alternative plans in place for employees whose time on the roads directly impacts their income. These employees are more likely to feel pressurised to return to work early or use over-the-counter medications to help them continue working through an illness.” Reducing the number of crashes as a result of consuming legal drugs, should form part of company policy. “The safety of your employees and even the well-being of your company may depend on it,” says Herbert.

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4 sports cars in South Africa you want to know about

Car Reviews, Lifestyle / julzmcg

This one is for my true petrol heads. Wait, I take that back, this one is for any of you who love sports cars. And who doesn’t, really? I don’t think you need to be a petrol head to love Porsche, for example. And in fact, I have many friends who aren’t interested in cars at all…until I rock up in something like a Mercedes-AMG C63 that is. Four sports cars have snuck in to South Africa recently and I wanted to keep you in the loop. So here we go: PORSCHE 718 SPYDER & 718 CAYMAN GT4 For the first time ever, the 718 Spyder and the 718 Cayman GT4 share a technical base, which includes the newly developed four-litre, six-cylinder naturally aspirated engine, combined with a six-speed manual transmission. What does that mean? It means that the boxer engine generates 309 kW and 420 Nm of torque. Both these manual transmission sports cars break the 300 km/h barrier. And both will get you to 100 km/h in just 4.4 seconds. Whilst the GT4 represents the entry-level GT road model from Porsche, the Spyder is geared towards open-top, dynamic driving on curvy routes. Both rely on highly efficient aerodynamics, a full GT chassis and powerful brakes. If you’re interested, you’ll have to pop in to your nearest Porsche dealership to find out how much each of these will cost you. Pocket change, I imagine. LEXUS RC F & RC F TRACK EDITION The revised Lexus RC F range is officially available for the first time in South Africa. Lexus says, the range is all about “race-bred styling meets head-turner”. I like the sound of that. Car enthusiasts have an option of two model choices, namely the RC F and RC F Track Edition. Just when you thought you wouldn’t get quicker than the Porsche 718s, I am here to blow your mind. These beasts are powered by a naturally-aspirated 5.0-litre V8 engine giving you 351 kW and 530 Nm of torque. That means you’ll get to 100 km/h in just 4.3 seconds. Although the top speed is a lower 270 km/h. Um…but still, who the hell goes 270 km/h anyway? If you do, you are a criminal…just by the way. The entry price of the RC F is R1 318 300, while the faster RC F Track Edition is priced at R2 098 200. Chump change! BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE… Just kidding, I don’t have any more sports cars to tell you about, but I will be able to tell you about a few new cars arriving in the next couple of weeks. Just don’t expect the same kind of power outputs, ok? Or maybe…expect more. Jokes again! I am on a roll here! Best I leave you then.

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My 5 favourite routes to drive in the Western Cape

Lifestyle / julzmcg

I do love a good route to a fantastic destination. I don’t mean to discriminate against the rest of the country, but let’s be honest, the Western Cape has some of the best roads this country has to offer. I may be biased, but this is my website, so I can be! It is so hard to choose just five roads that I love to drive because, well, like I said, the Western Cape has so many to choose from. But these five are probably the ones that make my heart the happiest. I have chosen to focus on routes rather than just specific roads because I like that these routes offer up picturesque scenery and idyllic destinations. It’s all about the journey, you see?! MY FIVE FAVOURITE ROUTES IN THE WESTERN CAPE 1. GREYTON TO RIVIERSONDEREND VIA R406 Greyton is one of my favourite places on earth. We often stay here on route to Plettenberg Bay. The gravel roads through the farms and mountains to Riviersonderend is one of my favourite routes. I often have to stop and take pics, sometimes because sheep are crossing the road and I have no choice but to stop. If you haven’t driven this route, you need to do it! 2. GARDEN ROUTE Plettenberg Bay is my second home. I have been going there since I was two weeks old and the drive up there never gets old. Ok, I am not overly excited about the N2 part of the route up to Mossel Bay, but once you turn off, ah! It makes my heart so very happy. The route past Plettenberg Bay gets even more beautiful as you head through Tsitsikamma and Storms River. The Garden Route also offers so much in terms of activities, food, places etc, it’s a road tripper’s dream. 3. CHAPMANS PEAK DRIVE TO CAMPS BAY VIA VICTORIA ROAD There are few coastlines as beautiful as the one along the Atlantic Seaboard. It is a no brainer why Chapmans Peak Drive draws thousands of tourists every year. It’s a special place with spectacular views. Then as you drive through Hout Bay and on to Camps Bay, there is nothing that can take your breath away quite like the moment you see Lion’s Head. Check out the photo above to see what I mean. 4. CLARENCE DRIVE aka ROOI ELS ROAD When this road is quiet, it is a motoring journalist’s wet dream. The sweeping corners and smooth surface make for an exhilarating ride. It just so happens to have some of the most spectacular views around as well. Yoh, taking a lekker cruise along this road on a sunny say with the top down…it doesn’t get much better. 5. SWELLENDAM TO ROBERTSON There’s always that moment on our way back from Plettenberg Bay or Stilbaai, just before Swellendam, where we have to decide whether to just continue on the N2 and brave the Somerset West traffic light mayhem, or take the turnoff towards the R62 and hope the Huguenot tunnel is not a nightmare. But when we do take that turn off, instantly you are met with the most beautiful route to take you home…even if it takes a tiny bit longer, it is worth it. What are your favourite routes to drive in the Western Cape? Or even elsewhere in this country…educate me, please! Let me know in the comments section below or on my Facebook or Instagram pages.

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Are you driving the most hijacked car in the country?

Lifestyle / julzmcg

Being hijacked is a fear we probably all share. One of the many fears we have to face in this country, unfortunately. An article I read over the weekend shared the list of most hijacked cars in South Africa. What I want to know is, what are the actual numbers though? Let me start by giving you the list of most hijacked cars in South Africa according to Ctrack: MOST HIJACKED CARS IN SOUTH AFRICA Volkswagen PoloToyota HiluxFord RangerBMW X5Chevrolet Spark THE TOP TEN MOST HIJACKED PASSENGER VEHICLE BRANDS IN SA Volkswagen Toyota Ford Citroen Kia Hyundai BMW Audi Renault Chevrolet The problem I have with these lists is that it sends panic to those who drive or own these cars. But what isn’t mentioned is the fact that the likes of Volkswagen and Toyota are by far the most popular brands in this country. The amount of cars they sell will translate in to more hijackings, it is a numbers thing. It doesn’t mean that if you drive a Volkswagen Polo, you are necessarily more likely to be hijacked. Surely?! Of course, you need to be cautious, but this goes for any car you’re driving. It is more about where and how you are driving than the car you are driving. Suzuki reported on the number of ways hijackers can target you, even if your car isn’t a high risk vehicle. Executive head of Dial Direct, Warwick Scott-Rodger, the top five hijacking trends right now are: 1. Vehicles hijacked at fuel stations Drivers filling up with fuel at fuel stations are often targeted by hijackers. . They approach the driver from his or her blindspot and force them out of the vehicle. It’s difficult for petrol attendants to intervene as many hijackers are armed. 2. The dangers of strangers Vehicle owners can be approached at social spots by strangers who befriend them, later spike their drinks, and then steal their keys and make off with their vehicle. 3. Fake blue lights Hijackers pose as traffic officers or police officials and get vehicle owners to pull over. They often drive in unmarked vehicles and once drivers pull over, they are overpowered and their vehicles are hijacked. 4. Hijacked at home Vehicle owners are overpowered in their homes and vehicles are taken along with other possessions. 5. Vehicles hijacked after driver is followed home Hijackers follow vehicles home, box owners in their driveway, and then hijack them. Hijackers often wait for the owner to enter the property and then block the security gate from closing. And like I mentioned earlier, there are certain areas you need to be more vigilant. JOHANNESBURG’S WORST HIJACKING AREAS Booysens – 250 Incidents Jeppe – 238 Incidents Ivory Park – 163 Incidents Dobsonville, Soweto – 155 Incidents Moffatview – 155 Incidents JHB Central – 151 Incidents Honeydew – 149 Incidents CAPE TOWN’S WORST HIJACKING AREAS Nyanga – 257 Incidents Harare – 173 Incidents Delft – 164 Incidents Gugulethu – 157 Incidents Khayelitsha – 145 Incidents Philippi East – 136 Incidents Lingelethu-West SAPS – 104 Incidents Mfuleni – 103 Incidents Kraaifontein – 63 Incidents Milnerton – 63 Incidents TSHWANE’S WORST HIJACKING AREAS Soshanguve – 192 Incidents RIETGAT – 156 Incidents Akasia – 148 Incidents DURBAN’S WORST HIGHJACKING AREAS Pinetown – 238 Incidents Umlazi – 153 Incidents Umbilo – 149 Incidents Berea – 129 Incidents Chatsworth – 128 Incidents Sydenham – 126 Incidents Newlands East – 108 Incidents ISIPINGO – 103 Incidents Greenwood Park – 97 Incidents Empangeni – 86 Incidents With 46 cars hijacked a day in this country, that’s one every 32 minutes, you really cannot afford to be lax about it. Don’t freak out if you drive a Volkswagen Polo or a Toyota Hilux, just be aware of your surroundings and take precaution. You might not be able to avoid a hijacking altogether, but there are things you can do that could save your life.

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