Johannesburg - Post Report Question and Answers
What kind of car do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car do you advise not to bring?
South Africa is a right-hand-drive post. Most vehicles will work out fine in the cities, but a high clearance is necessary for self-drive safaris. It may take several weeks to register a newly-purchased vehicle. - Aug 2022
Common cars are VW Polo, though it's also the most stolen, and anything by Toyota (Forerunner, Prado, etc). Toyota makes all the taxis (15-seaters) on the road, so parts are everywhere. Avoid American made: no matter what model it is it'll be seen as a luxury car (even the Opels) and parts and servicing will cost more than the purchase price. I made the mistake of buying a 2012 Jeep Patriot for about $10,000 and so far I've sunk more than that into maintaining it. - Jun 2022
I like to go off road, camp in the bush, etc. so a 4x4 with high clearance, but other people like compact cars. Burglary/carjacking is a real risk - especially burglary. My car was broken into once. Generally, leave nothing visible on any seat - put it all in the trunk. - Oct 2019
You must have right-hand drive, and there are strict import requirements. It's easiest to buy a car here, and there's a thriving used car market outside of the expatriate community, so you're sure to find what you want. You don't need a 4x4, although many people have one for their adventures in southern Africa. - Apr 2017
Cars are more expensive here. Also, getting used to the "correct" left side of the road can take a long time. - Sep 2016
most vehicles are acceptable. most people at post have honda, toyota, nissan, jeep, BMW, audi, and mercedes. - Aug 2011
Most people buy cars here b/c of the whole left hand drive situation. Most people get BMW, Honda, Nissan, Audi, Toyota, etc. Cars are more expensive here than in the U.S. and in my opinon have more mechanical problems not sure if it's the terrain or just bad maintanence. In Jo'burg roads are okay for the most part, but pot holes are here and there and outside of the city it can get pretty rocky if you intend to travel, but the major highway system if fine and paved, it's just the back country roads that are a problem sometimes. In Jo'burg sometimes the traffic lights are out and often the street lights do not work and with road construction it can be a little scary driving at night... Other than that it's fine and there really aren't too many problems. Crime/car jackings are a concern, but just be aware but don't be scared to leave the hosue. - Jul 2010
You do not need an SUV unless you plan to do a lot of camping and game drives. We drive on the same side as the UK. Cars are expensive here and it is very hard to find an automatic. Parts are expensive. There are lots of carjackings and smash-and-grabs. Never leave anything visible in your car. - Oct 2009
