With fuel above R30 a litre, Weelee’s team is on hand at its Centurion megastore and online to help families match their vehicle to their journey
For many South African families, December means a long drive to the coast, to Limpopo or to family in another province. With public schools closing on 9 December and inland Petrol 95 at R30.25 a litre, this year’s journey will cost more than ever. Weelee, South Africa’s pre-owned vehicle marketplace, is helping families make sure the vehicle they travel in suits their trip, their family and their budget. Even at current fuel prices, a family of four driving to Durban or Polokwane will spend well under half of what it would cost to fly.
Inland Petrol 95 rose by R3.33 a litre on 7 October and now costs R8.62 a litre more than a year ago. Petrol 93 costs R29.88 a litre. Although Treasury has announced temporary fuel levy relief for November and December, petrol prices are expected to remain close to their record highs through the holiday season.
“December is when many people discover that the car they bought for everyday use is not the car they need for the trips they actually take,” says Errol Levin, CEO of Weelee. “Families cannot control the fuel price, but they can choose a vehicle that suits their journey. Our team is there, at the megastore and online, to help them make that decision with confidence.”
What the trip costs
Over long distances, the difference between vehicles is significant. On a Johannesburg–Durban return of about 1 140 km, a vehicle using 6 litres per 100 km will cost about R2 070 in fuel, while one using 9 litres per 100 km will cost about R3 100. Tolls for a Class 1 vehicle add about R695 on the return journey. On the Johannesburg–Polokwane return of about 660 km along the N1, the same comparison is about R1 200 versus R1 800 in fuel, with tolls of about R465. That is a saving of about R1 000 on the Durban route and about R600 on the Polokwane route simply by choosing the more efficient vehicle.
For extended families who travel together, the choice can make an even bigger difference. Two cars using 6.5 litres per 100 km would cost about R4 480 in fuel and R1 390 in tolls on a Johannesburg–Durban return. A single seven-seater using 9 litres per 100 km would cost about R3 100 in fuel and R695 in tolls, a saving of about R2 000.
Driving also remains considerably cheaper than flying for families. The cheapest December return flights currently listed cost about R2 900 per person to Durban and about R3 000 per person to Polokwane. For a family of four, that comes to about R11 600 and R12 000 respectively, before airport transfers and car hire at the destination. Driving the same routes in a vehicle using 9 litres per 100 km costs about R3 800 to Durban and R2 260 to Polokwane, including tolls.
How Weelee helps
Weelee’s team works with buyers at the Centurion megastore, open seven days a week, and online at www.weelee.co.za. They help families compare vehicles on the points that matter for a long trip: seating, boot space, real-world fuel consumption and towing capacity.
Weelee carries a large selection of pre-owned vehicles across a wide range of makes, models and price points. Every vehicle is independently checked and supported by a DEKRA condition certificate, with verified service history available to buyers. Stock is priced below retail, and on-site finance options are available at the megastore, so families can move into a more suitable vehicle before the peak travel period.
For those who want to change vehicles, Weelee also makes selling simple. Private owners can list a vehicle once and receive competing offers from Weelee’s network of verified dealers, or sell directly to Weelee. There is no obligation to accept any offer, and no roadworthy certificate is required from the seller.
“We are not suggesting anyone sell a car that serves them well,” says Levin. “Our role is to give families clear information, a wide choice of properly checked vehicles, and practical help from our team. If a different vehicle would suit the family better, we make the whole process simple, from valuation to finance.”
As December approaches, the families who plan early will be the ones who travel with less stress and more of their budget intact. Weelee’s team is ready to help them do exactly that, whether they simply need advice on what will suit their trip or want to move into a better-matched vehicle before the roads fill up. The right car for the right family is available now, properly checked and priced to make the decision easier. Motorists can obtain a no-obligation valuation at www.sellmycar.weelee.co.za, browse stock online, or visit Weelee Centurion to speak to the team.
Fuel costs calculated at the October inland Petrol 95 price of R30.25 a litre. Actual costs vary with load, driving style, coastal fuel prices and route.