Cars.co.za Releases Powerful Car App for Android

Bank queues, home affairs, doctor’s waiting rooms. Traditionally, the least interesting activities known to mankind. Thankfully you don’t have to page through that tatty copy of Huis Genoot anymore.

Following a very successful launch of an exciting car app for iPhone and iPad, Cars.co.za has developed a unique car app for Android that puts the site’s massive database of cars for sale in South Africa into your pocket – available anytime, anywhere.

The app is fast, convenient and features clever tools to help you find the perfect car for your budget.

Get the latest car news, research new car prices and specs, and tag your favourites to view later. It’s all at your fingertips.

Cars.co.za is proud to present our local app tailored for the Android platform.

Powerful Android App feature functionality includes:

• Simple “Quick search” facility
• Advanced search facility
• Multiple search criteria support
• Comprehensive sorting options
• Favourites tagging
• Multiple images
• Simple contact form

New Car Research

The new Cars.co.za Android app is a first for South Africa in offering a comprehensive new car database that is constantly updated with pricing and specs. You’ll find everything you need to know about that new model right here. An exclusive list of new car specials is also available.

The Latest Local and International Car News

Our team of writers bring you the latest from the world of cars everyday – direct to your app. Car news, reviews and industry analysis, with fresh content every single day.

Additional Service and Tools

The Tools section of the new app offers a handy vehicle finance calculator and insurance quote generator – providing all the information you might need to make the best purchasing decision.

Download the Cars.co.za Android App

Download the App here

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Insurance - Prepare for a Rainy Day

Staring at the scorched piece of pavement where my car once stood, I thought to myself, Perhaps I should have purchased car insurance.

Before you immediately stop reading, I promise this isn't a lecture on safe driving. Yes, my accident was possibly avoidable, yes, it’s wise to drive about 5 miles per hour on the highway in heavy rain, yes, my accident was like a scene straight out of Waterworld, and yes, I look exactly like Kevin Costner.

However, this post isn’t about the accident itself. I’m actually going to talk about the aftermath. After all, isn’t insurance not about crashes but about what happens after a crash?

Standing on the side of the highway, waiting to have my blood pressure taken by a medic, I realized that I was stuck. I was several hours on foot from my apartment and even farther from my workplace. I'd be lying if I said that I would have rather walked home than call a coworker for a ride. 

Unfortunately, my ballet flats were muddy puddles and my Star Wars tee shirt smelled like burnt rubber and gasoline, so I didn’t have the emotional fortitude necessary to walk more than 10 miles. I grudgingly fished my phone out of the Bermuda Triangle (layman's terms: my purse), and explained to my colleague over the phone, "Hi, Brooke. Can you pick me up? My car's on fire."

Unfortunately that's how the next few months panned out. In between job titles and apartments, I didn’t have the time to find a new vehicle. My friends drove me to and from work, while I searched the housing section of Craigslist. I finally signed a rental agreement, but even with low rates, the amount of money in my bank account started falling faster than Peter Sellers on a banana peel.

I frantically searched for a new car, but I had no idea what I was doing. It didn’t help that cars salesmen, while trying to talk me into buying something that I didn't want, found it appropriate to address me as "little lady". Standing at 5'9", I wondered how they were unable to see the irony in that pet name. I would grit my teeth, I thank them for their time and walk out with no car keys in hand. Eventually, I found a vehicle and was able to return the rental, but by that time, my bank account was so empty that I swear I could hear an echo every time I checked my balance.

Yesterday I bought car insurance again, and this time I didn't take any chances. I went with the works - liability, collision coverage, comprehensive protection and rental and towing insurance.

(also see: what to check for when buying a used car)

I followed the advice that while you might have to pay a few extra dollars, extra protection makes life a little easier when life seems extra hard. If I had rental insurance at the time of my stormy accident, my situation would have been much less of a hassle.

As my mom (also frequently unable to see the irony in her own words) would say about purchasing extra auto insurance, "It's like saving up for a rainy day."

by Kelly Casey, Guest Blogger

Recent Mover to Charlotte, NC - Kelly gives advice on those things you forget in a move.

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Diamond Buying Tips

Have you ever tried to march into a jewelry store, wanting to buy a piece but you have no idea about what to do? 


Don’t worry – you’re not actually alone. In fact, most first time jewelry buyers end up not even checking a piece’s price due to the fact that they easily get intimidated about how much information one should know when they’re looking to purchase jewelry. 


So whether you’re looking to buy an engagement ring or just a casual gift for your mom, you should definitely know what you need to look for in a piece before you march inside a store. 


Here’s an infographic made by Brilliance.com that can help you get started in doing your own research. 
This infographic contains a couple of helpful tips about how to get your hands on an amazing piece of jewelry without being scammed, or breaking the bank. Do read on!

Source: Brilliance.com

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How to Buy Silver Jewelry Online Safely

If you want to invest your money in something that can give you great returns, then why not try investing your money in silver? 


You can purchase silver in the form of coins, bars, and bullions, and you can even invest your money in silver jewelry. 


Now, the best thing about investing in silver jewelry is that you can even wear them. Their distinctive shimmer is sure to add glamour to your look.


Where can you buy silver jewelry?


The best way to buy silver jewelry is to visit your local jewelry store, of course. You could also try your local pawnshop as well as local silver auction houses. The choices that will be given to you are many; however, they will be limited by the design of the silver jewelry maker and the store's inventory.


If you want more designs, especially intricate and complicated ones, then you can try purchasing silver jewelry online. The best thing about buying your silver jewelry online is that you will be given tons of silver jewelry collections to choose from. They also come in sets, making your silver jewelry collection more valuable. However, buying silver jewelry online has its risks, an example of which is purchasing fake silver jewelry.


Online Buying Tips


You should be very careful when purchasing silver jewelry online because there are many bogus sellers out there. For this reason, here are some valuable tips on how to safely and wisely buy silver jewelry online.

First, you have to choose the seller wisely. This means checking his online reputation as well as off line. Online, you will get to read reviews made about the seller; and off line, you will get to hear about him from other silver jewelry dealers. If you are going to purchase them at online auction sites or online buy-and-sell sites, then be sure to check the seller feedback. You need to make sure that the customer satisfaction rating is high and that the seller really is primarily dealing in silver jewelry.


Two, you should always ask the seller if the silver he is selling has a 92.5% purity. What this basically means is that the jewelry is made up of 92.5% pure silver, while the remaining percentage is composed of other types of metal alloys that give form to the silver jewelry. Always look for the 925 marking on the jewelry, which is commonly located on the clasp.


Three, you should also ask the seller if the silver jewelry was machine crafted or hand crafted. Hand crafted silver jewelry commands a higher price than machine crafted ones, particularly since the details of hand crafted silver jewelry are much more refined, more intricate and complex, and more detailed than the latter; thus, the higher price. Machine crafted silver jewelry are, more often than not, mass produced, so it is cheaper.


Four, when it comes to the online seller himself, you should stay away from sellers that give vague answers to your questions. A reputable and trustworthy silver jewelry dealer will always be able to answer any questions his clients may have regarding the piece, including the origin of the jewelry, the creator of the jewelry, or the style of the silver jewelry.

Jennifer di Martino is a freelance writer who specializes in precious metal and silver investments. She is a regular contributor to URC, a site where you can purchase gold and silver.

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