Hard cash purchase in Botswana

[Exascot]

I have posted this on the Maun thread a couple of very useful answers.

Some advice please. When we get to Maun in Novemeber we need to buy a motor. Our house is 6km off road so advice is a Rav4 and to buy it in Gabs as it hopefully will not have been flogged around off road as most of the ones in Maun have. Also better choice.

The question: Any advantage in arriving with hard cash (GBP/Euro) and doing a cash deal in these currencies? I know that in many African countries this is the best way but I have never bought anything substantial in Bots.

Many thanks, will buy a beer in Nov for the most sensible answer

[Rico 25]

Buying motor in Botswana

If possible don't buy any vehicle in Botswana (unless brand new). Most of the sh*tboxes in Maun have been maintained to the bare minimum level ie. I used to regularly see locals pouring cans of new oil into clapped out old engines when I was around Maun. Problem is the poor buggers can't afford to look after their cars as anyone in most other 1st world countries would. If you want a decent vehicle then look for a well cared for runabout in South Africa or Namibia and check the service history. If you don't mind doing your own servicing/ repairs and you are reasonably practical with working on cars then go ahead with getting a car in Maun. This is only advice so you are free to ignore if you wish to do so-it's up to you mate. Just as an example when I arrived at the airport in Maun (back in 2009) the taxi that picked me up was running on a spare wheel, it had a cracked windscreen and the seat belt would not latch on and 'click'. A friend of mine was once travelling in a Combi (or minibus) and the rear axle broke off! There are no MOT (or equivalent) vehicle safety checks in Botswana. If you want a car with easy spare parts availability then buy a Toyota-main dealer in town as well.

As for currency Botswana Pula- Pound Sterling (or any other currency) check your local Bureau de Change/ Bank- your should do reasonably well.

Good luck in Botswana and hope you find a flying job-one of the best experiences of your life (been there got the T-shirt).

[Exascot]

Thanks for the advise Rico. Yes I know about the state of their cars I have been there many times. I have a few contacts who will hopefully point me to a reliable dealer in Gabs. I don't think I could drive all the way from SA. The furthest I can drive on this island is 30km. Gabs to Maun is going to be bad enough.

hope you find a flying job-one of the best experiences of your life

Past my sell by date on that one . My first time in the Delta was in the early 80s when I took HRH PoW there. I was offered a job then actually but still had about 12 yrs left to go in the military. However, I have been very kindly promised some hands on time under 'strict supervision'

[cavortingcheetah]

I regularly drive from Randburg, where there are many second hand car dealers, to the border. It takes about four hours and is a completely easy run. You will be fined or you will need to bribe, if you speed. Randburg is probably one of the best places to buy a Reef car. I've not idea of the complexities of Botswana registration but for six months I shouldn't think it a problem. I've never bought a second hand car in South Africa and not been able to sell it back to the same dealer for what I paid for it.

[Exascot]

Thank you CC. From Randburg to Maun is even further than from Gabs though. We are planning to keep the car in Bots all the time at the house although we will only be there 6 months a year. This is the master plan anyway. So registration with a SA car would be a problem.

Our car here is British and not registered in Greece - the island policeman knows but he is a mate (so far!) and it is too much work for him to do me.

[fastfly]

HORROR...spare wheel AND a cracked windscreen!

Maybe "AFRICA" is not at all for you

[Jumbo744]

LOL

I agree with fastfly