The car takes up half my salary. I can't cope and I am no longer enjoying the car. I can't sleep.

Hi Edwin, I want to buy a new small car. I'm earning R6000 a month and have a deposit of R15000. I am willing to pay a monthly instalment of R1900, including insurance. Can you please advise me on the choices available? - Lizzy Lerato

Dear Lizzy

This suggestion may surprise you. I am always on the hunt for bargains to share with readers and your budget demands a real bargain.

One cheapie deal that caught my eye was the unassuming Chery QQ3 0.8 TE which, despite its humble price, comes with air conditioning.

Admittedly, it is not a great vehicle, but it does tick the right boxes, especially concerning price.

It has some safety features, such as side impact protection bars, which offer extra protection and strength in case of an accident or rolling.

Other convenient features include child locks on the rear doors and split-folding rear seats.

For a vehicle that sells for R84500, this is a bargain, but don't be tempted by Imperial Select's six-month R399 a month offer that comes with a residual of 35% outstanding six years after you have paid R1500 a month for the car.

Residual on a car that won't be worth much once the hire purchase agreement ends is foolish.

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Hi Edwin,

I traded in my car, for which I was paying much less, and made the mistake of buying a very expensive car for which I'm paying R6800 a month. It is a mountain to climb - the car takes up half my salary. I can't cope and I am no longer enjoying the car. I can't sleep.

Please help me find a dealer who can settle this car for me so that I can move on and live a healthier life.

I'm scared I will end up surrendering the car, which would affect my credit record. - Simon Mathebula

Dear Simon

I'm glad that you realised that getting the much more expensive car was a mistake, for which you are paying the price.

It is impossible to recommend a dealer without vehicle details, but I suggest you advertise in the classifieds to find a buyer who will take over the payments with the bank's permission.

Another option is to ask the dealer who sold you the car to help you sell it as a demo model.

Or find a dealer who will trade your car in for a smaller vehicle rather than blemish your credit record.

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Dear Edwin,

I bought a car from a dealership in Pretoria. I paid cash for the vehicle, but after a week it got stuck and is not starting.

I called the manager from the garage and he told me that he would arrange for mechanics to come and fix it. I waited until 6pm and no mechanics came.

I sent a message for them to come and collect the car, and demanded a refund.

I tried calling the manager several times, but he is not answering his calls.

I don't know what to do. - Sifiso Fakude

Dear Sifiso

The manager is unprofessional and should be named and shamed so that future customers do not buy duds.

In my view the Office of the Motoring Ombudsman is toothless and good only for the occasional bark.

The law and the National Consumer Commission are supposed to protect consumers from dealers such as this.

In this instance it seems you were sold a dud.

Forget about the ombudsman and put the National Consumer Commission to the test: call 086 026 6786 or 012 940 4500/4451/4452; e-mail complaints@thencc.co.za or NNetshitomboni@thencc.co.za.

You can also visit the website, www.nccsa.org.za, and lodge a complaint.

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Dear Edwin,

When is the new VW Tiguan coming out? I'm looking at buying the current model, but was planning on buying it when the new one is about to come out so as to get it at a discounted price. - Norman Zwane

Dear Norman

A revamped, revitalised and ravishing new Tiguan is expected in 2015.

Send your motoring-related queries to Ask Edwin at Edwin.Naidu@live.co.za, the websitewww.rideanddrive.co.za, or tweet me at @Naidu1.