Madrent

I got declined for financing… what now?

Most youngsters today only know about two sure-fire ways of owning a car. Firstly, buying a vehicle cash, and secondly, applying for financing through a bank or institution in order to pay a car off until it eventually becomes your property after a good many years. Granted, there is always the option of winning a car, or simply being given one by your wealthy aunt or uncle… but what happens if you don’t qualify for any of the above?

Being declined for financing can be for any number of reasons – it certainly isn’t a reflection on your worthiness to have transport, and it certainly doesn’t have to be a bad thing. This is where rent-to-
own magic serves you the best – because rent-to-own packages do not rely on your credit score, and nor do they require you to have debt as a means of making more debt (which is often a requirement when it comes to financing – literally needing you to prove that you can pay off other debt in order to incur more).

What’s great about rent-to-own is also the fact that the monthly installment you will be paying does not include interest fees that go straight into the bank’s coffers and ultimately means the price you
pay for the vehicle is often double what it is worth – or more. Instead, the monthly fee you will be paying includes the actual use of the car, tracking services, comprehensive insurance as well as roadside assistance – all of which is beneficial to you! That’s right. Rent-to-own services seek to prioritise your needs and ensure that you have access to transport when you need it the most.

With a whole host of excellent, high-quality vehicles available for your rent-to-own pleasure, MadRent can cater to you budget, and to your needs. Scroll through our catalogue or contact us for more info.

Rent-to-Own Torque: Meet the Hyundai Grand i10 1.0 Motion

Mad about MadRent
For many people, financing a vehicle is not an option, and for many of those self-same people, not having transport is also not an option. MadRent is here to help you with a solution, an empathic and understanding company committed to helping you have the independence of driving a vehicle, and paying it off while you drive – with the aim of owning it yourself. In their fleet of vehicles for you to rent-to-own is the efficient, economic and energetic Hyundai i10 Grand 1.0 Motion Automatic.

The Concept:
The most recent version of the popular compact car, the Hyundai i10 has actually been upgraded to be more than just a fuel-efficient little runner.

The Looks:
The first i10’s that were released were jokingly referred to as little lunchboxes, in the motoring industry. The newest version on the MadRent showroom floor, the Grand i10 is anything but that 0 with charming, modernised looks and a much more solid, grounded position on the road than its predecessor, the i10 is tiny, but mighty! On the new i10, the side mirrors also come with stylish indicator repeaters which add even more flair to the car, and 7-spoke 14-inch wheels give it a bit of a sporty edge too.

The Feel:
Marketed as a compact car, the i10 is small and nimble. Having three adults in the back would be a real tight squeeze, but it works perfectly for the school run, or even as a reliable, efficient little business courier. The new clear headlight cluster is good-looking but also practical in increasing your visibility and night-vision, and fits seamlessly into the vehicle’s fluid design. Personally, I enjoyed the smaller size of the vehicle, as it actually feels like an extension of you when you move through traffic – it is nippy and agile.

The Features:
Despite the diminutive size of the car, there is a sufficient boot space for school bags and groceries, and with seat folded down, even more for bigger cargo. A pram also fits folded into the boot, so ideal for the busy mama-bear. One of my favourite features in the i10 is the subtle and discreet storage tray beneath the front seat, which not only provides safe keeping of your valuables, but is easily accessible for when you need it. The i10 also comes standard with an integrated Bluetooth Audio System which promotes driver-concentration by allowing hands on the wheel whilst making or receiving phone calls; perfect for the music-lovers too, is the user-friendly aux and USB-input for playing your favourite tunes. A cool added bonus feature on the i10 is the heated side mirrors that enhance your safety by preventing fogs ups and lack of visibility in extreme weather (and mirrors are now body-colour-coded for further style).

The Drive:
Literally the best feature about the i10 is how efficient it is – the engine is an enthusiastic 1.0 litre 3- cylinder machine that produces only 48 kW of power and 94 Nm of torque which is more than sufficient for negotiating traffic, over-taking and doing the school run. The big bonus is that this little vehicle uses only around 5.4 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres, which saves your big bucks at the pumps. The automatic variant is even greater comfort as you literally drive effortlessly, as though it is built for urban roads. Having driven an i10 myself for a few years, I found it one of the best compact cars on the market – it runs like a dream, does exactly what you tell it to do, and is as reliable as the sunrise!

The Score:
For its great efficiency and superb reliability, we score the i10 at 7.5 crowns out of 10 – a worthy score for a compact vehicle!

Where to Find It:
MadRent Rent-to-Own can be contacted through their website www.madrent.co.za to find a deal that will suit you if financing is not an option. Swing on by!

A Torque Queen Review

Renting-to-Own – Putting You in Charge

Women-Torque is continually striving to partner with companies and organisations that share our goals of upliftment and empowerment; in this search, we have recently been fortunate enough to meet with a group of gentlemen who epitomise these ideals perfectly.

Mark Cohen, CEO of Mad Rent, hosted me together with Matt Symanowitz and Simon Sereko, at their premises in Randburg this past week. Sharing with me their journey – which started off some forty years ago as a used-car dealership – Mark and his team wowed me with practicality and relevance of the service Mad Rent offers. Mark’s father Denis started a used-car dealership in 1978, and after working abroad for a few years Mark joined him in the industry. With a combined experience of over sixty years in motoring, Mark and his father noticed that the average citizen was struggling to get finance to buy a vehicle. Following on this, they also noticed that people were struggling to move up in society and live better lives. Having no access to transport, people were really having a hard time progressing; so, it was in 2014 that the Cohen family launched the Rent-to- Own company, Mad Rent, inspired by the idea that if people were able to access reliable, good- quality transport at affordable prices, they would be able to better their lives, improve their status and obtain better prospects for their future.

Mad Rent is a company that offers high-quality vehicles to customers that have been denied access to financing through blacklisting or challenging credit scores on ITC. Not only does a rent-to-own deal mean you drive a reliable vehicle, but it also includes insurance costs, warranties and roadside assistance to give you peace of mind and prioritise your safety and well-being, at one monthly cost for a period of two years. After this time, you have the option of purchasing the vehicle for the amount outstanding after two years of payments, or continuing with another rental.

Matt Symanowitz joined the Mad Rent team recently, having come from a background at Transaction Capital, which is essentially the driving force behind SA Taxi. In his role working with over 30 000 minibuses, Matt was exposed to the devastating effects of Taxi accidents, the lack of adequate safety for families involved in Taxi-related incidents, and the unreliability of public transport when trying to raise a family, build a career and maintain your independence. Matt decided that his desire to touch more lives would best be channelled at Mad Rent, and so it was that he summarily walked into the Mad Rent offices, proclaimed his intention to expand the business, and – as Mark notes – has been there ever since.

Mark and Matt speak with sincerity when they note that the motoring industry is not always a safe place for the unassuming motorist: with unscrupulous dealerships and individuals seemingly out to take advantage of people, their core belief is to build people up and help them have a massive jump in their lives. Being very socially conscious, the Mad Rent team present with an immense passion for people and providing for better futures.

In my search for individuals and companies that share my desire to empower and uplift, I don’t often find companies with this level of determination and dedication to bridging the gap for those who
cannot access transport, and thus cannot improve their circumstances. Striving to see people independent and responsible for themselves, is what drives this team. As such, how Mad Rent works is to provide high-quality vehicles to customers for a period of two years, after which the vehicle becomes available for purchase at a much lower price than what is market-related – this alone sets this company apart, as their commitment to upliftment continues right through to the end.

Creating a sustainable business that continues to produce relevant products that are fair, fairly priced and advantageous to the driver (with such added benefits as a reliable vehicle tracker and road-side assistance). Mad Rent also offer their services anywhere in South Africa.

Torque Queen

MadRent Chapter 1

Let’s Break it Down…

So, you’ve heard of renting-to-own a vehicle, but you may not be sure what that actually means. Is it like renting a house, where you pay someone to live in their property? Is it like paying off furniture that you bought on an account? Well, Women-Torque are here to give you insight into this exciting ownership option.

The simply answer to the above questions is no. It’s different from renting a house, because at the end of your rental period, you have the option of taking ownership of the car for an affordable price. This means that for those of us who aren’t able to obtain financing through a financial institution, we are not without options of owning a vehicle either.

Rent-to-own services, as offered by MadRent, ensure that you are able to drive a good quality vehicle, suitable to your unique needs, for a monthly fee. One major advantage here is that lease payments are often much lower than payments you would have had to commit to through financing.

Another major draw-card is that at the end of the rental period, you are able to purchase the vehicle for a price that is less than what you would have paid through any other channel, as this “buy-out” fee is nominal. You also have the option of continuing with a new lease, and this is often a really attractive option for those who want to drive a new vehicle (or need to upgrade to a bigger vehicle, for example) every few years.

Advantages of rent-to-own agreements are numerous, not the least of which is the fact that with MadRent Rent-to-Own, the costs you pay every month include the leasing of the vehicle itself, all maintenance and service costs, insurance on the vehicle as well as roadside assistance for those uncertain times when something goes wrong and you need help.

Rent-to-Own is an excellent option for the young professional, or even the newly-working mom who needs to ensure she can get the kids to school and be available for her own career on time. It certainly takes away the often-unreliable effects of public transport, and allows you to be more independent and take control of your own situation. In this way, MadRent as a company also seeks to uplift its clients and help them to change their financial situation by providing brand new or demo
models for you to lease.

A last mention about the advantages of Rent-to-Own deals is the suitability of such an arrangement for individuals wanting to start businesses – renting-to-own allows you to have a reliable vehicle
with which to build yourself up, without needing to commit to financing that requires a track record or credit history, which you may not yet have. Successful rent-to-own deals have developed into private uber-type businesses in the past, thanks to this innovative concept. Keep an eye out for the next chapter in the MadRent story, where we will be relating the success story of a young lady who found the rent-to-own option certainly changed her circumstances, and her life.

A Torque Queen Special

Rent-to-Own Torque: Meet the VW Polo Trendline

Mad about MadRent
For many people, financing a vehicle is not an option, and for many of those self-same people, not having transport is also not an option. MadRent is here to help you with a solution, an empathic and understanding company committed to helping you have the independence of driving a vehicle, and paying it off while you drive – with the aim of owning it yourself. In their fleet of vehicles, is the stunning, reliable and practical Polo Vivo Trendline.

The Concept:
The newest incarnation of the popular VW Polo takes on an updated, upgraded look as one of the most popular Hatchbacks in history.

The Looks:
The updated Polo has a more modern, contemporary look with clean and concise lines in the front. Cheeky slanted headlights and smart, crisp rear aesthetics make for a really lovely, classic side and
back profile. This Polo is, in fact, bigger than its predecessor and looks more capable and centred on the road than before. It has been well and truly refreshed, and I enjoy the sense of gravity this
vehicle has on the road. It positively oozes confidence.

The Feel:
The older generation Polo was literally the VW mascot on the road – and having driven one myself for many years, I can firmly attest to the solid reliability (and family suitability) of the car. Now with
much more conscientious thought being given to comfort, the new Polo has a really nice “soul” upgrade, taking it to a much more funky, modern level than just being comfortable. It resonates with
the younger crowd thanks to its vibrance and charm, and it aligns with the more mature drivers too for its familiar dependability.

The Features:
The Trendline Polo has a lovey 280 litre boot that expands to 952 litres with the seats folded (which is ample for the school and extra mural run, or the professional who needs a bit more space for odds
and ends). A lovely radio with USB and Bluetooth capabilities is standard, as well as tinted windows all around and electric front windows. The steering wheel is height adjustable and there are two
cupholders available for your convenience. Safety is prioritised with driver and passenger airbags, IsoFix mountings for the mommies out there, and child-proof locks on the rear doors. Aircon is standard to ensure you are cool and collected at all times, and can enjoy your drive.

The Drive:
VW engines are fantastic, backed up with the brilliance of German engineering. 55 kW of power and 130 Nm of torque result from an efficient engine paired to a 5-speed manual gearbox. While the drive is smooth and “safe” in its typical VW reliability, there is a new edge of spunk underlying it all. It feels great to drive, and handles like a charm – perfect for a young family, or working mom, to get everything done before dinner without any hassle or fuss. Not only does it drive well, but it will sit well with your budget knowing that with yet another fuel increase this week, the fuel consumption of this car is a frugal 5.7 litres per 100 kilometres.

The Score:
The upgraded Polo is worthy of a hearty 8 crowns out of 10 – VW have knocked this facelift out of the park, and is a worthy rent-to-own vehicle!

Where to Find It:
MadRent Rent-to-Own can be contacted through their website www.madrent.co.za to find a deal that will suit you if financing is not an option. Swing on by!

A Torque Queen Review

Rent-To-Own Magic: Who will Benefit?

Rent-to-Own deals are a fantastic new trend in terms of solving your transport problems – there are numerous reasons why you may not be able to buy a vehicle, and if you fit into one of the profiles below, this will be reason enough for you to consider MadRent’s Rent-to-Own Deals.

1. No Credit History: If you have never had any debt, chances are you won’t qualify for financing because – weirdly – you have to have had debt to prove you can manage it. If you don’t have a history of paying off some debt (be it clothing accounts, credits cards or furniture accounts), Rent-to-Own may work for you!

2. Blacklisted or on ITC: We have all faced financial challenges, and sometimes this leaves you in a space where you don’t qualify for more credit such as vehicle financing, because you have been blacklisted. Don’t let this get you down – Rent-to-Own deals are not affected by
your ITC listing!

3. Cashflow: Don’t have a lump-sum of money to drop in one-go in order to buy a cheap, second-hand vehicle? As long as you have a consistent source of income, you are still able to qualify for a Rent-to-Own deal where you can pay monthly, drive a good vehicle, and have the option of owning it at the end of the lease period.

4. Have cash, don’t want trash: Alright, so you have a small amount of money to spend on buying a car, but really don’t want to settle for old, potentially trashy vehicles on the second-hand market? Rather go for a Rent-to-Own deal where your money can be put towards renting (and ultimately buying) a brand new, top-quality car of your choice!

5. Small Business? Wanting to start your own business, but for one of the reasons mentioned here you can’t that head start to obtaining a bakkie, or small delivery vehicle? No problem – with MadRent you can rent-to-own a vehicle that will help you start earning money, and allow you to purchase your first business vehicle within a short time period.

Don’t hesitate, check out the benefits and fantastic deals that MadRent has to offer:
www.madrent.co.za

Rent-to-Own Torque: Meet the Ford EcoSport 1.5

Mad about MadRent
MadRent is an empathic and understanding company committed to helping you have the independence of driving a vehicle, and paying it off while you drive – with the aim of owning it yourself. So, if you find yourself in a situation where transport is a necessity – consider the Ford EcoSport, currently in the MadRent fleet.

The Concept:
An SUV that isn’t bound by monstrous sizing or overly-large engines that lay heavily into your fuel budget.

The Looks:
The Ford Ecosport is an elegant, urban SUV with fluid, rounded lines and an aesthetically pleasing body shape. The diamond-shaped grille is striking and gives off a sense of strength and determination, whilst the tailgate-mounted spare wheel reminds you that this is still an SUV. The inside is superbly styled with classy, high-quality finishes and sufficient technology to keep your entertained.

The Feel:
The EcoSport is sleek and well-sized – it is not intimidating and yet still has that elevated ride-height that makes it so suited for urban – and off-road – driving. It is spacious on the inside, with enough
head-and-leg room for all passengers and the driver, keeping in mind this isn’t a full-on SUV, but rather a mini- SUV. The interior is still superbly appointed and comfortable, with conscientious styling that make the driver feel in control.

The Features:
With 2 USB ports in front of the gear-lever and (in my opinion) one of the most user-friendly Infotainment systems around (Sync 3 system), the EcoSport has really been improved from its previous incarnation. A number of advancements have also been made in terms of safety, and the
EcoSport 1.5 Ambiente now has six airbags as standard, ABS braking and ESP to prioritise passengers in case of collisions. Aircon, Bluetooth connectivity, remote central locking and rear park distance control are all included as standard as well.

The Drive:
This 1.5 litre TDCi variant sports a brilliant, efficient engine that was awarded the International Engine of the Year Award for three years in a row. Producing 74 Kw of power and 205 Nm of torque, this engine gives you enough vooma to power through traffic, navigate the school run and still make huge savings at the petrol pumps. With fuel consumption as low as 4.6 litres per 100 kilometres, the EcoSport is an ideal family vehicle. In terms of driving the car, the EcoSport is a pleasure. It has lovely handling abilities and corners with ease and minimal body roll. We loved the suspension and the resulting smooth ride. Although not a power house in terms of roaring away at take-off, we are won over by the frugal use of fuel!

The Score:
The EcoSport is a pleasant, well-sized, well-specced SUV that gets extra credit for being fuel- efficient: we score it 7.5 crows out of 10.

Where to Find It:
MadRent Rent-to-Own can be contacted through their website www.madrent.co.za to find a deal
that will suit you if financing is not an option.

A Torque Queen Review

MadRent Chapter 2

Meeting Cynthia

Women-Torque recently introduced you to the world of Rent-to-Own services, where you can drive a car without having to apply for financing, pay an installment towards using the vehicle and have the option of buying it once your lease period is over. Our partners, MadRent, offer such services, and in our drive to showcase these services to you, we found a young lady who couldn’t wait to share her story with us.

Cynthia Rankgapa, a young lady who made use of this phenomenal service when she was not able to obtain vehicle financing, told us recently that she was feeling very despondent in her search for a solution to her transport challenges. Cynthia is a young single mom living in Johannesburg who, due to the fact that she did not have a suitable credit history, was not able to secure financing to buy a vehicle. Despite having a stable income through a consistent job for the last five years, she had no way of putting down a lump sum of money to buy a vehicle cash, and was relying on lift-clubs or public transport to get around. She was determined to better her circumstances by having her own transport.

Having heard about Rent-to-Own, Cynthia’s research lead her to what she calls a “life-changing” lease agreement where she was able to pay a monthly installment (which was within her budget) in order to drive a brand new Hyundai i10. She calls it life-changing because for the first time as a professional woman, she did not have to rely on public transport and could be in charge of her own schedule. Cynthia also mentions how liberating it was to be able to get up in the morning and take her children to creche and school on her way to work, knowing she could see them safely inside herself, and then go to work without worrying that they got there safely.

What Cynthia loves about Rent-to-Own is the fact that the costs she was carrying towards school transport and public transport for herself and her children are now combined into a payment towards a vehicle that she can actually choose to purchase at the end of the day. She also feels very safe, in her own words, knowing that this agreement also includes roadside assistance and car insurance, so that she will never have to be stuck without transport should something happen. Positively glowing with pride, Cynthia notes that she feels accomplished, and independent, and very
proud of the fact that she has been able to make her own life better, and easier, through making use of Rent-to-Own options as offered by our partners, MadRent.

For more information on how you too can experience this life-changing option, check out: www.madrent.co.za .

A Torque Queen Special