LETLHOGONOLO “Tlhoni” Mabalane buys and sells cars, but he will never part with his beloved Toyota Corolla.
“This car saved my life in three different accidents!
“It saved me in three separate head-on collisions. Its hard and tough body is the reason I am alive today,” said Tlhoni from Kagiso, west of Joburg.
Q: When did you buy your car?
A: In 2007.
Q: Is it your first car?
A: Yes. I owned four cars after I bought this one, but I’ve sold them all.
Q: Why do you love this car?
A: It’s light on petrol and also has a powerful engine. Its performance on the road is amazing, it looks good and is very comfortable.
Q: What features do you like most?
A: All of them. They are perfect.
Q: What would you change to your car?
A: I want to change the interior and do a little bit of work on the body as well as improve the engine – I want it to be more powerful.
Q: Why did you choose the denim blue colour?
A: I had no choice, it came in this colour but it looks lovely. The other thing I like about the colour is that it looks brighter when washed.
Q: Is it your dream car?
A: No, that is the Mercedes-Benz G-Class wagon.
Q: Have you driven any long distances?
A: Yes, I drove it to Klerksdorp, but many other long distances trips are coming my way.
Q: How often do you get traffic fines?
A: Not at all. I am very cautious behind the wheel even though I love speed.
Q: Would you allow another drive your car?
A: Yes, my mum, Mpho, and younger brother Kabelo can drive my car.
Q: What do you think of other drivers on Mzansi’s roads?
A: It is very hard to comment on this one as I am one of those who people say drive badly.
I aim to be cautious and try not to injure others. It isn’t intentional if it happens.
