But I had yet to see the funniest looking vehicles until last Friday at Irene Farm, Centurion - that is, until the door almost fell off, barely hanging by one hinge!
Car makers have improved their quality in recent years so it is very difficult to find glaring faults on vehicles. In the last five years quality has risen to the highest levels, making my job a lot more involved.
We were invited to the farm for a meet-and-greet with the Chinese brand DFSK - just a meet-and-greet because our only drive was around the limited confines of the farm.
DFSK, the second largest motor company in China, produces light commercial vehicles (LCVs).
Geely South Africa brought in their products to fill a gap in its range as Geely International does not produce LCVs.
However there were a few problems at the launch - not least of these the one mentioned above.
The build and mechanical quality of these vehicles is profoundly questionable.
But Chinese products are not all ugly and scrappy.
I have driven some that, I am still convinced, have a future, not only on SA roads, but in developed countries as well.
I have driven some Geely and Chery products that are not necessarily terrible, needing just a few improvements.
The DFSK range consists of a small bakkie, a minibus and a panel van. The range is called the K-series, which Geely SA plans to expand.
The van needs work, though - particularly on things like doors that almost fly off just as two journalists are about to take it for a drive - and an engine light like the one on mine that remained lit up all the time.
I don't want to be unkind to this new arrival, but seeing glaring problems like this before it even reaches customers is alarming.
What is more, when you think about it, this company needs strong public relations, but that, too, seriously lacks quality.
Not all is doom and gloom for the DFSK range, though. I hopped into the passenger seat and my co-driver and I went for a short drive. Surprisingly, I found myself sitting comfortably and well supported by the seats. When I took the wheel, I found the little van easy to drive, the pedals and gear-lever simple to operate.
Although the vehicles don't have power steering, they are very light to steer. But don't expect anything fancy, such as ABS, aircon or CD player.
The DFSK is meant to take you from one point to the other - ideal for small businesses.
At just R59999, the entry-level, single cab mini-truck, offers great value for buyers after a cost-effective load carrier. It has a 1012cc four-cylinder petrol engine that generates 35kW at 5200rpm and 76Nm of torque, available from 3600rpm.
The 1.3 has a similar four-cylinder, fuel-injected engine, producing 58kW at 6000rpm and 103Nm of torque, available from 2800rpm to 5000rpm.
The wide torque band ensures smooth and consistent pulling power, without an undue rise in fuel consumption.
Load capacity for all vehicles in the range is 500kg, and the single cab sports a load box measuring 1300mm by 1500mm, with a depth of 335mm.
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