Using AutoTrader’s used car sales data for the month of November, we can see which are South Africa’s most popular secondhand cars. A worthwhile undertaking when you consider how much the new-car market has receded recently.
TRENDING: BRACE for the busiest day on South African roads this YEAR
A surprising success amongst South Africa’s most popular secondhand cars is KIA. In November, KIA posted the highest positive sales growth among the top-ten sellers. And the KIA Picanto also experienced the highest sales growth for an individual model.
SOUTH AFRICA’S MOST POPULAR SECONDHAND CARS
The KIA brand as a whole posted a 25% increase in used-car sales over the previous month, while the KIA Picanto boasted an impressive 20.8% month-on-month sales growth. This goes to show the compact supermini does make a great secondhand buy.
ALSO READ: TEN-hour delay for the Shosholoza Meyl’s first KwaZulu-Natal trip
The KIA Picanto is knocking on the door of the most sold variant ranking, too. While not among the five top-selling variants in November, the 5-door petrol hatchback moved up to sixth spot. The VW Polo 1.0 TSI, VW Polo Vivo 1.4 and the Toyota Hilux 2.8GD-6 bakkie maintain their domination of variant sales.
VOLKSWAGEN CLOSES THE GAP
South Africa’s most popular brand continues to lead the charge in brand sales. But as in previous months, the sales gap between Toyota (which sells the most vehicles) and Volkswagen (which dominates passenger car sales) continues to close. Ford, meanwhile, maintained its commendable third spot.
ALSO READ: ALL the ways to get from Johannesburg to Durban this December
Meanwhile, Korean brands Hyundai and KIA continued their ascent of South Africa’s most popular secondhand cars. Hyundai leaping over premium brand Mercedes-Benz to grab a spot in the top five behind BMW.
KOREAN ALTERNATIVES
“The popularity of Korean brands has risen in recent years. Hyundai and KIA offer much of what today’s car shoppers are seeking; affordability, build quality, and level of refinement,” says George Mienie, CEO of AutoTrader.
ALSO READ: Here’s WHY it’s a good idea to buy a car in December in SA
November used-car sales dipped by 2% month-on-month. 32 300 units with a total value of R13 billion were sold in the month prior to the festive season. Despite selling fewer cars than the previous month, the average price crept up from R385 460 in October to R405 226 in November.
YOUNGER VEHICLES WANTED
There’s a valid reason for the rise. In November, the average age of the models sold was four-years old, a year younger than the five-year old models traded a month prior. The Ford Ranger retained its position as the top dog in bakkie sales.
ALSO READ: PRASA long-distance trains: How much are tickets for the holidays?
| Rank | Model | Units Sold | Average Price | Average Mileage | Average MY |
| 1. | Ford Ranger | 1857 | R449 857 | 82 177 km | 2020 |
| 2. | Toyota Hilux | 1494 | R465 556 | 103 676 km | 2019 |
| 3. | Volkswagen Polo | 1460 | R262 799 | 67 588 km | 2019 |
| 4. | Volkswagen Polo Vivo | 1 014 | R195 501 | 58 737 km | 2020 |
| 5. | Toyota Fortuner | 800 | R452 772 | 104 072 km | 2018 |
*AutoTrader Used Car Sales Data: 1 November – 30 November 2023
NEXT READ: Important INFO if you renew your car licence in SA this December
What do you make of South Africa’s most popular secondhand cars? Be sure to share your thoughts with our audience in the comments section below. And don’t forget to follow us @TheSANews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest updates.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ARTICLES FROM RAY LEATHERN
