Features / 11 February 2026 / Warren Hawkins

The best-selling used cars in South Africa right now – With pricing

January marked a strong start to the new year for South Africa’s used car sales, with 34,452 units finding new owners.

This figure represents a notable 12.07% increase from December 2025’s 30,742 units sold, as well as a respectable 11.28% year-on-year increase from 30,961 units sold in January last year, according to AutoTrader’s figures.

Last year was a strong year for both new and pre-owned car sales, and data points towards that momentum continuing into the new year.

Despite Toyota dominating the pre-owned market, with 40% of the top ten best-selling used cars last month, it is rival Ford that sees its name at the top of the lot.

The Ford Ranger remained South Africa’s most popular used vehicle last month, increasing its sales numbers from 1,744 units sold in December 2025 to a staggering 2,069 units sold last month.

Its closest rival, the Toyota Hilux, claimed second place once again, shifting 1,604 units last month.

Two more models retaining their spots from last month are the VW Polo Vivo in third, and its sibling Polo, which held onto fourth place.

Interestingly, the Suzuki Swift managed to climb into the top five, snatching fifth place from its long-standing place holder, the Toyota Fortuner.

With an incredible 24.6% year-on-year increase in used sales, the Swift managed 794 units sold, as opposed to the Fortuner’s 708.

Further notable growth on the list includes 42.8% year-on-year for the Toyota Corolla Cross, which managed 651 units last month, and the Hyundai Grand i10, which saw a remarkable 71.9% increase, rising to 550 units.

Last month, South Africa’s pre-owned market managed to generate R14.32 billion in sales, marking an 11.05% increase from the R12.89 billion earned in December 2025.

The average price for a used car now sits at R416,082, with an average mileage of 70,938km.