Features / 22 April 2026 / Michael Taylor

Most popular used cars in South Africa

The VW Polo Vivo 1.4 was the most popular used vehicle variant in South Africa in March 2026.

While the Ford Ranger is the best-selling pre-owned vehicle overall, the 1.4-litre version of the small Volkswagen hatchback proved to be the single most popular model, selling 885 units.

This is according to new data from AutoTrader, revealing the most-sold variants of South Africa’s favourite cars.

The Vivo was, unsurprisingly, followed by the Polo, where the standard 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol (TSI) version was the model of choice for 773 consumers.

Next is the Ford Ranger, where the entry-level XL was the favourite with 635 sales, likely because of its lower price tag.

The same cannot be said of the Toyota Hilux, where more buyers opted for the powerful 2.8-litre GD-6 units over the 2.4-litre ones.

The 2.8-litre sold 603 units, while the 2.4-litre sold 528.

Another two Ranger variants landed in sixth and seventh place, with the XLT selling 492 units while the Wildtrak moved 479.

The Toyota Starlet 1.5 came eighth with 379 purchases, and the Suzuki Swift GL came ninth with 370.

Last up is the VW T-Cross, as the 1.0-litre TSI version sold 344 examples last month.

AutoTrader noted that the continued popularity of the Polo nameplate suggests that, for many consumers, these models remain a reliable balance between affordability, quality and everyday usability.

“Beyond this, the data shows significant depth in the bakkie segment. The Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux collectively account for five of the top 10 variants, with three Ranger derivatives (XL, XLT and Wildtrak) and two Hilux variants (2.8 GD-6 and 2.4 GD-6) featuring prominently.”

“Importantly, this demand is not concentrated in a single flagship derivative, but spread across multiple trims. That points to broad-based appeal, with buyers selecting variants that align closely with their specific budget and usage needs, whether for work or lifestyle.”

Further down the list, there is a shift towards more affordable options like the Starlet and Swift, supporting the broader narrative of growth in the budget-conscious segment.

This is particularly relevant given recent geopolitical events, as consumers interested in these cars are more likely to prioritise fuel efficiency, lower running costs and overall value in a constrained economic environment.