Features / 18 May 2026 / Warren Hawkins

The used cars South Africans are buying to slash their petrol spending

Last month saw more South Africans turn to fuel-efficient used cars to rescue themselves from rising petrol and diesel prices.

This is according to AutoTrader CEO George Mienie, whose company shared a list of the best-selling used cars in April.

A total of 30,971 used vehicles were sold in April 2026, representing an 8.0% year-on-year increase compared to a year ago; however, this is a notable decrease from March 2026, when 33,164 used vehicles were sold.

On a brand level, Toyota continues to lead the used market, selling 5,148 vehicles during the fourth month of the year.

VW held onto second place with 4,037 units sold last month, while Ford claimed third place with 3,061 cumulative sales in April.

Despite the American automaker falling behind the Japanese and German brands, its most popular offering – the Ford Ranger – retained its title as South Africa’s favourite used vehicle.

No fewer than 1,706 pre-owned Ranger units were sold last month, which accounts for more than half of the brand’s used-vehicle sales in April.

In second place was the bakkie’s closest rival, the Toyota Hilux, which saw 1,329 units find new owners, as the VW Polo also found its way onto the podium with 1,160 units sold.

“April’s numbers show a market that is still healthy, but far more selective than it was a year ago,” noted Mienie.

“South Africans are not only looking at the purchase price anymore. They’re looking at the full cost of ownership, from fuel and finance to maintenance and resale value.”

He went on to explain that this is why proven bakkies like the Ranger and Hilux continue to perform so well, while smaller, more efficient cars such as the Swift and Grand i10 are gaining serious momentum.

Mienie said that car buyers are still spending money on used vehicles, but they are doing so with a “sharper pencil”.

AutoTrader’s data shows that while the top three brands and models continue to remain unchallenged, the real growth can be found lower on the list, particularly when looking at budget hatchbacks.

The Suzuki Swift saw an impressive year-on-year (YoY) growth of 66.1%, recording 789 used sales last month, while Hyundai Grand i10 sales increased by a staggering 74.6% to reach 557 units.

Mienie said it was worth noting that used sales of the Toyota Corolla Cross saw an increase of 47.7%, with 644 sales in April 2026.

AutoTrader’s data shows how recent fuel price increases have changed the buying patterns of South African consumers.

Highlighting this behaviour change is the Toyota Fortuner sales figures, as the SUV, which consistently sat in fifth position, has fallen two spots, claiming seventh place with only 598 sales.