Most popular pre-owned cars in South Africa – Average price and mileage

The Ford Ranger is still the top pick in South Africa’s used-car market, with 1,511 units finding new owners in April 2024, according to AutoTrader’s latest sales report.

Only 20 units behind it is the Toyota Hilux in second place, followed by the duo of the VW Polo and Polo Vivo with 1,212 units and 938 units, respectively.

The last model to crack the top five was the Toyota Fortuner, which sold a respectable 704 units.

Other automakers in the top 10 include BMW and Mercedes-Benz, which are performing well thanks in large part to the popular 3 Series and C-Class sedans.

Two vehicles from last month, the Kia Picanto and Nissan NP200, then dropped out of the top 10 in favour of the Isuzu D-Max and Ford EcoSport.

The big star in April, however, was the Suzuki Swift, which has shot up in popularity from 26th place in 2023 to eighth place in 2024.

The pre-owned sector saw an appreciable 7% year-on-year improvement in sales compared to the same month in 2023 earning it R11.7 billion, though it is noted that since there were fewer public holidays this year, it may not be an entirely accurate comparison.

In any case, Toyota was the best-selling brand overall with 4,929 units, putting it ahead of VW with its 3,903 units, and Ford with its 2,943 units.

Suzuki was able to overtake VW in the new-car market in April, and a similar trend may soon emerge in the second-hand space as the Japanese automaker moved up two positions from ninth to seventh.

“Suzuki has a reputation for reliability and affordability, both factors that have driven the brand’s popularity,” said George Mienie, CEO of AutoTrader.

In search of a bargain

These were the 10 most popular pre-owned cars in South Africa in April 2024, as provided by AutoTrader.

1. Ford Ranger – 1,511 units

• Average price – R467,941
• Average mileage – 80,151km
• Average age – 5 years old

2. Toyota Hilux – 1,491 units

• Average price – R461,247
• Average mileage – 102,262km
• Average age – 5 years old

3. VW Polo – 1,212 units

• Average price – R259,878
• Average mileage – 73,821km
• Average age – 5 years old

4. VW Polo Vivo – 938 units

• Average price – R194,097
• Average mileage – 62,349km
• Average age – 4 years old

5. Toyota Fortuner – 704 units

• Average price – R468,073
• Average mileage – 104,575km
• Average age – 6 years old

6. BMW 3 Series – 516 units

• Average price – R384,217
• Average mileage – 101,957km
• Average age – 8 years old

7. Mercedes-Benz C-Class – 484 units

• Average price – R383m830
• Average mileage – 105,676km
• Average age – 9 years old

8. Suzuki Swift – 482 units

• Average price – R185,237
• Average mileage – 36,708km
• Average age – 3 years old

9. Isuzu D-Max – 425 units

• Average price – R432,999
• Average mileage – 53,812km
• Average age – 3 years old

10. Ford EcoSport – 391 units

• Average price – R227,049
• Average mileage – 67,812km
• Average age – 5 years old