Used-car platform AutoTrader has combed through its wealth of data to determine when exactly consumers can scoop up the biggest bargains in the pre-owned sector.
It discovered that January is a great time to buy a new or used vehicle in South Africa, as this is generally when the best deals are up for grabs.
The numbers speak for themselves
The first month of the year is the best month for purchasing a new-to-you set of wheels for several reasons.
Primarily, dealerships are eager to clear out old stock as new models hit showroom floors at the beginning of the year, often advertising significant discounts and extended holiday promotions to get the ageing cars out the door.
Figures from AutoTrader shows that January 2024 had the lowest average sale price for pre-owned vehicles, suggesting that more deals were available at this time than any other.
Additionally, January tends to be a quieter month in showrooms as many consumers have already spent their holiday bonuses and are less likely to make big purchases. This slower pace also creates a more relaxed experience for consumers.
You’ll also benefit when buying a brand new or demo vehicle in January as it will be registered as a current-year model.
“This allows buyers to benefit from dealership discounts, often available at the start of the year, ensuring the vehicle is registered in the latest year,” said George Mienie, CEO of AutoTrader.
“Over time, this can positively impact resale value and slow depreciation, providing better overall value throughout the ownership period.”
The following table, as provided by AutoTrader, shows the used-car sales data on the platform between 1 October 2023 and 31 October 2024:
| Month | Vehicles sold | Average price | Average age | Average mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 2023 | 32,839 | R385,513 | 6 years old | 77,933km |
| November 2023 | 32,300 | R405,267 | 6 years old | 74,678km |
| December 2023 | 26,846 | R406,715 | 6 years old | 76,485km |
| January 2024 | 30,996 | R399,289 | 6 years old | 76,664km |
| February 2024 | 28,658 | R404,905 | 6 years old | 74,952km |
| March 2024 | 27,274 | R413,005 | 6 years old | 74,684km |
| April 2024 | 28,769 | R411,032 | 6 years old | 75,039km |
| May 2024 | 29,144 | R409,091 | 6 years old | 74,904km |
| June 2024 | 27,847 | R407,517 | 6 years old | 73,952km |
| July 2024 | 31,707 | R409,300 | 6 years old | 75,258km |
| August 2024 | 31,877 | R408,524 | 6 years old | 73,146km |
| September 2024 | 28,609 | R405,368 | 6 years old | 75,602km |
| October 2024 | 34,968 | R404,320 | 6 years old | 73,764km |
Additional insights from AutoTrader reveal interesting statistics about South African used-car-buying trends.
Notable, November has among the highest car sales throughout the year because businesses – for example, rental car agencies – upgrade their fleets with newer vehicles before the financial year ends.
Case in point, in November 2024 Naamsa The Automotive Business Council reported that 19.5% of all new passenger-car sales came from the rental industry.
June and July then typically perform well due to mid-year sales promotions.
October 2024, however, was an unusual standout as the strongest month for used-car sales, whereas January traditionally holds that title.
Demand usually dips in December as buyers delay purchases to register vehicles in the new year. Despite this, dealers often offer attractive discounts, making December a prime time for bargain hunters.
Join the discussion