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

December proved to be a great send-off for South Africa’s pre-owned car market, which sold a respectable 30,742 units.

While this is a small month-on-month decline compared to November’s 33,705 units, the sector experienced a significant year-on-year increase of 16.34% compared to the 26,424 units moved in December 2024, according to AutoTrader.

The Ford Ranger continues to be the darling of budget-conscious shoppers in South Africa, selling 1,744 examples with an average age and mileage of four years and 83,958km.

Of course, the Toyota Hilux wasn’t far behind with 1,312 purchases landing it the second spot.

Interestingly, the Hilux units are older on average with a higher mileage of 110,049km.

The VW Polo Vivo and Polo were neck and neck this time around, with the former landing in third place with 1,262 units while the latter sold 1,261,

The Fortuner is still the go-to pick for second-hand SUVs with 622 motorists picking one up last month, and the Suzuki Swift ended sixth with 615 sales.

The Toyota Corolla Cross came seventh thanks to 550 buyers, and the Hyundai Grand i10 knocked the i20 out of the top 10 with 504 sales.

Last but not least are the Isuzu D-Max and Toyota Startlet, which moved 489 and 427 units, respectively.

In total, the industry generated R12.89 billion in revenue last month, equating to a 19.46% increase from the R10.79 billion achieved in December 2024.

The average used car in South Africa now sells for R419,537 with an average mileage of 72,433km.

Most popular used cars in South Africa

These were the 10 best-selling pre-owned cars in South Africa in December 2025, as listed by AutoTrader.

1. Ford Ranger – 1,744 units

• Average price – R497,960
• Average mileage – 83,958km
• Average age – 4 years

2. Toyota Hilux – 1,312 units

• Average price – R476,873
• Average mileage – 110,049km 
• Average age – 5 years

3. VW Polo Vivo – 1,262 units

• Average price – R212,272
• Average mileage – 50,168km
• Average age – 3 years

4. VW Polo – 1,261 units

• Average price – R273,289
• Average mileage – 66,742km
• Average age – 5 years

5. Toyota Fortuner – 622 units

• Average price – R491,842
• Average mileage – 104,173km
• Average age – 6 years

6. Suzuki Swift – 615 units

• Average price – R209,612
• Average mileage – 35,494km
• Average age – 2 years

7. Toyota Corolla Cross – 550 units

• Average price – R378,859
• Average mileage – 30,486km
• Average age – 2 years

8. Hyundai Grand i10 – 504 units

• Average price – R192,654
• Average mileage – 49,704km
• Average age – 3 years

9. Isuzu D-Max – 489 units

• Average price – R441,165
• Average mileage – 74,537km
• Average age – 3 years

10. Toyota Starlet – 427 units

• Average price – R238,299
• Average mileage – 37,460km
• Average age – 2 years