Becoming a university student is a huge milestone for young aspiring professionals in South Africa. For many, it also brings the exciting prospect of buying their first car.
Having a car offers a newfound sense of freedom and independence, but it’s also an important financial decision where young drivers and their parents should explore as many options as possible to find a good deal.
Weelee, one of South Africa’s largest vehicle trading platforms, recently published a list of six cars that are ideal for students, prioritising safety, affordability, and practicality.
“Safety, however, remains the top priority, especially when statistics show young drivers face higher risks on our roads,” said Weelee.
“With guidance from parents, first-time buyers can make smart, informed decisions without breaking the bank.”
It is recommended that students prioritise second-hand cars when looking for their first set of wheels, as a new model will depreciate at a much faster rate.
“New cars lose a huge chunk of their value the moment they leave the showroom, often 20-30% in the first year alone,” said Weelee.
“Buying a quality used car lets you get a newer, better-equipped model for the same (or less) price than an entry-level new one.”
It noted that modern cars produced over the last 5-10 years typically come standard with essential safety features such as multiple airbags, ABS, and electronic stability control.
“When choosing a car for a young driver, parents should prioritise models with strong crash-test ratings from organisations like Global NCAP, looking for at least 4-5 star ratings where available, multiple airbags (front, side, and curtain), ABS and electronic stability programme,” said Sam Ghisleni, Head of Marketing at Weelee.
Another important factor is that used cars are cheaper to insure and maintain, which is particularly relevant for young buyers who are still learning the ropes.
“Reliability and low running costs are valuable bonuses as you want a vehicle that won’t leave your children stranded,” said Ghisleni.
Shopping on a budget
These are six affordable cars ideal for students in South Africa, according to Weelee.
VW Polo Vivo
Pros:
- Outstanding build quality and crash protection
- Spacious for a hatchback and plenty of room for friends or groceries
- Good resale value and economical on fuel
Cons:
- Parts and servicing can be slightly pricier than Japanese rivals
- Insurance premiums may be higher due to popularity with younger drivers
2. Suzuki Swift
Pros:
- Super fuel-efficient, perfect for long campus drives
- Low maintenance and cheap parts
- Nimble handling makes city parking a breeze
Cons:
- Smaller boot and rear seat space
- Can feel light on highways in strong winds
3. Kia Picanto
Pros:
- Modern looks and surprising tech (touchscreen, reverse camera in newer models)
- Excellent warranty on recent used examples
- Very low fuel and insurance costs
Cons:
- Small engine can feel underpowered on long trips
- Limited rear legroom for taller passengers
4. Nissan Magnite
Pros:
- Higher riding position for better road visibility
- Modern safety kit including 360° camera in higher trims
- Spacious and good value
Cons:
- Fuel economy not as good as smaller hatchbacks
- Newer on the used market, so slightly higher prices
5. Toyota Starlet
Pros:
- Legendary Toyota reliability and low breakdown risk
- Excellent fuel efficiency and cheap parts
- Comfortable ride with decent space
Cons:
- Styling is practical rather than exciting
- Base models lack some modern features
6. Hyundai i20
Pros:
- Roomy interior and generous boot space
- Solid safety ratings with multiple airbags and stability control
- Modern features and comfortable ride in recent models
- Good warranty coverage on used examples
Cons:
- Slightly higher fuel and insurance costs than ultra-compact options
- Engine can feel adequate rather than sporty
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