Features / 14 May 2026 / Warren Hawkins

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

April 2026 was another strong month for South Africa’s used-vehicle industry, despite having fewer trading days than the months before.

This is according to AutoTrader’s latest used-vehicle data, which shows that 30,971 used cars were sold in April 2026, representing an 8.0% year-on-year (YoY) increase over the 28,675 vehicles sold in April 2025.

It does, however, mark a notable 6.6% month-on-month decline from the 33,164 pre-owned vehicles sold in March 2026.

Despite a decline in sales, the Ford Ranger was once again the best-selling used model in South Africa, which saw 1,706 units rehomed last month.

While this does mark a minor 1% YoY decline, the Ranger managed to hold off its closest rival, the Toyota Hilux, which sold 1,329 units last month – marking a steeper 7.4% YoY decrease.

In this place was the VW Polo, which reclaimed its podium position from the Polo Vivo, with 1,160 units sold, compared to the latter’s 1,123 sales.

Fifth place was occupied by the Suzuki Swift, which managed 789 units sold in April, while the Toyota Corolla Cross shipped 644 units in sixth, and the Toyota Fortuner claimed seventh with 598 sales.

Rounding out the top ten best-selling pre-owned cars last month are the Isuzu D-Max with 567 sales, ten more than the Hyundai Grand i10 managed in ninth place, and the Toyota Starlet with 476 sales.

The average price of a used car purchased through AutoTrader in April 2026 was R423,329, a decrease from last month’s R431,879 average, but an increase compared to the R420,771 average recorded in April 2025.

Alongside the average price decrease, the average mileage of used cars sold in April 2026 decreased to 71,460km compared to March 2026’s 71,669km average and the 74,739km average in April 2025.

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

He explained that South Africans are no longer merely looking at the purchase price, but rather considering the full cost of ownership, including fuel costs, finance, maintenance, and resale value.

“That explains 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,” said Mienie.

“Buyers are still spending, but they’re spending with a sharper pencil.”