The Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux, and VW Polo are the most sought-after used vehicles across South Africa’s nine provinces, with each occupying the number one position in three provinces.
The Ranger was the absolutely most enquired-on used car on AutoTrader in the first six months of 2024 in KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, and North West.
The Hilux then reigned supreme in the Eastern Cape, Limpopo, and Northern Cape.
In the more urban provinces of the Free State, Gauteng, and Western Cape, the Polo came out on top.
“Each province is unique, with its own defining terrain, culture, and market trends,” said AutoTrader.
“What is required in Gauteng, where conditions are more suburban, is not necessarily suitable for in-market car shoppers in the Northern Cape, where conditions require more multi-purpose vehicles.”
In terms of the number of enquiries lodged for these cars between January and June 2024, the Polo hands down took the lead with a considerable 41,845 inquisitive consumers wanting more info on the hatchback.
The Ranger was second at 14,199 enquiries and the Hilux last at 4,545.
This could be explained by the population density of the regions in which these cars are the most wanted, as the VW tends to be the top pick for the country’s most populous provinces, and vice versa for the Toyota.
Best-selling used cars in South Africa
A healthy 172,668 used passenger cars were sold in South Africa as of July 2024 going for an average price of R406,445.
The average age of cars pre-owned rides that found new owners was five years, and the average mileage came in at 74,989km.
“The average sold figures compared to the average supply statistics have revealed that the sold price was -9% lower than the market supply average prices,” said AutoTrader.
Toyota remained the most popular brand overall with 28,912 units moved, followed by VW with 23,742 units, and Ford with 18,132.
Despite Toyota being the most preferred brand amongst consumers in the country, the Ford Ranger was the most preferred car overall with 9,669 examples finding new owners.
The Toyota Hilux trailed its rival at 8,475 transactions, and the VW Polo landed third with 7,314.
“The top 10 most sold models collectively represent 29% of all models sold, the same share as a year ago,” said AutoTrader.
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