How affordability reshaped South Africa’s used car market in 2025

Buyers remained active, yet increasingly deliberate, prioritising affordability, practicality and long-term running costs over status or novelty. The year marked steady growth, supported by easing interest rates, but the dominant theme was restraint. Consumers bought, but they bought carefully.

The 2025 AutoTrader Annual Car Industry Report, now in its 20th edition, provides a comprehensive view of South Africa’s used car market across the full 2025 calendar year. Drawing on data from more than 20 automotive brands, the report reflects the behaviour of more than 46 million users.

A total of 383 410 used vehicles were sold in 2025, generating R160.1 billion in sales value, representing a 7% increase over 2024. Four interest rate cuts implemented in January, May, July and November, totalling 100 basis points, reduced borrowing costs and provided meaningful relief to consumers.

While monetary easing supported steady activity, buyer behaviour remained disciplined. If anything, 2025 reinforced how firmly affordability and practicality now anchor local purchasing decisions.

Search behaviour revealed notable shifts at both brand and model level. BMW reclaimed its position as the most-searched brand on AutoTrader with 76 million searches over the past 12 months. At a model level, the Volkswagen Polo emerged as the most-searched vehicle overall, displacing the Toyota Hilux from its long-standing leadership position.

Despite these shifts in interest, sales volumes remained familiar, with the Ford Ranger, Volkswagen Polo Vivo and Toyota Hilux continuing to dominate overall transactions. Enquiry data also confirmed sustained demand for bakkies, with the Ford Ranger maintaining its position as the most-enquired vehicle in 2025.

Reduced financing costs accelerated demand for smaller, more economical vehicles. Compact hatchbacks gained momentum, with models such as the Suzuki Swift and Toyota Starlet capturing a larger share of the market. The Swift stood out as the fastest-selling used vehicle in South Africa, averaging just 26 days before sale.

Even with sales growth returning, consumers remained cautious. The average used car price increased moderately by 3% year on year to R417 584. The average model year advanced from 2019 to 2020, while the average vehicle age remained at five years. Average mileage of sold vehicles stood at 73 646km, reflecting sustained demand for relatively young used cars that still offer strong value.

One of the most significant structural shifts in 2025 came from Chinese manufacturers. Across 12 Chinese brands, year-on-year performance was strong across all key metrics. Searches increased by 48%, advert views by 86%, enquiries by 74% and sales by 49%. While this growth comes off a smaller base than legacy manufacturers, the consistency across interest, engagement and transactions signals growing consumer confidence.

“This marks a meaningful inflection point in the used car market,” says George Mienie, CEO of AutoTrader. “Buyers are still active, but they are more deliberate and value-driven than ever before. The brands gaining traction are those aligning product offering, pricing and perceived quality with real-world affordability constraints. This recalibration is redefining competitive advantage in South Africa.”

SUVs maintained their dominance, accounting for 37% of total used car sales in 2025. More affordable crossovers gained traction alongside established favourites. New Energy Vehicles recorded one of the strongest growth rates, with sales increasing by 73% year on year. Hybrids accounted for 76% of NEV sales, while battery electric vehicles grew by 55%, reflecting a pragmatic shift towards electrification without reliance on charging infrastructure.

Best-selling used vehicles of 2025

Source: 2025 AutoTrader Annual Car Industry Report January 2025 to December 2025.

(Photo: Unsplash)