South Africa’s used car market showed remarkable growth in October 2025, with AutoTrader data revealing one of the strongest months of the year for pre-owned vehicle sales. The surge reflects continued consumer confidence and the preference for affordable, reliable vehicles amid rising new car prices.
A total of 36,042 used vehicles were sold during October, marking an 8.2% month-on-month (MoM) and 3.1% year-on-year (YoY) increase. This improvement from 33,907 units in September and 34,402 in August signals strong market momentum heading into the final quarter of 2025.
Toyota Leads the Market, Followed by Volkswagen and Ford
As in previous months, Toyota dominated the leaderboard with 6,266 used units sold, securing its position as South Africa’s most trusted brand. Toyota’s popularity remains unmatched, representing 40% of the country’s top 10 used models.
Volkswagen ranked second with 5,209 units sold, and Ford followed in third place with 3,641 sales. Hyundai and Suzuki completed the top five, showing the fastest growth rates at +33% and +30% YoY, respectively.
Luxury brands saw weaker results, with Mercedes-Benz and Nissan recording YoY declines of -12% and -20%. However, every major manufacturer recorded MoM gains, suggesting widespread improvement in used vehicle sales. Renault posted the biggest MoM jump at +11%, signalling increased consumer demand for value-focused models.
Ford Ranger Stays on Top as South Africa’s Favourite Used Model
The Ford Ranger maintained its title as South Africa’s best-selling used vehicle, with 2,035 units sold in October. Despite a slight -2.2% YoY dip, the locally produced bakkie continues to lead the market, reflecting South Africans’ strong preference for durable, practical vehicles suited to both work and leisure.
The Toyota Hilux followed closely in second place with 1,688 units sold, posting a modest +1.4% YoY increase. The two models remain consistent rivals, dominating the bakkie segment.
In third position, the Volkswagen Polo Vivo overtook its sibling, the Polo, with 1,532 units sold compared to 1,506 for the Polo, which declined -10.3% YoY. The Toyota Fortuner rounded out the top five with 855 units and a healthy +16% growth rate.
While premium sedans like the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class once featured prominently among the top sellers, they have now been replaced by smaller, more economical hatchbacks and compact SUVs. Models such as the Hyundai Grand i10, which recorded an impressive +74.1% YoY growth, and the Toyota Corolla Cross, up +37.7%, demonstrate the shift in consumer priorities toward affordability, fuel efficiency, and practicality.
Market Value and Pricing Trends
The value of South Africa’s used car market has also increased significantly. AutoTrader’s data shows a cumulative market value of R16.11 billion in October, representing a +16.4% MoM and +14.4% YoY rise.
The average used car price climbed to R447,046, up from R416,302 in September, while the average mileage dropped slightly to 72,726 km from 73,447 km. This trend indicates that buyers are spending more on newer, lower-mileage vehicles, reflecting a growing preference for quality and longevity over simply finding the cheapest option.
Top Variants in October 2025
At the model variant level, the Volkswagen Polo Vivo 1.4 emerged as the top performer, selling 1,181 units more than the combined sales of the Toyota Starlet and Hyundai Grand i10. Other high-performing variants included:
1. Volkswagen Polo 1.0 TSI – 977 units
2. Toyota Hilux 2.8 GD-6 – 729 units
3. Ford Ranger XL – 671 units
4. Toyota Hilux 2.4 GD-6 – 573 units
These results highlight the continued dominance of affordable, locally assembled models that offer strong resale value and wide parts availability.
Consumer Confidence Drives Market Momentum
According to AutoTrader CEO George Mienie, the October results reflect growing optimism among South African car buyers.
“The continued strength of South Africa’s used car market reflects both improved consumer confidence and the widening affordability gap between new and pre-owned vehicles. Even as new car prices climb, used models particularly popular bakkies and compact hatchbacks remain the go-to choice for budget-conscious buyers seeking reliability and value.”
Mienie added that this positive momentum is likely to continue through the remainder of 2025 as consumers adapt to rising living costs by choosing smarter, value-driven transport options.
Outlook: Value and Practicality Continue to Steer the Market
October 2025’s strong performance reaffirms the resilience of South Africa’s used car market. With rising vehicle prices and economic pressures shaping consumer behaviour, used cars remain a vital component of the country’s automotive economy.
Brands like Toyota, Ford, and Volkswagen continue to lead, but the rapid growth of Hyundai, Suzuki, and compact crossovers such as the Corolla Cross suggests that affordability and practicality are now the strongest purchase drivers.
As the year draws to a close, the used car sector’s R16 billion monthly value and consistent upward trajectory point to a stable, confident market one where South Africans continue to balance their love for cars with financial prudence and long-term value.
