South Africa’s used-car market started 2026 strong, with over 34,000 vehicles sold in January, marking an 11% year-on-year increase and a 12% rise from December 2025, according to AutoTrader data. The total value of these transactions reached approximately $892 million, highlighting robust consumer demand despite economic pressures.
At the brand level, Toyota maintained its dominance, selling 5,876 used vehicles, while Volkswagen ranked second with 4,733 units, and Ford third with 3,577 units, more than half of which were Ranger pickups. The Ford Ranger remained the most popular individual model, with 2,069 units sold, a 6.3% increase from the previous year. The Toyota Hilux followed closely with 1,604 sales.
Compact and affordable cars gain momentum
Smaller models saw the fastest growth, reflecting shifting consumer preferences toward practicality and value. The Suzuki Swift posted a 25% year-on-year increase, while the Hyundai Grand i10 jumped nearly 72%. The Corolla Cross also experienced strong sales, rising over 40% compared to January 2025.
Market trends and insights
Toyota accounted for four of the top ten best-selling vehicles, with monthly sales up 17%. BMW saw a slight month-on-month dip but still achieved modest annual growth, while Mercedes-Benz and Nissan experienced the steepest declines among major brands. The top-selling variant was the Volkswagen Polo Vivo 1.4 with 1,044 units, followed by the 1.0 TSI Polo, Toyota Hilux 2.8, and Ford Ranger XL.
The January figures demonstrate that South Africa’s pre-owned vehicle market remains resilient and competitive, serving as an indicator of broader consumer spending trends and mobility patterns.
