AutoTrader’s New Sales Data Reveals Smart Strategies Among Used Car Buyers

Johannesburg – Following a robust performance in August 2025, the South African used car market has witnessed a slight dip in overall sales.

Despite this minor downturn, the figures remain solid, reflecting that consumer confidence in the used car segment is still strong.

While there is a small month-on-month (MoM) decrease, there has been a significant year-on-year (YoY) increase, particularly favoring practical bakkies and budget-friendly hatchbacks.

According to the latest AutoTrader used car sales statistics, September 2025 recorded a total of 33,907 used vehicles sold.

This is mirrored in YoY and MoM fluctuations of +16.4% and -3.2%, respectively, showcasing steady performance throughout 2025 and a healthy rise from the previous year.

Sales of used passenger vehicles have remained strong in 2025, indicating a revival of consumer confidence in the used car market.

In terms of the top-performing brand in the used car market, Toyota holds its prestigious top position, having sold 5,638 units in September 2025.

This impressive performance is largely attributed to the fact that the Japanese automaker dominates four of the top 10 best-selling used vehicle models, surpassing any other brand.

Volkswagen comes in second, with 4,743 vehicles sold, while Ford stays in third place, selling 3,423 used vehicles last month.

As in the previous month, Hyundai and Suzuki continue to hold the 4th and 5th positions, respectively, while BMW and Mercedes-Benz—the only luxury brands on the list—are vying to maintain their 6th and 7th place standings.

They are closely followed by Nissan (8th), Kia (9th), and Renault (10th).

While there were no changes in brand rankings compared to last month, notable shifts in YoY and MoM statistics were observed.

All brands except BMW experienced a monthly decline, with the German manufacturer enjoying a +2% increase in sales. Kia and Renault faced the most significant declines, with sales plummeting by -7% for both brands.

A more encouraging narrative emerges with YoY data, where all brands, excluding Nissan and Mercedes-Benz, showed growth.

In fact, both Hyundai and Kia experienced robust YoY sales increases of +61%, while the top three (Toyota, VW, and Ford) recorded gains of +14%, +15%, and +16%, respectively.

Renault also displayed impressive YoY growth at +17%, while Mercedes held steady, and Nissan saw a decline of -9%.

The robust performance of Hyundai and Suzuki can be linked to the rising popularity of smaller, affordable hatchbacks like the Grand i10 and Swift, which are among the top-selling used cars in this new segment.

This trend is carrying over to the used car market, where demand remains just as strong.

On a brand scale, Toyota remains unbeaten.

Nevertheless, the Ford Ranger keeps its commanding presence on the model level, with 1,904 used units of the locally-manufactured bakkie sold nationwide.

Meanwhile, its primary competitor, the Hilux, follows closely in second place with 1,591 units sold.

The remaining spots in the top five are occupied by the Volkswagen Polo (1,493 units), Volkswagen Polo Vivo (1,351 units), and the Toyota Fortuner (769 units).

The Fortuner has reasserted its position in the top five in September 2025, after being temporarily displaced by the Suzuki Swift in August 2025.

The C-Class and 3 Series have once again vanished from the rankings, as more budget-friendly hatchbacks like the Toyota Starlet (478 units) and Grand i10 (476 units) continue to gain traction with buyers.

The Corolla Cross also emerged as a strong competitor, with 580 units sold last month.

These models have shown the most substantial YoY sales growth, with the Grand i10 boasting an impressive +121.4% increase in sales.

The Corolla Cross enjoyed a +67.1% boost in sales, while the Swift experienced a YoY rise of +47%.

“Despite minor monthly variations, the data indicates a resilient used car market backed by robust underlying demand and a consistent influx of quality stock,” commented George Mienie, CEO of AutoTrader South Africa.

“The ongoing strength in entry-level hatch and bakkie sales reflects a practical shift among local buyers, who are prioritizing value, reliability, and practicality over brand prestige.”

In September 2025, the used car market exhibited the following key figures:

• The total value of used cars reached R13.83 billion in September 2025, which marks a MoM decline of -3.8% from August 2025 (R14.38 billion) and a YoY rise of 19.4% compared to September 2024 (R11.59 billion).
• The average price of a used vehicle slightly decreased to R416,302 in September 2025, down from R418,105 in August 2025, yet higher than the R405,154 registered in September 2024.
• The average mileage increased to 73,447 km in September 2025, up from 72,785 km in August 2025, although down from 75,585 km in September 2024.

On a model level, Volkswagen continues to lead the used vehicle sales charts, with the Polo Vivo 1.4 standing out as South Africa’s top choice, having sold 1,063 units last month.

Following closely is the Polo 1.0 TSI (971 units), the Hilux 2.8 GD-6 (690 units), the Ranger XL (628), and the Hilux 2.4 GD-6 (558).

The Ford Ranger once again led South Africa’s used car market in September 2025, with 1,904 sales recorded.

The Toyota Hilux secured second place with 1,591 units sold, while the Volkswagen Polo retained its third position with 1,493 sales.

AutoTrader’s data underscores the lasting appeal of dependable bakkies and budget-friendly hatchbacks among South African consumers.

Top 10 sold used models in September 2025