Why Compact Cars Are Driving SA’s Used Market Boom

South Africa’s used car market has opened 2026 with notable momentum, posting double-digit growth in January and reinforcing a shift in how consumers are navigating an increasingly cost-conscious environment.

According to the latest AutoTrader data, 34,452 used vehicles were sold in January 2026, up from 30,742 in December and 30,961 in January last year. That translates to a 12.07% month-on-month increase and an 11.28% rise year-on-year: a strong start off the back of an already resilient 2025.

But the real story isn’t just the growth. It’s what’s driving it.

With new vehicle prices continuing to climb and household budgets remaining under pressure, the used car market is no longer a fallback option. For many South Africans, it is the first choice.

January’s numbers show a clear tilt towards dependable, affordable models. Compact hatchbacks and practical bakkies dominated the rankings, reinforcing two parallel priorities: cost control and utility.

Toyota maintained its position as the best-selling used brand, moving 5,876 units in January. Volkswagen followed with 4,733 units, while Ford recorded 3,577 sales, more than half of which were Rangers.

At a model level, the Ford Ranger retained its crown as South Africa’s most popular used vehicle, with 2,069 units sold. The Toyota Hilux followed at 1,604 units, with both bakkies recording similar year-on-year growth of just over 6%.

Yet further down the list, a more telling shift is taking place.

The Suzuki Swift overtook the long-standing fifth-place Toyota Fortuner, selling 794 units and posting a 24.6% year-on-year increase. The Toyota Corolla Cross climbed 42.8% year-on-year, while the Hyundai Grand i10 surged an impressive 71.9%, rising from 320 units in January 2025 to 550 in January 2026.

Consumers are clearly leaning into compact, fuel-efficient and lower-maintenance vehicles that protect long-term household budgets. The rise of smaller hatchbacks signals a practical recalibration rather than aspirational spending.

The scale of activity underscores how significant the used car sector has become.

The cumulative value of used vehicles sold in January reached R14.32 billion, up 11.05% month-on-month and 13.80% year-on-year. Growth is being driven primarily by volume rather than sharp price inflation.

The average used vehicle price settled at R416,082 in January, slightly down from December’s R419,537, but up from R406,693 a year ago. Meanwhile, average mileage decreased to 70,938 km, continuing a trend of buyers gravitating towards younger, lower-mileage vehicles.

This suggests a market that remains active, but measured. Buyers are not simply chasing the cheapest option. They are seeking value; balancing dependability, resale confidence and affordability.

Toyota continues to account for 40% of the top 10 best-selling used models, highlighting sustained brand trust in the secondary market. Suzuki recorded the strongest month-on-month brand growth at 25%, while Hyundai achieved the highest year-on-year increase at 45%.

BMW was the only brand among the leading names to post a month-on-month decline, though it still registered year-on-year growth. Mercedes-Benz and Nissan both recorded year-on-year decreases of 10%, reflecting the ongoing pressure on premium and mid-tier segments.

At a variant level, the Volkswagen Polo Vivo 1.4 led individual sales at 1,044 units, followed by the Polo 1.0 TSI (791), the Toyota Hilux 2.8 GD-6 (694) and the Ford Ranger XL (689).

Bakkies remain indispensable in a country where business and personal mobility often overlap. But the acceleration of compact hatchbacks tells a broader story: South Africans are recalibrating their spending without stepping away from mobility.

George Mienie, CEO of AutoTrader

“January’s performance shows just how resilient and adaptable the South African used car market has become,” says George Mienie, CEO of AutoTrader. “Starting the year with double-digit growth, especially off a strong 2025 base, is a clear signal of sustained consumer demand.”

If January is any indication, 2026 could shape up to be another strong year for the used market. In an environment defined by economic caution, rising living costs and tighter credit conditions, buyers are demonstrating that mobility remains essential — but value now leads the conversation.