Steady Used Car Demand Persists Despite New Car Market Growth

The latest figures hint at a market in transition—what’s driving the changes in new and used car sales?

Following a strong performance in January 2025, the new and used car industries have maintained momentum throughout February. As the shortest month of the year, minor month-on-month (MoM) decreases are to be expected, but year-on-year increases in both segments suggest renewed consumer confidence and strong sales for the year ahead.

The latest data from AutoTrader, South Africa’s most trusted motoring marketplace, reflects a solid performance in the used car industry. Even though February typically has fewer selling days than other months (and February 2024 had 29 days vs. the typical 28 days) – and January is one of the best-performing periods—28,885 used cars were sold, reflecting a YoY increase of +0.8% and a MoM decrease of -6.7%.

“February’s results highlight the resilience of both the new and used car markets,” says AutoTrader CEO George Mienie. “While month-on-month shifts are expected, the year-on-year growth in both segments signals sustained consumer confidence. The rise in used car prices reflects strong demand, while the trend toward more affordable new models shows how buyers are adapting to current economic conditions.”

According to naamsa | The Automotive Business Council, new car sales reached 33,757 in February 2025. As is the case in the used car segment, sales have slipped by 1,357 units compared to January 2025. However, February 2025 outperformed February 2024 by +16.8%, when just 28,903 new cars were sold. That’s nearly a difference of 5,000 vehicles, or 4,854 to be exact.

Interestingly, the average value of new cars financed fell from R395,597 in February 2024 to R362,146—an -8.5% drop—highlighting a growing preference for more affordable models in the new car market1. This trend was also noted in January 2025, when the average value of financed new cars fell by -7.6%.

The average selling price of a used car in February 2025 increased significantly, with an MoM increase of R9,790 and a YoY increase of R11,578, bringing the figure to R416,483. Year-on-year, the average model year is now lower (five years compared to six in February 2024), while the average mileage decreased slightly from 74,887 km in February 2024 to 73,688 km last month.

When it comes to the best-selling used passenger cars, the Volkswagen Polo remains the one to beat, with 1,178 examples sold in February 2025. Its more affordable sibling, the Polo Vivo, is in second place, registering 1,131 used sales. The Toyota Fortuner follows with 646 sales, and much like January 2025, the Suzuki Swift is nipping on the SUV’s heels with 526 used sales recorded last month.

For the second month in a row, the Suzuki Swift remains South Africa’s best-selling new passenger vehicle, with 2,351 examples leaving showroom floors in February 2025. The Polo Vivo follows closely, with 2,187 units, while the more upmarket Polo trails both at 832. Other strong sellers for February 2025 include the Toyota Corolla Cross (1,435), Toyota Starlet (1,279), Hyundai Grand i10 (1,253), and Chery Tiggo 4 (1,147).

Top 10 Sold Used Models in February 2025

Source: AutoTrader Used Car Sales Data: 1 – 28 February 2025

Source:

1. Wesbank Car Finance Data