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AutoTrader Reports Strong Used Car Sales in February as Market Maintains Double-Digit Annual Growth

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A total of 33,293 used vehicles were sold, with strong +15.3% year-on-year growth despite a modest month-on-month decline.

The start of used car sales in South Africa in 2026 shows sustained strength, with strong year-on-year (YoY) growth and only a slight month-on-month (MoM) decline, according to the latest data from AutoTrader. Despite having fewer selling days than January, February 2026 delivered a solid performance, suggesting that the year ahead could see continued momentum in the used car market.

Last month, 33,293 used vehicles were sold, representing a -3.4% decline compared to January 2026 (34,452 units), but a notable +15.3% increase year-on-year from February 2025, when 28,884 used vehicles were sold. As expected, Toyota remained the most popular used car brand, with 5,513 units sold in February. While this was down from 5,876 units in January, it was still higher than the 5,099 units sold a year earlier.

The Japanese automaker’s dominance is also evident in the top 10 best-selling used cars, where four of the ten vehicles are Toyota models. Volkswagen secured second place with 4,197 used vehicle sales, followed by Ford with 3,340 units.

On a month-on-month basis, most brands recorded declines, with BMW and Suzuki the only exceptions, posting increases of +6% and +3% respectively compared to January 2026. Mercedes-Benz recorded no change in month-on-month sales and also registered the smallest year-on-year increase, at just +1%.

Suzuki once again posted the strongest year-on-year growth, with sales rising +59%, followed by Hyundai at +36%. Kia and Renault also recorded solid growth of +24% and +21%, respectively. Nissan, meanwhile, was the only automaker to record a year-on-year decline, with sales falling -13%.

The Ford Ranger continues to dominate the used vehicle market, maintaining its position as South Africa’s favourite used vehicle. A total of 1,913 examples of the Silverton-built bakkie were sold last month, representing a +10.9% year-on-year increase.

In second place, trailing by nearly 400 units, is the Toyota Hilux, with 1,552 units sold and more modest year-on-year growth of +3.4%. The Volkswagen Polo Vivo retained third position with 1,192 units sold, followed closely by its more refined sibling, the Volkswagen Polo, at 1,151 units.

Further down the rankings, several models recorded stronger growth. The Suzuki Swift delivered impressive year-on-year growth of +55.7%, reaching 819 units sold. While this growth comes from a smaller base, the Hyundai Grand i10 recorded the highest year-on-year increase, rising +62.8% to 503 units.

Other strong performers include the Isuzu D-Max and Toyota Corolla Cross, which saw year-on-year growth of +25.2% and +34.6%, respectively. Interestingly, the Volkswagen Polo was the only model to record a year-on-year decline, slipping -2.3%, while the Toyota Starlet posted the smallest increase, with growth of just +0.9%.

“February’s performance reinforces the strong momentum we’re seeing in South Africa’s used car market,” said George Mienie, CEO of AutoTrader. “Even with fewer selling days than January, the market delivered solid year-on-year growth, which highlights the continued resilience of consumer demand. Established favourites such as the Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux and Polo Vivo remain dominant, but it’s equally encouraging to see strong growth from value-driven models like the Suzuki Swift and Hyundai Grand i10. This balance between trusted nameplates and emerging contenders points to a market that is both stable and evolving as buyers prioritise reliability and overall value.”

In February 2026, the used car market showed the following key figures:

  • The cumulative value of used cars reached R13.03 billion in February 2026, representing a MoM decrease of -9.01% from January 2026 (R14.32 billion) and a YoY increase of +8.40% from February 2025 (R12.02 billion).
  • The average price of a used vehicle sat at R428,562 in February 2026, up from R416,082 in January 2026 and up from R416,483 in January 2025.
  • The average mileage decreased to 69,654 km in February 2026, compared to 70,938 km in January 2026 and 73,688 km in February 2026.

Source: AutoTrader Used Car Sales Data: 1 – 28 February 2026

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Author: Press Release from Have Your Say ZA on behalf of AutoTrader.

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.