The best-selling Ford on the used-car market in South Africa is the Ranger, for Toyota it’s the Hilux, and for VW it’s the Polo.
During the first six months of 2023, an impressive 9,301 pre-owned Ranger bakkies were sold on AutoTrader, a total of 8,551 used Hiluxes found owners, and 7,355 pre-loved Polos went to new homes, the platform revealed.
Toyota, Ford, and VW are three of South Africa’s favourite car manufacturers so it comes as no surprise that they are equally sought after in the used as they are in the new markets.
“Toyota, Volkswagen, and Ford have a long history in the country and hold a considerable share of the domestic market both in new and used car sales,” said George Mienie, CEO of AutoTrader.
“Local legacy and presence remain a strong emotive pull on brand preference, which is evident in the used-car sales figures for the first half of this year.”
Ford
Next to Ford’s home-grown Ranger, two imported models completed the brand’s top three list.
These include the EcoSport, Ford’s entry-level crossover that has been a firm favourite among car buyers for nearly a century.
Nevermind its lengthy time on the market and the fact that it will soon no longer be available, the EcoSport remained a popular choice for South African motorists looking for a practical ride as it offers a variety of frugal petrol and diesel powertrains as well as a generously-spaced cabin.
The Fiesta was Ford’s third best-selling model for the year, despite it, too, being discontinued not that long ago.
Several generations of the hatch can be found on the pre-owned market with sporty and economical models to choose from, resulting in a wide price range that attracts an equally wide range of buyers.
The best-selling used Ford models between January and June 2023, and how many units they sold, were as follows:
- Ford Ranger – 9,301 units
- Ford EcoSport – 2,944 units
- Ford Fiesta – 1,822 units
In total, the American automaker’s top sellers raked in 14,067 sales during this period.
Toyota
Consistent top performers in the Toyota stable, the Hilux and Fortuner, offer a raft of trim, engine, and transmission choices including 4×4 drivetrains which are particularly sought-after by local car shoppers.
The Hilux increases its attractiveness by offering three cabin options, the refined double cab being popular with families, while the Fortuner offers all the same abilities as its bakkie counterpart in a more refined package.
Spacious and with a comfortable ride, the affordable Toyota Corolla Quest also comes with a value proposition that is hard to beat.
“Toyota’s presence throughout the continent also provides significant comfort for the many adventure-seeking consumers attracted to these locally produced all-rounders,” said Mienie.
The best-selling used Toyota models between January and June 2023, and how many units they sold, were as follows:
- Toyota Hilux – 8,551 units
- Toyota Fortuner – 4,175 units
- Toyota Corolla Quest – 1,575 units
In total, the Japanese automaker’s top sellers achieved 14,301 sales during this period.
VW
Hatchbacks are particularly popular for local car buyers due to their relatively low price tags and affordable running costs, no brand benefitting more from this trend than VW.
Like the Hilux and Ranger, VW also produces the much-loved Polo and Polo Vivo on local soil, assisting in keeping down their price tags.
“Handsome with a zippy and refined ride, these fuel-efficient compact hatchbacks are consistently among the top sellers in the passenger new and used-car segment,” said Mienie.
“Their top-notch fit and finish, safety specification, and advanced features within an affordable package add to their appeal.”
The Golf, while it has steadily been creeping up in price in recent years, was another solid performer in the VW stable thanks to the variety of models available on the used market, most of them carrying liberal levels of kit and efficient engines.
The best-selling used VW models between January and June 2023, and how many units they sold, were as follows:
- VW Polo – 7,355 units
- VW Polo Vivo – 4,897 units
- VW Golf – 1,892 units
In total, German automaker’s top sellers boasted 14,144 sales during this period.
Keyword: Best-selling Ford, Toyota, and VW on South Africa’s used-car market