AutoTrader reports strong August momentum as used car sales rise and new vehicle demand remains high

As new car sales rise, the used market continues to strengthen, signalling an evolving consumer landscape focused on practicality, value and choice. 

At a Glance – August 2025 Car Sales

Used Cars

• Sales: 34,402 (+5.7% MoM, +8.5% YoY)
• Average price: R418,105 (↑ 2.17% YoY)
• Top seller: VW Polo (1,400 units)
• Trend: Average prices are climbing, but demand remains steady

New Cars

• Sales: 36,914 (+1.6% MoM, +22.5% YoY)
• Average financed value: R387,483 (↓ 1.9% YoY)
• Top seller: Toyota Corolla Cross (2,743 units)
• Trend: Sales growth continues, but buyers are gravitating toward practical, value-driven choices

August 2025 has continued the strong momentum in the South African automotive industry, with both new and used car sales delivering standout performances. Robust month-on-month (MoM) and year-on-year (YoY) increases across the board underscore sustained buyer confidence, indicating a healthy and growing automotive market.

According to the latest sales data from AutoTrader, South Africa’s most trusted automotive marketplace, 34,402 used vehicles were sold in August 2025. This reflects a +8.5% Year-on-Year increase and a +5.7% Month-on-Month rise, making August 2025 one of the strongest-performing months for used vehicle sales.

“What we’re seeing is not just a rebound, but a shift in sentiment. South Africans are showing confidence in the stability of the economy, and that confidence is translating directly into new car sales. The momentum is there, and it’s carrying through month after month,” said George Mienie, CEO of AutoTrader. 

In the new passenger car segment, naamsa | The Automotive Business Council reported 36,914 units sold in August 2025. This is up from 36,335 in July 2025 and 30,128 in August 2024, representing month-on-month growth of +1.6% and a Year-on-Year increase of +22.5%.

While sales of new passenger cars continue to climb, WesBank’s latest data reinforces the months-long trend of buyers prioritising value for money. In August 2025, the average value of a new car financed through WesBank decreased by -1.9% year-over-year, from R394,955 in August 2024 to R387,4831. This follows similar patterns seen earlier in the year, with July recording a -8.3% drop, and June a -10.4% decrease. 

“The numbers point to a more discerning driver,” added Mienie. “It’s clear that South Africans aren’t simply chasing higher price tags. They’re looking for cars that deliver lasting value without stretching affordability.”

The opposite trend continues to unfold in the used car market. Here, average prices are edging higher, with the cost of a used vehicle sold in August 2025 sitting at R418,105. This is up from R413,523 in July 2025 and R409,238 in August 2024, showing a steady year-on-year increase.

Average mileages continue to show a mixed picture. In August 2025, the figure came in at 72,785 km—down from 75,227 km in August 2024 and the 73,237 km recorded in July 2025. What has stayed consistent, however, is the average registration age, which remains steady at five years.

But which passenger cars are ruling the roost on the used car market? Unchallenged are the Volkswagen Polo and Polo Vivo, which finished the month with 1,400 and 1,312 units, respectively. The Suzuki Swift has knocked the Fortuner off the podium and now holds the title of third-best-selling used passenger car, with 813 units. The Fortuner follows at 757. Other popular models include the Toyota Corolla Cross (536 units), Hyundai Grand i10 (529), and the Toyota Starlet (508).

The Toyota Corolla Cross enjoyed an outstanding month in the new passenger car market, leading the charts with 2,743 units sold in August 2025. Toyota South Africa notes that this marks the most successful month yet for its locally produced crossover, underscoring the strong demand for the model. Close behind were the Volkswagen Polo Vivo (2,314 units), Suzuki Swift (2,101), and Chery Tiggo 4 Pro (1,339).

Source: AutoTrader Used Car Sales Data: 1 August - 31 August 2025

Source: 

1. Wesbank Car Finance Data