AutoTrader reports strong used car sales in February as market maintains double-digit annual growth

South Africa’s used car market recorded strong year-on-year growth in February 2026, with 33,293 vehicles sold despite a slight month-on-month decline, according to the latest data from AutoTrader.

Although February had fewer selling days than January, the market still delivered a solid performance, suggesting that momentum in the used car sector could continue throughout the year.

A total of 33,293 used vehicles were sold during February 2026. This represents a -3.4% decline compared to January 2026, when 34,452 units were sold, but a notable +15.3% increase year-on-year from February 2025, when 28,884 vehicles were sold.

As expected, Toyota remained the most popular used car brand, with 5,513 units sold in February. While this was slightly down from 5,876 units in January, it was still higher than the 5,099 units sold in February 2025. Toyota’s strong presence is also reflected in the top ten best-selling used vehicles, where four of the ten models are Toyota vehicles.

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. BMW posted a +6% increase, while Suzuki grew +3% 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 delivered the strongest year-on-year growth, with sales rising +59%, followed by Hyundai at +36%. Kia and Renault also recorded solid increases 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 units of the Silverton-built bakkie were sold in February, representing +10.9% year-on-year growth.

In second place was the Toyota Hilux, with 1,552 units sold and more modest growth of +3.4% year-on-year. The Volkswagen Polo Vivo retained third position with 1,192 units, followed closely by the Volkswagen Polo, which recorded 1,151 units sold.

Several models further down the rankings showed strong growth. The Suzuki Swift recorded impressive year-on-year growth of +55.7%, reaching 819 units sold. From a smaller base, the Hyundai Grand i10 recorded the largest year-on-year increase, rising +62.8% to 503 units.

Other notable performers included the Isuzu D-Max and Toyota Corolla Cross, which achieved year-on-year growth of +25.2% and +34.6% respectively.

Interestingly, the Volkswagen Polo was the only model in the top rankings to record a year-on-year decline, slipping -2.3%, while the Toyota Starlet recorded the smallest increase, growing 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.”

Key Figures For February 2026

• The total value of used cars sold reached R13.03 billion, representing a -9.01% month-on-month decrease from R14.32 billion in January 2026, but a +8.40% increase year-on-year from R12.02 billion in February 2025.
• The average price of a used vehicle was R428,562, up from R416,082 in January 2026 and R416,483 in February 2025.
• The average mileage dropped to 69,654 km, compared to 70,938 km in January 2026 and 73,688 km in February 2025.
• The Ford Ranger was the most sold used vehicle with 1,913 units, followed by the Toyota Hilux (1,552 units).
• The Volkswagen Polo Vivo and Volkswagen Polo ranked third and fourth, while models such as the Suzuki Swift, Toyota Fortuner and Isuzu D-Max also featured among South Africa’s top ten used vehicles for the month.

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