AutoTrader data unveils the Ford Ranger as the leading pre-owned vehicle for 2023 in South Africa.

The used car market continues to accelerate, with 2023 witnessing a 4.6% year-on-year increase in sales. A total of 367 075 used cars changed hands, boasting an average selling price of R399 163, as per AutoTrader data.

Additional sales of over 17 000 units, coupled with an uptick in the average selling price, propelled the total value of used cars sold to a remarkable R146.5b, surpassing the previous year by R10.5b.

Toyota maintained its dominance, selling the highest number of used cars (60 296) in 2023, followed closely by Volkswagen and Ford. BMW and Mercedes-Benz secured spots in the top five.

Asian brands continued their upward trajectory in the local car market. Suzuki emerged as the star, experiencing an impressive year-on-year growth of 28.8%, while Kia took the driver’s seat with a growth of 16.6%, according to AutoTrader CEO, George Mienie.

However, the German premium automakers faced challenges, with BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi (dropping two spots in the ranking) being the only top ten brands to see a decline in sales. Even the popular VW Polo from Volkswagen faced pressure, experiencing a 4.54% year-on-year decrease in used sales.

Reflecting the trends of 2022, the Ford Ranger secured the top spot as the most popular model, with 20 156 units sold. It was followed by the Toyota Hilux, VW Polo, VW Polo Vivo, and the Toyota Fortuner. In 2023, the Ranger extended its lead, achieving a 15.96% growth compared to the Hilux’s 2.25%. The Kia Picanto showed the highest sales growth, with an impressive 18%.

Volkswagen’s cherished hatchback, the VW Polo 1.0TSI, claimed the top spot in variant sales, selling 9 318 units. It outpaced its sibling, the VW Polo Vivo 1.4, and three bakkies: Toyota Hilux 2.8GD-6, Ford Ranger XL, and Toyota Hilux 2.4GD-6. The adventurous Jeep Wrangler Sahara SUV secured the 6th position with 3 007 sales.

Source: Mimi Muir – haveyoursayza