What Every Used Car Buyer Needs to Know

Tips, Benefits, and Risks Used Car Buyers Should Know  

Buying a used car these days is becoming a popular purchase strategy in South Africa, and for good reason. From local and international affairs to inflation, a lot of South Africans have now found themselves in the booming pre-owned market.  The good news is that pre-owned doesn’t mean the end of owning luxury or the end of quality performance, it’s about knowing how to make money work for you and your needs. 

Thanks to AutoTrader reports, there’s a strong list of vehicles proving to be popular amongst South Africans. In today’s environment, car sales go beyond pricing - it still relies on familiarity and brand credibility. That’s why it’s important to know that buying a car is more than finding something in your budget.

In this article, you’ll learn practical tips, benefits, risks, as well as what popular pre-owned models are still a hit with the local market. 

What South Africa's Used Car Market Looks Like

Shopping for a car has become easier thanks to technology, removing the physical walk-ins and you have an endless number of vehicles to choose from online. Now that A.I has become part of everyday life, car shopping has started to shift in a way that makes it slightly harder because the choice is endless. However, that’s clearly not stopping people. 

This has been pointed out in AutoTrader’s “Top 10 Sold Used Models June Report” (in order of most sold): 

1. Ford Ranger 
2. Toyota Hilux
3. Volkswagen Polo Vivo
4. Volkswagen Polo
5. Suzuki Swift
6. Toyota Fortuner
7. Hyundai Grand i10
8. Toyota Corolla Cross
9. Isuzu D-Max
10. Toyota Starlet 

Most of the vehicles that are sold are between two and six years from the registration year.  
So, what’s the motivation behind the sales? George Miene, CEO of AutoTrader said in the June 2026 report, “The strongest performers continue to be vehicles that offer a clear balance of practicality, value and manageable running costs.”

That said, most car buyers are flocking to vehicles that not only offer value for money but hold their value even well after the purchase.

Benefits and Risks When Buying Second-Hand 

If you’re still deciding what’s the best move for you, whether to go brand new or second-hand, here are some benefits and risks to consider: 

Benefits

• Buying second-hand gives you a lot more affordable options and are offered as certified via dealerships. 
• Less likely to depreciate any more than it has, you can find more information on your car’s value here: What is depreciation? How a car loses value.
• Car insurance cover doesn’t change based on the car’s age. Calculating premiums and excess comes down to your policy and insurer. 

Risks

• Well-hidden issues with the vehicle can be overlooked. It’s not always guaranteed that every problem can be found and reported, especially if you’re buying privately.
• Compromises and negotiations may have to be made in some instances, especially if your budget is already tight. 
• There are far fewer options than you bargained for.
   

Practical Tips for Buying a Used Car in South Africa

When it comes to understanding the benefits and risks that come with pre-owned cars, make sure you’ve covered all the areas that won’t leave you financially exposed to paying for more than just your purchase. 

1. What to Check When Buying a Used Car?

What should you consider when you’re buying a used car? It depends if you decide to go through the dealership or if you buy privately. Here are a few factors that should influence your decision:

• Research
• Service History
• Vehicle Condition
• Mileage
• Number of Owners
• Test Drive the Vehicle
• Check Documents
• Pre-Plan Payment Options 
• Ask about warranty or service plan

Pro Tip: Don’t forget to factor in the total cost of car ownership. You’re not just paying for the vehicle, but any other add-ons or extras that you may want later on. 

2. How to Buy a Used Car?

So, you’ve made your mind up and want to buy pre-owned. Now what? 
Stay within your budget, always. For reference on monthly car payments, you can use MotorHappy’s finance calculator. 

• Think about total cost of ownership, such as: Car Insurance, Service Plan and Maintenance, fuel, etc. 
• This option is based on personal preference and budget: choose to buy from a private seller or pre-owned certified dealership.
• Research the market value of the vehicle and compare it to its pre-owned value so that you can negotiate price appropriately.  
• If you buy privately or online, confirm documents and registration by looking up the vehicle’s vin number to ensure it isn’t stolen. You can do that via the FirstCheck website.
• If no condition report is available, arrange a DEKRA test for a small fee and get the proper certification. 

3. Where Can I Buy a Used Car?

Online marketplaces, certified pre-owned dealerships, auctions and aggregators are super useful. So, whether you’re looking at buying a bakkie, SUV, hatchback, or crossover; you can find quality second-hand cars via MotorHappy’s pre-owned showroom. 

Plus, when you purchase through MotorHappy, not only do you have access to exclusive benefits like vouchers and discounts, but you’re also able to select or combine multiple plans: extended car warranty, service plan, car insurance, or even add a scratch and dent plan to your vehicle. 

THE BOTTOM LINE

Buying pre-owned doesn’t mean you’re losing out on luxury. Essentially, it is a savvy purchasing strategy that many South Africans have chosen to maintain a sustainable lifestyle. There’s no shortage of options in the pre-owned market, from top-of-the-range bakkies to compact hatchbacks, there’s something for every driver designed for every budget. 

For more, here’s how to buy a car for the best price in 8 easy ways.