What AutoTrader’s report reveals about KwaZulu-Natal’s evolving used car market

KwaZulu-Natal remains one of South Africa’s three biggest used car markets, but what buyers want has changed. Here’s what AutoTrader data shows.

As one of the country’s top three markets for used car sales, KwaZulu-Natal represents 12% of South Africa’s market share, with 43,613 sold units in the province in 2024, according to the 2024 AutoTrader Annual Car Industry Report. This trails only behind the Western Cape and Gauteng, which saw sales of 67,801 and 201,443 units, respectively, last year. 

Although several used cars have remained popular over time, there have been interesting changes in the preferences of KwaZulu-Natal used car buyers, with minor variations between the top sellers in 2024 compared to 2021. 

Whereas the Volkswagen Polo was KwaZulu-Natal’s favourite used car in 2021, the Ford Ranger has since become the province’s preferred mode of transport in 2024. This comes as no surprise, as the Ranger is the best-selling used vehicle in Gauteng, Mpumalanga, the Eastern Cape, the Northern Cape, and the North West.

The Ranger isn’t the only bakkie on the top 10 list — the Hilux holds third place, while the Isuzu D-Max comes in at tenth. Add the Fortuner in sixth, and it’s clear that KZN car buyers favour higher ground clearance and a degree of ruggedness. This likely reflects the province’s challenging road conditions, with unfinished infrastructure and frequent potholes making tougher vehicles a practical choice.

“KwaZulu-Natal may not be the largest used car market, but it’s an insightful one,” says George Mienie, CEO of AutoTrader. “The province’s shift toward lifestyle-focused vehicles, especially bakkies and SUVs, reflects a broader change in how South Africans think about practicality, versatility, and value. It’s less about status and more about how well it fits into everyday life, whether that’s navigating uneven roads or heading out for a weekend escape.”

Bakkies also align well with the lifestyle of many families in KwaZulu-Natal, where weekend getaways, dirt-road travel, and the need for something rugged and spacious is common. They are simply better suited to the way people live in the province. 

The growing popularity of lifestyle vehicles reflects a broader shift in purchasing habits. In 2021, the top 10 list featured more traditional passenger cars, such as the VW Golf, EcoSport, and Corolla Quest, all of which have since been replaced by cars better equipped for an active lifestyle.

The four best-selling vehicles in KZN in 2024 – the Ford Ranger, Volkswagen Polo, Toyota Hilux, and Volkswagen Polo Vivo – come as no surprise. Still, it’s interesting to see the increase in popularity of affordable and efficient small cars, such as the Suzuki Swift. In 2021, the little hatchback wasn’t even on the list, but now occupies fifth place, supplanting the Mercedes C-Class, which is now in seventh place. 

Overall, premium car sales are declining in KZN, with C-Class sales dropping by 492 units between 2021 and 2024. The BMW 3 Series has fallen off the list entirely, while the Toyota Fortuner—considered a premium purchase by many South Africans—has remained relatively steady, with a modest decline of just 11 units over the same period. This trend is unsurprising, as SUVs have become strong global sellers, overtaking sedans and other traditional body styles. According to the 2024 AutoTrader Annual Car Industry Report, SUVs made up 35% of the South African used car market.

“The steady decline in premium sedan sales is part of a much larger shift we’re seeing globally,” says Mienie. “Buyers are looking for versatility, value, and long-term reliability, and that’s where dependable SUVs and affordable compact hatchbacks shine.”

While bakkies dominate the list, it’s worth noting that several affordable cars have made an appearance on the 2024 list. Aside from the Swift, the Polo Vivo and Polo continue to be strong sellers, with 1,835 and 2,040 units sold in KwaZulu-Natal in 2024. The Toyota Starlet is also becoming popular, with 740 units sold. This number is expected to grow, as the Starlet was relatively new back in 2021, and therefore, fewer examples would have been available on the used car market. It’s unsurprising to see the EcoSport depart the top 10 list, as this crossover is no longer produced, meaning fewer examples are reaching the secondhand market. 

A notable trend in KwaZulu-Natal, also observed in Gauteng and the Western Cape, is the resurgence in popularity of the Nissan NP200. Even though the compact workhorse has been discontinued, demand remains strong for an affordable, dependable, and, importantly, compact bakkie in a segment that continues to shrink.

AutoTrader Used Car Data 2024

Source: AutoTrader Used Car Sales Data: 1 January – 31 December 2024

AutoTrader Used Car Data 2021

Source: AutoTrader Used Car Sales Data: 1 January – 31 December 2021