In South Africa, market for passenger cars is expected to grow up to US$ 8. 9 billion in 2024, and its revenue is expected to grow at a rate of 0.55% every year till 2028. Similarly, the market for used cars is also rapidly growing, and it is predicted to reach a size of USD 17. 87 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 29.41 billion in 2029. This fast rate emphasizes the demand for low-cost cars in South Africa.
However, used car buyers should be cautious, as sedans and hatchbacks were the most frequently stolen vehicles in South Africa in the year 2023. When buying a car, there are certain verifications that you have to make, such as examining the history of the car and conducting a stolen car check.
This guide will discuss the top five affordable new and used cars in South Africa and tips on how you can get good deals in the used car market.
READ ALSO: What to do When Your Car is Stolen
Five Cheapest New Cars in South Africa
It’s possible to find an affordable new car in South Africa, and here are the top five cheapest new cars to choose from in the country:
1. Suzuki Alto
Starting Price: Approximately R159,900
Reliability: The compact-size Alto is famous for being fuel efficient and is a reliable choice for urban driving.
Top Model to Consider: If you’re on a budget, the Alto 1.0 GL is a good option, offering a perfect balance of features and economy.
2. Renault Kwid
Price: Around R179,900
Reliability: The Renault Kwid is praised for its spacious interior and modern design despite its low price.
Top Model to Consider: The Kwid 1.0 Expression is a standout, offering excellent value with its feature set and economical running costs.
3. Datsun Go
Price: Starting from R184,500
Reliability: With its robust build and straightforward mechanics, the Datsun Go is a dependable choice for budget buyers.
Top Model to Consider: The Go 1.2 Lux is particularly noteworthy, providing additional features and comfort at a modest price.
4. Toyota Aygo
Price: Approximately R189,900
Reliability: The reputation of Toyota for durability also include the Aygo, known for its low cost of maintenance and reliability.
Top Model to Consider: The Aygo X-Play offers a perfect blend of style, features, and reliability, making it an excellent choice in the entry-level market.
5. Hyundai Atos
Price: Starting at R192,900
Reliability: The Hyundai Atos is recognized for its solid build and practical features, ideal for urban environments.
Top Model to Consider: The Atos 1.1 Motion provides ample features for the price, including modern safety and convenience options.
Five Cheapest Used Cars in South Africa
Used cars are usually more affordable than new ones. However, buying a used car calls for caution, ensure you verify the history and condition of the car. Now, let’s get on with the cheapest used cars available in South Africa:
1. Volkswagen Polo
Price: From around R80,000
Reliability: Whenever durability and performance are in demand, the Volkswagen Polo doesn’t disappoint, thus making it a great choice as a used car.
Top Model to Consider: The Polo 1.4 Trendline offers a balance of performance and economy, making it a popular choice.
2. Ford Fiesta
Price: Starting around R85,000
Reliability: With its strong build quality and engaging driving experience, the Ford Fiesta remains a favored option.
Top Model to Consider: The Fiesta 1.6 Ambiente is noted for its reliability and feature set, making it a good value buy.
3. Toyota Corolla
Price: Approximately R90,000
Reliability: Renowned for its long-term reliability and low running costs, the Toyota Corolla is a dependable used car.
Top Model to Consider: The Corolla 1.8 Professional stands out for its blend of comfort and reliability.
4. Honda Jazz
Price: Around R95,000
Reliability: The Honda Jazz is celebrated for its spacious interior and dependable performance.
Top Model to Consider: The Jazz 1.5 Comfort offers excellent utility and reliability for its price.
5. Chevrolet Aveo
Price: From R100,000
Reliability: The Chevrolet Aveo offers a solid build and decent performance at a reasonable price.
Top Model to Consider: The Aveo 1.6 LS is a good choice, providing a balance of comfort and functionality.
If you’re importing used vehicles from North America, it’s important to use use the VIN decoder to verify the history of the car. Since South Africa is among the countries with high incidences of car theft, performing a stolen car check is also required to avoid buying a stolen car. To easily compare vehicle features to make a good purchase, consider getting the window sticker to access detailed specifications, features, MSRP, fuel efficiency and more.
The Importance of Conducting a Chassis Number Check
South Africa’s car market is rated second in the highest number of car crimes in the world. So, it’s crucial and safer to conduct a chassis number check. Here’s why:
Authenticate Vehicle Identity: The VIN number check helps to confirm the vehicle details, ensuring they correlate with the documents provided.
Detect Stolen Vehicles: Performing a VIN helps verify if a car has been reported stolen, thereby protecting you from buying a stolen vehicle.
Uncover Hidden History: It reveals any past accidents or damage that may not be immediately visible.
Prevent Fraud: It helps avoid fraud by ensuring the car’s history is transparent and legitimate.
Verify Actual Mileage: Uncover any odometer rollbacks or discrepancies in mileage records.
For convenience, you can opt for the Chassis Number Check application, which can be installed on the Play Store. It intends to assist buyers in uncovering a car’s history and exposing concealed records and the overall condition of the car that the buyer is planning to purchase.
Conclusion
Purchasing a new or used car in South Africa involves a considerable amount of caution and research on the car market. The five cheapest new cars in the market present good models for potential buyers seeking to find value-oriented models, while the five cheap used cars offer reliable models for a cheaper price. Thus, you must take due diligence to check the vehicle history and even use a free VIN decoder to verify the car’s accurate specifications and confidently make a safe purchase. By doing this, you put yourself in a position to make a good decision and acquire a car that suits you and your pocket.
