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Used vs new cars: Which pre-owned cars prove popular in SA?

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Recent trends in the South African automotive industry shows that pre-owned car purchases are outweighing new car sales.

In TransUnion’s  latest quarterly report, the Vehicle Price Index (VPI), which analyses monthly data it receives from dealers, vehicle financiers and banks throughout the country, it states that vehicle financiers are financing 2.22 used vehicles for every single new vehicle bought.

It’s no secret the current economic climate has played a pivotal role in many car buyers’ pockets, however, consumers are becoming smarter when purchasing vehicles and understand the value of buying second hand.

The allure of status when purchasing a new car is losing its appeal to great deals and good resale value in the larger vehicle market.

Increase in used car deals

Used car finance deals have increased by 4% with the average used car loan being around R234 000.

At an average price of R100 000 and average age of 11 years old for pre-owned cars sold on OLX in the last year (adding to that the improvements in maintenance plans and advancements in manufacturing over the last ten years), the second-hand car market has some appealing options for growing families, first time drivers, entrepreneurs and small businesses.

Top 10 most wanted vehicles 

6 out of the top 10 most wanted cars on OLX  during 2017 were larger vehicles – bakkies, SUVs and minibuses: list by OLX

1. Toyota Hiace, average price R95 329
2. Mazda Rustler, average price R34 490
3. Toyota Conquest, average price R37 201
4. Volkswagen Caddy P/U, average price R70 573
5. Volkswagen Microbus, average price R59 476
6. Toyota Tazz, average price R45 472
7. Toyota RunX, average price R80 384
8. Isuzu KB280, average price R65 332
9. Volkswagen Caravelle, average price R131 808
10. BMW M3, average price R224 244

Brett Faure, Business Development Manager at OLX SA, said: "Global stats show that smaller cars dominate the pre-owned market but the fact that OLX sees 6 out of the top 10 most wanted vehicles being larger models speaks to the uniqueness of the South African market.

"It’s likely linked to the larger business/entrepreneur market we have in SA and how making smart financial decisions for a business, growing family or career change is now the major driving force." 

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