Chinese used-car sales surge in SA

Chinese car brands played a massive role in reshaping the local new vehicle market over the last few years. Now they are also starting to redefine the used car market, reportsThe Citizen. Chinese-brand used vehicle sales on AutoTrader rose from 6 314 units in the first four months of 2025 to 10 295 units in the same period in 2026.

This represents a 63% increase, compared to the 11% the overall pre-owned market grew by in increasing from 128 309 to 142 663. TheChery Tiggo 4 Pro, Haval Jolion, Haval H6 and Omoda C5 recorded combined used sales of 3 686 units between January and April 2026, compared with 2 459 units over the same period in 2025. This is changing how buyers assess value in the used-car market, particularly where newer Chinese models are priced below or close to comparable non-Chinese alternatives.

It is not simply a case ofChinese vehiclesundercutting the used car market. In many cases, these vehicles are newer or have lower mileage than established rivals, meaning buyers are weighing price against age, mileage, specification, and perceived value. “More affordable new vehicles can change the pricing equation in certain segments, especially where nearly-new used vehicles are competing for the same buyer,” says George Mienie, CEO of AutoTrader.“But those vehicles also become part of the future used car market once they begin changing hands.

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That adds stock, choice and competition, which can benefit consumers.” The data suggests that South Africa’s used car market is recalibrating rather than retreating. Average prices remain higher year-on-year, demand remains active, and Chinese brands are becoming a more visible part of the pricing conversation as buyers compare newer, lower-mileage options against established rivals. For consumers, this means the used-car market is becoming more competitive, but not uniformly cheaper.

Average prices remain higher year-on-year, demand remains active, and value comparisons are becoming more dependent on vehicle type, age, mileage, brand, specification and segment-level demand. Breaking news at your fingertips…Follow Caxton Network News onFacebookand join ourWhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak.Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus opFacebooken sluit aan by onsWhatsApp-kanaal.

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