In November 2023, Kia stood out as the frontrunner in South Africa's used-car market, experiencing a remarkable 25% increase in sales compared to the previous month. This surge in sales was largely attributed to the popularity of the Picanto hatchback, which recorded the highest month-on-month percentage increase among the top 10 best-selling models, with a notable 20.8% rise.
Market Overview
Despite a slight dip of 2% in total used-car sales compared to October, November saw 32,300 units sold, amounting to a total value of R13 billion. Notably, the average price paid for used cars increased to R405,226, attributed to a decrease in the average age of purchased vehicles from five to four years.
Top Sellers in November
The Ford Ranger retained its position as the favorite choice for consumers, with 1,857 units sold, followed closely by the Toyota Hilux and VW Polo, with 1,494 and 1,460 units sold, respectively. The VW Polo Vivo secured the fourth spot, followed by the Toyota Fortuner in fifth place. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class outpaced the BMW 3 Series for sixth place, while the Kia Picanto claimed the eighth spot, surpassing its rival, the Suzuki Swift, by a narrow margin.
Insights into Best-Selling Models
The list of the top 10 best-selling used cars in South Africa for November showcased a diverse range of models across various price points and segments. The average prices, mileage, and ages of these models provided valuable insights into consumer preferences and market trends.
Significance of Ford EcoSport's Decline
Notably, the Ford EcoSport, once a prominent player in the compact crossover segment, showed signs of decline as it occupied the last spot in November's best-seller ranks. The discontinuation of the model and potential scarcity in the used-car market could have contributed to its decline, reflecting shifting consumer preferences and market dynamics.
Conclusion
November 2023 witnessed dynamic shifts in South Africa's used-car market, with Kia emerging as the growth leader and notable changes observed in the preferences of consumers. Insights into top-selling models and market trends provide valuable information for both industry stakeholders and prospective buyers, highlighting the evolving landscape of the automotive sector in the country.
