Statistics derived from Cars.co.za provide valuable insight into the interests of the South African public towards particular used car brands and used car models. In March 2013 a total of 1 218 372 vehicle views were made on Cars.co.za. Here is a breakdown of the most popular used cars in South Africa for March 2013 as well as the most popular used car brands.
Top 10 most popular used cars in South Africa for March 2013
| Model | Total views | Used Car Market Penetration |
|---|---|---|
| 1. BMW 3-Series | 75 227 | 6.0% |
| 2. Volkswagen Polo | 68 784 | 5.0% |
| 3. Volkswagen Golf | 50 434 | 4.0% |
| 4. Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 40 729 | 3.0% |
| 5. Audi A4 | 34 534 | 2.0% |
| 6. Toyota Corolla | 31 938 | 2.0% |
| 7. Volkswagen Polo Vivo | 26 901 | 2.0% |
| 8. Audi A3 | 25 870 | 2.0% |
| 9. Toyota Hilux | 25 267 | 2.0% |
| 10. BMW 1 Series | 22 240 | 1.0% |
The BMW 3-Series is South Africa’s most sought after used car with a market penetration percentage of 6%. The BMW 3-Series was the brand’s best selling new vehicle in 2012 and remains a popular choice for BMW customers. The Volkswagen Polo is in second place with a market penetration percentage of 5% but with marginally less views for the month. The VW Polo is also ranked second as South Africa’s most popular new car for March 2013 and was rated as the best-selling new car in 2012.
The VW Polo Vivo, which is South Africa’s best-selling new passenger car for March 2013, is in 7th place in the used car market with a market penetration percentage of 2%. Interestingly, South Africa’s best-selling bakkie, the Toyota Hilux, is placed ninth in the used car market with a market penetration percentage of 2%.
Top 5 most popular used car brands in South Africa for March 2013
| Brand | Total Views | Used Car Market Penetration | New Car Market Penetration* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. VW | 214 744 | 17.00% | 19.30% |
| 2. BMW | 146 666 | 12.00% | 5.80% |
| 3. Toyota | 134 836 | 11.00% | 21.90% |
| 4. Audi | 92 692 | 7.00% | 19.3%(VW) |
| 5. Mercedes-Benz | 75 842 | 6.00% | 5.80% |
* According to official NAAMSA sales figures for February 2013.
According to Cars.co.za, Volkswagen, South Africa’s most popular passenger car brand, is considered to be the most popular used car brand for March with a used car market penetration percentage of 17%. In the new car market Volkswagen is ranked second with a market share of 19.3% behind Toyota in first place with 21.9% market share for March 2013. Interestingly, BMW is ranked second as the most sought after used car brand in the used car market with a penetration percentage of 12% while in the new car market it only accounts for 5.8% of new car sales. Mercedes-Benz has an equal penetration in the used car market and in the new car market.
Cars.co.za will continue to collate used car statistics throughout the duration of 2013 with the emphasis of expanding existing knowledge of the used car market in South Africa.
