If you’re in the market for a used car, but shopping on a tight budget of under R100 000, what are the best used cars to consider? Let’s take a closer look!
Finding the best used cars under R100 000 is a challenge, but if you search for a car on Cars.co.za, nothing is impossible!
If you are shopping in the lower end of the used car market, below R100 000, you need to be prepared to face up to and accept a few truths.
Generally speaking, the cars in this bracket of the market are older models that have lived a hard life and exhibit higher mileage. More often than not, general vehicle condition, including bodywork and interior finishing is average to poor as you reach the bottom end of the market.
Despite this truth, there are still good used car buys to be had in this end of the market and if you are patient, shop smartly and exercise a thorough, committed search, you can buy a good used car for under R100 000.
Also see: 5 Cheapest New Cars in South Africa
Before we dive in, let’s outline a strong buying strategy to ensure that you isolate the best-used cars under R100 000. As a rule of thumb, whenever you’re shopping for a used car, try and find cars that are in the best condition possible, with the lowest mileage and for the best price. This general strategy will ensure that you are considering cars that will offer the best value-for-money.
More than this, it’s also worth considering well-known brands with a strong reputation for reliability and parts availability which will help to reduce your overall running costs, including ongoing maintenance.
With the above in mind, here are our recommendations for the best used cars to buy under R100 000 in South Africa. Note that this list is not exhaustive or definitive, but these cars are merely suggestions for you to consider, representing a good starting point in your journey to find what moves you.
Please reach out on either Facebook or X if you have any particular questions or if you require further guidance. Our experienced team are ready to assist you!
Be sure to do your own research and be as thorough as possible. You can read up on what to look out for and tips on buying a used or new car here.
Suzuki Swift
We get asked about budget-car candidates quite often and, in response, we invariably point people to the Suzuki Swift. Note that a new Suzuki Swift recently arrived in South Africa.
It’s reliable, fuel efficient and quite fun to drive. Suzuki specs it quite well too and we suggest that you look at either a Swift GL or GLS. You can look for an older Swift with a 1.4 or 1.5-litre petrol engine, which was built in Japan, or you can look for a newer model with a 1.2-litre engine that was built in India.
The Japanese-built units offer better all-round quality and also look a bit better on the road – their wheels seem to fit better into the arches. But the previous-generation Indian-built Swift is perfectly fine – Suzuki sold thousands of them in India and the model is hugely popular in South Africa.
Also see: Suzuki Swift (2011-2018) Buyer’s Guide
Search for a used Suzuki Swift here
Other Suzuki products to consider:
Suzuki SX4
Suzuki Celerio
Volkswagen Polo Vivo
The Volkswagen Polo Vivo is South Africa’s budget car champion and used car buyers have many examples to choose from below R100 000.
Parts are widely available and the Polo Vivo is a reliable and efficient daily runner that’s fairly economical to maintain. The Polo Vivo can be had as a hatchback or sedan and engine choices include a naturally-aspirated 1.6 or 1.4-litre petrol engine.
There are numerous examples on offer with mileage below 100 000 km and we suggest that you look at these cars first in your search.
Also see: Volkswagen Polo (2010-2017) Buyer’s Guide
Search for a Polo Vivo on Cars.co.za
Other Volkswagen Products to Consider:
Volkswagen Polo
Volkswagen Golf
Volkswagen Tiguan
Kia Picanto
The Kia Picanto is another easy-to-recommend budget hatchback. Granted, the Korean offering is a little smaller than some of the other options on the list, but it offers good general build quality for the price.
At under R100k, you’ll have to decide between a 1.0-litre, 1.1-litre and a 1.2-litre engine. The bigger engine has obvious benefits, such as better freeway and acceleration behaviour, but if you plan on using the Picanto purely for city slicking, then the 1.0 and 1.1-litre powertrain are sufficient while also offering good fuel consumption.
Also see: Kia Picanto (2011-2017) Buyer’s Guide
Search for a used Picanto here
Other Kia products to consider:
Kia Rio
Kia Sportage
Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla is a household name in South Africa and if you are looking for something that offers more space than a hatchback, then the Corolla sedan is well worth a closer look.
The Corolla and the Corolla Quest are both worth considering and because the Corolla is now in its 12th generation, there are also some older Corolla models available that might appeal to some people. With a range of engine options on offer, the Corolla has a strong reputation for reliability backed by the biggest car brand in the world. There’s a reason why the Corolla has found millions of homes worldwide…
Also see: Toyota Corolla Quest (2014-2020) Buyer’s Guide
Search for a Corolla on Cars.co.za
Other Toyota Products to Consider:
Hyundai Grand i10
The Hyundai Grand i10 is another excellent used car to consider under R100 000. In addition to the Grand i10, the older i10 is also a possibility.
The Grand i10 offers good reliability and low maintenance cost while also being fuel efficient. Small capacity, naturally-aspirated 1.0-litre, 1.2-litre and 1.25-litre petrol engines are available.
Also see: Hyundai Grand i10 (2014-2020) Buyer’s Guide
Search for a Grand i10 on Cars.co.za
Other Hyundai Products to consider:
Hyundai i20
Hyundai Tucson
Hyundai Elantra
Honda Brio
The Honda Brio is another Indian-made Japanese hatch. The Brio uses a basic 1.2-litre petrol engine that appears to offer typical Honda bulletproof reliability. It’s a similar size as the Picanto and has an equally small load bay. It can’t match the Picanto for quality feel and cabin materials, but there are some good used examples available for under R100 000.
The Brio’s 1.2-litre engine is one of the better offerings in the segment, because it offers decent performance and a quick-shifting manual ‘box which is preferable over the automatic transmission option.
Search for a Brio on Cars.co.za
Other Honda Products to Consider:
Honda Jazz
Honda CR-V
Honda Civic
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