According to data from AutoTrader, the R200,001 to R300,000 price bracket generated 266.4 million search impressions during the first half of 2026, compared with 139.1 million in the same period last year. This significant increase of 91.6% indicates a notable shift in consumer interest towards higher-priced used vehicles. The data suggests that used car shoppers in South Africa are willing to spend more on vehicles that meet their needs.
The R200,001 to R300,000 bracket has overtaken the R100,001 to R200,000 bracket, which had been the most searched range during the first half of 2025. However, interest in the cheaper bracket has not disappeared, with 242.5 million impressions in H1 2026, up 36.4% year on year. This indicates that consumers are still looking for affordable options, but are also willing to consider higher-priced vehicles that offer better value.
The models attracting the most attention in the used car market also provide insight into what buyers are looking for. In H1 2025, the Volkswagen Polo was the most searched model in the R100,001 to R200,000 bracket, generating 12.2 million impressions. The Polo and Polo Vivo remained the two most searched models in H1 2026, but in the higher R200,001 to R300,000 bracket. The Polo generated 21.9 million impressions, with typical listings costing R258,518.
The Volkswagen Polo Vivo recorded 16.7 million impressions in the R200,001 to R300,000 bracket, with an average price of R247,202. The Toyota Hilux replaced the Mercedes-Benz C-Class in third place, recording 10.7 million impressions. The average Hilux cost R265,727, but was considerably older, at 2015, with 185,064km. These figures suggest that shoppers moving into the higher price bracket are not necessarily switching to more expensive vehicle types.
Instead, they appear to be using the additional budget to target newer, lower-mileage versions of familiar models. The shift in search interest does not mean used cars have suddenly become R100,000 more expensive. AutoTrader’s Mid-Year Report puts the average selling price at R421,499 in H1 2026, up just 1% year on year. Average listing prices increased by 3.4%, from R425,590 to R440,103.
According to George Mienie, CEO of AutoTrader, “What stands out is that consumers aren’t necessarily moving away from affordability; they’re looking more carefully at what they get for their money.” He said the move into the R200,000 to R300,000 bracket suggests some shoppers are prepared to spend more for a newer vehicle, lower mileage or a familiar model. This trend indicates that consumers are becoming more discerning in their purchasing decisions.
The used car market in South Africa is evolving, with consumers seeking better value for their money. The increase in search impressions in the R200,001 to R300,000 bracket suggests that shoppers are willing to spend more on vehicles that meet their needs. As the market continues to shift, it will be interesting to see how consumer trends evolve in the coming months.
Key points
- The R200,001 to R300,000 price bracket is now the most searched used car price range in South Africa.
- Volkswagen Polo and Polo Vivo are the most searched models in the R200,001 to R300,000 bracket.
- Consumers are seeking better value for their money, with a focus on newer, lower-mileage vehicles.
