These used cars did a roaring trade in October

While new cars showed an unfortunate slump over the same period, sales of used cars in October grew 4% month-on-month. This equates to 32 839 units.

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However, despite the higher numbers, the total value of used cars sold declined by 1% to R12.66 billion (from R12.77 billion in September) due to a lower average used car selling price.

GOOD NEWS FOR USED CARS

“While used car sales grew by an additional 1 203 units in October, the average selling price dipped to R385 460 from R403 626 in September. This signals consumer affordability pressures with increased sales of more affordable models,” says George Mienie, CEO of AutoTrader.

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As in previous months Toyota, Volkswagen and Ford maintained their top three positions as the brands that sold the most vehicles. Back in the top ten was Renault but Audi fell two places and out of the placings. There were few changes to the top ten sold models.

RANGER LEADS THE WAY

The Ford Ranger still leads in October, but Toyota Hilux sales eclipsed those of the VW Polo by 57 units, allowing the popular bakkie to nab second spot. No changes though to the three best-selling variants. The VW Polo 1.0 TSI, VW Polo Vivo 1.4 and Toyota Hilux 2.8GD-6 remain ahead of the pack.

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There were some interesting developments, not least of which was the plight of the Jeep Wrangler. After exponential growth in previous months, the adventure SUV plummeted from 6th to 24th position. Price point and fuel consumption costs biting harder perhaps?

BACK IN THE TOP TEN

The Suzuki Swift’s month-on-month growth of 13.64% saw the Japanese hatch back in the top ten best-selling models. And it was not the only model to display significant sales growth. Two premium sedans, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and BMW 3 Series upped their sales by 13%.

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Older models with high mileage were no deterrent to Mercedes-Benz and BMW buyers. The models’ continuous presence in the top ten says much about the longevity of these two German models. Seven year old models with around 100 000 km averaged selling prices R366 577 respectively.

TOP 5 USED CARS IN OCTOBER

*AutoTrader Used Cars Data

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