| Study Period | 2019 - 2030 |
| Base Year For Estimation | 2024 |
| Forecast Data Period | 2025 - 2030 |
| Market Size (2025) | USD 19.75 Billion |
| Market Size (2030) | USD 32.53 Billion |
| CAGR (2025 - 2030) | 10.50 % |
| Market Concentration | Medium |
Major Players
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
South Africa Used Car Market Analysis
The South Africa Used Car Market size is estimated at USD 19.75 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 32.53 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 10.5% during the forecast period (2025-2030).
Economic conditions, consumer sentiment, and government policies regarding the automotive sector influence the market size. The importation of second-hand vehicles also influences the South African used car market.
One key factor driving the growth of the organized used car market in South Africa is the increasing preference for certified and pre-inspected used cars. These cars undergo a thorough inspection and certification process to ensure their quality and reliability, giving buyers peace of mind when purchasing.
Another trend in the South African organized used car market is the growing popularity of online platforms for buying and selling used cars. These platforms offer a convenient and transparent way for buyers and sellers to connect, negotiate, and finalize transactions. Online platforms are also more cost-effective than traditional dealerships, as they have lower overheads and can offer competitive pricing.
Additional market expansion factors include rising disposable income, shorter car ownership durations, rising consumer demand for luxury automobiles, a growing inclination among two-wheeler owners to upgrade to tiny and compact cars, and expanding import-export.
South Africa Used Car Market Trends
The Unorganized Segment Holds a Major Share in the South Africa Used Car Market
The unorganized used car market in South Africa operates outside the legal framework set by the government and is characterized by a lack of regulation and consumer protection. This market segment includes individuals, small dealerships, and car markets not registered or licensed by the government.
One of the key concerns in the unorganized used car market is the lack of transparency in the pricing, condition, and history of vehicles. This can lead to fraudulent activities such as odometer tampering, selling stolen cars, and misrepresenting the vehicle's condition and history. Consumers who purchase cars from unlicensed dealers or individuals may not have any legal recourse if they encounter problems with the car after the purchase.
Additionally, the unorganized used car market is known for its lack of vehicle safety and reliability checks. Unlicensed dealers and individuals may not have the necessary equipment, expertise, or incentives to ensure that the cars they sell are safe and roadworthy. This can pose a risk to the safety of the buyer and other road users.
The unorganized used car market is often cash-based, which makes it difficult to track transactions and prevent money laundering and tax evasion. Despite these challenges, the unorganized used car market remains a popular option for many buyers due to lower prices and negotiating flexibility.
Further, the main concern for a consumer in the years leading up to purchasing a used car has been concerns with trust and openness throughout the process. Consumers are concerned about being overcharged, being sold a vehicle with pre-existing flaws that the seller may not disclose at the time of sale, and not knowing if the car is currently embroiled in legal challenges. This has created a lack of trust among unorganized used car dealers in South Africa.
According to data released by Naamsa, the Automotive Business Council, used car sales exceeded total new passenger car sales, with 32,090 used cars being sold in South Africa in July 2023.
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The Increasing Use of Online Platforms is Driving the Market
South Africa's e-commerce environment has grown significantly in recent years. One noticeable trend is the rise in used-car purchases made through online shopping. Convenience, a large selection of vehicles, and the ability to quickly compare pricing and features drive this shift in consumer behavior.
Key factors influencing the growth of e-commerce in South Africa include the ease, convenience, and security of the payment methods and online retailers investing in making their websites more appealing and user-friendly. The significant growth of alternate payment methods is also boosting the growth of the e-commerce market in the region. Bank transfers and digital wallets are customers' two most used payment methods for online sales. Moreover, increasing smartphone penetration and the arrival of advanced digital wallet solutions are further expected to drive the growth of the e-commerce market in the region.
Online marketplaces are increasingly being used to purchase and sell second-hand cars. Many customers use websites and mobile applications to explore listings, compare prices, and communicate with sellers.
E-commerce has made the process of purchasing a second-hand car more convenient. Customers can shop for vehicles from the convenience of their homes, avoiding needing to visit several showrooms physically. This convenience is especially important in South Africa's urban centers, where traffic congestion and limited parking spots make traditional automobile shopping inconvenient.
Furthermore, the region's e-commerce market continues to expand faster, with mobile internet retailing becoming especially significant. Retailers in the region are launching dedicated mobile apps, while store-based retailers rapidly utilize multi-channel options. Click-and-collect services have become more widely available, allowing retailers to maximize retail potential without incurring delivery fees. In contrast, the consumer can easily access purchases without planning for deliveries.
Consumers can now access a wide range of used cars by using e-commerce sites. Individuals looking for specific manufacturers, models, or characteristics can simply find them online. This variety of options benefits both consumers and sellers, resulting in lower prices and improved customer satisfaction.
Despite the various advantages of using e-commerce to buy used cars, some drawbacks exist. Some consumers may be put off by trust issues, the potential of scams, and the inability to inspect vehicles visually. These difficulties, however, are being addressed by better regulation, certification programs, and seller transparency.
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South Africa Used Car Industry Overview
The South African used car market is considered to be fragmented, accommodating several leading players like Cars.co.za, Yallamotor, AutoTrader South Africa, and Cars 4 Africa. While several key offline used car dealers are focused on adopting expansion strategies like collaborative agreements, mergers, acquisitions, and expanding their online presence, other new entrants are encouraged to explore the market. They are actively focused on fleet expansion, varied offerings, etc. For instance,
- In February 2023, Planet42, a Used car marketplace in South Africa, invested USD 100 million to scale its operations across South Africa and Mexico. According to Planet42 managing director Grant Wing, the company aimed to capture about 1% of the used car market annually, translating to about 200,000 cars in total fleet size.
South Africa Used Car Market Leaders
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cars.co.za
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We Buy Cars
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Cars 4 Africa
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Autochek Africa
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Auto Pedigree
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
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South Africa Used Car Market News
- April 2024: WeBuyCars, a South African used-car platform, announced its target of raising ZAR 7.8 billion (~USD 420 million) when its shares begin trading on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). The company has issued 417,181,120 shares at a consideration of ZAR 18.75 per share.
- November 2023: Shekel Mobility, a B2B auto dealers marketplace catering to the African used car market, secured USD 7 million in funding to propel its growth and expansion plans. The investment comprises USD 3.2 million in equity and over USD 4 million in debt, led by Ventures Platform and MaC Venture Capital.
- September 2023: Auto24, an Ivorian used car marketplace, announced its expansion into four new African markets: Morocco, Rwanda, Senegal, and South Africa.
South Africa Used Car Industry Segmentation
A used car is a resale vehicle that has been previously owned. Used cars are sold through various outlets, either offline or online.
The South African used car market is segmented by vendor type, fuel type, vehicle type, and sales channel. By vendor type, the market is segmented into organized and unorganized. By fuel type, the market is segmented into petrol, diesel, and others. By vehicle type, the market is segmented into hatchbacks, sedans, sports utility vehicles (SUVs), and multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs). By sales channel, the market is segmented into online and offline. The report covers the market size and forecasts the value (USD) for all the above segments.
| By Vehicle Type | Hatchbacks |
| Sedans | |
| Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) and Multi-Purpose Vehicles (MPVs) | |
| By Fuel Type | Petrol |
| Diesel | |
| Others | |
| By Booking Type | Online |
| Offline | |
| By Vendor Type | Organized |
| Unorganized |
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South Africa Used Car Market Research FAQs
How big is the South Africa Used Car Market?
The South Africa Used Car Market size is expected to reach USD 19.75 billion in 2025 and grow at a CAGR of 10.5% to reach USD 32.53 billion by 2030.
What is the current South Africa Used Car Market size?
In 2025, the South Africa Used Car Market size is expected to reach USD 19.75 billion.
Who are the key players in South Africa Used Car Market?
cars.co.za, We Buy Cars, Cars 4 Africa, Autochek Africa and Auto Pedigree are the major companies operating in the South Africa Used Car Market.
What years does this South Africa Used Car Market cover, and what was the market size in 2024?
In 2024, the South Africa Used Car Market size was estimated at USD 17.68 billion. The report covers the South Africa Used Car Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. The report also forecasts the South Africa Used Car Market size for years: 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030.
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South Africa Used Car Industry Report
Statistics for the 2025 South Africa Used Car market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports. South Africa Used Car analysis includes a market forecast outlook for 2025 to 2030 and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.
