Data reveals which used cars are turning fastest for dealers in 2026

The data shows that South Africa's fastest-selling used vehicles changed noticeably between the first half of 2025 and the same period in 2026. While the average time taken to sell a vehicle remained broadly unchanged, the models topping the rankings shifted considerably, reflecting the arrival of new brands, stronger demand for affordable vehicles and the continued appeal of trusted family and lifestyle models.

To ensure the results reflected genuine market trends rather than isolated transactions, only models with at least 100 vehicles represented in the data were included. The fastest-selling qualifying vehicle in both years took an average of 35 days to sell. In 2025 it was the Toyota Starlet Cross, while in 2026 the title went to the Jetour T2.

The Jetour T2's performance highlights how quickly new entrants can establish themselves in the used market. The average example was a low-mileage 2025 model priced at R708 716, suggesting much of the stock originated from demonstrator fleets or nearly new trade-ins. Jetour's smaller T1 also made the top ten, while the Tata Tiago claimed second place with an average selling time of just 38 days. Together, these results show that strong stock turn is no longer confined to established brands or entry-level vehicles.

The 2026 rankings also shifted towards more affordable vehicles. Five of the top ten models carried average selling prices below R300 000, compared with just three a year earlier. As a result, the median price of the fastest-selling models fell, although this reflects the changing mix of vehicles rather than an overall decline in used-car values. The findings suggest that demand for accessible, value-driven vehicles remains particularly strong, even as premium-priced newcomers gain traction.

Despite the emergence of new models, practical family vehicles continued to perform well. The Toyota Rumion remained one of only three vehicles to feature in the top ten in both years, selling in an average of 46 days in 2026 despite a significant increase in transaction volumes. The Honda BR-V and Toyota Fortuner also featured prominently, reinforcing sustained demand for spacious seven-seat and family-focused vehicles. The Fortuner, in particular, achieved its result across almost 4 000 vehicles, demonstrating consistent demand at scale rather than limited success within a small sample.

Toyota's dominance became less concentrated, although its market strength remained evident. The brand occupied six of the top ten positions in 2025, falling to four in 2026. However, those four Toyota models still accounted for nearly half of all vehicles represented in the latest ranking. More significantly, the range of manufacturers expanded from just three brands in 2025 to six in 2026, with Jetour, Tata, Honda and Isuzu joining Toyota and Suzuki.

Established volume sellers also continued to perform strongly. The Suzuki Swift's average selling time increased slightly to 52 days, but this occurred alongside a 48% increase in sales volume and a higher average selling price. Similarly, the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado remained a fast-moving model despite buyers paying more for newer, lower-mileage examples.

Importantly, the data shows that older vehicles still play a significant role in the market. The Toyota Etios, with an average registration year of 2016, and the Isuzu KB, averaging 2015 with nearly 175 000 km, both sold within around 52 to 53 days. Their performance demonstrates that affordability, reputation and practicality continue to outweigh age and mileage for many buyers.

Overall, the fastest-selling used cars in 2026 paint a more diverse picture than a year earlier. New Chinese brands have established themselves at the front of the market, affordable vehicles feature more prominently, and trusted high-volume favourites continue to deliver consistent demand, highlighting a used-car market that is becoming broader, more competitive and increasingly varied.

AutoTrader Used Car Data (January - June 2025):

AutoTrader Used Car Data (January - June 2026):

• Source: AutoTrader Used Car Sales Data:
• 1 January 2025 - 30 June 2025
• 1 January 2026 - 30 June 2026

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