The sales gap between Toyota and Volkswagen continues to close.

This month’s used car sales story is - in large part - about KIA. In November, AutoTrader’s used car sales data shows that KIA was the brand among the ten best-selling brands to post the highest positive sales growth. And among the ten best-selling models, the KIA Picanto also experienced the highest growth in sales. The KIA brand posted a 25% increase in used car sales over the previous month, while its KIA Picanto model boasted a 20.8% month-on-month sales growth.

The KIA Picanto is knocking on the door of the most sold variant ranking too. While not among the five top-selling variants in November, the 5-door petrol hatchback moved up to sixth spot. The VW Polo 1.0 TSI, VW Polo Vivo 1.4 and the Toyota Hilux 2.8GD-6 bakkie maintain their domination of variant sales.

Toyota continues to lead the charge in brand sales. But as in previous months, the sales gap between Toyota (which sells the most vehicles) and Volkswagen (which dominates passenger car sales) continues to close. Ford meanwhile, maintained its spot in third. 

Korean brands Hyundai and KIA continued their ascent in the brand ranking, Hyundai leaping over premium brand Mercedes-Benz to grab a spot in the top five behind BMW.

“The popularity of Korean brands has risen in recent years. Hyundai and KIA offer much of what today’s car shoppers are seeking; affordability, build quality, and level of refinement,” says George Mienie, CEO of AutoTrader.

November used car sales dipped by 2% month-on-month. 32,300 units with a total value of R13 billion were sold in the month prior to the festive season.

Despite selling fewer cars than the previous month, the average price crept up from R385,460 in October to R405,226 in November. There’s a valid reason for the rise. In November, the average age of the models sold was 4 years old, a year younger than that of prior months. 

The Ford Ranger retained its position as the top dog in model sales ahead of rival bakkie Toyota Hilux, VW Polo and affordable sibling VW Polo Vivo, and the large family-friendly SUV, the Toyota Fortuner.

But the Ford EcoSport looks to be losing its grip in the top ten model ranking. The compact and fuel-frugal SUV now sits precariously in the last spot. Ford’s announcement of the EcoSport’s discontinuation is reason enough perhaps for its slide from favour.

Top 10 models sold in November

Source: AutoTrader Used Car Sales Data: 1 November - 30 November 2023