Johannesburg — Chinese vehicles are increasingly popular on South Africa’s used car market, as buyers embrace brands such as Chery, Haval, GWM, and Omoda for their value, equipment, and reliability.
Once the butt of jokes about quality, Chinese cars are now competing with established European, Korean, and Japanese brands. AutoTrader data shows strong demand for both new and second-hand Chinese vehicles, reflecting a shift in consumer perceptions.
“The Chery Tiggo 4 Pro continues to dominate the used Chinese car segment,” Roadsafety said in a report.
The crossover sold 3,144 used units in 2025, appealing to buyers with its variety of trim levels, transmission options, and low average mileage of 21,970 km at just two years old. The Tiggo 4 Pro’s affordability—average price R284,779—adds to its appeal.
Following closely is the Haval Jolion, with 2,736 units sold. Its higher average mileage of 35,826 km and older registration age suggest buyers are choosing higher-spec models, priced at an average R319,259.
The updated Jolion Pro sold 712 units at an average price of R407,891, but with lower mileage, indicating strong interest in newer, premium derivatives.
From punchline to purchase: Chinese vehicles are gaining serious traction in SA’s used markethttps://t.co/b97nXOPHld#ArriveAlive #RoadSafety @AutoTraderSA @dealerfloor pic.twitter.com/7avNnV7o80
— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) January 22, 2026
Chinese bakkies are also gaining ground. The GWM P-Series, with 55,733 km average mileage and three-year registration age, sold strongly despite an average price of R398,589, making it one of the best-selling used double cabs in South Africa.
SUVs from Haval and Chery continue to perform well, including the Haval H6 (1,501 units, R411,878 average price), Chery Tiggo 7 Pro (1,098 units, R392,860), and Tiggo 8 Pro (740 units, R472,364). Omoda’s C5, a premium offering, sold 806 used units, many nearly new with an average mileage of 7,946 km and registration age of just one year.
Other models performing well include the Haval H2 (1,063 units, R217,435), GWM Steed 5 (average price R203,231, mileage 77,565 km), reflecting continued confidence in older models and practical, budget-friendly bakkies.
George Mienie, CEO of AutoTrader, explained the shift: “Chinese OEMs have learned how to narrow the gap between cost and perceived value, delivering around 80% of the consumer experience at roughly 60% of the price of traditional players. By focusing on tangible performance and visible benefits rather than legacy branding, they have capitalised on a shift in consumer behaviour. As buyers become more informed and discerning, brand loyalty is weakening, replaced by an expectation for high-quality products that clearly justify every rand spent.”
The rise of Chinese vehicles on the used car market illustrates a broader trend: South African consumers are increasingly prioritising value, features, and reliability over brand legacy, giving Chinese automakers a foothold in a once sceptical market.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
