The past two years have seen a shift in consumer buying patterns across all industries. The second-hand car market has not escaped the impact and current trends show buyers shifting from buying new cars to used cars. This is good news if you are selling your car online and especially if you happen to be selling one of SA’s most wanted second-hand vehicles.
South Africa’s diversity is clearly evidenced in second-hand car sales, with various provinces indicating different preferences as to which used vehicles are the most popular. The automotive market is poised for anyone selling a pre-owned car online. So do your homework and make sure you choose a platform that will work for you and guarantee you the best deal possible.
Bakkies
“The love affair of South Africans with bakkies is borne out in the statistics: of all body type searches, single and double cab bakkies generated the highest search volume.” –News 24
We don’t need News 24 to tell us that South Africans are besotted with bakkies. In 2020 the Toyota Hilux won the popularity contest, and in 2021 – drum roll, please – the winner was Ford Ranger (especially in Limpopo, Northwest, Mpumalanga and Gauteng). It also tops the list as most searched for bakkie – new & second hand.
So far in 2022, the Toyota Hilux is back in the lead with the Isuzu D-Maz coming a close second.
When it comes to single cabs, the Nissan NP 200 is making huge waves. If you are thinking of selling any of these robust favourites, now is the time.
Hatchbacks
Even though most online searches are for the VW Golf GTi (we all love to dream), the Western Cape, KZN and Free State’s second-hand car market have voted for the VW Polo as their #1. It makes sense, as its broad appeal is based on:
- a sophisticated engine,
- a superior DGS automatic transmission,
- a refined interior and exterior,
- it comfortably goes the (long) distance and, as a trendy hatchback,
- it boasts true German engineering.
Affordability and value are the benchmarks of a Polo and if you are looking to sell yours online, you are likely to have a large buyer pool.
But the following hatchbacks are close on its heels when it comes to customer search intent and consumer enquiries; VW Golf, BMW 1-series, Kia Rio, Ford Focus, Ford Fiesta Hyundai i10 and the Mercedes-Benz A-Class.
Looking to sell your car online? You are sure to get a good deal as these popular hatchbacks are always on a buyer’s shortlist.
Sedans & Coupes
Although BMW generally outranks most other brands in online second-hand vehicle searches, this does not necessarily translate into conversions. The most popular car in this category is the Mercedes C-class. As far as mileage goes, 60 000km means a Mercedes is still at the peak of its powers and will typically not need any major work for a long time. The 5-speed automatic transmission makes it great for city driving as well as offering superb comfort and reliability on a long road trip. Its reputation, sophisticated style, uncomplicated electronics and additional features definitely make it worth the upscale (or downscale).
If you own a Mercedes C-class and are looking to sell your car online, do your homework and use an online platform that will give you access to multiple competitive offers. Many dealers and second-hand buyers are itching to get their hands on one of these.
Looking to sell your car online?
The second-hand car market may be buoyant and dynamic when it comes to certain brands and body types, but “a rising tide lifts all boats” and now is a really good time to sell your car.
There is always a buyer out there that is looking for a second-hand vehicle. If you are looking to sell your car or bakkie online, then an innovative online platform that can guarantee you the best deal and give your car front row seats to multiple legitimate buyers in the industry is worth considering.