Chinese vehicles gain traction in SA’s used market

AutoTrader’s latest pricing and mileage figures highlight a decisive shift in buyer behaviour as Chinese brands convert sceptics into confident second-hand shoppers.

There was a time when the idea of owning a Chinese vehicle was underlined by humour. Why would you buy an inferior Chinese vehicle to save a bit of money when there are so many great alternatives from Europe, Korea and Japan? While that reputation stems from very early subpar offerings, the reality today is far removed from that perception.

Chinese brands such as Chery, Haval and Omoda now offer vehicles that are just as good as their counterparts from legacy automakers. In many cases, they still undercut competitors on price while offering more equipment, with no shortfall in quality, safety or driving experience.

And while these vehicles are selling strongly on the new car market – Omoda and Jaecoo sold nearly 2 500 vehicles in Q3 2025 alone – they are becoming increasingly popular on the used car market too, with consumers recognising the strong value for money on offer.

But what are buyers actually putting their money into? According to the latest AutoTrader data, these are the 10 best-selling used Chinese vehicles in 2025.

AutoTrader Used Car Data

Source: AutoTrader Used Car Sales Data: 1 January – 31 December 2025