Cheapest Used Cars to Run in South Africa (Under R300,000)
Cars whose typical 2021 example (about 60 000 to 80 000 km) costs R300 000 or less on average, ranked by estimated monthly running cost: fuel, insurance, tyres and servicing at 1,500 km a month, excluding finance.
| # | Car | Typical price | RideReport verdict | Running cost / month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Datsun Go+ Budget hatchback | R86k–R115k | 6.8 · Solid used buy for budget-conscious buyers | R3 261 |
| 2 | Suzuki S-Presso Budget hatchback | R125k–R173k | 7.2 · Good Value | R3 321 |
| 3 | Suzuki Celerio Budget hatchback | R125k–R173k | 7.2 · Good value for budget buyers | R3 321 |
| 4 | Volkswagen Up Budget hatchback | R150k–R200k | 7.6 · Smart Buy | R3 354 |
| 5 | Suzuki Dzire Budget hatchback | R154k–R202k | 7.2 · Solid Value Buy | R3 358 |
| 6 | Peugeot 207 Budget hatchback | R183k–R297k | 6.8 · Solid Budget Diesel Buy | R3 413 |
| 7 | Toyota Vitz Budget hatchback | R130k–R182k | 7.2 · Good Commuter Buy | R3 421 |
| 8 | Toyota Etios Budget hatchback | R151k–R194k | 7.8 · Solid buy for pragmatists | R3 442 |
| 9 | Volkswagen Polo Hatchback | R198k–R230k | 7.8 · Smart Buy | R3 448 |
| 10 | Toyota Corolla Hatchback | R227k–R276k | 8.2 · Strong Buy (Light Mileage) | R3 449 |
| 11 | Peugeot 2008 Compact crossover | R184k–R248k | 7.4 · Solid Buy | R3 496 |
| 12 | Suzuki Swift Budget hatchback | R171k–R209k | 7.2 · Solid buy | R3 509 |
Typical retail range for a 2021 model with about 60 000 to 80 000 km, from RideReport's South African pricing data; a car is listed when the middle of its range is within budget, so the top of a range can sit slightly above it. Verdict scores are AI-assisted. Running cost covers fuel at the current official pump price, insurance (about 1.5% of value a year), tyres and servicing, excluding finance.
Before you buy
- Open the model page for any car above to see its known faults and repair costs, then use the buyer's checklist at the viewing.
- Work out the real monthly cost with the free car report, the finance calculator and the fuel cost calculator.
- Run the free checks in our guide to a free car history check before you pay anything.
- Comparing two cars? Use Compare. Selling one? See what your car is worth.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best used cars in South Africa?
Based on RideReport's verdict scores and how often buyers research each model, the strongest picks on this list are the Datsun Go+, Suzuki S-Presso, Suzuki Celerio. Each has a model page with known faults, repair costs and a buyer's checklist, so check those before you view a car.
How are these cars ranked?
RideReport gives every model a verdict score from its pricing, known faults, owner feedback and running costs (the scores are AI-assisted and based on SA market data). On this list we rank by that score, weighted by how many people search for the model, so popular, well-rated cars with plentiful parts and dealers rise to the top. Prices are the typical retail range for a 2021 example with about 60 000 to 80 000 km, from the same pricing data as every RideReport report.
Are these prices what I will actually pay?
They are typical retail ranges for a representative example. The price of a specific car depends on its variant, condition, service history and where it is sold. Use the free report to see prices for the exact year and mileage you are considering, and the Official valuation (R79) to confirm the official trade and retail value of a specific car by registration plate.