WeBuyCars set for Chinese boost

Data shows that Chinese brands are beginning to make inroads in South Africa’s used-car market, with popular models catching up to those of more established market players. 

This has the potential to alleviate some of the pressure that companies trading in the used-car market, such as WeBuyCars, have felt from the rise of Chinese brands in South Africa. 

WeBuyCars noted in its most recent financial results that Chinese brands have impacted its sales, as they offer new cars at very attractive price points that rival used-car prices. 

Crucially, it appears as though these cars are now entering the used-car market, which enables traders to compete more effectively on a like-for-like basis. 

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

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, AutoTrader said. 

While these vehicles are selling strongly on the new-car market, they are becoming increasingly popular on the used-car market. 

“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,” AutoTrader CEO George Mienie said. 

“By focusing on tangible performance and visible benefits rather than legacy branding, they have capitalised on a shift in consumer behaviour.” 

This shift has been driven by car buyers’ search for value in South Africa amid a rising cost of living and a perceived lack of ‘bang for your buck’ from established players. 

“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,” Mienie said. 

This shift should boost WeBuyCars’ fortunes as well, with the company coming under pressure from the surge in popularity of Chinese brands. 

“The continued strength of the new vehicle market, together with the rapid rise of competitively priced Chinese brands, has significantly influenced consumer behaviour and heightened competition,” WeBuyCars said in its latest annual results.

“These brands have captured notable market share through attractive pricing and compelling new-vehicle offerings.”

However, the company pointed out the potential for this headwind to turn into a tailwind in the future, with these new Chinese vehicles set to enter the used-car market in the coming years. 

“The growing penetration of Asian brands is expected to have a positive long-term impact for WeBuyCars, as these vehicles will enter the used-vehicle market in the future. This will expand our acquisition base and opportunity set,” it said.

Chinese models taking over

AutoTrader’s data revealed that a number of Chinese models are becoming increasingly popular in South Africa’s used–car market. 

The most popular is the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro, which is also one of the best-selling new Chinese cars on the market, with over 1,000 sold each month in South Africa. 

It is also the only Chinese car to crack Standard Bank’s top 10 most-financed vehicles for young South Africans in 2025. 

Last year, 3,144 used examples were sold, underscoring the popularity of Chery’s smallest offering. With an average price of R284,779, it is one of the cheapest cars on the list.

The Tiggo 4 Pro is followed by the Haval Jolion, which competes in the same class. However, with fewer models, particularly more budget-focused derivatives, new sales are slightly lower at 2,736 units. 

The average used price is R319,259, while mileage is higher at 35,826 km, with a registration age of three years, suggesting Jolion buyers are opting for higher-spec models.

In third position is the GWM P-Series, one of only two bakkies on the list. Despite its higher average sale price of R398,589, the workhorse is also one of the best-selling double cabs on the local used car market. 

In fourth place is the Haval H6, a vehicle that has become a benchmark for value-driven midsize SUVs. With 1,501 used units sold, demand clearly extends beyond new car sales. 

Priced at an average of R411,878, the H6 positions itself as an attainable SUV, offering high levels of comfort and technology. 

The nameplate has been available in South Africa for several years, with the second generation recently receiving an update, along with a hybrid option and a sporty coupe bodystyle. 

The Chery Tiggo 7 Pro rounds out the top five, with 1,098 used examples sold, continuing the brand’s momentum on both the new and used markets. 

An average price of R392,860 reinforces its value proposition, while the average mileage of 24,085 km and two-year registration age suggest these vehicles still have plenty of life left.