Used VW Polo sales are under pressure as the second-hand vehicle market experiences a noticeable slump, with South African motorists beginning to favour brand-new cars again. With the high costs of motoring and rising interest rates affecting affordability, used cars were once the obvious solution for price-conscious consumers. But in 2025, the tide is turning.
An increasing number of buyers are now opting for new vehicles over second-hand models, and the reasons are clear. The growing availability of budget-friendly cars imported from India and China is reshaping consumer behavior. These vehicles offer excellent value, competitive warranties, and modern features, giving legacy brands like Volkswagen stiff competition in the sub R300,000 bracket.
According to TransUnion’s Q1 2025 Mobility Insights Report, more South Africans would prefer buying an entry-level new Chinese or Indian vehicle than a pre-owned car from a traditional Western brand.
The Polo Predicament
The VW Polo, once a go-to choice for budget-conscious families and first-time buyers, is now feeling the heat. Brand new, the Polo starts at R373,800, a figure that pushes many would-be buyers into the second-hand market. On platforms like AutoTrader, a used Polo averages R268,688, typically with around 74,032km on the odometer and nearing or past the expiry of its 3-year warranty and service plan.
But what if you could spend the same money, or less, and drive off in a new car with zero mileage, full warranty coverage, and a fresh service plan?
That’s no longer a hypothetical question.
New vs Used: Why Go New?
Choosing a new car brings several advantages:
- Full warranty coverage
- No prior wear and tear
- Zero mileage
- Latest tech and safety features
- Peace of mind on mechanical reliability
For example, the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro, priced around R269,900, offers a 5-year, 150,000km warranty, a 10-year, 1-million km engine warranty, and a 3-year, 30,000km service plan, a level of cover almost unheard of in the second-hand market.
10 New Cars for the Price of a Used VW Polo
Below is a comparison of new vehicles in 2025 that match the average price of a used VW Polo:
| Car Model | Price (R) | Power | Fuel Consumption | Warranty | Service Plan |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan Magnite 1.0 Visia Auto | 263,200 | 53kW, 96Nm | 5.9l, 100km | 6-year, 150,000km | 3-year, 30,000km |
| Kia Picanto 1.0 LX Manual | 260,995 | 49kW, 95Nm | 5.1l, 100km | 5-year, unlimited km | 2-year, 30,000km |
| Renault Kiger 1.0 Zen | 264,999 | 52kW, 96Nm | 5.3l, 100km | 5-year, 150,000km | 2-year, 30,000km |
| Citroen C3 1.2 Max | 262,900 | 60kW, 115Nm | 5.6l, 100km | 5-year, 100,000km | 2-year, 30,000km |
| Honda Amaze 1.2 Trend | 254,900 | 66kW, 110Nm | 5.5l, 100km | 5-year, 200,000km | 4-year, 60,000km |
| Toyota Starlet 1.5 Xi | 258,000 | 77kW, 138Nm | 5.4l, 100km | 3-year, 100,000km | 3 services, 45,000km |
| Mahindra XUV 3XO 1.2T MX2 Manual | 259,999 | 82kW, 200Nm | 5.3l, 100km | 5-year, 150,000km | 3-year, 55,000km |
| Suzuki Baleno 1.5 GL Manual | 266,900 | 77kW, 138Nm | 5.4l, 100km | 5-year, 200,000km | 4-year, 60,000km |
| Chery Tiggo 4 Pro 1.5 LiT Manual | 269,900 | 83kW, 138Nm | 7.0l, 100km | 5-year, 150,000km + 10-year, 1-million km engine | 3-year, 30,000km |
| Hyundai Exter 1.2 Premium Manual | 269,900 | 61kW, 114Nm | 5.7l, 100km | 5-year, 150,000km + 7-year, 200,000km drivetrain | 3-year, 45,000k |
The era of treating second-hand cars as the only budget-friendly option is coming to an end. Thanks to competitive pricing and extended warranties, many new vehicles on the market today are a smarter, safer, and more practical investment than a used model, even a beloved brand like the VW Polo. For those seeking value for money and long-term peace of mind, buying new is no longer a luxury, it’s common sense.
Related article: The Cars South Africans Dream Of vs. What They Actually Buy: Aspiration vs. Affordability
