Not too long ago, Chinese cars were the punchline of many a South African braai joke, Cheap, cheerful and – in the eyes of sceptics – inferior. But according to new data from AutoTrader, that reputation has quietly fallen apart, especially in the used car market.
AutoTrader’s latest pricing and mileage figures show that Chinese brands are no longer fringe players. Instead, they are becoming some of the most sought-after second-hand vehicles on local roads, as buyers place growing trust in their quality, value and long-term ownership appeal.
Brands such as Chery, Haval and Omoda have steadily rewritten the narrative. While early models struggled to compete with established European, Japanese and Korean rivals, today’s Chinese vehicles offer comparable build quality, strong safety ratings and generous standard features – often at significantly lower prices.
As reported by Roadsafety, this shift is no longer limited to showroom floors. While Chinese brands continue to perform strongly in the new car market, with Omoda and Jaecoo selling nearly 2 500 vehicles in the third quarter of 2025 alone, the real surprise is how quickly they’ve gained traction in the used-vehicles space.
Leading the charge is the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro, which topped AutoTrader’s list of best-selling used Chinese vehicles in 2025. More than 3 100 used units changed hands last year, supported by an average price under R300 000 and relatively low mileage. Its wide range of trims and transmissions has helped it appeal to both first-time buyers and downsizers.
Close behind is the Haval Jolion, another compact SUV favourite. Although slightly pricier on average, AutoTrader’s data suggests used Jolion buyers are opting for higher-spec derivatives, reflecting a willingness to pay more for comfort and tech.
Chinese bakkies are also holding their own. The GWM P-Series emerged as one of the strongest performers, ranking not only among the top used Chinese vehicles, but also among South Africa’s best-selling used double cabs overall. With solid mileage figures and competitive pricing, it highlights how far confidence in Chinese workhorses has come.
Mid-size SUVs like the Haval H6 and Chery Tiggo 7 Pro continue to attract buyers looking for space and features without the premium price tag. Even older models, such as the discontinued Haval H2, remain popular, suggesting that trust in these brands now extends beyond their latest offerings.
One of the more telling entries is the Omoda C5. Despite being relatively new to the market, it has already made a strong showing in used sales. With very low average mileage and near-new pricing, AutoTrader’s figures indicate that buyers are increasingly comfortable investing in newer Chinese brands, not just established names.
According to AutoTrader CEO George Mienie, the shift reflects a bigger change in how South Africans shop for cars.
‘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,’ commented Mienie.
‘By focusing on tangible performance and visible benefits rather than legacy branding, they have capitalised on a shift in consumer behaviour. 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.’
As the data shows, Chinese vehicles are no longer an experiment for budget-conscious buyers; they are fast becoming mainstream choices.
| Models | Units sold | Price (R)Average | Mileage (km)Average | Registration AgeAverage |
| Chery Tiggo 4 Pro | 3,144 | R284,779 | 21,970 km | 2-years-old |
| Haval Jolion | 2,736 | R319,259 | 35,826 km | 3-years-old |
| GWM P-Series | 1,893 | R398,589 | 55,733 km | 3-years-old |
| Haval H6 | 1,501 | R411,878 | 34,522 km | 2-years-old |
| Chery Tiggo 7 Pro | 1,098 | R392,860 | 24,085 km | 2-years-old |
| Haval H2 | 1,063 | R217,435 | 77,031 km | 6-years-old |
| Omoda C5 | 806 | R376,703 | 7,946 km | 1-year-old |
| GWM Steed 5 | 789 | R203,231 | 77,565 km | 4-years-old |
| Chery Tiggo 8 Pro | 740 | R472,364 | 26,912 km | 2-years-old |
| Haval Jolion Pro | 712 | R407,891 | 5,276 km | 1-year-old |
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Picture: @_ArriveAlive / X
