When shopping the used car market in South Africa, it’s easy to fall into the trap of following trends. Popular models like the VW Polo, Toyota Corolla, and Hyundai i20 are household names — and for good reason — but they’re not the only smart options out there.
There’s an entire world of underrated used cars offering exceptional reliability, comfort, safety, and long-term value that fly under the radar simply because they aren’t backed by big marketing budgets or mainstream hype.
In this long-form article, we highlight 7 often-overlooked used car models available in South Africa that deserve a second glance. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, budget-conscious family, or seasoned commuter, these vehicles combine affordability with surprising capability.
1. Suzuki Ignis (2017–2022)
- Why It’s Overlooked: It’s quirky and compact — often mistaken for a hatch, not a crossover
- What Makes It Valuable: High ground clearance, low fuel consumption, and excellent reliability
- Ideal For: Urban commuters, students, and young professionals
The Ignis blends SUV posture with hatchback running costs. It’s small in footprint but big on personality and practicality. You get 180 mm of ground clearance — more than some compact crossovers — and its fuel economy is among the best in the class at ~4.9L/100km.
Despite its unconventional design, the Ignis is a fun-to-drive, fuss-free city car with great resale and low insurance costs. Service parts are affordable, and Suzuki’s growing dealer network makes ownership easy.
Hidden Bonus:
Its turning radius is incredibly tight — ideal for maneuvering through tight parking lots or city traffic.
2. Opel Astra K (2016–2019)
- Why It’s Overlooked: Opel’s brand presence has faded in recent years
- What Makes It Valuable: German engineering, refined interior, and responsive turbocharged engines
- Ideal For: Drivers who want a European hatchback feel without the VW price tag
The Astra K generation brought a significant leap in quality over its predecessors. With 1.0L and 1.4L turbocharged petrol options, it delivers punchy acceleration and excellent fuel economy. Inside, it feels upscale — soft-touch materials, well-bolstered seats, and a user-friendly infotainment system.
Compared to a Golf or Focus, you’ll pay less for a well-specced Astra — yet you’ll enjoy similar build quality and ride comfort.
Watch Out For:
Some units were fleet cars, so be sure to check service history and interior wear before purchase.
3. Mahindra KUV100 NXT (2018–2022)
- Why It’s Overlooked: Mahindra is more known for bakkies than passenger cars
- What Makes It Valuable: Low maintenance costs, rugged simplicity, and high ground clearance
- Ideal For: First-time car owners and families in rural areas
The KUV100 doesn’t aim to be flashy — it aims to be practical. It features a durable 1.2L petrol engine, raised suspension, and simple mechanicals. With a high seating position, loads of cabin space, and a generous 243L boot (expandable), it’s ideal for everyday utility use.
In rural towns and small cities, this vehicle makes a lot of sense. It’s affordable to buy, easy to fix, and fuel-efficient without being underpowered.
Extra Point:
It’s one of the few budget cars that offers genuine 5-seat space thanks to its flat floor design.
4. Fiat Panda (2014–2018)
- Why It’s Overlooked: Fiat’s limited footprint in SA and small car bias
- What Makes It Valuable: Quirky design, agile city handling, and surprising interior room
- Ideal For: City dwellers and minimalists
The Panda may be small, but it’s mighty when it comes to functionality. With clever interior design and plenty of glass for visibility, it makes navigating traffic or tight parking spots a breeze.
Its 0.9L TwinAir engine is known for being punchy yet frugal, and while the design is unique, it’s backed by Fiat’s proven engineering. This is a fantastic urban runabout with personality.
Value Insight:
Because it’s uncommon, Pandas often go for significantly less than rivals like the Kia Picanto or Hyundai i10 — making them smart picks for bargain hunters.
5. Peugeot 2008 (2015–2018)
- Why It’s Overlooked: Peugeot’s past reliability stigma still lingers
- What Makes It Valuable: Premium ride comfort, stylish design, and feature-rich trims
- Ideal For: Budget-conscious buyers who want a Euro-styled SUV feel
The Peugeot 2008 is quietly one of the best-kept secrets in the used compact crossover segment. It offers loads of tech, including panoramic sunroofs, touchscreen interfaces, and multi-mode traction control in higher trims. The 1.2L PureTech engine delivers strong performance and solid fuel efficiency.
While earlier Peugeots may have struggled with parts availability, newer models benefit from improved support in SA, making them much more viable as daily drivers.
Smart Buy Tip:
Go for the Active or Allure trims — they usually come loaded with features for a fraction of the price you’d pay elsewhere.
6. Chevrolet Sonic (2012–2016)
- Why It’s Overlooked: Chevrolet’s exit from the SA market
- What Makes It Valuable: Solid build quality, zippy performance, and surprisingly good infotainment
- Ideal For: Students, first-time buyers, and young professionals
The Sonic replaced the Aveo with a sharper design, better materials, and a much-improved ride. With engine choices including a 1.6L naturally aspirated and a peppy 1.4 turbo, the Sonic is fun to drive without guzzling fuel.
Even though Chevrolet is no longer active in SA, the Sonic shares parts with other global GM platforms, so maintenance remains surprisingly affordable.
Worth Noting:
The Sonic hatchback version also offers impressive boot space for its size — making it a very functional urban commuter.
7. Chery Tiggo 4 Pro (2021–Present, Used Units Emerging)
- Why It’s Overlooked: Buyers still warming up to Chinese brands
- What Makes It Valuable: Loaded with features, long warranties, and standout value for money
- Ideal For: Families upgrading from a hatchback or sedan
The Tiggo 4 Pro is one of the most impressive budget crossovers currently on the market — and early used units are already showing up. With a 7-inch touchscreen, rear camera, Bluetooth, 6 airbags, and ESP all as standard, it punches way above its weight class.
While some buyers remain hesitant about Chinese brands, Chery has significantly improved its local footprint, customer service, and quality. And for what you pay, the tech, styling, and cabin space make this car an incredible used option.
Tip:
Look for units with full service histories from official Chery dealerships to retain warranty benefits.
Bonus Section: What to Consider When Buying an Underrated Used Car
- Service Network: Does the manufacturer still offer parts and support?
- Fuel Economy vs. Performance: Small engines are cheaper, but may not suit long-distance or highway drivers.
- Insurance Costs: Quieter brands often result in lower premiums.
- Resale Value: Some of these cars offer low entry costs but don’t retain high resale. If that’s a concern, prioritize well-known models.
- Spare Parts Availability: Stick to vehicles that share platforms with other popular models to make part sourcing easier.
Final Thoughts: The Road Less Travelled Pays Off
In a country where vehicle ownership is often tied to reputation and resale hype, there’s great value in going against the grain. Each of the seven cars listed here may not be crowd favourites — but they’re all reliable, affordable, and more capable than people give them credit for.
Whether it’s the high-tech Tiggo, the quirky Panda, or the sturdy KUV100, these cars challenge the notion that value only comes from familiar names.
