What To Buy: 5 Good Used SUVs Under R150 000
If you are shopping for a used SUV with a budget of under R150 000, what buying strategy should you use and what good used SUVs should you consider? Let’s take a closer look!
Cars.co.za has thousands of used SUVs for sale in South Africa, but if your budget is limited to under R150 000, what are your options?
Buying a used SUV under R150 000 is a difficult task, for various reasons. Used cars in this price bracket are typically older, have higher mileage and are generally well-used.
However, if you apply an appropriate buying strategy, you’ll be able to identify used SUVs that are worth a closer look.
Strategy for buying good used SUVs under R150 000
If your goal is to buy the best possible used SUV for under R150 000 then we suggest that you apply the following strategy in your search.
1. Set Parameters
Knowing what your non-negotiables are will help you fast-track your search for a good used SUV. If you stick to your parameters, you’ll immediately eliminate cars that are of no interest to you.
For this article, we want to find used cars, specifically good used SUVs under R150 000 that are in fair-to-good condition, not older than 10 years (2014-2024) and with mileages under 100 000 km. These parameters can easily be selected when using the Cars.co.za Used Car Search Tool.
For this article, our Body Type parameters will include “SUV” and “Crossover” to include compact SUVs.
2. Pay attention to the details
Pay close attention to details such as ownership history, service history and the general condition of both the exterior and interior of the vehicle. Do these details match the asking price? If not, you might have some room to negotiate!
3. Search!
Search for a used car on Cars.co.za!
The Search Results: Used SUVs Under R150 000 km
By combining the above buying strategy with our knowledge and experience of the cars on offer, here are 5 good used SUVs that we think you should consider at under R150 000, in no particular order.
Hyundai ix35
We Like: Practicality, reliability, good standard spec, fuel efficiency
We Don’t Like: Lack of ESC on FWD derivatives.
The Hyundai ix35, on sale in South Africa from 2010 to 2016, is a good used SUV to consider for under R150 000 and there are currently numerous examples available with mileage below 100 000km!
The Hyundai ix35 has a good reputation for reliability and affordable running costs while parts are also easily available. In 2010, the ix35 arrived with both petrol and diesel engines on offer including 122 kW / 197 Nm 2.0-litre and 130 kW / 383 Nm 2.4-litre petrol engine as well as a pair of 130 kW 2.0-litre turbodiesel engines. The iX35 was offered with a 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission.
In 2014, the updated ix35 arrived with a new 2.0-litre petrol engine and a 1.7-litre turbodiesel engine paired with a 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic transmission. The diesel engines used in the ix35 are notably fuel efficient.
See our Hyundai ix35 (2010-2016) Buyer’s Guide
Buy a used Hyundai ix35 on Cars.co.za
Renault Captur
We Like: Stylish looks, practical interior, good fuel economy
We Don’t Like: Sluggish acceleration, some cheap interior finishes
For those seeking a stylish compact SUV, perhaps the Renault Captur will “capture” your heart. The Captur arrived in South Africa in 2015 with 2 engines on offer including a 66 kW / 135 Nm 0.9-litre, 3-cylinder turbopetrol engine mated with a 5 manual transmission and a 88 kW / 190 Nm 1.2-litre turbopetrol engine mated with a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
An updated Renault Captur arrived in 2017 with the fresh styling and features as well as a 66 kW / 220 Nm 1.5-litre turbodiesel engine, which soon became the pick of the range. A new-generation Captur broke cover in 2019 but the new Captur only arrived in South Africa in 2023 with the facelifted Captur expected to reach the local market in 2025.
Buy a used Renault Captur on Cars.co.za
Ford EcoSport
We Like: Compact package, soft-roading ability, fuel economy (diesel engine)
We Don’t Like: Small boot, side-hinged rear door
One of the Renault Captur’s main rivals is the ever popular Ford EcoSport! Yes, EcoSport production ended in 2023 and was discontinued but there are numerous low-mileage examples still available on the used car market.
The EcoSport was introduced in 2013 with a 82 kW / 138 Nm 1.5-litre petrol engine mated with either a 5-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic transmission. A 92 kW / 170 Nm 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine was also offered alongside a 66 kW (later uprated to 74 kW) / 205 Nm 1.5-litre turbodiesel engine, both paired with a 5-speed manual transmission.
When the facelifted EcoSport arrived in 2018, the 1.5-litre petrol engine fell away and Ford shelved the problematic dual-clutch transmission in favour of a torque converter automatic. The 1.0-litre Ecoboost engine became the primary petrol engine alongside the familiar diesel engine, which was only available in Ambiente trim. A new 91 kW / 150 Nm 1.5-litre, 3-cylinder petrol base EcoSport arrived later in the same year with a 6-speed automatic transmission arriving in 2020. A pair of special edition derivatives followed ( EcoSport Black and EcoSport Active) before the model was put out to pasture.
See our Ford EcoSport (2013 – 2023) Buyer’s Guide
Buy a used Ford EcoSport on Cars.co.za
Suzuki Ignis
We Like: Sprightly performance, fuel efficiency, fuss-free motoring
We Don’t Like: Top-heavy handling
Considered to be a compact crossover, the pint-sized Suzuki Ignis is worth considering. The Ignis is powered by Suzuki’s familiar 1.2-litre petrol engine with 61 kW and 113 Nm and is paired with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic. Fuel economy and affordable running costs are a major drawcard for considering the Ignis.
An updated Ignis arrived in 2020 and despite its seemingly compact dimensions, the Ignis’ cabin is surprisingly spacious and practical. There are a wide selection of used Suzuki Ignis’ available on Cars.co.za.
Buy a used Suzuki Ignis on Cars.co.za
Opel Crossland
We Like: Good build quality, practicality, ride quality
We Don’t Like: Bland styling
The Opel Crossland X arrived in South Africa in 2017 with 2 engine choices on offer including a 60 kW / 118 Nm naturally-aspirated 1.2-litre petrol engine (mated with a 5-speed manual transmission) as well as a 81 kW / 205 Nm 1.2-litre turbopetrol engine, offered with a 5-speed manual and 6-speed automatic transmission.
An updated Crossland came to market in 2021.
While low-mileage examples under R150k are scarce, they do exist and while Opel is a relatively small brand in South Africa, the Crossland is a quality product that’s often overlooked.