Cheapest used cars to own and maintain in SA 

Affordability goes beyond purchase price. We’ve checked the numbers and chosen some of the cheapest used cars to own and maintain for South Africans. When all expenses are factored into the ownership equation.

Buying a used car that is genuinely cheap to own in South Africa means looking beyond the purchase price. You need to think total cost of ownership. That includes fuel, routine maintenance, spare parts availability, repair costs, insurance and depreciation. This is why knowing which are the cheapest used cars to own and maintain, is so important.

Based on the most recent market and insurer data, the models that keep running costs low are small, simple city cars and a few proven compact hatchbacks. We outline the best value options, why they are cheap to run here, and a short buying checklist. These are some of the cheapest used cars to own and maintain.

Toyota Vitz / Yaris (older models):

Toyota remains synonymous with reliability and a strong local parts and servicing network.

Vitz and older Yaris models are ubiquitous on the used market, which keeps parts inexpensive and mechanics familiar with common faults. They also return modest insurance premiums compared to larger or higher-performance cars. These factors combine to make Toyota’s small hatchbacks one of the most affordable cars to own in the long term in South Africa.

The Vitz is, of course, a rebadged Suzuki Celerio, while only the high-performance Yaris is still available as a new model. However, in the used market, the previous generations of Yaris are sought-after cars.

Volkswagen Polo Vivo

The Polo Vivo is a market staple in South Africa. Because it is so ubiquitous, parts supply is good and independent workshops are comfortable servicing them, which helps keep labour and parts bills down.

Insurers commonly list the Polo Vivo among the lower premium models. However, the Vivo is also a known theft risk, so insurance premiums can vary significantly depending on your location. And how your car is parked overnight. Residual values are steady, so you will not suffer extreme depreciation if you sell later. 

Suzuki Celerio and Suzuki S-Presso

Suzuki’s tiny city cars have very low fuel consumption and straightforward mechanical layouts. Insurers often list the Suzuki Celerio and S-Presso as among the cheapest cars to run and insure. Low running costs and very affordable parts make them good candidates for budget buyers. 

Renault Kwid

The Kwid is a low-cost city car with a simple engine and very cheap parts in the South African market. Kwid is one of the models with the lowest running costs for second-hand buyers. Bear in mind that while parts are inexpensive, Renault dealer coverage is less extensive than that of Toyota or Volkswagen in some regions. 

Hyundai i10 / Grand i10 and Kia Picanto

Hyundai and Kia city cars offer competitive new pricing, competent factory warranties for later model cars, and an improving parts network. For used buyers, the Grand i10 and Picanto are economical to run and inexpensive to insure in most cases. They represent good balance between features and low ownership costs.

Ford Figo

The Figo is often cited for low running costs and reasonable resale values in the small car segment. Simple engines and widespread workshop familiarity keep servicing costs moderate. It is a pragmatic option if you prefer something locally common from a mainstream brand. Figo has been discontinued locally, though, so they are cheap to run – for now. But as the fleet ages and parts supply narrows, things could change in the future.

Why do these cars cost less to own?

Availability of parts and familiarity among independent mechanics are the two most significant drivers of low maintenance costs. The more common a model, the lower the labour and parts premiums you will pay when routine servicing or repairs are needed. 

Small engines also generally use less fuel and attract lower insurance premiums than larger or more powerful high-performance engines. Finally, models that retain predictable resale values help limit long-term ownership costs because depreciation is a known quantity rather than a surprise. The AA’s vehicle cost tools and market data providers show how these factors translate into lower Rand-per-kilometre ownership figures. 

Insurance and running-cost perspective

Insurance premiums vary based on the make, model, trim, and the driver’s profile. Additionally, where you live and how your car is parked overnight have a significant influence on insurance pricing.

South African insurance blogs and price calculators consistently show that micro and small hatchbacks, such as the Suzuki S-Presso, Renault Kwid, Polo Vivo, and Toyota Yaris, sit among the cheapest models to insure.

It does depend on where you live, though. And whether your car is garaged or not. For all its benefits, the Vivo is a high theft risk vehicle, and in certain areas, insurance for it can be significantly above the class average.

Using a reputable insurer or a usage-based offering can lower premiums further, while shopping around matters much more for inexpensive models than for premium cars. 

Final notes

Market conditions, fuel prices, and insurance premiums change, so check current insurer quotes and recent local classifieds before committing.

The latest South African market roundups and insurance lists consistently highlight small Toyota, Volkswagen, Suzuki, Hyundai, and Renault city cars and small hatchbacks as the most affordable options for used-car buyers seeking low ongoing costs. 

The cheapest used cars to own and maintain is a valuable list and category for buyers. Because car ownership in South Africa is about so much more, than just an online listed retail price.