The Most Affordable Cars to Buy in South Africa in 2025
Buying a car in South Africa in 2025 doesn't have to break the bank. With the rising cost of living and fluctuating fuel prices, finding an affordable car that suits your budget is essential. Whether you're a first-time buyer, a student, or someone looking for a reliable second car, there are plenty of budget-friendly options available on the market. Here’s a list of the most affordable cars you can buy in South Africa in 2025, considering both price and value for money.
1. Suzuki S-Presso
Starting Price: R165,900
The Suzuki S-Presso continues to be one of the most affordable cars in South Africa. Known for its quirky design and compact size, the S-Presso is perfect for city driving. Despite its low price, it comes with essential features like a touchscreen infotainment system, reverse parking sensors, and dual airbags.
Key Features:
- 1.0-litre petrol engine
- Fuel consumption: 4.9L/100km
- Touchscreen infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Why It’s a Great Buy: The S-Presso is fuel-efficient and has low running costs, making it ideal for budget-conscious buyers.
2. Renault Kwid
Starting Price: R174,999
The Renault Kwid is another popular choice among South African buyers looking for an affordable car. Its modern design and high ground clearance give it a mini-SUV appearance, making it a stylish option in the budget segment.
Key Features:
- 1.0-litre petrol engine
- Fuel consumption: 4.7L/100km
- Touchscreen infotainment system
Why It’s a Great Buy: The Kwid offers a good balance of affordability, style, and practicality, making it a top choice for first-time car buyers.
3. Toyota Agya
Starting Price: R200,000
Toyota is known for its reliability, and the Agya is no exception. This compact hatchback is perfect for everyday driving and comes with Toyota’s trusted after-sales service and resale value.
Key Features:
- 1.0-litre petrol engine
- Fuel consumption: 4.8L/100km
- Automatic and manual transmission options
Why It’s a Great Buy: The Agya is a reliable, no-fuss vehicle with excellent resale value and low maintenance costs.
4. Hyundai Atos
Starting Price: R199,900
The Hyundai Atos is a practical and affordable hatchback that has made a comeback in the South African market. It offers a spacious interior and a modern infotainment system at a budget-friendly price.
Key Features:
- 1.1-litre petrol engine
- Fuel consumption: 5.7L/100km
- Touchscreen infotainment with Bluetooth connectivity
Why It’s a Great Buy: The Atos provides great value for money with a solid warranty and after-sales support from Hyundai.
5. Kia Picanto
Starting Price: R215,000
The Kia Picanto is a well-known name in the compact car segment. It’s a stylish and practical car with a reputation for reliability and excellent customer service.
Key Features:
- 1.0-litre and 1.2-litre engine options
- Fuel consumption: 4.9L/100km
- Touchscreen infotainment system
Why It’s a Great Buy: The Picanto offers a combination of style, performance, and affordability, making it a popular choice among young drivers.
6. Datsun Go
Starting Price: R190,000
The Datsun Go has been a staple in the budget car segment in South Africa. It’s a no-frills car that offers basic transportation at an affordable price.
Key Features:
- 1.2-litre petrol engine
- Fuel consumption: 5.0L/100km
- Infotainment system with Bluetooth
Why It’s a Great Buy: The Datsun Go is one of the cheapest cars to maintain, making it an ideal option for budget-conscious buyers.
7. VW Polo Vivo
Starting Price: R245,000
The VW Polo Vivo is one of South Africa’s best-selling cars. Although it’s slightly more expensive than other cars on this list, it offers superior build quality, reliability, and resale value.
Key Features:
- 1.4-litre petrol engine
- Fuel consumption: 5.7L/100km
- Infotainment system with Bluetooth
Why It’s a Great Buy: The Polo Vivo is a solid investment due to its popularity, reliability, and strong resale value.
Final Thoughts
When buying a car in South Africa in 2025, it’s important to consider more than just the upfront price. Look at factors like fuel efficiency, maintenance costs, and resale value to get the best deal. The cars listed above are some of the most affordable and reliable options on the market, making them perfect for budget-conscious buyers.
At Carque, we’re here to help you find your next car. Whether you’re looking for a compact city car or a family-friendly vehicle, you can browse a wide range of affordable cars from trusted dealers on our platform.
Start your car search today on Carque and find the perfect car for your budget!