Our editorial team has concluded its selection of Top 12 Best Used Buys for 2025 ahead of the year, making this a definitive guide for prospective buyers seeking an upgraded set of wheels. Have a look at our selections below and click on each article link for more details and information.
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Budget Car
The third-generation Suzuki Swift gets our nod in this highly budget-conscious category.
Top 12 Best Used Buys 2025: Budget Car – Suzuki Swift
Budget Crossover
The first-generation Toyota Urban Cruiser arrived in South Africa in 2021, but its tenure was cut short due to Suzuki HQ culling the Vitara Brezza crossover on which it was based.
Top 12 Best Used Buys 2025: Budget Crossover – Toyota Urban Cruiser
Small Car
Widely regarded as South Africa’s top budget car, the Volkswagen Polo Vivo garnered an immense reputation since arriving in 2010.
Top 12 Best Used Buys 2025: Small Car – VW Polo Vivo
Compact Crossover
The Volkswagen T-Cross has been a compact crossover staple on SA roads since 2019, and has undergone some subtle but notable updates in recent months.
Top 12 Best Used Buys 2025: Compact Crossover – Volkswagen T-Cross
Midsize Car
Based on the Corolla sedan, the Quest has proven to be a massive hit among consumers thanks to its combination of spacious interior, solid build and competitive pricing.
Top 12 Best Used Buys 2025: Midsize Car – Toyota Corolla Quest
Midsize SUV
Often underrated, the solid and stylish Mazda CX-5 has always had the tough task of convincing local buyers of its prowess, but it makes a compelling case as a used buy.
Top 12 Best Used Buys 2025: Midsize SUV – Mazda CX-5
Premium Midsize Car
The current (G20) BMW 3 Series arrived in SA in 2019, and underwent an extensive update in 2022. This premium sedan melds involving driving dynamics and impressive levels of comfort, making it an all-around favourite at CAR.
Top 12 Best Used Buys 2025: Premium Midsize Car – BMW 3 Series
Premium Midsize SUV
The Sorento is the headline product in Kia South Africa’s portfolio, comprising several models. All derivatives are powered by a 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine and power outputs come in at a decent 148 kW/440 N.m, channelled to either the front wheels or all four corners via an eight-speed self-shifter.
Top 12 Best Used Buys 2025: Premium Midsize SUV – Kia Sorento
Adventure SUV
The Fortuner has been widely held as the benchmark Adventure SUV in SA since its introduction some two decades ago, consistently selling thousands of units and winning customers over with its no-nonsense approach.
Top 12 Best Used Buys 2025: Adventure SUV– Toyota Fortuner
Luxury SUV
Though the current BMW X5 has been on sale since 2019, it’s always managed to stay in the game with its appealing design, high-tech features, and strong engines.
Top 12 Best Used Buys 2025: Luxury SUV – BMW X5
Performance Car
The BMW M2 first arrived in 2016 and was widely praised for its drivability and gutsy performance. Several iterations of BMW’s 3.0-litre straight-six turbocharged petrol engines powered the M2, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission or a six-speed manual.
Top 12 Best Used Buys 2025: Performance Car – BMW M2
Double-Cab Bakkies
As one of South Africa’s favourite vehicles, the Toyota Hilux is a proven quantity and one that will not leave owners in the lurch. With its proven engines – shared with the Fortuner – and rock-solid underpinnings, it has built an almost cult following among bakkie aficionados.
Top 12 Best Used Buys 2025: Double Cab – Toyota Hilux
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The post All of the CAR Magazine Top 12 Best Used Buys for 2025 appeared first on CAR Magazine.
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