Why Buy Used? 10 New Cars You Can Get for the Price of a VW Polo
- Many South African buyers are choosing new, affordable cars over high-priced used models, with Chinese and Indian brands leading the trend
- The average used VW Polo now sells for roughly the same price as several brand-new hatchbacks and crossovers that come with full warranties and service plans
- Models like the Tata Punch and MG3 show that buyers no longer have to compromise on reliability or peace of mind when sticking to a Polo-sized budget

Source: Getty Images
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SOUTH AFRICA - Many South African motorists are shifting away from the used-car market, drawn instead to affordable new models from emerging Chinese and Indian brands. While second-hand vehicles have traditionally offered a budget-friendly option, these new entrants now compete closely on price, often undercutting legacy brands.
A report by TopAuto indicated that a recent TransUnion study shows a growing number of households prefer a new, low-cost Chinese car over a high-mileage, used model from established manufacturers.
How much is a used VW Polo?
The Volkswagen Polo, a perennial favourite, is a case in point. The average used Polo in South Africa sells for R269,709, typically around four years old with almost 70,000km on the odometer.
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For similar money, buyers can now get brand-new vehicles complete with full warranties and service plans. Models such as the Tata Punch and MG3 offer comparable pricing while including a 3-year/45,000km service plan, which many used Polo buyers miss out on.
New cars around the price of a used VW Polo
Model | Starting Price | Power | Fuel Consumption | Warranty | Service Plan |
Honda Amaze 1.2 Trend | R254,900 | 66kW/110Nm | 5.5l/100km | 5-year/200,000km | 4-year/60,000km |
Mahindra XUV 3XO 1.2T MX2 | R259,999 | 82kW/200Nm | 5.3l/100km | 5-year/150,000km | 3-year/55,000km |
Suzuki Baleno 1.5 GL | R267,900 | 77kW/138Nm | 5.4l/100km | 5-year/200,000km | 4-year/60,000km |
Toyota Starlet 1.5 Xi | R268,300 | 77kW/138Nm | 5.4l/100km | 3-year/100,000km | 3-services/45,000km |
Nissan Magnite 1.0 Visia Auto | R269,200 | 53kW/96Nm | 5.9l/100km | 6-year/150,000km | 3-year/30,000km |
Citroen C3 1.2 Max | R269,500 | 60kW/115Nm | 5.6l/100km | 5-year/100,000km | 2-year/30,000km |
Hyundai Exter 1.2 Premium | R269,900 | 61kW/114Nm | 5.7l/100km | 5-year/150,000km + 7-year/200,000km drivetrain | 3-year/45,000km |
Chery Tiggo 4 Pro 1.5 LiT | R269,900 | 83kW/138Nm | 7.0l/100km | 5-year/150,000km + 10-year/1-million km engine | 3-year/30,000km |
MG MG3 1.5 Comfort | R269,900 | 81kW/142Nm | 6.0l/100km | 7-year/200,000km | 3-year/45,000km |
Tata Punch 1.2 Adventure + S | R269,900 | 65kW/115Nm | 5.3l/100km | 5-year/125,000km | 3-year/45,000km |
So, the bottom line is, for the price of a used VW Polo, South African buyers can now opt for a brand-new car with a full warranty, lower running costs, and peace of mind.
Three articles on VW Polo
A massive sinkhole opened up in Cape Town, nearly engulfing a parked VW Polo as the tarmac collapsed beneath it, highlighting the danger posed by failing road infrastructure after heavy weather and ground erosion. Despite the dramatic nature of the incident, no serious injuries were immediately reported, and authorities urged motorists to steer clear of unstable road sections while inspections and repairs are carried out.
One motorist scored big at a car auction in Sandton by winning a Volkswagen Polo for just R37,000. The bargain purchase intrigued many online users, with some calling it a “great buy” and others questioning whether such low prices are realistic. Financial experts warn that while low upfront costs can be attractive, older auction vehicles may come with higher maintenance and repair costs over time.

Source: UGC
Briefly News also reported that a VW Polo owner in South Africa woke up to find all four of his car’s tyres stolen, leaving the vehicle propped up on bricks in his driveway. He shared a video of the aftermath on TikTok, where it quickly went viral and drew sympathy from online users, relieved that the car itself wasn’t taken.
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Proofreading by Kelly Lippke, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.
Source: Briefly News

