Everybody wants a good deal, right? We realise that R150 000 these days is hardly a bargain, but if you want a car that isn't going to be a maintenance nightmare, we recommend something that isn't too cheap and long in the tooth, from a reputable brand.
Using AutoTrader, we selected models from 2020 (and younger) with no more than 50 000 km on the odometer, and here are our recommendations.
Hyundai Grand i10
Hyundai's Grand i10 is a refined little city slicker that is solidly built and fun to drive. We found examples of 1.0 models as young as 2023 with only 13 000 km on the clock for R139 000. (Since you're buying used, here are the top 8 Hyundai Grand i10 articles on AutoTrader.)
If you're lucky, you may even find a 1.2 model for sale, but being more powerful, they are slightly more expensive but still fall within our price cap.
Search for used Hyundai Grand i10 models with under 50 000 km here.
Suzuki Celerio
The Celerio is one of those small cars we always recommend for new drivers, thanks to its spacious cabin and boot, no-nonsense interior, and practical interior outlay. Your fuel will also last for an eternity, making it a win for those who are budget-conscious. (Here's everything you need to know about the Celerio.)
You can buy a used model for R137,900 using the criteria stipulated above.
Search for pre-loved, low-mileage Celerios on AutoTrader here.
Hyundai Atos
The Atos is a lekker little car—frugal, big enough inside, and small enough to worm yourself into any parking space, sufficiently peppy, and with all the mod cons a driver needs. Used models are priced way under R150 000, even models with low mileage. We found plenty of young, used Atos models priced around the R120 000 mark. (Find out just how good it is for new drivers here.)
Search for used Hyundai Atos models with under 50,000 km here.
Toyota Agya
Want a small car with a big attitude, loads of room (for a small car) and impressive safety features? The Agya looks cool, drives well, and sips on fuel like a bird on nectar. When we had one, we road-tripped all over Cape Town in it, and we were suitably impressed. (Here are top 3 things you need to know about it.)
We found low-mileage listings as low as R99 000!
Search for used Toyota Agya models under R150 000 here
Nissan Micra Active
The Nissan Micra was around for a very long time until Nissan finally pulled the plug in 2022, but luckily you can still find a few decent 4th-gen Micra Active 1.2 Visia models on AutoTrader from around R120 000.
Related: Should you buy a used Nissan Micra Active?
Search for pre-loved Nissan Micra models here.
