Looking for a cheapie for yourself, your newly graduated matric, or just a little runabout that won't cost the earth to keep on the road? We've selected a few cars known for their reliability and low running costs.
Click on the links to be taken straight to the AutoTrader site. We've already filtered the results for ultra-lazy virtual car shopping from the comfort of your couch.
Kia Rio hatch
The Kio Rio hatch has received multiple accolades, the most important being a gold IPSOS quality award. Kia Rio owners are happy with their purchase and have little to complain about.
Martin compares the Suzuki Baleno to the Kia Rio and Hyundai i20 in this article.
(Need something smaller? Don't forget about the Kia Picanto, but be sure to ask which model year it is; earlier models didn't have ABS as standard in the entry-level models. (New Picantos have ABS as standard.)
Hyundai Grand i10
One of my favourite small cars with a surprising amount of space on the second row. The Hyundai Grand i10 is also immensely fun to drive. (Also see Hyundai i20s for R100k or less here.)
If you're lucky you may even find a relatively new, facelifted Hyundai Atos 1.1 Motion for under R100 000, or just above.
Got even less to spend? The old Hyundai Atos Prime GLS can be bought from around R40k but watch out for high mileage. Search here for one.
Related: Here's everything you need to know about the Hyundai Grand i10.
Honda Brio
Honda doesn't disappoint with their little city runabout. Expect Honda build quality, cheap servicing and user-friendliness, especially for new drivers and pensioners. The Honda Brio is a no-brainer!
Related: Here are the top 4 things you need to know about it.
Toyota Etios
The Toyota Etios or Etios Cross is another safe and hardy little car if not the best looking, but I think the Cross model aged quite well from a looks perspective. It also offers good performance for its segment if you value a bit of extra power. We also recommend reading The complete guide to buying, owning and selling your Toyota Etios.
Also, consider the Toyota Aygo. It's extremely light on petrol!
Volkswagen Up!
One of the safest small cars on our roads, the Volkswagen Up! has 6 airbags and stability control. A winner if you need upmarket Volkswagen style on a tiny budget.
Volkswagen Polo Vivo
If you're concerned about resale value, you can't really go wrong with a Volkswagen Polo Vivo. These cars are always in demand, and running costs are low.
Related: Are VW Polo parts expensive?
Ford Figo
The Ford Figo is a practical, fuel-efficient little runabout and is a sought-after used car, especially by motoring experts. The diesel models will save you pocket's full of diesel money!
Suzuki Swift
We loved the older Suzuki Swift for its fun-to-drive demeanour. Some great deals are available on used models! We also recommend reading the Top 6 things you need to know about the Suzuki Swift.
Other cheap and reliable Suzuki's to consider include the Suzuki Alto and the Celerio. Search for these models under R100k here.
Honda Jazz
The Honda Jazz represents everything that Honda stands for: excellent build quality, an engine that will stand the test of time, and a practical, spacious interior—ideal for active families and couples. Find out everything you need to know about the Honda Jazz here.
Renault Sandero 66kW Turbo
The turbocharged Renault Sandero is one of the safest small cars on this list, with stability control as standard. As for consumption, this little Frenchman is a fuel economy champ. Here's what you need to know about it.
We also pitted the Renault Sandero against the Suzuki Baleno and Ford Figo in this article.
Fiat 500
The Fiat 500 may not be as inexpensive to service as other cars on this list, but it offers plenty of style on a budget, stability control and seven airbags!
In need of something bigger? Find out everything you need to know about the Fiat 500X here.
(Also consider the Peugeot 107and Mazda 2.)
Have we missed a car you covet?
Search all hatchbacks on AutoTrader with less than 80 000 km for under R100 000 here.
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