New vs used vehicles: who’s really winning?
Lightstone data shows affordable new vehicles are shifting demand, placing pressure on used prices while influencing finance and sales strategies. As buyer profiles evolve across generations, success increasingly depends on aligning pricing, product and positioning to a more value-driven, comparison-led market.
Are affordable new vehicles putting pressure on used car prices?
Affordable new vehicles, particularly from Chinese and Indian manufacturers, are changing the dynamics between new and used car markets. Lightstone data shows that as competitively priced models gain share, used vehicles have begun retaining less value, while the weighted average price of new cars has stabilised.
Read MoreFrom Baby Boomers to Gen Z, used vehicles lead
Used vehicles dominated purchases across all generations between 2019 and 2025 as rising prices and affordability pressures influenced buyer behaviour.
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Buoyant new vehicle market in SA hits early 2026 milestone
South Africa’s new vehicle market has gained strong momentum in 2026, with sales rising 9.8% year-on-year.
Read MoreFour buyer personas shaping SA’s vehicle market
Lightstone Auto has identified four buyer personas shaping South Africa’s vehicle market, from the value-driven Gen Z to lifestyle-led retirees.
