If you’re in the market to buy a used car, there’s a good chance you’ve considered going the automatic route. With the ever-growing traffic in South African cities and the appeal of effortless driving, automatic cars for sale are quickly climbing to the top of many buyers’ wishlists.
This may be the start of your search for ‘automatic cars for sale in South Africa’, a journey to upgrading (and trading in) your ride, or just looking for something with fewer pedals.
At Weelee (home to thousands of top-quality, low-kilometre, reliable vehicles), we’ve rounded up some of the best used automatic cars in Mzansi that offer reliability, performance, and great resale value.
Let’s shift into gear with our top-rated recommendations:
#1 Toyota Corolla Quest – Built to go the distance
Why it’s a winner: Reliable, affordable, and low on maintenance, the Corolla Quest is a solid choice for anyone looking to buy a used automatic car without any drama. It’s built for everyday driving and popular among fleet buyers and private owners.
Highlights:
- 1.6-litre petrol engine
- Smooth 4-speed automatic transmission
- Excellent fuel efficiency
- Parts are widely available.
Whether you’re doing the daily commute or running errands, the Quest delivers — and it holds its resale value surprisingly well.
Check out Weelee’s selection of Toyota Corolla Quest’s for sale now.
#2 Volkswagen Polo TSI DSG – A premium hatch with punch
Why it’s a winner: If you want more flair with your drive, the VW Polo TSI with DSG transmission offers the best of both worlds—sporty performance and automatic ease. It’s especially popular with young professionals who value both style and practicality.
Highlights:
- Turbocharged 1.0 or 1.2 TSI engine
- 7-speed DSG automatic gearbox
- Premium-feel interior
- Tech and safety features abound.
Grab yours, starting from R194 999, at Weelee Centurion.
#3 Hyundai i20 – The budget-conscious all-rounder
Why it’s a winner: The Hyundai i20 offers excellent value for money, modern styling, and a surprising amount of space. It’s perfect for city dwellers who want to buy used automatic cars for sale that aren’t dull.
Highlights:
- 1.4-litre engine with a 4-speed automatic
- Smart interior layout
- Excellent build quality
- Low running costs
Find your perfect i20 match at Weelee today.
#4 Ford EcoSport – Your compact SUV with attitude
Why it’s a winner: Are you after a compact SUV with a commanding view of the road that’s still affordable? The Ford EcoSport automatic is the people’s choice.
The mini‑SUV segment in South Africa, which includes the EcoSport, grew from 4% of total industry sales in 2015 to around 10% by 2020, with Ford confirming that the EcoSport has “dominated this class ever since”.
Highlights:
- Available in 1.0 EcoBoost or 1.5-litre petrol engines
- 6-speed automatic transmission
- Generous ground clearance
- Practical boot space.
Find the EcoSport that suits your pocket at Weelee Centurion now.
Watch our video comparing manual and automatic engine transmissions:
#5 Renault Kwid – Your budget-friendly, nippy crossover
Why it’s a winner: The Renault Kwid offers SUV-inspired styling and high ground clearance at an entry-level price. Its AMT (automated manual transmission) makes it one of the most affordable automatic cars for sale in South Africa — ideal for first-time buyers or urban commuters looking to buy a used car that ticks the essential boxes.
Highlights:
- 1.0-litre engine with 5-speed AMT
- Claimed fuel consumption: ±4.7 L/100 km
- SUV-inspired looks with 180 mm ground clearance
- Apple CarPlay/Android Auto in higher trims
- Low running and ownership costs
Find your Kwid match at Weelee today.
#6 Mazda CX-5 Automatic – A midsize SUV that does it all
Why it’s a winner:
Looking for a family-friendly SUV that doesn’t sacrifice driving pleasure? The Mazda CX-5 strikes the perfect balance. As one of South Africa’s best-selling midsize SUVs, it combines elegant styling with a premium, well-built interior and class-leading driving dynamics.
Known for its exceptional reliability, the CX-5 consistently receives high owner satisfaction ratings and ranks among the top picks in used SUV buyer guides globally.
Highlights:
- Choice of 2.0L or 2.5L SkyActiv-G petrol engines
- 6-speed automatic transmission with smooth, responsive shifts
- Elegant cabin finish and class-above interior materials
- Excellent resale value and a strong reputation for long-term durability
If you want a stylish SUV with some real driving character, the CX-5 remains a top-tier choice among automatic cars for sale in South Africa.
Check out our range of affordable used Mazda CX-5’s for sale at Weelee.
What should I consider when buying a used car?
When you buy a used automatic, there are a few boxes to tick:
- Service history: Has it been regularly maintained? All Weelee vehicles have transparent service histories, and independent condition reports are available on all models for your peace of mind.
- Transmission condition: Ask about fluid changes and test the gear shifts — any jerking or delays could be a red flag.
- Fuel economy: Automatics can sometimes be thirstier than manuals, so check the specs.
- A reputable car dealership: Ensure your chosen destination to buy used automatic cars for sale is backed by thousands of honest, independent reviews from locals on a reputable platform like Hellopeter.
Drive simpler, live better when you buy a used car at Weelee
With increased stop-start traffic and technological advancements in transmissions, automatics have become more efficient and widely accepted than ever before.
When you’re ready to buy a used car that makes driving simpler and smoother, an automatic just makes sense.
From zippy hatchbacks to family SUVs, there’s something to suit every need and budget.