Many South African car fans have had enduring love affairs with their cars. Below are five of our favourites that we’ve loved and, very sadly, lost:
1. Alfa Romeo 4C
Born in 1910, Anonima Lombarda Fabbrica Automobili – better known as Alfa – has produced some of the finest sports cars on the planet. The 4C was a case in point; alas it was killed off – not just here in South Africa but globally too. Some say it bit the bullet because of dwindling sales; others say it was due to a change in focus. Whatever the reason, it’s highly likely that it will become a future classic – meaning grab one if you can. Expect to pay between R750 000 and R1 million or so for a low-mileage second-hand 4C.
An examination of AutoTrader data covering 1 January to 31 December 2021 reveals that the Alfa Romeo 4C Coupe is listed for an average price of R1,076,305 (average mileage 8,827 km; average registration year 2019). The Alfa Romeo 4C Coupe Launch Edition has an average price of R777,175 (average mileage 21,650 km; average registration year 2015) and the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider has an average list price of R886,725 (average mileage 13,402 km; average registration year 2018).
Honda S2000 – QUICKPIC.2. Honda S2000
Fans of the Honda S2000, undoubtedly one of the best-handling sports cars of the last decade and the star of hit movie 2 Fast 2 Furious, were beside themselves when this iconic car was discontinued in 2009. It is rumoured to be returning to our shores in 2024. Let’s see. Meanwhile, it’s possible to grab one at an average listed price of R366,996 (average mileage 94,200 km; average registration year 2007)*.
3. Volkswagen Beetle
Conceived by Adolf Hitler and designed by Ferdinand Porsche, the “Bug” (as it was affectionately known) was undoubtedly one of the most loved cars on the planet. A total of 21,529,464 were sold (about 173 000 in South Africa) before the very last Beetle rolled off the production line in 2003. There are lots of different derivatives up for grabs; we rather fancy a Volkswagen Beetle Classic (average price R219,588, average mileage 64,826 km, average year of registration 1965*) or a Volkswagen Beetle Beach Buggy (average price R61,997, average mileage 140,891 km, average year of registration 2010*).
4. Toyota Camry
While the Camry continues to be sold overseas, it hasn’t been available in South Africa for the last decade or so – and Toyota South Africa says it’s unlikely to return. Never mind; there is a great selection of used models available at good prices. Yes, the average mileages are high but, as we all know, Toyotas often run forever.
Take, for instance, the Toyota Camry 200 Si Auto. It is listed at an average price of a mere R37,400* (average mileage 248,000 km; average registration year 1995). A lower mileage model will cost slightly more – for instance, the Toyota Camry 220 GL Auto has an average list price of R49,950* (average mileage 176,000 km; average registration year 2001).
5. Hummer
The Hummer is yet another car that South Africans were sad to see leave our shores. Yes, some accused the Hummer of frowning on the environment. But others adored its mercilessly masculine, ultra-butch looks. The new GMC Hummer EV debuted at the 2022 Chicago Auto Show but it’s highly unlikely that we will get it here. A selection of used Hummers is surprisingly affordable, according to figures by AutoTrader. The Hummer H3 Auto is available for an average price of just R156,822*, for instance (average mileage 153,839 km; average registration year 2008). Want something with less mileage on the clock? The Hummer H3 V8 Luxury (average price R332,425; (average mileage 57,750 km; average registration year 2010*) looks irresistible.
*AutoTrader, 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2021
