What next for WeBuyCars?
New Chinese models are challenging used car sales. What does that mean for major marketplace platforms?
South Africa has experienced a significant change in how used cars are marketed and sold. Entities like GetWorth, WeBuyCars, and Weelee have challenged the traditional independent dealer model with integrated pricing powered by data, slick UX, and the geographic convenience of large outlets in safer urban zones.
With vehicle prices rising, new cars are becoming unaffordable for many South Africans, prompting an influx of buyers into the used-car market. These market conditions have created demand for WeBuyCars to build its impressive regional centres, which are vastly larger than traditional dealerships. Its growth over the last decade has been staggering, with 129 outlets, buying pods and more than 3,600 employees.
Embracing a high-volume, low-margin model, WeBuyCars has grown impressively by offering customers, both buyers and sellers, a digitally integrated and frictionless experience when disposing of or purchasing a vehicle. But, as with everything in the current South African automotive market, the Chinese new car influence is now becoming a trend of recognition and risk for WeBuyCars.
WORDS IN ACTION 18 MAY 2026