I had my car in for its annual service at the Toyota dealership in Retreat this week. Routine stuff, or so I thought. Then the technician came back with the news: new rear brake pads and discs.
Was I in for a shock. The price was so high I had to go home and make a cup of tea just to settle my nerves. I don’t even know why I chose tea; maybe coffee would’ve tipped me over the edge. That’s the problem with owning a vehicle in 2025 — the repairs and maintenance can flatten you faster than a smash and grab while your car is standing still on the freeway.
It didn’t used to be like this. Toyota had a reputation for reasonably priced spares. Not cheap, but sane. Now? Those days feel like ancient history. I remember my old Lexus — beautiful car, but the spares? Horrific. A simple radiator, a CD player, new rims… any of them could wreck your budget, and everything took three to four weeks to arrive from Japan.
These days I see a lot of rah-rah about the Asian imports — Chery, Haval, GWM, Suzuki — all promising huge value. But what’s the real story behind their spares? How much do parts cost, and how long do you wait?
And then there are the hybrids. Someone asked me yesterday what I thought of them. I said they’re great for sustainability, but I don’t like the stop-start feeling. She said she’s a petrolhead and wasn’t sure she could convert. Her husband owns a BMW M1 — and the cost of replacing its battery was, in her words, “ginormous.” Honestly, that feels like the correct measurement.
So before you take your next sip, a warning: don’t spill your coffee or choke on it when you see what car spares cost in South Africa right now. You might need that cup of tea — or your favourite tipple — the next time a parts quote lands in your inbox.
Just How High Have Spares Gone?
While an official single figure doesn’t exist, credible reports from late 2023 and 2024 all agree: car spares have skyrocketed — far beyond normal inflation.
• Average increase across brands: 8%–15% in one year.
• Some parts (electronics, sensors, high-demand items): 20%+ increases.
• Over the past 2–3 years: 30%+ cumulative increases for everyday components.
This isn’t a blip — it’s a structural shift in the market.
Why Have Car Spares “Gone Mad”?
It’s not one cause — it’s a perfect storm.
1. A Weak Rand
The number-one culprit. Almost all parts are imported. The weaker the Rand, the more painful the parts bill.
2. Load-Shedding & Infrastructure Collapse
The silent cost nobody sees — except on your invoice:
• disrupted manufacturing
• higher operating costs
• power-surged electronics failing
• more demand for replacement parts
3. Global Shipping Problems
Post-COVID supply chains never fully recovered:
• Red Sea shipping route disruption
• higher freight costs
• longer waiting times
4. International Inflation
Raw materials, labour, energy — all cost more globally.
Manufacturers simply pass it on to you.
What’s Happening to Toyota & the Other Big Names?
You’re not imagining it — Toyota, VW, Ford, BMW, and Mercedes have all pushed prices upward.
They used to offer good value. Now they’re:
• “competitive” rather than cheap, and
• sometimes outright expensive, especially for anything electronic.
OEM parts (the dealer’s official parts) carry a quality standard — and a big price tag.
So What About the Asian Newcomers — Are Their Spares Cheaper?
Yes… for now.
Brands like Suzuki, Haval, GWM, and Chery are fighting hard for market share, and affordable spares are part of their strategy.
But they’re not immune to:
• shipping costs
• the weak Rand
• global logistics issues
Their prices have also climbed — just from a lower starting point.
The gap between “legacy brands” and “Asian newcomers” is narrowing, but the newcomers still win on value.
The Hybrid Headache: Batteries That Cost a Small Fortune
Hybrids are fantastic for fuel savings, but the spares? Brutal.
• Battery replacements: R80,000 to over R200,000
• Power inverters & electric motors: extremely costly
• Specialised labour: few technicians, higher fees
If you buy a hybrid, factor in one reality:
If the battery fails, your wallet will feel it.
Availability: The Other Half of the Horror Story
Price is bad. But waiting six weeks for a part is sometimes worse.
We’re now seeing a two-tier system:
1. Legacy Brands
• Fast-moving parts —readily available
• Older, niche, electronic, or slow-moving parts — 2–6 week waits
Why?
To cut costs, manufacturers hold less local stock and rely on “just-in-time” imports — a fragile system one storm away from collapse.
2. New High-Volume Brands
Suzuki, Haval, GWM, Chery, Hyundai, Kia:
• For new models — excellent spares availability right now
• Long-term (5–10 years) — the big unknown
Will you get spares for a 2023 Haval Jolion in 2030?
Nobody knows yet.
Which Cars Are the Cheapest to Maintain in 2025?
Taking spare parts, availability, and long-term risk into account, here are the smartest buys:
1. Suzuki Swift / Toyota Vitz — The Low-Cost Champions
Why they win:
• Cheapest parts basket in SA
• Simple, non-turbo engines
• Massive independent aftermarket support
• Spares available almost anywhere
These cars are the closest thing to a “safe bet” in today’s market.
2. Hyundai Grand i10 / Kia Picanto — Reliable Workhorses
Strengths:
• Excellent track record in SA
• Good aftermarket support
• Very reliable, simple engines
• Long warranties
Slightly pricier than Suzuki/Vitz to maintain, but still predictable.
3. Haval Jolion / Chery Tiggo 4 Pro — The Feature-Packed Value Plays
Why they’re tempting:
• Huge specs for the price
• Affordable spares right now
• Strong warranties
• Growing local parts warehouses
The risk:
Turbo engines + complex electronics + unproven long-term spares ecosystem = potential future shock.
How to Avoid a Financial Wipe-out on Car Spares
A few smart steps will save you thousands:
• Shop around — dealers aren’t always the cheapest.
• Use reputable aftermarket parts when possible.
• Maintain your car religiously — prevention is cheaper than replacement.
• Get independent quotes before approving dealer repairs.
• Check parts availability before buying any car — not just the price tag.
Final Thoughts
2025 has brought a new reality: the era of cheap car spares in South Africa is over.
Whether you drive Toyota, BMW, Haval, or Suzuki, the pressure is coming from every direction — currency, shipping, electronics, and collapsing infrastructure.
So the next time you send your car in for a service…
don’t choke on your coffee when the quote arrives.
In fact, maybe put the kettle on first.
You’ll need that tea.
