Why used DAF trucks are gaining ground in South Africa
Why used DAF trucks are gaining ground in South Africa
Economic pressure is reshaping South Africa’s truck market. Elliot Twani, head of used sales – DAF Trucks at Babcock International Group, tells CHARLEEN CLARKE that this is pushing operators towards premium used vehicles with affordable acquisition costs, optimal support and strong residual values.
South Africa’s used truck market is not growing because fleet operators have suddenly lost interest in new vehicles. It is growing because the economics of transport have become increasingly difficult to ignore.
High interest rates, restricted access to capital and rising operating costs are forcing businesses to reconsider how they replace and expand their fleets. At the same time, road freight remains central to the economy, particularly while rail capacity and reliability continue to constrain the movement of goods.
“Used trucks are surging in popularity across South Africa primarily due to severe economic pressures, which are forcing operators to think differently about how they invest in their fleets,” says Elliot Twani, head of used sales at Babcock International Group, the exclusive distributor of DAF trucks in South Africa.
“Operators are increasingly turning to pre-owned commercial vehicles (CVs) to protect cash flow, navigate high interest rates and maintain fleet operations amid logistical and rail capacity challenges,” he continues. For operators, the attraction starts with the purchase price. Twani estimates that pre-owned CVs can cost between 40 and 65% less than new models. That difference can free up capital for fuel, tyres, maintenance, drivers and
other working expenses rather than tying it up in the vehicle itself.
Twani says Babcock is seeing growing interest from owner-drivers, SMEs and established fleet operators looking to expand without taking on the cost of new vehicles. Rather than delaying investment, many are choosing inspected premium used trucks that are ready to work from day one. Yet affordability alone does not make a used truck a sound investment; a low purchase price quickly loses its appeal if the vehicle spends too much time off the road.
This shift is already evident among Babcock customers. “We’re seeing operators look well beyond the initial purchase price. One agricultural transport customer introduced three Premium Select DAF trucks into its fleet and, after seeing them perform in daily operations, returned just months later to purchase a fourth,” he says. “Those are the decisions that tell us operators are investing for long-term value rather than simply looking for the cheapest truck.”
Buyers are looking beyond price
Twani says South African buyers have become more demanding and methodical. They want roadworthy vehicles with full service records, sound mechanical and structural integrity, suitable payload capacity and the correct configuration for the work. Buyers are also paying closer attention to the overall condition of the vehicle, from drivetrain performance and tyre life to its suitability for the intended application. Operators are no longer searching for the cheapest truck available – they are looking for an asset that can begin earning immediately and continue earning over the long term.
Service history is central to that assessment. “It reveals the operating history and helps to verify whether all manufacturer-mandated service intervals were followed,” Twani explains. “It also helps to identify hidden mechanical issues and confirms warranty and recall compliance. A truck is an investment. Following the proper channels protects that investment against costly failures.”
The condition of a used truck is not determined by age or mileage alone. How it was driven, serviced, loaded and repaired can be just as important. For Babcock, managing total cost of ownership extends well beyond the point of sale. The objective is to keep trucks earning throughout their working lives through planned maintenance, genuine parts availability, technical expertise, proactive fleet support and efficient fuel consumption. Every aspect is focused on improving uptime and reducing the total cost of operating the vehicle over its lifecycle.
Driver training and telematics also play a part. “A telematics system that monitors driver behaviour can significantly reduce bad driving habits, curb diesel costs and prevent unwanted expenses,” Twani says.
What Premium Select is meant to provide
For operators under pressure, buying used shouldn’t mean accepting unnecessary risk. That’s the thinking behind DAF Premium Select, which offers a more controlled alternative to purchasing an ordinary used truck with limited verification. Twani says the programme is intended to help emerging and established operators acquire financeable vehicles that are fit for purpose and ready to work without the expense of buying new.
“Every Premium Select truck undergoes a comprehensive technical inspection before it reaches the customer,” he emphasises. “Our qualified technicians assess the vehicle against strict quality standards to ensure it is ready to work and capable of delivering dependable performance without stretching the customer’s budget.”
The assessment covers 200 inspection points and examines both mechanical and cosmetic condition. Twani describes it as a comprehensive quality assurance process completed before purchase and delivery, with category-specific checks intended to bring each truck up to the programme’s required standard.
A six-month driveline warranty provides customers with additional confidence during the early months of ownership, when trust in a used vehicle is being established. While no warranty can eliminate every risk associated with a pre-owned CV, it can reduce uncertainty around major driveline components during one of the most important stages of ownership.
The models drawing demand
According to Twani, the DAF XF105.460, CF85.460 and CF430 are among the most sought-after models in the local and cross-border used market. Their appeal rests on the balance between acquisition cost and operating capability; South African trucks frequently face long distances, high temperatures, demanding payloads and road conditions that can punish vehicles not suited to the work. “DAF trucks perform very well in long-haul, mining and cross-border operations,” he says. “They offer a strong balance of cost and capability, with fuel economy, technology and robust configurations that can handle demanding loads.”
Selecting the right specification remains essential; a truck suited to highway line-haul work may not be appropriate for a mining operation. Cross-border operators must also consider parts availability, fuel quality, route conditions and technical support beyond South Africa’s major centres.
Support can determine the real value
While lower-priced alternatives continue to enter the market, many operators continue to evaluate trucks on lifetime operating costs rather than purchase price alone. According to Twani, service support, parts availability, technical expertise and long-term operating value remain key considerations when investing in a CV. “Quality over quantity is the winning formula for many clients,” he says. “The arrival of cheaper Chinese trucks is a reality that must be addressed, not ignored.”
For Twani, dealer support is often what separates a truck that earns from one that sits idle. Access to trained technicians, genuine parts and OEM expertise becomes particularly important for operators working across South Africa and neighbouring countries, where every hour of downtime carries a financial cost.
Dealer coverage is thus part of the vehicle’s operating value. “Aftersales is the backbone of any original equipment manufacturer,” he says. “Having dealers and support points in strategic areas helps reduce idle time and downtime by putting assistance close to the customer’s operation. Ultimately, the success of our client is our own success.”
Opportunity and instability
Economic pressure is supporting demand for premium used trucks, but it is also creating instability. High operating costs have driven some large fleets into liquidation or resulted in bank repossessions. This increases the volume of stock entering the market and can place pressure on sales values.
At the same time, Twani is seeing greater interest from owner-drivers and smaller fleets. He connects this with opportunities in mining and construction, including funding, empowerment programmes and social development initiatives that give smaller enterprises access to contracts. The market is consequently moving in two directions. Distressed assets are increasing supply, while new entrants and cost-conscious operators are sustaining demand.
Digital trading has also widened access to used vehicles by allowing buyers to view and bid on trucks without travelling long distances. Twani regards online trading and auction technology as a significant development in the broader market, particularly for buyers based in remote areas.
The next phase of the market
Twani expects demand for used trucks to remain strong over the next five years. He also sees potential beyond South Africa, particularly from cross-border buyers and East African markets seeking vehicles with specifications suited to African operating conditions. “The used truck market will continue on its current trajectory,” he says. “New markets are looking to South Africa as an alternative source of truck tractors that carry an African specification and are compatible with African operating requirements.”
He believes DAF residual values are showing resilience because of the manufacturer’s European position and established history. The more important test, however, will be whether individual vehicles continue to provide uptime, supportability and predictable costs as the market expands.
For South African transport operators, the conversation is no longer simply about buying new or buying used. It is about investing wisely. As operating costs continue to rise, businesses are placing greater value on trucks that deliver reliable performance, predictable operating costs and dependable support throughout their working lives. In that environment, premium used trucks have become more than an affordable alternative – they have become a strategic business decision.
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