Chery J2 vs Ford Figo
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The Ford Figo wins on money kept: 65% retained after three years vs 53%, worth about R 71 167 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| J2 | Figo | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 129 900 | R 216 300 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 2 270/m | R 3 781/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 73% | 81% |
| Retained after 3 years | 53% | 65% |
| Value after 3 years | R 69 332 | R 140 499 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 60 568 | R 75 801 |
| Value after 5 years | R 50 980 | R 110 291 |
| Our tier | Orphan & discontinued | Budget & entry level |
Chery J2 →
A 1.5-litre budget hatch from Chery's first SA era, launched at R129,900 and sold in small numbers. South Africa was the first right-hand drive market to get it. Parts and dealer backing disappeared with the brand's 2018 exit, so used examples are cheap and slow to sell.
Known for: cheap b-segment hatch, thin support
Ford Figo →
India-built budget hatch and sedan that gave Ford a foothold in the entry level market from 2010 until Ford India closed in 2022. Cheap to buy and fix, it became a popular first car and e-hailing runabout. Later 1.5 three cylinder models are reasonably durable when serviced on time.
Known for: cheap dependable first car
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Chery J2 or the Ford Figo?
The Ford Figo. It keeps about 65% of its price after three years against 53% for the Chery J2, a gap of 12 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Chery J2 loses about R 60 568 over three years and the Ford Figo loses about R 75 801. Fuel, insurance and servicing can narrow or widen that, but the depreciation gap is the number to start from.
What do they cost per month?
On typical finance (10% deposit, 72 months, 11.75%), the Chery J2 runs about R 2 270 per month and the Ford Figo about R 3 781, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.