Chery J5 vs Toyota Corolla
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The Toyota Corolla wins on money kept: 70% retained after three years vs 52%, worth about R 342 076 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| J5 | Corolla | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 139 900 | R 590 200 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 2 445/m | R 10 316/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 72% | 84% |
| Retained after 3 years | 52% | 70% |
| Value after 3 years | R 72 056 | R 414 132 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 67 844 | R 176 068 |
| Value after 5 years | R 52 106 | R 338 143 |
| Our tier | Orphan & discontinued | Strong mainstream |
Chery J5 →
One of the three models at Chery's 2008 South African launch, a 2.0-litre saloon priced from R139,900. Few were sold and fewer survive, which makes spares a mission. It is a curiosity on the used market rather than a sensible buy.
Known for: cheap 2.0 sedan, rare survivor
Toyota Corolla →
The Corolla has been a fixture of South African driveways since the 1970s and was built locally for much of that time. Today it sells as an imported sedan and hatch with petrol and hybrid power, positioned well above the budget Quest that used to carry the old shape. Buyers trust it for low running costs and it remains one of the easiest used cars to sell.
Known for: bulletproof reliability and easy resale
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Chery J5 or the Toyota Corolla?
The Toyota Corolla. It keeps about 70% of its price after three years against 52% for the Chery J5, a gap of 19 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Chery J5 loses about R 67 844 over three years and the Toyota Corolla loses about R 176 068. 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 J5 runs about R 2 445 per month and the Toyota Corolla about R 10 316, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.