Chery QQ3 vs Kia Picanto
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The Kia Picanto wins on money kept: 65% retained after three years vs 53%, worth about R 121 971 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| QQ3 | Picanto | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 59 900 | R 236 995 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 1 047/m | R 4 142/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 73% | 81% |
| Retained after 3 years | 53% | 65% |
| Value after 3 years | R 31 971 | R 153 941 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 27 929 | R 83 054 |
| Value after 5 years | R 23 508 | R 120 843 |
| Our tier | Orphan & discontinued | Budget & entry level |
Chery QQ3 →
At R59,900 in 2008 the QQ3 was the cheapest new car in South Africa, with 0.8 and 1.1-litre engines. Build quality was basic and support faded after Chery's first-era exit, so survivors trade for pocket money. Buyers today treat it strictly as disposable A-to-B transport.
Known for: cheapest new car of its day
Kia Picanto →
South Africa's favourite Kia and a fixture near the top of the entry-car sales charts since 2004. Buyers pick it for city-friendly size, decent spec and the long warranty, and a panel van version serves fleets. Used examples sell quickly and hold value well for a budget car.
Known for: affordable city car with strong demand
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Chery QQ3 or the Kia Picanto?
The Kia Picanto. It keeps about 65% of its price after three years against 53% for the Chery QQ3, a gap of 12 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Chery QQ3 loses about R 27 929 over three years and the Kia Picanto loses about R 83 054. 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 QQ3 runs about R 1 047 per month and the Kia Picanto about R 4 142, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.