GWM Steed vs Nissan NP300 Hardbody
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The Nissan NP300 Hardbody wins on money kept: 75% retained after three years vs 65%, worth about R 32 176 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Steed | NP300 Hardbody | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 307 950 | R 309 500 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 5 382/m | R 5 410/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 81% | 87% |
| Retained after 3 years | 65% | 75% |
| Value after 3 years | R 200 711 | R 232 887 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 107 239 | R 76 613 |
| Value after 5 years | R 158 841 | R 197 116 |
| Our tier | Chinese (established) | Workhorse bakkie & ladder-frame SUV |
GWM Steed →
GWM's bakkie stalwart has been on sale in SA in various forms since 2007, spanning Steed 3, 5, 5E and 6 versions. Today only the Steed 5 workhorse remains, one of the cheapest one-ton bakkies you can buy new. Small businesses buy it on price, though resale lags the established Japanese options.
Known for: long-running budget workhorse bakkie
Nissan NP300 Hardbody →
The Hardbody one-tonner served SA from 1997 until Rosslyn production stopped in late 2021, latterly badged NP300. Its simple 2.4 petrol and 2.5 diesel engines earned a strong following with farmers and fleets. Clean used examples are sought after and prices stay firm.
Known for: tough no-frills one-tonner
Common questions
Which holds value better, the GWM Steed or the Nissan NP300 Hardbody?
The Nissan NP300 Hardbody. It keeps about 75% of its price after three years against 65% for the GWM Steed, a gap of 10 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The GWM Steed loses about R 107 239 over three years and the Nissan NP300 Hardbody loses about R 76 613. 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 GWM Steed runs about R 5 382 per month and the Nissan NP300 Hardbody about R 5 410, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.