JAC T6 vs Mahindra Bolero
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The JAC T6 wins on money kept: 66% retained after three years vs 63%, worth about R 63 877 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| T6 | Bolero | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 299 900 | R 212 999 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 5 242/m | R 3 723/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 81% | 80% |
| Retained after 3 years | 66% | 63% |
| Value after 3 years | R 198 201 | R 134 324 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 101 699 | R 78 675 |
| Value after 5 years | R 158 024 | R 106 348 |
| Our tier | Chinese (established) | Weak-franchise mainstream |
JAC T6 →
The T6 is JAC's entry workhorse bakkie, on sale since 2018 with 2.8 TDI and 2.0 CTi turbodiesel options. Fleets and farmers buy it as a cheaper alternative to a Hilux or D-Max single cab. Resale is thin because the used market for Chinese bakkies is still developing.
Known for: cheap single cab workhorse duty
Mahindra Bolero →
Mahindra's first model in South Africa, on sale since 2004, the Bolero survives as a no-frills single cab workhorse for farms and small businesses. Buyers get a simple diesel bakkie at a price no established rival can match. Trade-in values are modest, so it suits owners who run their vehicles into the ground.
Known for: bare-bones farm workhorse at rock-bottom price
Common questions
Which holds value better, the JAC T6 or the Mahindra Bolero?
The JAC T6. It keeps about 66% of its price after three years against 63% for the Mahindra Bolero, a gap of 3 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The JAC T6 loses about R 101 699 over three years and the Mahindra Bolero loses about R 78 675. 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 JAC T6 runs about R 5 242 per month and the Mahindra Bolero about R 3 723, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.