Mercedes-Benz Vito vs Volkswagen Kombi
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The Volkswagen Kombi wins on money kept: 73% retained after three years vs 63%, worth about R 236 085 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Vito | Kombi | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 907 212 | R 1 102 800 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 15 857/m | R 19 275/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 81% | 86% |
| Retained after 3 years | 63% | 73% |
| Value after 3 years | R 567 419 | R 803 504 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 339 793 | R 299 296 |
| Value after 5 years | R 428 748 | R 670 156 |
| Our tier | Premium (established) | Strong mainstream |
Mercedes-Benz Vito →
A workhorse van sold here since the late 1990s in panel van and Tourer crew forms. Shuttle operators and businesses buy it as the cheaper alternative to the V-Class, a gap the newer Vito Select narrows further. Diesel Tourers hold value reasonably well thanks to commercial demand.
Known for: shuttle and fleet van workhorse
Volkswagen Kombi →
Few nameplates carry as much weight in SA, where the Kombi has been the family and school-run bus of choice for generations. The T6.1 made way in 2025 for a Kombi version of the new Ford-built Transporter. Resale is excellent for a vehicle this size and used demand never really cools.
Known for: the default south african family bus
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Mercedes-Benz Vito or the Volkswagen Kombi?
The Volkswagen Kombi. It keeps about 73% of its price after three years against 63% for the Mercedes-Benz Vito, a gap of 10 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Mercedes-Benz Vito loses about R 339 793 over three years and the Volkswagen Kombi loses about R 299 296. 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 Mercedes-Benz Vito runs about R 15 857 per month and the Volkswagen Kombi about R 19 275, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.