Opel Vivaro vs Volkswagen Transporter
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The Volkswagen Transporter wins on money kept: 72% retained after three years vs 59%, worth about R 255 752 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Vivaro | Transporter | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 569 900 | R 827 000 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 9 961/m | R 14 455/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 77% | 85% |
| Retained after 3 years | 59% | 72% |
| Value after 3 years | R 338 039 | R 593 790 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 231 861 | R 233 210 |
| Value after 5 years | R 259 712 | R 491 164 |
| Our tier | Weak-franchise mainstream | Strong mainstream |
Opel Vivaro →
A mid-size panel van twinned with the Zafira Life, sold for a short stint from around 2021 at R569,900. It targeted courier and shuttle fleets but never gained traction against the Transporter. Rare on the used market.
Known for: short-lived fleet-focused van
Volkswagen Transporter →
VW's workhorse van line stretches back decades in SA, and the current generation has been built alongside the Ford Transit Custom since 2025. Panel vans dominate fleet and courier sales, and the badge holds value well in the commercial market.
Known for: workhorse van with strong resale
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Opel Vivaro or the Volkswagen Transporter?
The Volkswagen Transporter. It keeps about 72% of its price after three years against 59% for the Opel Vivaro, a gap of 12 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Opel Vivaro loses about R 231 861 over three years and the Volkswagen Transporter loses about R 233 210. 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 Opel Vivaro runs about R 9 961 per month and the Volkswagen Transporter about R 14 455, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.