Renault Trafic 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 216 545 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Trafic | Transporter | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 635 999 | R 827 000 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 11 116/m | R 14 455/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 77% | 85% |
| Retained after 3 years | 59% | 72% |
| Value after 3 years | R 377 245 | R 593 790 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 258 754 | R 233 210 |
| Value after 5 years | R 289 835 | R 491 164 |
| Our tier | Weak-franchise mainstream | Strong mainstream |
Renault Trafic →
Renault's one-ton panel van takes on the VW Transporter at a lower price, currently sold as a 2.0 dCi from around R636,000. Fleet buyers rate the payload, cab comfort and fuel economy. Resale is softer than the VW's, which makes used examples good value for small operators.
Known for: car-like one-ton panel 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 Renault Trafic or the Volkswagen Transporter?
The Volkswagen Transporter. It keeps about 72% of its price after three years against 59% for the Renault Trafic, a gap of 12 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Renault Trafic loses about R 258 754 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 Renault Trafic runs about R 11 116 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.