Toyota Quantum vs Volkswagen Transporter
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The Toyota Quantum wins on money kept: 74% retained after three years vs 72%, worth about R 34 201 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Quantum | Transporter | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 754 400 | R 827 000 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 13 186/m | R 14 455/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 86% | 85% |
| Retained after 3 years | 74% | 72% |
| Value after 3 years | R 559 589 | R 593 790 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 194 811 | R 233 210 |
| Value after 5 years | R 469 723 | R 491 164 |
| Our tier | Workhorse bakkie & ladder-frame SUV | Strong mainstream |
Toyota Quantum →
The Quantum name arrived in 2005 on the H200-series HiAce and now covers the larger 2019-onwards panel van and bus range. Shuttle services, courier fleets and taxi operators buy it for durability under brutal duty cycles. Used Quantums are always in demand and depreciate slowly for a commercial vehicle.
Known for: taxi and shuttle fleet standard
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 Toyota Quantum or the Volkswagen Transporter?
The Toyota Quantum. It keeps about 74% of its price after three years against 72% for the Volkswagen Transporter, a gap of 2 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Toyota Quantum loses about R 194 811 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 Toyota Quantum runs about R 13 186 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.