Toyota Starlet vs Volkswagen Polo
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
Too close to call on resale: both keep about 72% of their value over three years. Decide on the deal, not the badge.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Starlet | Polo | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 273 700 | R 373 800 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 4 784/m | R 6 533/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 85% | 85% |
| Retained after 3 years | 72% | 72% |
| Value after 3 years | R 196 911 | R 268 927 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 76 789 | R 104 873 |
| Value after 5 years | R 163 062 | R 222 698 |
| Our tier | Strong mainstream | Strong mainstream |
Toyota Starlet →
A rebadged Suzuki Baleno that revived the Starlet name in 2020 and immediately became one of SA's best-selling hatchbacks. It undercuts the VW Polo on price while offering Toyota's dealer network and service backing. Light on fuel and cheap to maintain, it has become a default choice for first-time buyers.
Known for: suzuki baleno twin with a toyota badge
Volkswagen Polo →
Built in Kariega for local sale and export, the Polo has been SA's benchmark compact hatch since the Playa era of the mid-1990s. GTI versions carry a strong enthusiast following, and used values hold up better than almost anything else in the class.
Known for: class-leading resale and gti heritage
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Toyota Starlet or the Volkswagen Polo?
They are close to inseparable: 72% vs 72% retained after three years. Buy on price, spec and the deal you can get, not on resale.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Toyota Starlet loses about R 76 789 over three years and the Volkswagen Polo loses about R 104 873. 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 Starlet runs about R 4 784 per month and the Volkswagen Polo about R 6 533, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.