2012 Honda Ballade

Honda Ballade

If you’re after a sedan with real boot space, not just a badge and a promise, the Honda Ballade still deserves a proper look. On paper at least, it’s the sensible counterpoint to the Toyota Starlet sedan or Polo sedan—especially if you’re shuttling kids, luggage, or work kit through Gauteng or Durban traffic, and don’t want to deal with the cramped compromise of a hatch. The data’s clear: every listing here packs Honda’s 1.5-litre petrol, and you’ll find CVT automatics dominating the higher prices, which tells you exactly where local buyers’ priorities lie. Used Ballades stretch from R94,500 to R219,950, and the median’s a touch under R176k, so you’ll need to actually see and drive the car before you get comfy with a deal. Condition and year make all the difference. If you’re tallying options, you’ll spot models from 2012 right up to 2022, with an average mileage north of 104,000 km—a real-world reminder that these cars have seen everyday South African roads, not just lived in a garage. The 1.5 Elegance comes up most often, especially if you’re hunting value between R94,500 and R146,900, while the CVT-equipped Comfort spec sits at the top end, maxing out just under R220k. There are zero new Ballades here because Honda’s moved on; this is a used-ballade game now, pure and simple. But ask anyone who’s run one for years: the Ballade’s built its name on reliability that rivals Toyota, plus a massive 519-litre boot—bigger than a Polo sedan’s, and that matters if you pack smart.