Used Car Sales Rebound in May

The May 2025 edition of the Automotive Insights Report (AIR), produced by the AADA in collaboration with AutoGrab, shows a rebound in used car sales, increasing by 5.4 per cent to 192,692 units, while used car listings also increased by a similar margin, indicating a stable balance between supply and demand.

“The observed increase in listings may be partly attributed to end-of-year discounts being offered in the new car market, prompting more people to upgrade their vehicles and boosting the supply of used cars,” said AADA CEO James Voortman.

“Across the vehicle segments, SUV remains the most popular vehicle of choice, experiencing the highest jump in sales, up 7.9 per cent to 83,442 units compared to April 2025,” he said.

“Average days to sell dropped to 47.6 days, the lowest this year, suggesting improved stock turnover,” said Mr Voortman.

“Used car sales rose across all states but the Northern Territory, which experienced a notable drop in sales, down 12.4 per cent to 648 units,” he said.

“Used EVs, in particular, experienced significant growth, increasing by 37.5 per cent in May 2025 compared to 8.4 per cent in April this year, suggesting a strong shift in consumer preferences toward cleaner vehicles,” said Mr Voortman.

Small vehicles in the passenger segment continue to lead in value retention, with the Audi RS3 replacing the Ford Mustang, at 105.8 per cent in the 2-4 year old age category. Japanese car maker Toyota maintains top position in the 5-7 year age bracket, with the Toyota Vitz at 100.3 per cent. The Suzuki Jimny continues to remain unbeatable in the 2-4 year old SUV category at 111.8 per cent.

Highlights from the AIR for May 2025:

  • 192,692 used cars sold nationally – a 5.4 per cent increase from April.
  • Total listings were up 5.2 per cent, with the Northern Territory being the only outlier.
  • EV sales experienced significant growth, rising by 37.5 per cent to 3,552 units.
  • Average days to sell dropped to the lowest point this year – 47.6 days.
  • The Suzuki Jimny maintains top retained value position in the 2-4 year old SUV category at 111.8 per cent.
  • Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux continue to top the dealer sales list.
  • In EVs, Tesla Model 3 and Tesla Model Y were the top picks once again.

Used Vehicle Market Remains Resilient Amid Seasonal Slowdown

The Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA), in partnership with AutoGrab, have released the April 2025 Automotive Insights Report, highlighting a seasonal softening in the used car market driven by April’s run of public holidays – and a marked rise in dealer market share compared to the same time last year.

Key insights from April include:

  • Used Vehicle Listings Decline: National listings dipped slightly to 310,054, down 0.6 per cent month-on-month.
  • Sales Volume Drops: Total transactions fell to 182,827, an 8.8 per cent decline compared to March, with notable drops in the ACT (-18.3 per cent), NSW (-12.7 per cent) and VIC (-11.7 per cent).
  • Dealer Share Surges Year-on-Year: Dealers accounted for 52.5 per cent of listings and 45.4 per cent of all used vehicle sales in April, a substantial increase of 12.9 and 10.5 per cent respectively compared to April 2024. The figures underscore dealers’ growing prominence in the online marketplace, driven by better digital tools, structured inventory management, and consumer trust in dealer-backed transactions.
  • Days to Sell Improved Marginally: Vehicles took an average of 49.7 days to sell, a slight improvement from 51.3 days the previous month, indicating a modest uptick in turnover efficiency.

“April is always impacted by public holidays, but what stands out is the year-on-year growth in dealer engagement,” said AADA CEO James Voortman.

“Dealers are driving a notable uplift in both stock and sales, clear evidence they’re actively stepping up to meet market demand,” he said.

“Electric vehicles remained a standout segment, defying broader trends with a 7.1 per cent rise in listings and an 8.4 per cent increase in sales compared to March. The EV used vehicle market is showing encouraging signs which, as a result should support a stronger residual valuation price supporting dealerships confidence in retailing and lenders having a better sense of risk,” said Saxon Odgers, Chief Commercial Officer, AutoGrab.

The April 2025 Automotive Insights Report offers an in-depth view of market trends, sales activity, and vehicle turnover across the country, providing essential intelligence for dealers, consumers, and policymakers.

New Vehicle Sales April 2025

Australia’s new car market slowed down in April 2025, with vehicle sales dropping by 6.15 per cent to 91,316 units compared to the same time last year. Year to date, sales are down by 3.63 per cent on the same period in 2024.

PHEVs saw a significant decline following the removal of the FBT exemption, with their market share dropping to 2.9% in April 2025, down from 4.7% in March 2025. In contrast, BEVs accounted for 5.9% of the market. Chinese EV brands BYD and Chery recorded impressive sales, selling 3207 and 2287 units and securing ranks 12th and 14th overall, respectively.

Toyota continues to lead with 77,177 units sold year to date, followed by Mazda and Ford at 31,692 and 28,733 respectively. Once again, Toyota RAV4 is the most popular vehicle of choice, with 17,610 sales year to date.

The AADA has assessed VFACTs and EVC Top 10 Makes & Models YTD, ranking them by volume. The AADA has also analysed new vehicle sales figures by state for the month of April, as well as fuel types and market segments.

Used Car Sales Surge in March

The March 2025 edition of the Automotive Insights Report (AIR), powered by data from AutoGrab, reveals a robust 14.8 per cent increase in used car sales, with 200,566 vehicles changing hands nationally. This comes even as total active listings declined by 4.7 per cent, reflecting tightening supply across most states.

“This month’s results show the resilience of the used car market. Sales rose for the third consecutive month and there was a noticeable drop in listings this month, suggesting dealers and private sellers moved vehicles more quickly and efficiently,” said AADA CEO James Voortman.

“March also marked a noticeable shift in buyer behaviour, with the average days to sell climbing to 51.3 days which is the highest figure since November 2023,” he said.

“It’s a modest increase, but in the context of falling listings, it suggests buyers are having to search longer or be more selective, particularly in tighter segments,” said Mr Voortman.

Most states recorded sales gains, with the ACT (24.6 per cent), NSW (19.3 per cent), and VIC (17.0 per cent) leading the charge.

As usual, utes and Japanese nameplates dominated. The Ford Ranger retained its place as Australia’s top-selling used car for the 19th month in a row, and Toyota held five of the top ten spots. The Suzuki Jimny continued its remarkable run in retained value, hitting an impressive 114 per cent.

Highlights from the AIR for March 2025:

  • 200,566 used cars sold nationally – a 14.8 per cent increase from February.
  • Total listings fell 4.7 per cent, with declines in six out of eight states and territories.
  • EV sales rose 11.6 per cent, despite a 3.5 per cent drop in listings.
  • Average days to sell increased to 51.3 days.
  • The Suzuki Jimny led in retained value at 114 per cent.
  • Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux were again the top-selling models.

 

New Vehicle Sales March 2025

Australia’s new vehicle market saw 111,617 vehicles sold in March 2025, contributing to a year-to-date total of 295,952, a 2.82 per cent decrease compared to the same period last year.

Toyota leads the market with 57,797 units sold, securing a 19.53 per cent market share. The Toyota RAV4 remains the best-selling model so far in 2025, with 13,802 sales. A notable mention for March is the BYD Shark 6 which made 2,810 deliveries and came in 6th place for the month.

SUVs continued to dominate, accounting for 60 per cent of total sales for the year. During March, traditional hybrids and plug-in hybrids saw increases of 22 per cent and 380 per cent respectively. The PHEV popularity can be put down to the FBT exemption wrapping up at the end of March, with buyers taking delivery of those vehicles before they are no longer eligible. 

The AADA has assessed VFACTs and EVC Top 10 Makes & Models YTD, ranking them by volume. The AADA has also analysed new vehicle sales figures by state for the month of March, as well as fuel types and market segments.

February AIR

The February 2025 edition of the Automotive Insights Report (AIR) shows a modest rebound in used car sales. Using data supplied by AutoGrab, February’s AIR saw sales rise 2.2 per cent to 174,762 units, however this came as total listings declined slightly indicating a tightening in some areas.

“While the increase in sales is a positive shift from January, the broader market remains in a state of adjustment,” said AADA CEO James Voortman.

“With supply contracting and demand still below historical levels, it remains a competitive market for sellers,” he said.

“Average days to sell a used vehicle remained stable at 48.5 days, suggesting that vehicles are still moving at a steady pace, albeit with some regional fluctuations,” said Mr Voortman.

The Suzuki Jimny continued its dominance in retained value rankings, holding the highest resale value among passenger cars and SUVs in both age brackets. With an impressive 108 per cent retained value, the Jimny has consistently outperformed larger and more expensive competitors, reflecting its strong demand in the market.

Ford Ranger retained its position as Australia’s best-selling used car, with a 2.5 per cent increase in sales. Toyota models continued to dominate the top-sellers list, with five of the top ten positions.

Highlights from the AIR for February 2025

  • 174,762 used cars were sold, an increase of 2.2 per cent from January.
  • Used vehicle supply fell by 1.8 per cent, with most states experiencing a drop in listings.
  • Sales increased in major markets, with VIC (7.0 per cent) and NSW (3.8 per cent) leading the gains.
  • Electric vehicle sales rebounded, up 11.4 per cent, though retained values remain under pressure.
  • Average days to sell a used car held steady at 48.5 days.
  • Japanese brands dominated, taking 8 of the top 10 best-selling models, with Toyota accounting for 5.

New Vehicle Sales February 2025

New vehicle sales data for February is in! Total sales have hit 184,335 vehicles YTD, a decrease of 5.3% on the same period last year. Toyota continues to dominate, leading YTD sales with 37,256 units, followed by Mazda. The Toyota RAV4 takes the top spot for best-selling model, while the Ford Ranger follows closely behind.

PHEV sales soared by 346 per cent, in contrast to EV sales which saw another monthly decline. This increase can largely be attributed to deliveries of the BYD Shark 6 which charged its way into the top 10 sales chart for the month with 2,026 deliveries.

SUVs and light commercial vehicles remain the top choices for buyers, reinforcing the market’s strong preference for versatility and practicality. See below for more insights on fuel trends and regional breakdowns.

The AADA has assessed VFACTs and EVC Top 10 Makes & Models YTD, ranking them by volume. The AADA has also analysed new vehicle sales figures by state for the month of February as well as fuel types and market segments.

AIR: End of Year Used Car Market Brings More Opportunities to Buyers

The December edition of the Automotive Insight Report (AIR) shows that the used car market observed a 3.8% drop in supply after months of oversupply, with listings falling to 322,532. However, the market continues to favour buyers with sales observing a significant decline of 8.1% to 181,724, offering consumers ample opportunity to strike a good deal during the festive period.

“Average days to sell have increased to 48.7, the highest since October, suggests that sellers are dealing with slower moving stock. This trend is expected to continue in 2025 as the growing oversupply of new vehicles creates a spillover effect into the used car market,” said AADA CEO James Voortman.

“All states but Northern Territory and Western Australia experienced a fall in the number of cars listed for sale,” he said.

Retained values remain on the downward trajectory, with almost every vehicle segment across every age category experiencing a drop in value for the month, with the exception of LCV-Utes in the 2-5 year age categories. Oversupply of new vehicles is negatively impacting retained values for used EVs as well, potentially prompting sellers to hold on to their vehicles for shorter periods of time.

“Average days to sell a used EV have returned to August levels, with Western Australia and South Australia experiencing increased demand, as reflected in a 19.8% and 10.7% rise in EV sales, respectively,” said Mr Voortman.

In the passenger segment, the Ford Mustang holds value best at 97.0% in the 2-4 year age category while the Toyota Yaris maintains top spot at 97.5% in the 5-7 year age category. In the SUV category, the Suzuki Jimny continues to hold top spot at 110.7% in the 2-4 year but is replaced by the Toyota Landcruiser in the 5-7 year old category at 87.9%.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE AIR FOR DECEMBER

  • 181,724 vehicles were sold in December, a decline of 8.1% compared to the previous month.
  • Northern Territory and Western Australia were the only two states experiencing a jump in listings by 7.5% and 0.5% respectively.
  • 322,532 used cars were listed for sale in December, a decline of 3.8% from the previous month.
  • All but Western Australia and South Australia experienced a decline in used EV sales.
  • Average time to sell a used car has gone up to 48.7 days.
  • Every vehicle segment across every age category experienced a drop in retained value for the month, with the exception of LCV-Utes in the 2-5 year age categories.
  • The Ford Ranger remains Australia’s best-selling used car, followed by the Toyota Hilux. 
  • In EVs, MG MG4 regained its position as the best-selling vehicle.

AIR: Supply Frees Up Prior to Christmas

The November edition of the Automotive Insight Report (AIR) indicates an ongoing cooling demand for used cars, with sales experiencing a decline of 2.3% to 197,652 compared to last month. In contrast, used car listings continue to grow, rising by 5.4% to 335,148 in November.

“This trend is likely to persist as more affordable new vehicles enter the market, prompting buyers to upgrade sooner and increasing the supply of used cars, which will affect price sensitivity,” said AADA CEO James Voortman.

“While the average days to sell have dropped to January levels, they remain higher compared to other months, except October,” he said.

“The Northern Territory stands out among the states, with a tight market reflected by a 30.5% increase in sales and a 12.3% decline in listings,” said Mr Voortman.

“Sales have declined across all fuel categories, with EVs experiencing the largest drop (down 8.3%), followed by PHEVs (down 7.4%). This could be attributed to the growing supply of cheaper new BEV and PHEV vehicles entering the market, expanding used-car inventory and driving up holding costs,” he said.

Retained values continue to steadily decline, with almost every vehicle segment across every age category experiencing a drop in value for the month, with the exception of passenger vehicles in 3-4 year old category. On the other hand, retained values of used EVs in the 5-year-old category have declined by 4.7% to 48.5% in November compared to October, reflecting the slowing demand for used EVs.

In the passenger segment, Audi RS3 retains value the most at 97.4% in the 2-4 year old category while the Toyota Yaris continues to lead at 95.3% in the 5-7 year-old category. In the SUV category, the Suzuki Jimny retains top spot in both the 2-4 year and 5-7 year old category at 111.3% and 110.1% respectively.

“While the average time to sell a used EV has dropped to 61.6 days (down from 67.3 last month), this is still much higher than the beginning of the year, where days to sell sat in the low to mid 50s. This can be linked to the rising supply of used EVs, as observed across all states but the Northern Territory, where supply is significantly outpacing demand, presenting consumers with more options,” said Mr. Voortman.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE AIR FOR NOVEMBER

  • 197,652 vehicles were sold in November, a decline of 2.3% compared to the previous month.
  • Northern Territory and Tasmania were the only two states experiencing a jump in sales by 30.5% and 2% respectively.
  • 335,148 used cars were listed for sale in November, an increase of 5.4% from the previous month.
  • All but ACT and Northern Territory experienced a decline in used EV sales.
  • Average time to sell a used car has dropped to 47 days.
  • Every vehicle segment across every age category experienced a drop in retained value for the month, with the exception of passenger vehicles in 3-4 year old category.
  • The Ford Ranger remains Australia’s best-selling used car, followed by the Toyota Hilux. 
  • In EVs, Tesla Model 3 overtook MG MG4 as the best-selling vehicle.

AIR: Buyer’s Market as Used Car Listings Surge

The October edition of the Automotive Insight Report (AIR) saw used car sales drop by 3.2% to 202,355 compared to last month. Meanwhile, used car listings have grown by 1% to 317,861, indicating a buyers market as used car supply continues to outpace demand.

“The average days to sell has increased from 46.4 days last month to 49 days in October, the highest it has been since December last year,” said AADA CEO Mr James Voortman.

“When it comes to fuel types, petrol and diesel cars still account for almost 95% of all sales. However, consumers are gradually turning towards more fuel efficient options with a greater variety and more affordable options now available. Sales of conventional petrol and diesel vehicles have dropped by 4.5% and 2.3%, while PHEVs are still the top pick for buyers, with EVs close behind – both seeing strong sales jumps of 27.1% and 22.3%,” he said.

“As is to be expected in an oversupplied market, retained values remain on a downward trajectory with every vehicle segment across every age category experiencing a drop in value for the month. Retained values of used EVs in the 1-3 year old category have declined while the older models appear to hold their value better,” said Mr Voortman.

Small vehicles in the passenger segment maintain their lead in strongest value retention, with the Kia Picanto replacing the Audi RS3 from last month, at 95.6% in the 2-4 category. The Toyota Yaris remains unbeatable in the 5-7 year old category at 95.4%. In the SUV category, the Suzuki Jimny continues to lead in both the 2-4 year and 5-7 year old category at 113.4% and 114.0% respectively.

Given the interest in EVs, the October AIR has provided a snapshot of Australia’s used EV market which is reflected in retained values well below average.

“Average days to sell used EVs has climbed to 67.3 days, which is no surpise given the significant oversupply of used EVs. With Trump’s presidential win and further anticipated rise in tariffs on Chinese vehicles, we’re seeing more Chinese-made cars – especially EVs – heading for Australia,” said Mr Voortman. “This is pushing car makers to offer steeper discounts on new cars, making it difficult for used-car sellers to move stock,” he said.

“The MG4 EV was by far and away the best selling used EV in October, recording sales growth of almost 85% on the previous month and selling double the units of its next closest competitor,” he said.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE AIR FOR OCTOBER

  • 202,355 vehicles were sold in October, a decline of 3.2% compared to the previous month.
  • Victoria was the only state to observe a jump in sales by 0.2% to 49,463.
  • 317,861 used cars were listed for sale in September, an increase of 1 % from the previous month.
  • Northern Territory was the only state to observe a significant decline in sales of used EVs.
  • Average time to sell a used car has increased to 49 days.
  • Every vehicle segment across every age category experienced a drop in retained value for the month.
  • The Ford Ranger remains Australia’s best-selling used car, followed by the Toyota Hilux. 
  • In EVs, MG MG4 was the best-selling vehicle followed by the popular Tesla Model 3.