Loans For Cars :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

Decline in Australia's Used Car Market: Sales and Listings Down

Analyzing the Recent Downturn in Used Vehicle Transactions

Decline in Australia's Used Car Market: Sales and Listings Down?w=400

The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

The Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA), in collaboration with AutoGrab, has released the November 2025 Automotive Insights Report (AIR), revealing a significant downturn in the used car market as the year concludes.

According to the report, national used car sales fell to 193,266 vehicles in November, marking a 6.4% decrease from October figures. Concurrently, total active listings declined by 3.5% to 313,781. This trend was consistent across all major states and vehicle segments, indicating a broad cooling phase following a prolonged period of heightened activity in the used car market.

Several factors may contribute to this decline. Economic uncertainties, changes in consumer confidence, and seasonal variations often influence purchasing behaviors. Additionally, the increasing availability and affordability of new vehicles, including electric models, may be diverting potential buyers away from the used car market.

For consumers, this downturn could present opportunities. A decrease in demand may lead to more competitive pricing and better deals on used vehicles. Prospective buyers are encouraged to conduct thorough research, compare prices, and consider the total cost of ownership when making purchasing decisions.

Dealers and sellers, on the other hand, may need to adjust strategies to navigate this cooling market. This could involve offering additional incentives, flexible financing options, or focusing on high-demand vehicle segments to attract buyers.

In conclusion, the recent decline in Australia's used car market signals a shift that stakeholders should monitor closely. Both buyers and sellers can adapt to these changes by staying informed and responsive to market dynamics.

Published:Saturday, 21st Feb 2026
Author: Paige Estritori

Please Note: We do not endorse any specific products or companies. Some content is sourced from third parties, including press releases, and may not be independently verified for accuracy or completeness.

Share this news item:

Rate this article

0 Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.

Finance News

Electric Vehicles Capture 16.4% of Australian New Car Sales in April 2026
Electric Vehicles Capture 16.4% of Australian New Car Sales in April 2026
20 May 2026: Paige Estritori
In April 2026, electric vehicles (EVs) accounted for 16.4% of all new car sales in Australia, marking a significant milestone in the nation's automotive market. This equates to approximately one in every six new vehicles sold being electric, highlighting a rapid shift towards sustainable transportation. - read more
Australian Dwelling Finance Approvals Experience 3.8% Decline in First Quarter of 2026
Australian Dwelling Finance Approvals Experience 3.8% Decline in First Quarter of 2026
20 May 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian housing finance sector has witnessed a significant downturn, with new dwelling finance approvals falling by 3.8% in the first quarter of 2026. This marks the largest quarterly decline in three years, signaling potential challenges within the housing market. - read more
RBA Increases Cash Rate to 4.35% in May 2026
RBA Increases Cash Rate to 4.35% in May 2026
12 May 2026: Paige Estritori
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has raised the cash rate by 25 basis points, bringing it to 4.35% as of May 2026. This decision comes despite recent inflation figures showing a slight decrease, indicating the RBA's commitment to steering inflation back within its target range of 2% to 3%. - read more
Macquarie Bank's Mortgage Portfolio Expands by 27% in 2026
Macquarie Bank's Mortgage Portfolio Expands by 27% in 2026
12 May 2026: Paige Estritori
Macquarie Bank has reported a significant 27% increase in its residential mortgage portfolio over the past year, solidifying its position as Australia's fifth-largest lender. This growth highlights Macquarie's successful strategies in capturing a larger share of the mortgage market, traditionally dominated by the big four banks. - read more
Australian Savings Rates Climb to 5.50% in March 2026
Australian Savings Rates Climb to 5.50% in March 2026
12 May 2026: Paige Estritori
As of March 2026, Australian savers are witnessing the highest interest rates on savings accounts in over a year, with rates reaching up to 5.50%. This increase is largely driven by recent cash rate hikes implemented by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA). - read more
MG HS Super Hybrid: Save $5,000 in EOFY Deal
MG HS Super Hybrid: Save $5,000 in EOFY Deal
04 May 2026: Paige Estritori
MG has announced a significant price reduction on its HS Super Hybrid range as part of its End of Financial Year (EOFY) M-Genius campaign. Until 30 June 2026, the HS Super Hybrid Excite is available for $42,990 driveaway, down from $47,990, and the Essence variant is priced at $46,990, reduced from $51,990. This $5,000 discount represents approximately a 10% saving on these plug-in hybrid SUVs. - read more
EOFY 2026: Tradie Ute and Car Finance Timing Tips
EOFY 2026: Tradie Ute and Car Finance Timing Tips
04 May 2026: Paige Estritori
As the End of Financial Year (EOFY) approaches, tradies planning to finance a new ute or work vehicle should be mindful of critical timing considerations to maximise tax benefits and avoid processing delays. Light commercial vehicle sales have seen a decline of 5% in Q1 2026, and heavy commercial vehicles dropped by 12.5%, indicating a competitive market landscape. - read more


Car Loans Articles

Things You Wish You Knew Before Buying a Car
Things You Wish You Knew Before Buying a Car
Welcome to Things You Wish You Knew Before Buying a Car – the ultimate guide to understanding car financing.For a limited time, you can download a free copy of this valuable resource. Our retail price for the eBook is AUD $19.95, but we're offering it to you for free – no strings attached! Click to Download Free - read more
How Auto Loan Pre-Approval Can Simplify Your Car Buying Journey
How Auto Loan Pre-Approval Can Simplify Your Car Buying Journey
Buying a car, especially for the first time, can be an exciting milestone. It's not just about finding a vehicle that suits your needs and lifestyle—it’s also about navigating the financial journey that accompanies it. One crucial part of this process is understanding auto loan pre-approval. - read more
Understanding Specialist Lenders: The Secret to Better Car Loan Terms
Understanding Specialist Lenders: The Secret to Better Car Loan Terms
Specialist lenders are financial institutions that offer tailored loan products to meet the unique needs of borrowers who may not be well-served by traditional banks. These lenders often have more flexible lending criteria and can accommodate a broader range of financial situations. - read more
The Pros and Cons of Refinancing Your Car Loan
The Pros and Cons of Refinancing Your Car Loan
Car loan refinancing involves taking out a new loan to pay off an existing car loan. This can be done with the same lender or a different one. The primary goal is often to secure better interest rates, alter the loan term, or reduce monthly payments. - read more
The Ultimate Guide to Fast Track Your Car Loan in Australia
The Ultimate Guide to Fast Track Your Car Loan in Australia
Welcome to The Ultimate Guide to Fast Track Your Car Loan in Australia, designed to help you navigate the exciting journey of buying a car for the first time. Buying a car is a significant milestone, and securing the right finance can make all the difference. - read more
Leveraging Trade-In Values and Loans for an Australian Car Upgrade
Leveraging Trade-In Values and Loans for an Australian Car Upgrade
For many Australians, a car is more than just a means of transportation; it's a symbol of freedom, a tool for exploration, and often, a reflection of personal style. With the auto market continually evolving, staying abreast of current trends is key for car buyers looking to upgrade. New models with advanced technology, improved fuel efficiency, and enhanced safety features enter the market each year, making the prospect of upgrading increasingly appealing. - read more
Loans for Cars: Finding out if you Qualify
Loans for Cars: Finding out if you Qualify
Qualifying for a car loan isn't all that difficult. There are a few key things that lenders will look at when considering your application, including your income, credit history/existing loans, employment, age, and residency atatus. As long as you have a good understanding of these factors, you’ll be in a much better position to qualify for a car loan. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about qualifying for a car loan! - read more


Start Here !
life insurance
Apply now for your free Insurance assessment and price comparisons!

Life Cover Amount:
Your Postcode:
All quotes are provided free and without obligation. We respect your privacy.
Need A Car Loan Right Now?
Compare car loan rates & options from participating car finance brokers and lenders in our national referral panel to help you find competitive finance solutions. Fast and free... our initial eligibility assessment does not access your credit file!

 START HERE.

Loan Amount:
Postcode:

All quotes are provided obligation-free by a participating broker from our national referral partner network. We respect your Privacy.

Compare car loan rates & options from participating car finance brokers and lenders in our national referral panel to help you find competitive finance solutions. Fast and free... our initial eligibility assessment does not access your credit file!

Knowledgebase
Price-to-Earnings Ratio (P/E):
A valuation ratio of a company's current share price compared to its per-share earnings.