posted:
July 22, 2026
Cars With the Best (and Worst) Resale Value in Australia
Buying a car is a big expense, so it’s worth thinking beyond the purchase price. The amount your car is worth when you decide to sell can make a huge difference to how much it really costs to own.While every car loses value over time, some hold their price much better than others. This guide looks at the cars that hold their value best in Australia, the ones that depreciate the fastest, and what you can do to maximise your resale price.
What Is Resale Value?
People sometimes mix it up with depreciation and actually it’s closely linked to depreciation. The definition of resale value is simply the amount your car is worth when you sell, while depreciation is the value your car loses over time.
That’s why resale value is worth thinking about before you buy. Two cars might cost the same today, but one could be worth several thousand dollars more after five years. A few things set the market price. Demand, reliability, condition, and running costs all pull the number around.
What Affects a Car's Resale Value?
Several things influence how much buyers are willing to pay for a used car.
Brand reputation
Manufacturers like Toyota, Mazda and Lexus have built a reputation for reliability, which keeps demand high.
Reliability
A car known for going the distance sells easily. Buyers pay more for peace of mind.
Service history
A complete service record shows the car has been looked after. Buyers are often willing to pay more for a vehicle with documented maintenance.
Kilometres
Lower kilometres generally mean a higher resale price. However, a well-maintained high-kilometre car can still attract strong offers.
Overall condition
Dents, rust, and a tired interior all cost you. A clean, well-presented car always leaves a better impression.
Running costs
Fuel-efficient vehicles are often easier to sell, especially when petrol prices are high. Cars that are affordable to maintain also tend to keep their value.
Market demand
It’s a reality that some models are simply more popular than others. When demand stays high, resale prices usually do too.
Spare parts
Most owners love to get cheap and easy parts to keep a car on the road. But, rare or pricey parts scare buyers off.
Best Resale Value Cars in Australia
The Toyota LandCruiser has long been one of Australia’s strongest performers. Its durability and reputation for handling tough conditions mean there’s always demand for used models. The Toyota HiLux is just as popular, whether it’s being bought by tradies, businesses or families looking for a dependable ute.
If you’re looking for something smaller, the Toyota Corolla remains one of Australia’s safest buys. It’s economical to run, dependable and always popular on the second-hand market.
Ford Ranger is another strong performer, appealing to both families and businesses. If an SUV is more your style, the Mazda CX-5 and Kia Sportage remain popular choices because they offer comfort, reliability and good value for money. Buyers also continue to seek out the Isuzu D-Max for its toughness and the Subaru Outback for its reliability and all-wheel-drive capability.
Best Luxury Cars for Resale Value
Luxury cars usually lose value faster than mainstream vehicles, but there are a few that consistently perform well.
The Lexus RX and Lexus NX are popular because they offer the comfort of a luxury vehicle without the reliability concerns that often come with European brands.
The Porsche 911 is another exception. Strong demand, timeless styling and limited production have helped it remain one of the few sports cars with impressive resale value.
The Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series continues to command strong resale prices because demand often exceeds supply.
Another standout is the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, which remains popular thanks to its iconic design and limited availability.
Best Resale Value Car Brands
Some brands consistently perform better than others. Toyota leads the way thanks to its reputation for reliability and low ownership costs. Whether it’s a Corolla, HiLux or LandCruiser, Toyota models are usually easy to sell.
Lexus follows closely behind, offering luxury without the high maintenance costs often associated with premium brands.
Mazda has built a solid reputation for dependable family cars, while Isuzu is trusted for its durable utes. Subaru also performs well, particularly with buyers looking for all-wheel-drive vehicles.
Cars That Lose Value the Fastest
Not every vehicle keeps its value. Large luxury sedans often experience the biggest drop because servicing and repairs become expensive once they’re out of warranty.
Many European SUVs also depreciate quickly for the same reason. High maintenance costs and expensive replacement parts can make buyers think twice.
Older electric vehicles can lose value faster as battery technology continues to improve, making newer models more attractive.
Cars with a poor reliability record or expensive repairs also tend to struggle on the used market.
How to Maximise Your Car's Resale Value
Looking after your car is the easiest way to protect its value. First, service regularly by sticking up to the schedule. Then, keep records because every receipt and stamp is worth cash. If there is cosmetic damage, fix it soon. Avoiding excessive kilometres is the next way. If possible, avoid putting unnecessary kilometres on the car. Lower mileage generally attracts more buyers, although a well-maintained high-kilometre car can still sell well.
Finally, think carefully before spending money on major repairs. If the repair bill is close to the value of the car, selling it as it is may be the better financial decision.
When Is the Best Time to Sell Your Car?
Timing can have a big impact on what your car is worth. Sell before major depreciation milestones. Many owners choose to sell before expensive repairs are due or before the odometer reaches major milestones such as 100,000 km or 200,000 km. Those numbers can make buyers more cautious, even if the car is still in good condition.
Selling while the registration still has several months remaining can also make your car more appealing, as it’s ready for the next owner to drive away.
Sell Your Car for the Best Possible Price
If your car has reached the point where it’s no longer worth repairing, Scrap Cars Removal makes selling simple. We buy cars in almost any condition, offer competitive cash prices, provide free removal across Sydney, and can often collect your vehicle the same day.
Instead of watching your car lose more value, get a free cash for cars Sydney quote today and turn it into cash once we collect your car.
FAQs
Find Quick Answers to all Queries
The Toyota LandCruiser, Toyota HiLux, Toyota Corolla, Ford Ranger, Mazda CX-5, Isuzu D-Max, Subaru Outback and Kia Sportage are among the strongest performers.
Toyota consistently ranks among the best for resale value. Lexus, Mazda, Isuzu and Subaru also perform well thanks to their reputation for reliability.
High kilometres, accident damage, poor maintenance, expensive repairs and weak buyer demand can all reduce a vehicle’s resale value.
Selling before major repairs or before the car reaches high kilometre milestones can often help you achieve a better price.
