Best Used Cars in Australia 2025 – Top Picks Under $25,000

The Australian car market in 2025 is bustling with innovation, electrification, and rising new car prices. While the latest models draw attention, used cars continue to be the unsung heroes for budget-conscious Aussies. Whether you're a first-time buyer, downsizing, or just after a reliable second car, the sweet spot for value lies around the $25,000 mark.

In this guide, we highlight the best used cars you can buy in 2025 under $25K—with a sharp focus on reliability, fuel efficiency, features, and ownership costs.

Let’s dive in.

Why Choose a Used Car in 2025?

Before jumping into the list, here’s why opting for a used vehicle is a smart move:

✅ Affordability

• New car prices continue to climb, even for base models.
• A used car saves thousands on upfront costs and depreciation.

✅ Slower Depreciation

• Most depreciation hits within the first 2–3 years.
• A 3–5-year-old car offers almost-new condition at a fraction of the price.

✅ More Car for the Money

• $25,000 can get you a mid-spec SUV or hybrid sedan that would cost over $35,000 new.

✅ Wide Choice

• Australia's used car market is thriving, with certified pre-owned programs, private sellers, and ex-lease vehicles available.
   

Top 15 Used Cars Under $25,000 in Australia – 2025 Picks

1. Toyota Corolla (2019–2022)

Body Type: Hatch/Sedan
Engine: 2.0L petrol or 1.8L hybrid
Fuel Efficiency: 4.2–6.0 L/100km
Why It’s Great:

• Legendary reliability
• Hybrid variants under $25K
• Apple CarPlay, safety tech standard

Best For: Urban commuters, students, first-time buyers

2. Mazda3 (2019–2021)

Body Type: Hatch/Sedan
Engine: 2.0L or 2.5L petrol
Fuel Efficiency: 6.2–6.8 L/100km
Why It’s Great:

• Premium interior feel
• Top-notch handling
• Good safety ratings

Best For: Enthusiasts wanting a sporty compact

3. Hyundai i30 (2019–2022)

Body Type: Hatch
Engine: 2.0L petrol or 1.6L turbo
Fuel Efficiency: 5.9–7.0 L/100km
Why It’s Great:

• Value-packed with modern tech
• Smooth infotainment interface
• Good resale and warranty coverage

Best For: Everyday drivers needing bang-for-buck value

4. Toyota Camry Hybrid (2018–2020)

Body Type: Sedan
Engine: 2.5L hybrid
Fuel Efficiency: 4.5 L/100km
Why It’s Great:

• Incredible fuel economy
• Spacious cabin
• Long-term reliability

Best For: Highway commuters, families, Uber drivers

5. Kia Cerato (2019–2021)

Body Type: Sedan/Hatch
Engine: 2.0L petrol
Fuel Efficiency: 7.0 L/100km
Why It’s Great:

• Strong warranty support
• Good value in base and Sport trims
• Clean styling and practical interior

Best For: Budget-conscious buyers seeking space

6. Subaru Impreza (2018–2020)

Body Type: Hatch/Sedan
Engine: 2.0L petrol AWD
Fuel Efficiency: 6.6–7.2 L/100km
Why It’s Great:

• All-wheel drive standard
• Comfortable ride
• Solid safety credentials

Best For: All-weather drivers, hilly areas

7. Honda Civic (2017–2020)

Body Type: Sedan/Hatch
Engine: 1.8L petrol or 1.5L turbo
Fuel Efficiency: 6.0–6.9 L/100km
Why It’s Great:

• Sporty looks
• Spacious back seat
• Bulletproof engineering

Best For: Young professionals, city dwellers

8. Toyota Yaris (2019–2021)

Body Type: Hatch
Engine: 1.5L petrol or hybrid
Fuel Efficiency: 4.3–5.9 L/100km
Why It’s Great:

• Perfect for tight parking and city driving
• Hybrid available under $25K
• Long-lasting parts

Best For: City living, downsizing

9. Mitsubishi ASX (2018–2020)

Body Type: Compact SUV
Engine: 2.0L petrol
Fuel Efficiency: 7.5 L/100km
Why It’s Great:

• Sturdy and practical
• Affordable maintenance
• Decent boot space

Best For: Small families or tradies needing light SUV utility

10. Mazda CX-3 (2018–2020)

Body Type: Small SUV
Engine: 2.0L petrol
Fuel Efficiency: 6.3–6.8 L/100km
Why It’s Great:

• Stylish looks
• Easy to park
• Nice interior layout

Best For: Singles or couples wanting a sleek small SUV

11. Ford Focus (2018–2020)

Body Type: Hatch
Engine: 1.5L turbo
Fuel Efficiency: 5.9 L/100km
Why It’s Great:

• Zippy handling
• Good infotainment
• Great value in Trend or Titanium trims

Best For: Enthusiastic drivers on a budget

12. Holden Astra (2017–2019)

Body Type: Hatch/Sedan
Engine: 1.4L turbo
Fuel Efficiency: 5.9–6.1 L/100km
Why It’s Great:

• Underrated performer
• Good equipment levels
• Still has parts availability

Best For: Bargain hunters

13. Hyundai Elantra (2019–2021)

Body Type: Sedan
Engine: 2.0L petrol
Fuel Efficiency: 7.0 L/100km
Why It’s Great:

• Reliable choice
• Practical boot
• Solid warranty coverage

Best For: Long-term ownership, small families

14. Suzuki Swift (2018–2021)

Body Type: Hatch
Engine: 1.2L or 1.0L turbo
Fuel Efficiency: 4.8–5.5 L/100km
Why It’s Great:

• Lightweight and peppy
• Great for inner-city areas
• Surprisingly roomy inside

Best For: Learners, P-platers, urban runs

15. Nissan Qashqai (2018–2020)

Body Type: Small SUV
Engine: 2.0L petrol
Fuel Efficiency: 6.9 L/100km
Why It’s Great:

• Elevated driving position
• Family-friendly space
• Common on the used market

Best For: Mums and dads needing a compact SUV

What to Check When Buying a Used Car in 2025

Even the best cars can have hidden issues. Here's what to review before you commit:

✅ Full Service History

Ensure regular servicing by a licensed mechanic is recorded.

✅ Mechanical Inspection

A pre-purchase inspection from a third-party mechanic is strongly recommended.

✅ Registration and PPSR Check

Look up the Personal Property Securities Register to confirm:

• No finance owing
• Not written off or stolen

✅ Tyres, Brakes, and Suspension

Check for uneven wear, soft braking, and noisy suspension.

✅ Interior and Tech

Inspect infotainment systems, aircon, Bluetooth, and dash wear.

✅ Test Drive

Drive on various surfaces and speeds—check steering, brakes, engine noise.

Tips for Finding the Best Used Car Deals in 2025

• Look beyond dealerships: Private sales and online classifieds like Gumtree and Facebook Marketplace often have better prices.
• Negotiate confidently: Use RedBook or similar for pricing benchmarks.
• Go regional: Cars in rural areas can be cheaper and less worn.
• Buy ex-fleet or lease: Well-maintained and often under warranty.

Should You Consider Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Vehicles?

CPO cars are inspected, refurbished, and sold with warranties. Brands like Toyota, Mazda, and Hyundai offer CPO programs in Australia.

Pros:

• Extra peace of mind
• Warranty extensions
• Roadside assist options

Cons:

• Slightly higher upfront cost
• Less room for negotiation

If your $25K budget stretches slightly, CPO options are worth exploring.

Final Thoughts: Best Picks by Category

⭐ Best Overall: Toyota Corolla Hybrid

Reliable, efficient, and tech-packed.

⭐ Best SUV: Mazda CX-3

Stylish, practical, and enjoyable to drive.

⭐ Best City Car: Suzuki Swift

Tiny but mighty in value and efficiency.

⭐ Best Highway Cruiser: Camry Hybrid

Comfortable, frugal, and bulletproof.

Conclusion

The best used cars under $25,000 in Australia for 2025 prove that you don’t need to spend big to drive a reliable, feature-rich vehicle. From fuel-efficient sedans to practical SUVs and zippy hatches, this list covers every lifestyle and need.

Always inspect, research, and test drive before purchasing — and you’ll drive away in a car that’s both dependable and wallet-friendly.