Thinking about what your next set of wheels will be? Good on ya. But before you fork out the cash or sign off on finance, here’s a question most folks forget to ask: Which car retains the best resale value in Australia?
We’re Old Cars Removed in Melbourne, and we’ve seen thousands of vehicles in every condition — from shiny showstoppers to rusted-out wrecks that haven’t moved since the Howard era. If there’s one thing we know, it’s how much a car really holds up in value when it’s time to sell or scrap. And mate, it’s not always what the brochure promised.
In this guide, we’ll break it all down for you. The makes and car models that stay solid, the ones that drop like a rock, and how you can make smarter choices so you’re not copping a financial slap when it comes time to move your car on.
Think Your Car Holds Value? Think Again
It’s easy to get swept up in the new-car smell or the badge on the bonnet, but here’s what actually affects resale values:
- Brand reputation (Toyota? Trusted. Renault? Bit of a gamble.)
- Fuel type and efficiency
- Transmission (yep, autos tend to sell better now than manuals)
- Servicing history and logbook completeness
- How popular the model is in used car listings
- Condition: paint, tyres, rust, interior — the whole lot
We’ve picked up used cars with low kays but no logbooks — buyers walk away. Others with decent rego but trashed interiors — no bites. So it’s not just about age or mileage. It’s the full picture: car’s value, user experience, and overall market demand.
High-Value Aussie Car Picks
Here’s where things get interesting. These make consistently perform well on the second-hand car market and hold their retained values longer than your average runabout:
- Toyota LandCruiser
Absolute king of the bush and the suburbs. LandCruisers are built tough and last forever, which is why even a 10-year-old 200 Series still fetches good coin. Tradies love ’em. Tourers love ’em. Everyone wants ’em. - Toyota Hilux
The Hilux has been Australia’s best-selling vehicle for years — and for good reason. Tradies, farmers, even families grab them up second-hand. If you’ve got one in decent nick, you’re sitting on gold. - Subaru Outback and Forester
Solid AWDs with cult followings. Safe, reliable, and perfect for country towns or weekend warriors heading up Mount Dandenong. They depreciate slowly and sell fast. - Mazda 3 and CX-5
Mazda has built a strong name for reliability and quality finishes. The Mazda 3 holds value well for a small car, and the CX-5 dominates in the compact SUV space. Great for folks who want solid resale figures from their medium-size cars. - Toyota Corolla
Every student, pensioner, and Uber driver has had one — for good reason. Easy to service, cheap to run, and the resale market loves them. Auto versions do better, and hybrids are starting to hold value stronger too. One of the most consistent resale stories in the light cars category.
Table: Top Car Models With Best Resale Value in Australia (2025)
| Make & Model | Category | Retained Value After 3 Years |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota LandCruiser | Large SUV | 76% |
| Toyota Hilux | Ute | 72% |
| Subaru Forester | SUV | 69% |
| Mazda CX-5 | SUV | 67% |
| Toyota Corolla | Small Car | 66% |
| Mazda 3 | Small Car | 65% |
| Isuzu D-MAX | Ute | 64% |
| Toyota Prado | Large SUV | 63% |
| Hyundai i30 | Small Car | 60% |
| Kia Sportage | SUV | 58% |
Source: Picked from used car sales stats, auctions, and dealer data across Melbourne suburbs
Surprising Losers: Cars That Drop Value Fast
Not every car’s a keeper. Here are a few that fall harder than a roo in a headlight:
- Holden Captiva: Cheap new, but resale is cactus — plagued by mechanical issues and low demand.
- French car brands (Peugeot, Citroën, Renault): Quirky and stylish but costly to maintain, which scares off second-hand buyers.
- Fiat 500: Cute, but the novelty wears off. Not many folks want ’em after the first owner.
- Luxury cars (Jaguar, Alfa Romeo, some BMWs): Expensive to service and insure. Unless they’re rare classics, resale tanks.
One time, Old Cars Removed hauled off a 7-year-old Peugeot that had fewer than 90,000 kays — couldn’t get more than $1,500 for it. That’s a rough resale story if you ask us.
Better Resale? Look for This
Before you sign on the dotted line or swap keys with your mate’s cousin, keep this checklist in mind:
- Stick with popular car brands — Toyota, Mazda, Subaru, Isuzu
- Avoid low-volume imports or obscure models
- Choose auto over manual (unless you’re buying a performance model or hot hatches)
- Look for complete service history and logbooks
- Go for neutral colours — silver, white, grey sell more easily
- Pick reliable engines over turbocharged gimmicks
If you’re looking at hybrid cars or electric vehicles, make sure the battery warranty still holds. Those replacements don’t come cheap, and they impact car value big-time. EVs are on the rise in the car market, but early electric vehicle resale values haven’t always stacked up.
Got a Car That’s Lost Its Value?
Even if your car’s resale value is rough as guts, you’ve still got options.
At Old Cars Removed, we buy:
- Rusted-out bombs
- Unregistered used cars
- Vehicles with expired rego or missing paperwork
- Damaged, flood-affected, or written-off cars
We offer same-day pickups across Melbourne — from the Dandenongs to Deer Park — and pay fair scrap prices based on metal weight, parts salvageability, and market value.
If you’re in the southeast suburbs, we also offer cash for cars in Moorabbin — no matter the make, model, or condition. Just give us a buzz and we’ll sort the rest.
Buy Smart, Sell Smarter
So, which car retains the best resale value in Australia? Stick with the car brands Aussies trust: Toyota, Mazda, Subaru. Look after your vehicle, keep the logbooks tidy, and don’t cheap out on essential servicing. That way, when it comes time to sell or scrap, you won’t be left wondering where all your money went.
Whether you’re buying brand-new cars or hunting the used car market, keep depreciation rates front of mind. Choose models with strong resale values, watch the market report for trends, and know that the depreciation rate isn’t the same across the board — medium-size cars and hot hatches often fare better than flashy luxury imports.
Live around Bayside and wondering where to start? We offer fast and fair cash for cars in Moorabbin too — so whether it’s roadworthy or rooted, we’ll take it off your hands.
Got a clunker you’re ready to ditch? Rego expired and the bonnet’s full of possum poop? No dramas. Send us a photo — we’ll tell you what it’s worth and book a free pickup.
FAQ
How can I check my car’s resale value in Melbourne?
Jump on RedBook or Carsales, punch in your rego and specs, and compare used car listings. Or just send us a pic — we’ll give you a straight answer.
Does high mileage always mean low resale?
Not always. If the car’s well-serviced with clean records and no major wear and tear, it can still hold decent value — especially with brands like Toyota.
Do hybrids and electric vehicles hold value?
Depends on the brand. Toyota hybrids like the Prius or Corolla Hybrid hold up well. Early electric vehicles like the Nissan Leaf? Not so much.
What’s more important — year or condition?
Condition, every time. We’ve seen 20-year-old Camrys in better nick than 7-year-old Euros. Wear and tear play a bigger role than age.
Can I sell an unregistered car in Victoria?
You bet. We buy ’em all the time. All you need is proof of ownership — licence and a look at the VIN does the job.