Best Time of Year to Buy a Second-Hand Car in Australia
- Alex Jevan
- May 31
- 3 min read
Buying a second-hand car is a smart way to save money. But did you know that when you buy a second-hand car can also save you heaps? In Australia, some times of the year are better for buying a car than others. Prices can go up or down depending on the season, sales, or even end-of-year clearances.
In this guide, we’ll help you learn the best time of year to buy a second-hand car in Australia. We’ll also give you some helpful tips to avoid mistakes and links to make sure your car is safe, legal, and has no hidden problems.
Why Timing Matters
Second-hand car prices change during the year. Sometimes there are more cars for sale. Other times, sellers really want to sell fast, so you can bargain better. If you pick the right time, you can find a great car at a great price.
Best Months to Buy a Second-Hand Car
1. End of Financial Year (June)
In June, many car dealers want to sell more cars before the financial year ends. This means more sales and discounts! You might also find private sellers looking to upgrade their cars before tax time.
Tip: Always do a VIN Check before you buy to see if the car was written off or stolen.
2. January and February
After Christmas and New Year, people often want to sell their cars. Some need extra money or are buying new cars with holiday bonuses. Fewer buyers also means less competition — so prices drop.
Don’t forget to do a REVS Check to see if the car has any money owing on it.
3. End of the Month
Dealers sometimes have monthly sales targets. If they haven’t sold enough cars, they may lower prices at the end of the month to meet their goals.
4. End of the Year (November–December)
In November and December, people often want to sell cars before the holidays or before new car models come out. Dealers may also lower prices to clear stock.
Use a $2 PPSR Check to see if the second-hand car has any debts or has been written off.
When to Avoid Buying a Second-Hand Car
❌ Start of the Year (March–April)
After tax time, people may have extra money and want to buy cars. Demand goes up, and prices can rise.
❌ Before Public Holidays
Just before Easter or long weekends, car prices might go up because more people are shopping for cars.
Should You Buy from a Dealer or Private Seller?
If you want peace of mind, dealers offer warranties and handle the paperwork. But private sellers usually offer lower prices.
Learn more here: Dealer vs Private Seller – Which Is Better for Used Cars?
No matter who you buy from, always check the car’s history.
Always Check Before You Buy
Before buying a second-hand car, always do these three checks:
Shows if the car has been stolen, written off, or damaged.
Tells you if the car has money owing (encumbrance).
The easiest way to get a full report on a second-hand car.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
Lots of Aussies make mistakes when buying a second-hand car. Some forget to do checks or rush into buying too fast.
Check this article to learn what not to do: Top Mistakes Aussies Make When Buying Used Cars
Watch Out for Flood or Crash Damage
Some cheap second-hand cars may have hidden damage from floods or crashes. These cars can look fine on the outside but have big problems inside.
Want to know how to spot them? Read this: How to Spot a Written-Off or Flood-Damaged Car
Final Tips for Smart Buyers
Make a list of what you need in a car.
Set a budget and don’t go over it.
Test drive the car in different road conditions.
Always do a VIN Check and PPSR Search before buying.
Ask for a service history and roadworthy certificate.
Don’t rush! Take your time to find the best deal.
Final Thoughts
The best time to buy a second-hand car in Australia is usually:
End of financial year (June)
Start of the year (January–February)
End of the month
End of the year (November–December)
But no matter when you buy, the most important thing is to do your checks. It only takes a few minutes to do a VIN Check, REVS Check or $2 PPSR Check — and it could save you from big problems later.
Take your time, do your research, and you’ll be driving away with a great deal.
Happy car hunting, mate!
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