When looking for a good deal, the time of year is just as important as the make and model. There isn’t just one day on the calendar when it’s a good time to buy a used car. There are a few times when supply goes up, demand goes down, and financing is easier to get. We’ll talk about the best times to buy, how the market will change in 2025, and some useful tips for getting the right car at the right price.

The best times to buy a used car in Australia are

• End of the financial year (late May to June): Dealers try to meet their goals and get rid of old stock; more trade-ins come on the market.

• The mid-winter lull (July to September) is when buyer demand drops and negotiation power rises.

• After Christmas and in early January, there are fewer active buyers. Dealers reset their goals and lower prices to sell metal.

• When new models come out, owners upgrade and the supply of older models goes up.

• Late December plate clearance: As new plates and models for the new year come out, run-out deals show up.

These windows work because there is more inventory than there is demand, which gives buyers more power.

Timing works because of supply, demand, and money.

New cars make waves that affect used cars.

In 2024, Australia set a record for new car sales. Now, those cars are being traded in for used cars. More supply means more options, especially for popular SUVs and Utes. The knock-on effect is that prices for used goods are finally going down, even though they are still higher than they were before the pandemic.

EOFY: the classic time to take a chance

In the weeks leading up to June 30, shopping is usually at its hottest. Dealers work hard to meet sales goals, businesses update their fleets to save money on taxes, and trade-ins flood the market. As a buyer, this means that there are more cars to choose from and dealers are more likely to offer discounts or extras like warranties, accessories, or service packages.

After Christmas and before the New Year

After the holidays, demand in stores drops, and many Australians are still paying off their holiday bills. Dealers are more likely to make a deal when there are fewer buyers. They also want to get rid of old stock and start the year off strong with their sales goals, so this is a great time to negotiate.

The middle of winter (July to September)

A lot of people don’t think about it, but July through September is one of the best times to buy a used car. Car lots are quieter, there aren’t as many other buyers, and cars that didn’t sell during EOFY stay on the lot longer. The longer a car sits, the more it costs the dealer, which gives you more room to negotiate.

Around the time of model changes

When a new model of a car comes out, a lot of the old models go up for sale. Owners who want the newest model trade in their older cars, which makes there be too many cars for a short time. This means that buyers can get cars that are still fairly new, often with good features and full service histories, for less money.

2024 vs. 2025: What changed?

The used car market in Australia is very different now than it was a year ago. In 2024, there was still a lot of demand for popular models, and the cost of financing changed a lot. The story has changed in 2025:

• Prices: They are still higher than they were before COVID, but they are coming down because there is more supply.

• Supply: Because new car sales are strong in 2024, there will be more trade-ins on the market this year, which will give buyers more options.

• Days to sell: Dealers say it takes longer to sell cars, especially those that aren’t as popular.

• Finance: Interest rates have leveled off, which makes it easier for buyers to plan and compare their financing options without any big changes.

The best times to buy and how to use them

1) End of Financial Year (late May–June) 

• Why it’s good: Dealer targets, sales driven by taxes, and a lot of trade-ins.

• How to use it: Bring a short list and get pre-approved. Being ready to commit is important because the best cars go fast.

2) July to September (the winter lull) 

• Why it’s good: Demand drops in the winter, and old stock builds up.

• How to use it: Talk to dealers about cars that have been sitting for 60 to 90 days. These are great for bargaining.

3) After Christmas and before January 15

• Why it’s good: After the holidays, buyers aren’t as active, so dealers can reset their sales goals.

• How to use it: Along with the price, talk about bundles like service packages or warranties.

4) Around the time of model launches and plate clearance (late year) 

• Why it’s good: New models make older ones less desirable. Dealers also push for clearance at the end of the year.

• How to use it: Look for outgoing models that are in good shape; they are usually the best deals.

How to save money by timing your purchases

• Come with numbers: Know how much the car is worth on the market and how much you can afford to pay.

• Get pre-approved for a loan: A clear budget makes it easier to negotiate and lets you close a deal quickly.

• Target cars that have been on the market for a while: Cars that have been sitting for weeks are easier to negotiate.

• Be open to different colors and trims: Discounts are often given on colors that aren’t as popular.

• Always check the condition: You can’t change the service history, PPSR reports, or pre-purchase inspections.

Timing vs. how models work

Not all cars react the same way to seasonal buying windows. Demand for popular Utes and SUVs like the Ford Ranger, Toyota HiLux, and Toyota RAV4 stays high, so they keep their value better than smaller cars. But city hatchbacks and sedans are often easier to negotiate, especially when it’s not a holiday.

A special note about EVs and hybrids

The market for used electric vehicles is different from the market for used gas and diesel cars. EVs are more sensitive to: 

• Price cuts on new cars that make older models less appealing. 

• Battery technology improvements that quickly make older cars less useful.

• Buyers are worried about the health of the battery and the warranty coverage.

When you buy a used electric vehicle, make sure you know how good the battery is and what the warranty covers.

Getting ready for finance in 2025

In 2025, interest rates are more stable than they were last year. This makes it easier to plan for car loans and compare lenders. Buyers should: 

• Look at the comparison rate instead of just the advertised rate.

• Think about how much the loan will cost you in total over the life of the loan.

• Find out about fees like setup or early repayment fees.

• If interest rates go down even more later in 2025, think about refinancing.

Table: Best buying windows (pros, cons, how to play them)

Window	Why it’s good	Watch-outs	How to play it
EOFY (late May–June)	Targets, stock clearance, trade-ins boost supply	High competition, best cars move fast	Shortlist, pre-approve finance, move quickly
July–Sept	Lower demand; longer days to sell	Popular models still hold value	Target aged stock; ask for extras
Post-Christmas–Jan	Quiet market; dealers keen to start strong	Admin delays over holidays	Bundle in servicing or warranty
Model launch/changeover	Outgoing models soften in value	Not all trims see equal drops	Focus on well-specced older models
Late Dec plate-clearance	Dealers clear for new plates	Stock can be picked over	Be flexible on options

Inside each window, there are micro-timing tips.

• Go on Wednesday afternoons: Dealers are less busy and can give you more attention.

• At the end of the month or quarter, sales goals often lead to last-minute discounts.

• On days with bad weather, there are fewer buyers, which gives you more attention and bargaining power.

Segment by segment: where the best deals are often found. 

Fleet and ex-lease cars are common around the end of the year and the end of the fiscal year, and they get regular service.

• Family SUVs that are one generation behind: Trade-ins are highest after new models come out.

• City hatches and sedans: When demand goes down, seasonal deals get better.

• Performance cars: More affected by how rare and good they are than by the season.

Are macro trends still important?

Yes, for sure. The record number of new cars sold in 2024 is now making more used cars available in 2025. Cars are taking longer to sell, which gives buyers more time to haggle. Stable financial conditions, on the other hand, make it easier to plan. All of these things make 2025 one of the best years in a long time to buy a used car.

A reality checks on “the perfect day”

There isn’t one magic day, but there are times when buyers always get better deals. If you get the timing right and are ready—by getting pre-approved for a loan, making a clear shortlist, and being able to walk away—you’ll have a better chance of winning.

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