Best Used Automatic Cars in Australia 2025: The Fast Answer Aussies Want

Automotive Globe Specialist
4 days ago
6 min read

A person in a blue patterned shirt shifts a automatic car's gear in a modern interior. The dashboard is sleek, with a focus on precision and control.

Looking for a reliable ride without breaking the bank? Automatic used cars are becoming increasingly popular in Australia, offering convenience, comfort, and ease of driving in busy city traffic. Whether you’re commuting daily or planning weekend road trips, choosing the right automatic used car can make all the difference. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the top options available on the Australian market, helping you find a vehicle that suits your lifestyle and budget.

Top Automatic Used Cars in Australia

1) Toyota Corolla (2018–2021) — the safe, set-and-forget choice

Transmission: CVT automatic across most trims.

Typical used price (2018 Ascent Sport auto): ~A$24.7k–28.1k (private-buy guide). Prices vary by km/service and history/state.
Specs snapshot (2018 hatch Ascent Sport): 2.0-L petrol (125 kW), CVT, ~6.0–6.5 L/100 km combined, active safety suite standard. (Specs vary by trim.)
Safety: 5-star ANCAP for this generation (hatch tested 2018; sedan covered from late-2019).
Running costs & reliability: Excellent parts availability; huge dealer network.
Where to buy & availability: Widespread on carsales, dealer yards, Toyota Certified Used (adds inspected cars and extra benefits).

Who should buy: City and commuter drivers wanting the most no-drama ownership in a used automatic hatch/sedan with modern safety.

2) Mazda 3 (2017–2019) — small-car polish without the premium price

Transmission: 6-speed torque-converter auto.
Typical used price (2018 Maxx Sport auto): ~A$20k–22k (private-buy guide) — a bargain sweet spot.
Specs snapshot (2018 Maxx Sport): 2.0-L petrol (114 kW) or 2.5-L options, 6AT; well-appointed interior. (Exact outputs by engine/trim.)
Safety: 5-star ANCAP (excellent adult occupant score in the newer model; always check by year).
Where to buy: High supply via carsales/dealers; check service history (Mazda dealers keep thorough records).

Who should buy: Drivers who want a refined cabin, engaging steering, and a conventional auto (not CVT) at used-friendly prices.

3) Hyundai i30 (2018–2020) — the value king that’s easy to live with

Red Hyundai i30 sedan with black grille and alloy wheels, set against a white background, reflecting a sporty and sleek design.

Transmission: 6-speed auto (2.0 petrol/diesel) or 7-speed DCT on SR/N-Line.
Used pricing: A 19k-24k$ Strong value; cross-check current state-based listings in carsales for the exact trim (Active, SR, N-Line).
Specs snapshot (2019 Active): 2.0-L petrol (~120 kW), 6AT; Apple CarPlay/Android Auto common. (Confirm features per trim/year.)
Why it’s here: Big feature count, good road manners, and plentiful parts.
Where to buy: Dealer yards and private sellers on carsales, Gumtree Cars, Pickles (fleet/lease stock).

Who should buy: Families and commuters chasing newer tech at the price of older rivals.

4) Mazda CX-5 (2017–2019) — Australia’s go-to family SUV, sorted

Transmission: 6-speed auto; petrol or diesel.
Typical used price (2018 Maxx Sport auto): ~A$17.7k–20.8k (private-buy guide) — excellent buying for a quality mid-sizer.
Specs snapshot (2018 Maxx Sport): 2.0-L or 2.5-L petrol; AWD available in higher trims; roomy cabin.
Safety: 5-star ANCAP for CX-5s built prior to 1 Jan 2024 (the rating system updated afterward).
Where to buy: Strong supply on carsales and dealers; check for full service history.

Who should buy: Families wanting something that looks and feels premium but stays affordable used.

5) Toyota RAV4 (2019–2021; Hybrid if you can find one)

Transmission: CVT auto; Hybrid CVT is the fuel-sipper to hunt for.
Typical used price (2019 GX 2WD petrol, private-buy guide): ~A$26.4k–30.1k; Hybrids command more.
Safety: 5-star ANCAP across the new-gen range (from 2019).
Hybrid battery cover: Toyota traction battery coverage can extend to up to 10 years (unlimited km) with annual hybrid health checks under the Toyota Warranty Advantage.
Where to buy: Dealer yards (often ex-fleet), carsales (huge demand), occasionally auctions.

Who should buy: Anyone wanting a mid-size SUV with ultra-low fuel use and Toyota reliability. Expect to move quickly on good Hybrid listings.

EV options with autos (of course): buy on condition + warranty

1) Tesla Model 3 (2019–2021)

Red Tesla Molder 3 car driving on a clear road, daytime. The sky is blue, and a distant bridge is visible. The car's sleek design is prominent.

Transmission: Single-speed automatic (EV).
Price 36k-44k $
Why it’s compelling used: Long range, OTA updates, strong charging network.
Battery warranty (Australia): Model-specific coverage with a retention threshold (Tesla publishes battery warranty terms in AU). Always verify for your VIN/year.
Where to buy: carsales, Tesla’s used inventory (varies), dealers. Prices are volatile, so check live listings in your city.

2) MG ZS EV (2020–2022)

Light blue MG ZS SUV driving on a city bridge, cloudy sky. Buildings in background. Sleek design, chrome accents, visible license plate.

Why it’s compelling used: Among the cheapest used EV SUVs; tidy equipment list.
Price at 24k – 34k $
Warranty context: MG offers long vehicle warranty coverage (up to 7–10 years with conditions); confirm the high-voltage battery term for your build date.
Where to buy: MG dealers, carsales, and independent used-car yards.

3) BYD Atto 3 (2022–2023)

Blue BYD Atto 3 SUV driving on a rural road, blurred trees in background. License plate LD72 YAU visible, dynamic and sleek design.

Why it’s compelling used: Modern tech and efficiency; fast growth of local dealer network.
Price at 31.2k – 46k$ depends on the mileage
Cautionary note: As with any EV, check software updates and battery warranty paperwork; some media have reported isolated owner issues—do your due diligence and insist on diagnostics/records.
Where to buy: BYD dealers, carsales, and used retailers.

EV range realism: Real-world tests often show lower range than brochure claims, so test on your routes and budget some margin.

Why these? Because they’re the best used automatic cars in Australia 2025 for real-world factors Aussies care about: reliability, safety, running costs, resale, and how easy they are to actually find at a fair price.

Where can you buy and what’s actually available?

carsales — Australia’s biggest marketplace; thousands of used autos daily (dealer & private). Great for price guides and filtering by transmission.
Gumtree Cars / Facebook Marketplace — Large private-seller pool; bargains exist, but be alert for scams and get inspections.
Pickles (and other auctions) — Ex-fleet/government vehicles; good for value if you’re comfortable bidding and inspecting.
Certified programs (e.g., Toyota Certified Used) — Inspected stock with added warranty/assist; usually higher asking price but reduced risk. Toyota publishes its Certified benefits and brochure.

How to buy smart in 2025 (2-minute playbook)

Start your search where the cars actually are. In Australia, the biggest pools are carsales, Gumtree Cars, Facebook Marketplace, and auction houses like Pickles. Dealer-certified programs (e.g., Toyota Certified Used) add peace of mind.
Check safety first. Look for 5-star ANCAP for the generation you’re buying (examples cited below under each pick).
Price sanity-check. Use carsales private-buy guides on the exact year/trim to set a realistic range (we cite specific guides below).
For hybrids/EVs, verify battery coverage/health. Toyota Hybrids can extend traction-battery coverage up to 10 years (unlimited km) with annual health checks; Tesla and MG publish battery warranty terms. Ask sellers for recent battery health reports or on-screen SoH.

What about running costs, safety, and daily livability?

Fuel & servicing: Corolla and Mazda 3 remain among the cheapest to run for fuel/tyres/servicing; Hyundai i30 parts are widely available.
Insurance: Hatchbacks (Corolla/Mazda 3/i30) usually insure cheaper than SUVs; check quotes for your suburb.
Safety tech: From 2018 onward, many trims include AEB, lane-keep, and adaptive cruise (varies by trim/year; verify on the listing and with ANCAP by VIN).
EV charging reality: Expect less range than brochure in some conditions; plan charging around your commute and holiday routes.

Buyer checklist (don’t skip this)

VIN + service history — cross-check logbooks and PPSR.
Independent inspection — worth it every time, especially for private sales/auctions.
Transmission feel — CVT (Toyota) should be smooth; Mazda/Hyundai autos should shift cleanly without flare.
Recalls/TSBs — ask the dealer for proof of completion.
Hybrid/EV battery — request a Hybrid Health Check (Toyota) or battery SoH printout/scan where possible; confirm remaining warranty in writing.

Final take (so you can act today)

If you just want the best used automatic cars in Australia 2025 without overthinking:

Hatch/Sedan: Buy a 2018–2021 Toyota Corolla or 2017–2019 Mazda 3 in good condition with full history.
Family SUV: 2017–2019 Mazda CX-5 or 2019–2021 Toyota RAV4 (Hybrid if you find one).
Budget EV: Shop MG ZS EV bargains; if you can stretch, a clean 2019–2021 Tesla Model

Search those exact combos on carsales, sanity-check prices with the private-buy guide, confirm ANCAP rating for the year, and lock it in.

FAQ: Best Used Automatic Cars in Australia 2025

Q1) What’s the single best value used for automatic hatch?

A well-kept 2018–2020 Mazda 3 Maxx Sport (6-speed auto) often undercuts a same-age Corolla while feeling more upmarket. Check the carsales private-buy guide for your state.

Q2) I drive long distances. Corolla CVT or Mazda 3 auto?

Both are fine. If you prefer a conventional auto feel on highways, the Mazda 3 6-speed is lovely. Corolla CVT wins on economy and parts ubiquity. Verify the trim’s safety kit and pick the tidiest service history.

Q3) Best used automatic SUV for a small family under ~A$30k?

2018 Mazda CX-5 Maxx Sport or 2019 Toyota RAV4 GX 2WD (stretch to Hybrid if possible). Both have strong safety and resale. Use carsales’ guide to confirm local asking ranges.

Q4) Are used EVs worth it in 2025?

Yes—if the price reflects battery age/health and you can charge at home. Expect real-world range to be under brochure in some conditions; verify battery warranty terms (Tesla/MG publish details) and get a battery health report where possible.

Q5) Where should I actually buy?

Start with carsales for breadth and price discovery, then compare a few dealer-certified options (e.g., Toyota Certified Used) if you want added checks and assistance. Auctions like Pickles can be good value if you’re inspection-savvy.

Q6) How do I make sure I’m not overpaying?

Match year + trim + km against carsales’ private-buy guide, check at least 5–10 local listings, and factor in tyres/brakes/servicing due. If the car’s from a certified program, weigh the warranty/inspection value.