Australian Used-Vehicle Sales Rise in September

The national used-vehicle market grew by 6.0 per cent as total sales reached 258,127 units during September 2026.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Buying/Selling

Australian Used-Vehicle Sales Rise in September

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Australian used-vehicle sales recorded a 6.0 per cent increase in September 2026, reaching a total of 258,127 units. This performance represents a 20.1 per cent rise compared to figures from June 2026.

Why it matters

Retailers and dealers closely monitor these sales volumes and market data to refine inventory stocking levels and adjust pricing strategies to match shifting consumer demand.

Total active used-vehicle listings reached 390,184 units in September 2026, while the average time to sell a vehicle extended to 52.8 days compared to 51.5 days in August 2026. Dealerships facilitated 43.9 per cent of total transactions.

The players

Toyota

Toyota is a major automotive manufacturer that remains a top-selling brand in the Australian market.

The details

Market data shows that 4WD and AWD vehicles captured a 46.2 per cent share of sales, while manual transmissions accounted for 6.6 per cent of the total volume. Additionally, the market saw 5,417 used electric vehicles sold, with white remaining a dominant colour choice for brands like Toyota.

June 2026 served as the baseline for the volume increase.
July 2026 marked the peak of active listings for the period.
August 2026 saw an average time-to-sell of 51.5 days.
September 2026 saw sales reach 258,127 units with 390,184 active listings.

Roadmap

The steady growth in used-vehicle sales highlights how the Australian automotive sector is adapting to shifting inventory availability and consumer preferences. Dealerships are increasingly leveraging high-frequency market data to remain competitive as the landscape for pre-owned transport evolves.

Buyers may find that the average time to sell a vehicle has reached 52.8 days, suggesting a slightly slower market pace compared to the previous month. Potential purchasers should note that while inventory levels remain high, dealers are actively adjusting prices based on these monthly sales metrics.

The takeaway

The recent data indicates a robust market for pre-owned vehicles, with significant activity in the 4WD and AWD segments. Prospective buyers should monitor listing turnover rates to identify the most competitive pricing opportunities in their local areas.