Australia’s Used-Car Sales Rise 6% to 258,127 in September as Listings Fall 7.7%

SYDNEY, Australia, 29 October 2026 — Australia recorded 258,127 used-vehicle sales in September 2026, a 6.0% increase from August, while the number of vehicles listed for sale fell 7.7% to 390,184, according to data from the Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA) and AutoGrab. The figures mark the third consecutive monthly increase in used-vehicle sales and point to a market where sales are rising while available listings are declining.

The September figures show a change in the balance between used-vehicle sales and advertised stock. Active listings were 10.9% below their July 2026 peak of 437,855. Meanwhile, the average time taken to sell a vehicle increased from 51.5 days in August to 52.8 days in September.

Used-Vehicle Market Records Three Months of Sales Growth

The September result continued a period of growth in Australia's used-vehicle market. Sales were 20.1% higher than in June 2026, according to the AADA and AutoGrab report published on 13 October 2026.

The fall in active listings provides another measure of the market's changing conditions. Although more vehicles changed hands, fewer were advertised for sale during September. These figures offer a snapshot of the relationship between vehicle supply and sales activity, rather than a forecast of future prices.

For used-car dealers, the data provides context for stock selection and pricing decisions. For vehicle owners considering a sale, it highlights the importance of assessing their individual vehicle's condition, age, mileage and current market value rather than relying on national sales figures alone.

Four-Wheel-Drive Vehicles Account for 46.2% of Used Sales

Four-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive vehicles accounted for 46.2% of used-vehicle sales in September, compared with 44.6% in October 2025. The data also showed that more than four in five used ute buyers continued to choose four-wheel-drive models.

The figures highlight differences in buyer preferences across vehicle types. Dealers can use this information alongside local demand and vehicle-specific data when deciding which models to stock.

Manual transmissions accounted for 6.6% of used-vehicle sales in September, down from 8.3% in October 2025. Across the market, manual vehicle sales fell from 9,512 to 7,707 over that 12-month period.

Used Electric-Vehicle Sales Also Increase

Used electric-vehicle sales reached 5,417 in September, an increase of 29.8% compared with August. Electric vehicles accounted for 2.1% of used-vehicle sales in September, up from 1.5% in July.

Dealers accounted for 75.4% of used electric-vehicle sales during September, according to the report. While electric vehicles remain a smaller part of the used market, the monthly figures show their growing share of recent sales.

These results are relevant to businesses across the automotive sector, including vehicle retailers, buyers and vehicle-removal operators. However, used-car sales data does not measure scrap-car collections or vehicle recycling volumes directly.

What the Figures Mean for Vehicle Owners

National market figures provide useful context, but they do not determine the value of an individual vehicle. Make, model, age, kilometres travelled, service history, condition and local demand can all affect the amount a buyer may offer.

Owners looking to sell an unwanted, damaged or end-of-life vehicle should compare suitable offers and confirm any collection arrangements before agreeing to a sale. Where a vehicle is no longer suitable for resale, vehicle removal and recycling may also be options to consider.

For businesses involved in vehicle buying and removal, understanding changes in the wider market can help inform conversations with owners. The September data offers a timely view of used-vehicle sales and listings, while further information would be needed to establish changes in demand for scrap vehicles or recycling services.

Source of the Data

The figures in this release are drawn from the Australian Automotive Dealer Association and AutoGrab's September 2026 used-vehicle market analysis, published on 13 October 2026.

Source: https://www.aada.asn.au/what-australians-want-in-the-used-vehicle-market/

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Cash for Cars Sydney buys unwanted vehicles and provides car-removal services in Sydney, New South Wales. Its services include the collection of unwanted, damaged and scrap vehicles, truck buying and used vehicle parts.

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