Best Time to Buy a Used Car in Australia (Expert Guide)

Buying a used car is a significant investment, and timing can make a real difference in how much you pay. While there’s no single magic day that guarantees the lowest price, certain times of the year consistently offer better deals to Australian buyers.

Industry data shows that June and the December-January holiday period are often the best bets for used car bargains in Australia. Why? It comes down to market cycles, dealership sales targets, and seasonal supply and demand.

In this expert guide, we’ll break down when you’re likely to find the sweetest deals on second-hand cars, why those times are advantageous, and tips to help you maximise your savings.

If you ask any Australian car expert, the End of Financial Year (EOFY) is often cited as the prime time to shop for vehicles, and that includes used cars. Australian financial year ends on June 30, and as this date approaches, dealers are racing to hit annual sales targets and clear out stock. New car dealerships roll out big EOFY promotions, which creates a ripple effect in the used market.

As people rush to buy discounted new cars by June 30, they trade in or sell their old cars, leading to a greater supply of second-hand stock. The result is often sweeter prices for used-car buyers around this time.

Dealerships themselves also tend to offer EOFY clearance deals on used inventory to boost their quarterly and annual numbers. You might find price reductions or added incentives on used car stock in late June. In short, June is a hot month for car bargains. It’s a period when sellers are motivated and buyers have more choice, which tilts the market in your favor.

End of Calendar Year & New Year (December and January)

Another excellent window for buying a used car is around the end of the calendar year (December) and into New Year’s January. Dealerships (both new and used) often engage in year-end clearance sales in December to make room for next year’s models and to hit yearly sales goals. This can translate into lower prices on used cars as well, especially on dealer lots looking to close out their books. In fact, the quiet period between Christmas and New Year’s can be a time when fewer buyers are out shopping, so dealers may be extra flexible to secure a sale.

Right after New Year’s, in January, there’s another advantage for used car shoppers. Many people receive their tax refunds in July or have fresh resolutions in the new year to upgrade their vehicle, meaning they’ll sell or trade in their current car around January.

This influx of post-holiday trade-ins increases the used car supply, which can drive prices down for used car buyers. Additionally, major sales events like Boxing Day (26 December) and Australia Day in late January often come with promotional deals from dealerships. All told, late December through January is a smart time to be on the lookout for a used car deal.

The car market has its seasons, and winter is generally an off-peak season for car buying. Fewer people purchase cars during the colder months, resulting in less competition among buyers and more negotiating power for you. In Australia, the winter roughly spans May through August. Many prospective buyers put off car shopping, perhaps to avoid venturing out in chilly weather or because there are no major sale events until EOFY. With demand dipping in winter, sellers often adjust prices down or become more willing to strike a deal.

Used car prices often dip in July and August when dealerships run mid-year clearance specials to keep stock moving. The “quiet months” can be the best time to buy, as sellers are more eager to deal. Seasonality also matters: convertibles and sports cars are cheaper in winter when demand is low, while SUVs and 4WDs rise in price before summer holidays. Timing your search for the winter slowdown can deliver solid bargains.

Keep an eye on the new car market even if you’re buying used. When a new model or major update is released, many owners trade in the older version, flooding the used market with stock. More choice and competition usually mean better prices. If you’re eyeing a particular model, the best time to buy can be when its new equivalent hits showrooms.



Dealerships also run “plate clearance” sales in January–March to move last year’s unsold stock. While aimed at new cars, they can benefit used buyers too. Demos and recently traded models often get discounted as dealers make space for new arrivals. Around a model changeover or number plate update is often a good window to grab a near-new car at a sharper price.

Times to Avoid When Buying a Used Car

There are also times when bargains are harder to find. In the lead-up to major holidays, especially October through early December, demand rises as families plan road trips and graduates look for cars. More buyers in the market means higher prices and less room to negotiate.

The same applies right before school holidays or long weekends, when popular models like SUVs and people-movers often command a premium. Around holidays “everyone is looking at cars,” so prices tend to steepen.

Be cautious right after big sale periods too. If you miss EOFY, early July can feel thin on deals, with dealers less pressured after meeting targets. Prices often tick up at the start of new quarters or years when there’s no urgent sales push. If saving money is your goal, avoid peak demand periods and wait for the next buyer’s market.