They say you can tell a lot about a person by the car they drive. In Australia, it seems you can also guess their age, maybe even their weekly dinner budget. The country’s car market has quietly sorted itself into generational lanes—each age group preferring a very different set of wheels, and the divide between new and used tells a bigger story than just horsepower and badge envy.
Under 35s are showing their cards early. They’re not walking into dealerships with eyes on a shiny new model, but rather browsing second-hand listings for hatchbacks and older utes. That’s not laziness—it’s practicality. With housing out of reach, degrees hanging heavy with debt, and weekend getaways competing for wallet space, younger Australians are making car choices that feel more like survival than splurge. Around 29% of women under 35 say they’re more inclined to buy used, compared with 23% of men, perhaps because women are often balancing multiple financial demands. Either way, it’s the Corolla, Mazda 3, and Hyundai i30 that keep showing up in their driveways—affordable, fuel-efficient, compact, and quietly dependable.
The 26 to 35 bracket continues this pragmatic theme, but a little more ambition sneaks in. SUVs like the Mazda CX-5 and Toyota RAV4 make an appearance, a nod to family planning, or maybe just weekends out of town. Throw in the odd Ford Ranger, and the picture’s clear: this group wants a bit more room and versatility, but isn’t handing over their whole pay cheque to get it.
From the mid-thirties onward, practicality morphs into planning. By 36 to 45, cars get bigger. The Kluger becomes a staple. Utes hang around too—not just for tradies, but for dual-income families who need a car that does school runs and camping holidays without protest. By this stage, the car’s not just a purchase—it’s a part-time housemate.
Move up to the 46 to 55 age range, and things start looking more comfortable. Reliability is key, but so is nostalgia. The Toyota Camry keeps punching above its weight in this crowd, joined by the Prado and a few Holden Commodores still kicking about. These aren’t impulse buys—they’re decisions backed by two decades of driving around town and up the coast.
Then there’s the 65+ cohort. These are the people who know what they want, have the money to get it, and are doing exactly that. They’ve outgrown second-hand markets and are walking straight into showrooms, often for the second or third time in a decade. They’re the fastest-growing group of new car buyers in Australia, driven by confidence and a taste for modern comfort. The LandCruiser, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and the Subaru Forester are all popular picks—spacious, tech-savvy, and ready for retirement road trips.
It’s not just about age; it’s about what each stage of life demands. Under 25s don’t need heated seats or built-in massage modes—they want something that starts on the first go and doesn’t eat their rent money. By 45, it’s about space for kids, gear, and maybe a Labrador. At 70, it’s about a car that makes life easier, safer, and a little bit luxurious.
New cars, especially dual-cab utes like the Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger, cut across all age lines. They’re the Swiss Army knives of Australian roads, just as comfortable hauling tools as they are taking a family of five to the beach. These vehicles, despite their upfront cost, continue to outsell expectations because they tick boxes that matter across generations—durability, resale value, and all-purpose capability.
But used cars are where the market gets interesting. They cost up to 40% less than their newer counterparts. And more importantly, they avoid the dreaded first-year depreciation cliff where a car can lose up to 20% of its value the moment it leaves the lot. It’s no wonder savvy Australians—especially younger ones—are heading straight for the second-hand aisle. It’s where choice is broad, price points are forgiving, and the financial pain is minimal.
Toyota is the clear winner in this race, occupying multiple age brackets and preferences like a master key. Whether it’s the compact Corolla or the go-anywhere LandCruiser, Toyota’s reputation for reliability has made it the go-to badge from learner drivers to retirees.
SUVs are winning across the board too. Their mix of space, safety, and elevated road view has made them the new default for families and weekend warriors alike. The RAV4, CX-5, and Kluger are on everybody’s list for good reason—they do what they’re asked without fuss. And while utes may have once been pigeonholed for worksite duty, they now play multiple roles in Australian life, making the Ranger and HiLux perennial favourites.
Behind all this data is a changing definition of value. For some, it’s stretching a dollar. For others, it’s finding comfort without compromise. And for an increasing number of Australians, it’s about finding a car that fits into the rest of their life—not one that defines it.
A new car might still signal achievement for some, but for many, it’s simply a reminder of the rapid price drop waiting around the next corner. The second-hand market, by contrast, feels like a place where a little money goes a long way—no fanfare, just four wheels and a tank of petrol.
Age might decide whether you buy used or new, but in Australia, one thing stays the same: we all want something that works, something that lasts, and something that doesn’t make us regret the purchase six months down the road.
And if you’re wondering what your next car says about you—ask your bank account first. It probably knows better than you do.
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🚗 Aussie car trends split by age: Under-35s favour used Corollas & i30s, while 65+ buy new LandCruisers & Mercs. 🚗 💰 SUVs & utes dominate; Toyota wins across generations with reliability & resale value. 💰 #TheIndianSunhttps://t.co/VMyE6DHpP6
— The Indian Sun (@The_Indian_Sun) April 5, 2025
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