Columbus
Columbus
Petrol is the primary fuel used in Australia's used car market, accounting for more than 80 per cent of the nation's current stock in Cars24. Petrol's popularity and the sheer range of available models from compact hatchbacks to family SUVs and even some 4WD options are why many buyers consider it first over diesel, hybrid, or electric alternatives.
There are currently 698 petrol cars listed on Cars24 across the country, ranging from $7,890 to $79,990. This range is just about sizes and price points, and petrol is the place most used car searches begin.
There are a number of reasons for petrol retaining its position as the main fuel type in Australia's used vehicle fleet. Petrol engines are typically less expensive than their hybrid and electric counterparts, have less specialised parts and servicing infrastructure than diesel engines, and the automotive parts and repair network is established in every state and territory. If the front-end cost of the car and servicing is more important to a buyer than the cost of running the vehicle, then a petrol car is often the most affordable option to get into owning a car.
The top five brands of petrol currently available on Cars24 are Mazda, Toyota, Kia, Hyundai and MG, and all of them have a significant percentage of the total stock. The body types are made up of wagons and SUVs, with hatchbacks and sedans making up the remainder, consistent with the increased variety of new-car body types that have been seen in Australia over the last few years. This distribution allows buyers looking for cars and petrol combinations efficiently in most body styles within this fuel category.
One of the first things petrol 4WD enthusiasts need to realise when looking for a 'genuine' 4WD heavy-duty off-road vehicle from Australia is that most of the genuine models are not petrol-powered but rather diesel-powered; think utes, and ladder-frame SUVs like the LandCruiser and Pajero Sport.
But there are a number of petrol-powered all-wheel drive SUVs that are easily available and are very good on road as well as light off-road duty. The Subaru Forester and Subaru Outback, both with standard all-wheel drive, are the most consistent petrol AWD options featured on Cars24, alongside the Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, Hyundai Tucson and Nissan X-Trail in their all-wheel drive variants. Although less boisterous, the Suzuki Jimny is one of the only true petrol-powered 4WD models listed today that has true low-range.
There is a crucial difference to be understood. As in the Forester, Outback, RAV4 and CX-5, all-wheel drive boosts traction and stability on a variety of road surfaces, but is not usually equipped with low-range gears for more challenging off-road conditions. A genuine 4WD with low range is more often found on a diesel-powered Ute or a ladder frame SUV. When deciding which petrol AWD to buy over a diesel 4WD, a buyer who sees AWD as a means to greater off-road performance should take this factor into mind.
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Price band | Options | Best suited for |
Under $18,000 | Entry-level hatchbacks and sedans | Budget-focused buyers |
$18,000-$28,000 | Mid-size SUVs and wagons, the most common bracket | Every day family and commuting needs |
$28,000-$45,000 | Larger SUVs, petrol AWD models | Families requiring extra space or traction |
$45,000+ | Premium petrol vehicles, near-new stock | Buyers prioritising features and condition |
While the purchase price of petrol cars is lower than hybrid or electric alternatives when it comes to the same car model, running costs over time may be higher depending on the number of kilometres travelled each year and the price of fuel.
A hybrid option could be a worthwhile fuel-saving feature for buyers who are mostly driving in suburban or urban areas. If customers want to spend the least money up front, want the widest model choice, or aren't set on an electric vehicle, a petrol car will usually be the more sensible choice.
When considering any fuel type, thorough inspection is still vital. When shopping, buyers should ask to see the complete vehicle's maintenance history, see if the vehicle has been serviced regularly at the recommended intervals, and if there are warning lights or any unusual engine behaviour, ask for them to be checked out during a test drive. In the case of petrol AWD models, it's especially important to confirm that the drivetrain and differential have been performed at the correct time, as there are additional maintenance needs for the AWD system compared to a standard two-wheel-drive petrol car. A PPSR check should also be carried out to ensure that there are no outstanding finance or write-off issues with the vehicle.
Browse used cars across Australia and filter to any specific model or make of your choice.
Narrow by model, year, kilometres, body type and fuel type- petrol, diesel or plug-in hybrid.
Compare service history, remaining warranty terms and inspection findings rather than price alone.
Explore Cars24 finance if needed, and check out payment plans without affecting your credit score.
Take up a test drive and pick up from the hub or choose to be home delivered, as per your convenience.
Cars24 makes used petrol cars available across major Australian cities. Location of our main hubs:
Brisbane: 973 Fairfield Rd, Yeerongpilly, QLD 4105, Australia
Melbourne: 118 Cherry Ln, Laverton North, VIC 3026, Australia
If you don’t want to visit the hub, the entire process can be completed online, from browsing used cars to arranging finance and booking delivery.
Currently, 698 petrol cars are listed nationwide on Cars24, accounting for more than 80 per cent of all vehicles in stock. The price of vehicles falls within a range from $7,890 to $79,990, covering hatchbacks, sedans, wagons and SUVs in most price brackets.
The majority of genuine 4WD vehicles have low range and are powered by a diesel engine, although there are a few petrol options like the Suzuki Jimny. Petrol AWD SUVs, such as Subaru Foresters and Outback models, have better traction capabilities than off-road low-range gearing.
All-wheel drive enhances traction and stability on diverse surfaces but does not provide "low range" gears. True 4WD traverses low range for serious off-road conditions and is more likely to be found in the diesel utes and ladder-frame SUVs.
Petrol is cheaper to purchase. Although the cost of running a petrol car may be higher, depending on annual kilometres travelled, petrol cars will usually have a lower upfront purchase cost than hybrid or electric cars of a similar model and year.
Mazda, Toyota, Kia, Hyundai and MG make up the bulk of petrol availability, from hatchbacks, sedans, wagons and SUVs.
The buyer should make sure to go over the full service record, ensure that the regular oil changes have been performed as recommended, have the warning lights checked during a test drive and run a PPSR to verify that there are no finance or title issues.
Petrol AWD SUVs such as the RAV4, CX-5 and Tucson offer moderate towing capacity suitable for light trailers or small boats, though buyers requiring higher towing capacity should consider diesel-powered alternatives with greater torque output.
Petrol vehicles generally benefit from a wider service network and lower parts costs compared to diesel, though hybrid vehicles may offer reduced brake wear over time due to regenerative braking systems.
Eligible buyers may apply for Cars24 finance online. Pre-approval assists in establishing a realistic budget but does not guarantee final approval, with rate, deposit and loan terms determined by the lender and vehicle selected.
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