Columbus
Columbus
Cars24 lists cars under $25,000 across SUVs, hatchbacks, sedans and utes. Twenty-five thousand dollars is one of the busiest price points in the used car market, and the good news is that it's a good price level for those seeking to find a used car. More than half of Cars24's stock is under $25,000, and it covers all of categories, starting from $7890.
The real challenge is not whether this budget is available, but what to choose from this. Over half of Cars24's national stock falls below this price, which makes it hard for most buyers to narrow down their choices. The biggest sub-segment by brand includes Mazda, MG, Hyundai, Kia and Toyota, with pricing spanning from small hatchbacks under $15,000 up to almost-new mid-size SUVs just touching the top dollar. Being aware of what will work for you before going through the numerous offers that don't will save you a ton of time.
A list of the typical items that fit under under $25,000. The three groups of buyers for cars under 25k in Australia are purchasing very different cars.
At the bottom, small hatchbacks such as the Mazda 3, MG3 and Hyundai i30 are the most inexpensive ways to get in the door of reliable, late-model transportation, typically costing less than $15,000.
The Toyota Corolla, Kia Cerato, Mazda CX-3 and MG ZST are the most common cars in the middle price range ($15,000 to $22,000).
At the top end, at the ceiling, larger and newer SUVs like the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage and Mazda CX-5 are available, and more so in older or higher kilometre models.
The best used cars under 25k will not be the same for each consumer, and it's important to define what best means to the situation. A compact hatchback, such as a Mazda 3 or Hyundai i30, is likely to be a better option for most commuters who undertake predominantly city kilometres, as it is cheaper to insure and operate than a larger car that lacks the space for regular use.
For a small family, or if the buyer requires additional cabin space but is not quite into the SUV category, it's a Corolla, Cerato or Camry. If you really do need the height and boot space of an SUV to carry gear, prams, or just a preference, then you do have options here too, though the CX-3, ZST, Tucson and Sportage are more likely to be at the top end of this range than at the bottom.
The vast majority of stock listed under $25,000 is petrol, with diesel making up a smaller portion, mainly found in utes and a few SUVs. For those who actively seek out a hybrid or EV, they will likely have to look at more expensive options below this price range, as the models that do exist in that category tend to have a premium price, which is not easily accessible at this budget.
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Vehicles costing less than $25,000 are packed with models from 2019 to 2025, and have a median odometer reading of approximately 52,000 kilometres. It's a decent compromise that isn't brand new, but pretty much still in its prime for mechanical issues to be resolved. Build year and kilometres are considered together; therefore, a 2022 car may, on average, have more kilometres than a 2017 car, and the two may end up costing the same, but may require a different level of scrutiny when inspected.
Price band | What you can get | Best suited for |
Under $15,000 | Mazda 3, MG3, i30 and Cerato | Lowest-cost entry, first cars |
$15,000-20,000 | Corolla, Cerato, CX-3, ZST, ZS | Most everyday commuting and small family use |
$20,000-$25,000 | Tucson, Sportage, CX-5, Camary and HS | Buyers wanting more space or a newer build |
Utility and cab chassis vehicles account for a small percentage of vehicles priced less than $25,000, often older or higher-mileage versions, not close to new. It's important to look at these listings closely if you are a buyer who is looking for specific tray or towing options on this price point, as you would expect any normal working life to have a story behind it that may not be obvious from the lower cost.
The problem is that a vehicle that has been around a lot and the service history is spotty, or the ownership is not clear, can cost you more in the next two years than a slightly more expensive vehicle with clean service records. When considering whether to compare listings by price, it is also important to consider the inspection report, service history and PPSR check, along with the price. A $2,000 price difference might not matter as much as the difference in the actual history of each car.
Decide which category fits hatchback, sedan, or SUV, based on actual daily use rather than price alone.
Set a realistic sub-range within the $25,000 ceiling using the table above.
Compare two or three similarly priced options directly rather than judging listings individually.
Review the inspection report, service history and PPSR check for each.
Apply for pre-approved finance online if needed, subject to eligibility and lender approval.
Arrange a test drive, hub collection or home delivery once a decision is made.
Cars24 makes used cars under 25k 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.
Approximately 512 more than half of what is listed on our platform across the country. That includes hatchbacks, sedans, SUVs and a limited number of utes, from $7890 to $24990.
A smaller hatchback like the Mazda 3 or Hyundai i30 will tend to have the lowest running and insurance costs and is a good choice to begin with in this price range.
Yes, models such as the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage and Mazda CX-5 are usually towards the top end of the budget and are often in slightly older or higher kilometre models.
Rarely. The variety of hybrid and electric cars is more limited at this price range, so those who specifically desire one may find a greater selection in the higher price brackets.
The majority of vehicles are in a good mechanical state and are in the 2019-2025 Range with a median odometer reading of about 40,000 kilometres.
The vast majority of stock in this range is petrol. The availability of diesel is limited, but it is mainly used in utes and also in a few, smaller SUVs.
A cleaner service history is usually more significant over time. It's not always the case that there's a small price difference between two cars that are pretty much the same car, but the difference in the cars' maintenance and ownership histories is much more important.
Yes, but usually older or higher-kilometre models. It's best to check the service history as they can have worked harder than most other utes.
Eligible buyers can apply for Cars24 finance online. Pre-approval helps establish a realistic budget but doesn't guarantee final approval, with rate, deposit and loan terms determined by the lender and vehicle selected.
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