The top-selling used cars this year
13 Dec 2024 | Buying A Used Car
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The best used car to buy
If you are looking for advice on the best used car to buy, there’s arguably no better place to start than… the most popular cars that other people are buying. The biggest-selling used cars are popular for a good reason.
Knowing which brands and models are popular also helps if you’re selling a used car, because if your vehicle is one that’s in-demand, it’s likely you’ll get a good price – especially from a dealer, which might have prospective buyers waiting for the right car already.
What are the most popular makes of used car?
The five top-selling brands of used car are all Japanese. It’s a nation that has reputation for building cars that are really reliable and practical, as well being good to drive. So for the best used cars right now, look no further than Nissan, Toyota, Mazda, Subaru and Mitsubishi. Some might even say these are the best car brands, full-stop.
What are the most popular models?
Three medium-sized SUVs really stand out: the Mazda CX-5, Nissan X-Trail and Mitsubishi Outlander. All are well-known to NZers and top selling used cars, but each with their own individual strengths and character.
Small hatchbacks are popular too, especially when they combine rock-sold reliability with outstanding fuel economy: cars like the Nissan Note and Toyota Aqua hybrid.
2015 Toyota Aqua Hybrid
What are the best selling utes?
Utes go hand-in-hand with Kiwi lifestyles. The big one for many is the Ford Ranger, which dates back to 1998, when it was based on a Mazda. But the really desirable ones in NZ are the so-called “T6” models, developed by Ford Australia: the first one came out 2011, there was a facelift in 2015 and the “next generation” model in 2022.
2014 Ford Ranger
Nissan is the top used car brand, so it makes sense the Navara is a really popular ute. It’s consistently been rated for its strength and simplicity: it’s easy to maintain and capable of working hard. Navara as you think of it today really started with the D22 models back in 1997, but key years for updates are 2002 and 2017 - which is still the base for the current model.
You cannot look past a Hilux, either. It’s been an icon for decades. It’s a name that’s synonymous with Kiwi life and is an aspirational ute for many.
The Holden brand is no longer with us, but the Holden Colorado ute remains a force to be reckoned with as a used vehicle. The Colorado name has been around since 2008, but the model line existed before then, when it was called Rodeo. The post-2012 new-generation models have an especially strong 2.8 diesel engine, and keep a look out for the sportier-looking Z71.
Last but not least is the Mitsubishi Triton, another model that’s really embedded in the NZ scene. Formerly called the L200, Mitsubishi’s ute became the Triton for NZ in the 1980s and has inspired loyalty from many buyers who work it hard. Long model cycles make the Triton an especially appealing used car buy, as each version is well-proven; an all-new Triton was introduced to NZ this year, but the previous two versions lasted the best part of a decade each.
What are the best-selling SUVs?
2008 Nissan X-Trail
The Nissan X-Trail is one of those family SUVs that consistently proves itself a brilliant used car buy. It’s always been supremely practical and longer model life cycles mean each different version has really established itself; there have only been four different versions since 2000 and the third-generation was even available with 7 seats.
For style and driving dynamics, the Mazda CX-5 is a strong choice. It’s a relative newcomer, with the first model launched in 2021, but for that reason every version still looks fresh. It’s always looked and felt a bit “premium”.
The Mitsubishi Outlander is probably best-known as a plug-in hybrid, but it’s been available with a number of different engines since the second-generation model (the one NZers will know best) was launched in 2006: everything from economical four-cylinders to a throaty V6. Many have a very clever AWD system, too.
Quirky compact SUVs
Our final two are a couple of quirky compact SUVs that share a similar character: they’re all about individualistic style, but neither comprises on the robust mechanicals and ease of use that their respective brands are known for.
The Nissan Juke was outrageous when launched in 2010, with styling that looked a bit like a beach buggy. However, it’s now a familiar sight on Kiwi roads and a really popular model thanks to its reliability. A new model came along in 2020, although the original is the one we all know best.
The C-HR was a deliberate attempt by Toyota to be a bit wacky… and it worked. This radical-looking coupe-style small SUV was launched in 2016 and has been very popular, partly thanks to the use of proven Toyota technology. You can have it with a conventional engine, but it’s also available as a hybrid.