The Most Common Cars We Buy in Melbourne (And What We Pay)
Published 2026-01-03 • Car Values
After 20 years and 10,000+ cars, we've seen pretty much everything roll through. Here's an honest breakdown of the cars we buy most often around Melbourne, and realistic price ranges based on condition.
Note: prices below are indicative guides for 2025–2026. Actual offers depend on specific condition, year, mileage, and what the market looks like at the time.
Toyota Corolla
The most common car in Australia, full stop. We buy more Corollas than any other model.
What we pay: - 2000s models, running, average condition: $500–$2,000 - 2010s models, running, good condition: $2,000–$6,000 - 2018+ models, good condition: $8,000–$18,000+
Corollas hold their value well because parts are cheap, mechanics know them inside out, and there's always demand. Even a high-km Corolla in rough shape is worth something.
Toyota Camry
The Camry is the classic "reliable family car" and they come to us in all conditions.
What we pay: - Pre-2002 models: $300–$1,000 - 2002–2011 generation: $1,000–$4,000 - 2012–2017 generation: $3,000–$8,000 - Hybrid variants command a premium, especially late models
Toyota HiLux and LandCruiser
These are the big earners. 4WDs and utes hold value extremely well — even when they're beat up.
What we pay: - HiLux SR5 (2015–2020), good condition: $18,000–$35,000 - HiLux, damaged or high km: $5,000–$15,000 - LandCruiser 200 Series: $25,000–$55,000 depending on condition and spec - LandCruiser 80/100 Series: $8,000–$25,000
If you've got a HiLux or LandCruiser, expect a solid offer. These cars are in constant demand.
Ford Ranger
The other dominant ute. Similar story to HiLux.
What we pay: - 2016–2022 Ranger, good condition: $15,000–$35,000 - Earlier models or higher km: $5,000–$14,000 - Damaged Ranger: still worth $4,000–$12,000 for parts
Holden Commodore
Holden stopped making cars in Australia in 2017 and closed entirely in 2020. Older Commodores are dropping in value as parts get harder to find. Recent Commodores (the VE/VF gen) still have reasonable parts supply.
What we pay: - VE/VF Commodore, running: $2,000–$7,000 - Older VS/VX/VY models: $200–$1,500 - Commodore ute (VE/VF): $4,000–$10,000
Mazda 3 and CX-5
Mazdas have excellent build quality and strong resale. The CX-5 particularly holds its value well.
What we pay: - Mazda 3 (2013–2019): $4,000–$10,000 running, good condition - Mazda CX-5 (2012–2017): $8,000–$18,000 - Mazda CX-5 (2017+): $14,000–$28,000
Honda Civic and CR-V
Japanese reliability keeps these cars valuable.
What we pay: - Civic (2012–2017): $4,000–$9,000 - CR-V (2012–2016): $7,000–$14,000 - Civic/CR-V post-2017: $10,000–$25,000+
Subaru Forester and Outback
Popular in Victoria, especially with families and those heading bush.
What we pay: - Forester / Outback (2008–2014): $3,000–$8,000 - Post-2014 models: $8,000–$20,000
Head gasket issues on older EJ engines affect value — a known problem worth disclosing upfront.
European Cars
BMWs, Mercedes, Audis, and Volkswagens are trickier. Parts are expensive, and the market for second-hand Euro cars is narrower. We do buy them, but expect offers toward the lower end of the range unless the car is in genuinely good shape.
General guide: - BMW 3 Series (2010–2016): $5,000–$15,000 depending on condition - VW Golf (2013–2019): $5,000–$12,000 - Mercedes C-Class (2014–2019): $7,000–$20,000
The older and more problematic the Euro car, the harder it is to move, and offers reflect that.
What Affects the Offer on Any Car
Beyond make and model, here's what changes the price: - Starts and drives vs doesn't run: A running car can be worth 50–100% more - RWC potential: Can it pass a roadworthy without major work? - Body condition: Clean vs dented vs rusted - Interior condition: Smoke damage, tears, damage significantly reduces value - Service history: Documented history adds confidence and price - Modifications: Tasteful genuine accessories (tow bar, canopy) add value. Aftermarket exhausts, lowered suspension, or big sound systems rarely do