As new car prices and sales in Australia cool down, there is good news for used car buyers as well - there are great deals and bargains to be had for used cars, SUVs and utes.
Motoring
Also consider: Mazda2
The best used cars, SUVs and utes in Australia under $20,000
As the market improves for buyers, a $20,000 budget will secure a great used car with modern safety features and low running costs. These are the best used cars, SUVs and utes on sale in Australia for under $20,000.
The volatile geopolitical situation in April 2026 not only drove up fuel prices in Australia, it dramatically reduced demand for internal-combustion cars in Australia’s used-car market.
That translated to a slump in the prices of used cars. Consequently, the buyer with a $20,000 budget can be assured of getting a significantly better car for their money.
In this guide, we list some of the best used cars, SUVs and utes available in Australia for under $20,000, along with practical advice for buyers in the Australian market.
More: Research and compare new and used cars, SUVs, utes and vans on sale today in Australia
Jump to:
- How to buy a reliable used car under $20,000 in Australia
- Best used cars, SUVs and utes under $20,000 in Australia – quick picks
- Best used mini car under $20,000 in Australia
- Best used small car under $20,000 in Australia
- Best used medium car under $20,000 in Australia
- Best used large car under $20,000 in Australia
- Best used small SUV under $20,000 in Australia
- Best used medium SUV under $20,000 in Australia
- Best used large SUV under $20,000 in Australia
- Best used ute under $20,000 in Australia
- Frequently asked questions
How to buy a reliable used car under $20,000 in Australia
Be realistic
Don’t expect a factory warranty to apply to used cars in the price sector below $20,000, unless they are smaller passenger cars and SUVs that were cheaper when new. Larger cars, SUVs and utes are likely to have travelled more than 100,000 kilometres, and it may be hard to find a 4x4 dual-cab ute that is less than 10 years old, and still within the $20,000 budget.
More: What to know before buying a used car
Don’t go over budget
Stay within the $20,000 budget, even if it means choosing a used car without wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and intelligent high-beam assist.
More: How much should I spend on a car?
Check used car safety ratings
The Monash University Accident Research Centre’s used car safety ratings identify safer used cars in the market.
More: What do ANCAP ratings mean?
Check the service history
Choose only from reliable used cars with a full service history.
More: What to know about car services
Wait for the right used car
Stay patient; you will eventually find a safe, well-maintained used car with the right mix of features at a price below $20,000.
Buy a used car from someone you know
A member of the family or a close friend may sell you their car for thousands below the market value.
Negotiate the best possible price for your used car
Some owners will ask more than your $20,000 budget allows; check whether they will move on the price.
Check that the used car comes with a roadworthy certificate
The owner is required to arrange a roadworthy certificate for the used car they are selling.
Obtain a PPSR check
Always run a Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) check to ensure the car is not stolen, hasn’t been written off after a crash, and has no financial encumbrance.
Arrange a pre-inspection
An RACV vehicle inspection is vital for any used car priced below $20,000, especially older cars or high-mileage vehicles.
The Mazda2 is among the recommended cars for under $20,000.
Best used cars, SUVs and utes under $20,000 in Australia – quick picks
For buyers short on time, these are some of the strongest all-round options in Australia’s used-car market under $20,000:
• Best used mini car under $20,000 in Australia: Hyundai Accent (2011-2019)
• Best used small car under $20,000 in Australia: Kia Cerato
• Best used medium car under $20,000 in Australia: Mazda6 (from 2016)
• Best used large car under $20,000 in Australia: Ford Falcon
• Best used small SUV under $20,000 in Australia: Mazda CX-30
• Best used medium SUV under $20,000 in Australia: Mazda CX-5
• Best used large SUV under $20,000 in Australia: Mazda CX-9
• Best used ute under $20,000 in Australia: Ford Ranger
Each recommendation reflects a balance of safety, durability, running costs and availability in the Australian used-car market.
Where referenced, used-car safety performance is based on Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC) Used Car Safety Ratings, expressed on a five-star scale.
It's important to note that used car prices under $20,000 can vary significantly depending on factors like condition, mileage, service history and demand, so it’s important to treat pricing as a guide only and assess each vehicle on its individual merits before buying.
More: Australia's best used cars, SUVs and utes for less than $10K
The Hyundai Accent is the top choice for a used mini car under $20,000.
Best used mini car under $20,000 in Australia
Hyundai Accent
Few cars can match the Hyundai Accent (2011-2019) in the used-car market up to $20,000. Impressive fuel efficiency, practical packaging, a value-packed equipment list and a MUARC safety rating of five stars leaves the Accent’s rivals gasping in its wake.
For $20,000, the buyer can choose a high-spec Accent variant with 1.6-litre direct-injected four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission, leaving plenty of money to spare.
More: Research Hyundai Accent prices and specs
Also consider: Mazda2
A perennial favourite, the Mazda2 is stylish, roomy and fun to drive. Also noted for its low running costs, its reliability and its suite of comfort and convenience features, the Mazda2 is rated four stars for safety by MUARC.
More: Research Mazda2 prices and specs
Best used small car under $20,000 in Australia
Kia Cerato
Sharing its powertrains and platform with the Hyundai i30, the Kia Cerato from 2019 gets the nod from buyers on a $20,000 budget in the used-car market, for the longer factory warranty and lauded local suspension tuning.
The Kia Cerato delivers affordable running costs and is a well-equipped, reliable and practical car for the family, and the Cerato is rated five stars for safety by the experts at MUARC, making the Cerato an excellent choice for used-car buyers on a $20,000 budget.
More: Research Kia Cerato prices and specs
Also consider: Subaru Impreza
For buyers who want to maximise safety in their small car, it’s hard to go past the Subaru Impreza, which scores five stars for safety from MUARC, outclassing most of its peers for active safety. The Impreza also delivers good performance, practicality, comfort and spaciousness.
The Kia Cerato is a great used small car under $20,000.
Best used medium car under $20,000 in Australia
Mazda6
The Mazda6 from 2016 remains a popular choice for used-car buyers on a budget of $20,00. Its presentation, its affordable running costs, reliability and solid specification place the Mazda6 in a class-leading position.
Wait for the right model to come along, and you can have your Mazda6 with the outstanding g-Vectoring Control active-safety system, as well as a choice of sedan or wagon, and petrol, diesel and even turbo petrol engines.
Roomy and comfortable inside, the Mazda6 is an ideal family car for buyers on a $20,000 budget. MUARC rates the Mazda6 five stars for real-world safety.
More: Research Mazda6 prices and specs
Also consider: Hyundai Sonata
The Hyundai Sonata from 2015 delivered better on-road manners and performance than its forebear, the Hyundai i45. Upmarket Sonata variants are powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine. Delivering spacious accommodation, a long list of comfort and convenience features, and a MUARC safety rating of five stars, the Sonata is an affordable family car for buyers on a $20,000 budget.
More: Research Hyundai Sonata prices and specs
Best used large car under $20,000 in Australia
Ford Falcon
Known for its long-legged touring ability and effortless performance, the Ford Falcon has an unmatched reputation for value, low servicing costs and reliability in the used car market.
Popular with buyers on a $20,000 budget, the Falcon offers powertrain choices ranging from a turbocharged four-cylinder all the way up to a traditional V8. Even the fiery turbocharged six-cylinder engine is relatively affordable when driven sensibly. The Falcon is comfortable and roomy, and will tow boats and caravans for those motorists who don’t want an SUV.
Rated five stars by MUARC for safety, the Falcon ticks a lot of boxes for used-car buyers on a $20,000 budget.
More: Research Ford Falcon prices and specs
Also consider: Holden Commodore
In its final guise, the locally built VF Series II Holden Commodore was available in both sedan and wagon styles, with two choices of V6 and a V8 for the performance flagships, the Commodore SS and SS V, which are unfortunately outside the scope of buyers on a $20,000 budget.
Even after the retirement of the Holden brand in 2020, plenty of dealers around the nation can supply parts and service support for the Commodore, which is affordable to own, reliable, comfortable, and rated five stars for safety by MUARC.
Consider the Subaru XV from 2017, an earlier variant of this 2020 Subaru XV Hybrid.
Best used small SUV under $20,000 in Australia
Mazda CX-30
Based on the widely praised Mazda3 platform, the Mazda CX-30 brings practical SUV packaging to the market for used cars under $20,000. The CX-30 is a more refined, more accomplished platform than the smaller CX-3, and features a roomier cabin and enhanced driving dynamics.
Basic variants kick off with a 2.0-litre SKYACTIV-G (petrol) four-cylinder engine, but the CX-30 is also available with a more enticing 2.5-litre engine. Both engine variants are affordable to own, and reliable over the long term. Stylish and well equipped, the Mazda CX-30 is a lot of car for the money, with the added benefits of a large dealer network for sales and service support, and a MUARC safety rating of five stars.
More: Research Mazda CX-30 prices and specs
Also consider: Subaru XV
Offering all-wheel drive traction as standard, the second-generation Subaru XV from 2017 rides on a modular platform that further expanded the passenger accommodation of its predecessor.
Featuring a continuously-variable transmission and a reliable 2.0-litre ‘boxer’ engine, the Subaru XV is easy to drive and affordable to own. Another Subaru model to benefit from the ‘Eyesight’ safety package, the XV has earned itself five stars, according to MUARC.
More: Research Subaru XV prices and specs
Best used medium SUV under $20,000 in Australia
Mazda CX-5
The Mazda CX-5 was a phenomenal sales success for Mazda right from the moment it was released in 2011, only surrendering its crown to the Toyota RAV4 in 2020.
Fuel efficient and affordable to own, the second-generation Mazda CX-5 from 2017 is also comfortable and reliable, refined and easy to drive, providing the used-car buyer on a $20,000 budget a great all-round package that MUARC rates at five stars for safety.
More: Research Mazda CX-5 prices and specs
Also consider: Subaru Forester
More competent off-road than many of its peers, the all-wheel drive Subaru Forester from 2019 is also a capable family car on bitumen. Its ride/handling balance is highly commendable, and it’s a comfortable, practical package inside for buyers in the market sector below $20,000.
The Subaru Forester is affordable to own and is a reliable car with a selection of different engine options, including petrol, turbo petrol, hybrid and diesel. MUARC has scored the 2019 Forester five stars for safety.
Best used large SUV under $20,000 in Australia
Mazda CX-9
Designed for a global audience, the second-generation Mazda CX-9 from 2016 was a winner straight out of the blocks, and continues to represent great value for buyers in the market for a used family SUV under $20,000.
The reliable turbocharged 2.5-litre SKYACTIV four-cylinder engine supplies more torque than the V6 that predated it, but without the same cost at the petrol pump, making it affordable to run for a large family on a budget.
Comfortable, dynamically capable and practical for a family of seven, the Mazda CX-9 is also a safe choice, scoring five stars from MUARC.
More: Research Mazda CX-9 prices and specs
Also consider: Toyota LandCruiser Prado
As reliable as the sun rising in the morning, the Toyota LandCruiser Prado has been a huge money-spinner for Australia’s biggest-selling automotive brand. The Prado appeals to buyers looking for that hard-to-find combination of off-road competence, towing ability, seven-seat accommodation and affordable running costs.
Used-car buyers looking for a vehicle priced below $20,000 will need to settle for an older example, because the Toyota LandCruiser Prado holds its value exceptionally well, helped by a five-star safety rating from MUARC.
More: Research Toyota LandCruiser Prado prices and specs
Best used ute under $20,000 in Australia
Ford Ranger
Designed in Australia for markets all around the world, the Ford Ranger has taken the sales battle up to Toyota’s previously indomitable HiLux.
With its car-like comfort, driving dynamics and reliable mechanicals, the Ranger has beguiled new-car buyers, and now it’s the turn of used-car buyers to embrace the Ranger, at a price below $20,000, and with a MUARC safety rating of four stars.
More: Research Ford Ranger prices and specs
Also consider: Isuzu D-MAX
Originally a twin for the Holden Colorado, newer models of the Isuzu D-MAX have been the design donor for the Mazda BT-50.
Recent price volatility has brought the tough, practical and reliable Isuzu D-MAX within range of used-car buyers on a $20,000 budget.
Running costs are affordable too, and the towing capacity of the Isuzu D-MAX is a highlight. While the D-MAX hasn’t been rated for safety by MUARC, the Holden Colorado from the same era is good for four stars, and that’s essentially the same design.
Yes. A $20,000 budget can secure a reliable used car with a full service history.
Most used cars in this price bracket will have travelled 100,000km to 150,000km. Condition, service history and maintenance are more important than the odometer reading alone.
Generally, yes. Larger vehicles often consume more fuel and may cost more to service, insure and repair. Buyers should factor ongoing running costs into their decision.
You start to see driver-assistance systems at this price point. Many vehicles offer stability control, multiple airbags and strong structural crash protection. MUARC used-car safety ratings pro-vide a useful benchmark.
Yes. A professional inspection is strongly recommended for any used car under $20,000, particularly older or high-mileage vehicles.
The information provided is general advice only. Before making any decisions please consider your own circumstances and the Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determinations. For copies, visit racv.com.au. As distributor, RACV Insurance Services Pty Ltd AFS Licence No. 230039 receives commission for each policy sold or renewed. Product(s) issued by Insurance Manufacturers of Australia Pty Ltd ABN 93 004 208 084 AFS Licence No. 227678.
