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Best Used Cars Under $20k

123 guides · ranked by our guide ratings

123 cars from our guides, ranked by our own rating (Top pick, Value, Caution) and then by how many serious known problems each has. "Under $20k" means the cheapest examples in the guide's price range start below that; at that price they're usually the older or higher-km ones.

17 top picks 60 good value 29 caution

Top picks17

Isuzu D-Max RT
2012-2020 · Single Cab, Extra Cab, Dual Cab
MediumTop issue: Body / chassis rust (coastal examples)
$15k-$32k
Top pick
Holden Colorado RC
2008-2012 · Single Cab, Extra Cab, Dual Cab
MediumTop issue: EGR carbon
$10k-$20k
Top pick
Isuzu D-Max RA
2008-2012 · Single Cab, Extra Cab, Dual Cab
MediumTop issue: EGR carbon
$10-22k
Top pick
Mazda CX-30 DM
2019-2026 · 5-door SUV / crossover
HighTop issue: Parasitic battery drain / flat 12V battery
$20k-$45k
Top pick
Toyota Corolla E210
2018-2026 · 5-door hatch, 4-door sedan
HighTop issue: CVT torque-converter assembly recall (early build)
$18k-$38k
Top pick
Toyota 86 ZN6
2012-2021 · 2-door coupe (2+2)
HighTop issue: Engine valve spring fracture (recall, Apr 2012 - Jul 2013 build)
$15k-$38k
Top pick
Toyota Corolla E170
2012-2018 · 5-door hatchback
HighTop issue: Takata airbag recall
$9k-$23k
Top pick
Mazda BT-50 UR
2011-2020 · Single Cab, Extra Cab, Dual Cab
HighTop issue: EGR cooler internal coolant leak
$18-35k
Top pick
Ford Falcon FG / FG Mk II / FGX
2008-2016 · Sedan, Ute, Wagon (BF II carry-over to 2010 only)
HighTop issue: Coil pack failure
$8k–$45k
Top pick
Toyota LandCruiser J100 (100 / 105 Series)
1998-2007 · 5-door wagon
HighTop issue: Cracked cylinder head
$15k-$55k
Top pick
Mazda CX-5 KE / KF
2012-2026 · 5-door wagon
HighTop issue: Oil dilution / rising oil level (DPF regen)
$12k-$50k
Top pick
Toyota Yaris Cross XP210
2020-2026 · 5-door wagon (light/small SUV)
HighTop issue: 2020-2021 hybrid power-loss recall
$18k-$40k
Top pick
Volkswagen Amarok 2H
2011-2022 · Single Cab, Extra Cab, Dual Cab
HighTop issue: Timing chain tensioner failure
$15k-$65k
Top pick
Mazda Mazda3 BM / BN
2013-2019 · 5-door hatch, 4-door sedan
HighTop issue: Takata passenger airbag recall (REC-005733)
$9k-$25k
Top pick
Toyota Hilux LN106 / LN107 / LN111
1989-1997 · Single Cab, Extra Cab, Dual Cab
HighTop issue: Chassis rust on coastal examples
$8-22k
Top pick
Toyota LandCruiser 70 76 Wagon / 78 Troopcarrier
1985-2026 · 5-door 76 wagon, 78 Troopcarrier (Troopy), 75-series wagon/Troopcarrier (pre-2007)
HighTop issue: Front-end 'death wobble'
$12k-$95k
Top pick
Toyota LandCruiser 80 Series (J80)
1990-1998 · 5-door wagon
HighTop issue: Chassis cracking near the steering box / panhard mount
$12k-$55k
Top pick

Good value60

SsangYong Rexton Y400
2018-2026 · 5-door wagon (5 or 7 seat)
MediumTop issue: Thin dealer and parts network
$20k-$70k
Value
Mitsubishi Triton MQ / MR
2015-2024 · Single Cab, Club Cab, Double Cab
MediumTop issue: Auto transmission shift flare
$15k-$45k
Value
Foton Tunland 4th-gen (original AU Tunland)
2012-2022 · Single Cab, Dual Cab
MediumTop issue: Body parts supply thinness
$8k-$22k
Value
Isuzu MU-X RF (1st gen)
2013-2020 · 5-door wagon
MediumTop issue: EGR valve / intake clogging
$16k-$42k
Value
Hyundai i30 PD
2017-2026 · 5-door hatch, 5-door fastback (i30 Fastback / Fastback N)
HighTop issue: High-pressure fuel pump / fuel control valve recall
$15k-$45k
Value
Kia Cerato BD
2018-2026 · 4-door sedan, 5-door hatch
HighTop issue: Piston-ring defect / engine failure recall (2020-2022)
$15k-$35k
Value
Mitsubishi Pajero NS / NT / NW / NX (4th gen)
2006-2021 · 5-door wagon
HighTop issue: Timing-chain guide wear
$10k-$45k
Value
Hyundai Tucson TL
2015-2020 · 5-door wagon
HighTop issue: 7-speed dry DCT shudder / hesitation
$15k-$32k
Value
Subaru Liberty 6th gen (BN)
2014-2020 · 4-door sedan
HighTop issue: Takata airbag - verify by VIN
$12k-$28k
Value
Subaru Outback BS (5th gen)
2015-2020 · 5-door wagon
HighTop issue: Takata airbag recall
$15k-$38k
Value
Honda CR-V RM (4th gen)
2012-2017 · 5-door wagon
HighTop issue: Undersized front brake disc recall (early 2012-13 build)
$12k-$28k
Value
Ford Falcon Ute XD-XF / XG-XH / AU
1979-2002 · Single Cab ute (styleside tray), Cab chassis, Panel van (XD-XF / XG-XH)
HighTop issue: Body and chassis rust (especially AU)
$3k-$18k
Value
Subaru Brumby (BRAT/MV)
1978-1994 · Single Cab coupe utility (2-door)
HighTop issue: Body and chassis rust
$4k-$18k
Value
Hyundai Venue QX
2019-2026 · 5-door wagon (light/compact SUV)
HighTop issue: Seatbelt pretensioner inflator rupture (2020-2022 recall)
$15k-$30k
Value
Kia Seltos SP2
2019-2026 · 5-door wagon
HighTop issue: Piston oil-ring defect - oil consumption, engine failure and fire risk (recall REC-006395)
$18k-$45k
Value
Toyota C-HR AX10 / AX50
2017-2023 · 5-door coupe-style crossover SUV
HighTop issue: Fire-risk recall (2019-2023 build)
$18k-$38k
Value
Honda Civic 10th gen (FC/FK)
2016-2021 · 4-door sedan, 5-door hatchback
HighTop issue: Takata airbag (early build / inflator checks)
$15k-$55k
Value
Kia Sportage QL
2015-2021 · 5-door wagon
HighTop issue: HECU (ABS module) fire-risk recall - 2016-2021
$13k-$32k
Value
Kia Carnival YP
2015-2020 · 5-door MPV (8-seat van)
HighTop issue: Oil starvation from oil-filter O-ring mis-fit
$15k-$40k
Value
Kia Sorento UM
2015-2020 · 5-door wagon (7-seat)
HighTop issue: Gearshift cable / park recall (roll-away risk)
$15k-$38k
Value
Hyundai i30 GD
2012-2017 · 5-door hatch, 5-door wagon (Tourer)
HighTop issue: Check VIN against Hyundai recalls (Takata airbags + engine coverage)
$7k-$22k
Value
Suzuki Grand Vitara JT
2005-2017 · 3-door wagon, 5-door wagon
HighTop issue: Timing chain stretch / rattle
$5k-$18k
Value
Nissan 350Z Z33
2003-2009 · 2-door coupe, 2-door roadster (convertible)
HighTop issue: Excessive oil consumption (Rev-up)
$18k-$45k
Value
Holden Rodeo RA
2003-2008 · Single Cab, Space Cab, Crew Cab
HighTop issue: Denso EDU module failure
$4k-$12k
Value
Holden Ute VU / VY / VZ (incl. Crewman, One Tonner)
2000-2007 · Single Cab (coupe utility / styleside), Cab Chassis (One Tonner), Dual Cab (Crewman crew cab, from 2003)
HighTop issue: Lower intake-manifold (LIM) gasket failure
$5k-$30k
Value
Holden Rodeo TF
1988-2003 · Single Cab, Space Cab, Crew Cab
HighTop issue: Denso EDU module failure
$2k-$8k
Value
Toyota LandCruiser Prado J90 (90 Series)
1996-2003 · 5-door wagon, 3-door wagon (rare in AU)
HighTop issue: Cooling-system neglect (especially viscous fan hub)
$6k-$22k
Value
Holden Ute VG / VP / VR / VS
1990-2000 · Single Cab coupe utility (2-door)
HighTop issue: Rust - rear window surround, tailgate and tray
$4k-$25k
Value
Ford Transit Custom 1st gen
2013-2026 · Panel van (SWB / L1), Panel van (LWB / L2), Double-cab-in-van (crew van)
HighTop issue: Wet timing belt degradation - catastrophic engine failure
$18k-$70k
Value
Holden Colorado 7 / Trailblazer RG
2012-2020 · 5-door wagon (7-seat)
HighTop issue: Manual 5th/6th gear thrust washer (early manuals)
$14k-$38k
Value
Toyota Tarago XR50
2006-2019 · 5-door MPV / van (8 seats)
HighTop issue: Takata airbag recall
$10k-$45k
Value
Toyota RAV4 XA40
2013-2018 · 5-door wagon
HighTop issue: Battery hold-down / electrical fire-risk recall
$15k-$32k
Value
Holden Commodore VF
2013-2017 · 4-door sedan, 5-door Sportwagon, 2-door ute
HighTop issue: Timing chain stretch
$10k-$60k+
Value
Toyota Aurion XV40 / XV50
2006-2017 · 4-door sedan
HighTop issue: Takata airbag recall compliance
$6k-$28k
Value
Nissan Patrol Y61 (GU)
1997-2016 · 5-door wagon, Cab chassis
HighTop issue: Overheating / head gasket if cooling neglected
$8k-$38k
Value
Mitsubishi Challenger PA / PB-PC
1998-2015 · 5-door wagon
HighTop issue: Power steering high-pressure line works loose (PB/PC)
$5k-$28k
Value
Holden Commodore VT / VX
1997-2002 · 4-door sedan, 5-door wagon
HighTop issue: Coolant / Dex-Cool system corrosion
$3k-$18k
Value
Mazda CX-3 DK
2015-2026 · 5-door SUV / light crossover
HighTop issue: Takata airbag recall (early cars)
$12k-$35k
Value
Mazda Mazda6 GJ / GL
2012-2026 · 4-door sedan, 5-door wagon
HighTop issue: Takata airbag recall (early GJ)
$9k-$50k
Value
Mitsubishi Outlander ZK / ZL
2012-2021 · 5-door wagon (5 or 7 seat)
HighTop issue: CVT shudder, hesitation and overheating
$10k-$32k
Value
Volkswagen Golf Mk7
2013-2020 · 5-door hatch, Wagon (Golf Wagon / Alltrack)
HighTop issue: EA888 timing-chain tensioner failure
$10k-$40k
Value
Subaru Forester SJ (4th gen)
2013-2018 · 5-door wagon
HighTop issue: Lineartronic CVT judder / shudder and failure
$12k-$30k
Value
Suzuki Jimny JB43 (3rd gen)
1998-2018 · 3-door wagon
HighTop issue: Rust at chassis, coil and body mounts
$8k-$25k
Value
Holden Ute VE / VF
2007-2017 · 2-door utility (coupe-utility / car-based ute)
HighTop issue: Timing-chain stretch across all V6s
$10k-$60k
Value
Ford Falcon Ute BA-FG
2002-2016 · 2-door Styleside (well-body) ute, 2-door Cab Chassis, Crewman dual-cab (BA/BF only)
HighTop issue: Rear differential / subframe bush failure (ute IRS)
$5k-$45k
Value
Ford Territory SX / SY / SY II / SZ
2004-2016 · 5-door wagon (5 or 7 seat)
HighTop issue: Transfer case wear (turbo torque on AWD)
$4k–$22k
Value
Holden Commodore VY / VZ
2002-2007 · Sedan, Wagon, Ute (VY/VZ Ute), Crewman (VY/VZ Crew Cab Ute), Statesman/Caprice (WK/WL)
HighTop issue: Intake manifold gasket failure
$2k–$25k
Value
Mitsubishi Pajero NM-NP (3rd gen)
2000-2006 · 5-door wagon (LWB), 3-door wagon (SWB)
HighTop issue: Timing chain guide wear / chain jump
$6k-$22k
Value
Nissan Navara D21
1986-1997 · Single cab, King Cab (extended cab), Dual cab (4-door)
HighTop issue: Body and chassis rust
$3k-$12k
Value
Toyota Hilux 4th gen (RN/LN)
1983-1988 · Single Cab, Xtra Cab (extended cab), Dual Cab
HighTop issue: Chassis and body rust
$6k-$30k+
Value
Mitsubishi ASX XA-XD
2010-2026 · 5-door wagon (small SUV)
HighTop issue: CVT fluid neglect (first-generation petrol cars)
$8k-$47k
Value
Hyundai Kona OS
2017-2023 · 5-door SUV / crossover
HighTop issue: Hyundai engine class action (Australia) - Nu / GDi oil consumption
$15k-$45k
Value
Nissan X-Trail T32
2014-2022 · 5-door wagon (5-seat), 5-door wagon (7-seat)
HighTop issue: Fuel pressure sensor recall (early build) - fire risk
$12k-$32k
Value
Nissan Patrol GQ (Y60)
1987-1997 · 5-door wagon, Cab chassis, Hardtop / utility
HighTop issue: Chassis, sill and guard rust
$6k-$30k
Value
Ford Falcon BA / BF
2002-2008 · Sedan, Wagon, Ute (BA / BF / FG Ute)
HighTop issue: BTR 4-speed auto (BA only) failure
$3k–$18k
Value
Subaru WRX / STI GD
2000-2007 · 4-door sedan, 5-door hatch/wagon (GG)
HighTop issue: Detonation from low-octane fuel or bad tunes
$8k-$45k
Value
Ford Courier PC-PH
1985-2006 · Single cab (cab chassis / styleside), Super cab (extra cab), Crew cab (dual cab)
HighTop issue: Cooling system fragility
$3k-$16k
Value
Mazda Bravo (B-Series) UF / UN
1985-2006 · Single Cab, Freestyle Cab (extra cab), Dual Cab
HighTop issue: Body and chassis rust
$3k-$16k
Value
Hyundai ix35 LM
2010-2015 · 5-door wagon
HighTop issue: ABS module brake-fluid fire risk (recall - 2012-2013)
$7k-$20k
Value
Mitsubishi Pajero NA-NG / NH-NL (1st-2nd gen)
1983-2000 · 3-door SWB wagon, 5-door LWB wagon
HighTop issue: Rust - rear quarters, tailgate, windscreen surround, chassis
$3k-$15k
Value

Worth a look17

LDV T60 Mk1 / Plus
2017-2026 · Single Cab, Extra Cab, Dual Cab
MediumTop issue: DPF clogging
$18-38k
Mahindra Pik-Up S6 / S10 / S11
2007-2026 · Single Cab, Dual Cab
MediumTop issue: DPF temperature sensor recall
$15-35k
Ford Ranger PJ / PK
2006-2011 · Single Cab, Extra Cab, Dual Cab
MediumTop issue: Injector failures
$8-18k
Mazda BT-50 UN
2006-2011 · Single Cab, Extra Cab, Dual Cab
MediumTop issue: Injector failures
$8k-$18k
Toyota Hilux LN165 / LN167 / LN170
1997-2005 · Single Cab, Extra Cab, Dual Cab
MediumTop issue: 5L head gasket failure
$10-25k
Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross GK / GL
2017-2026 · 5-door SUV / coupe-crossover
HighTop issue: CVT rev-hang, judder and costly failure
$18k-$45k
Suzuki Jimny JB74 (4th gen)
2018-2026 · 3-door wagon, 5-door wagon (XL, 2024-)
HighTop issue: Fuel pump impeller swelling (2018-2019 recall)
$20k-$40k
Mitsubishi Triton MK
1996-2006 · Single Cab, Extra Cab, Dual Cab
HighTop issue: 4D56 timing belt failure
$6-15k
Mitsubishi Triton ML / MN
2006-2015 · Single Cab, Extra Cab, Dual Cab
HighTop issue: 4D56 engine overheating (recall)
$10-22k
Subaru XV GT
2017-2023 · 5-door wagon (raised hatch/crossover)
HighTop issue: Takata passenger airbag recall (early 2017 builds)
$18k-$38k
Honda HR-V RU
2015-2022 · 5-door wagon (compact crossover SUV)
HighTop issue: Takata airbag recall (compulsory)
$13k-$30k
Nissan Qashqai J11
2014-2022 · 5-door wagon
HighTop issue: Takata airbag inflator recall
$12k-$32k
Ford Ranger PX MkI / MkII / MkIII (T6)
2011-2022 · Single Cab, Extra Cab, Dual Cab
HighTop issue: 6-speed ZF 6R80 auto torque converter shudder
$18k-$50k
Volkswagen Transporter T6
2015-2026 · Panel van (SWB/LWB), Crew van (Dual Cab), Cab chassis, People mover (Caravelle/Multivan)
HighTop issue: Timing belt neglect (interference engine)
$18k-$70k
Hyundai Santa Fe DM
2012-2018 · 5-door wagon (7-seat)
HighTop issue: Engine-bay fire recall (2015-2017 electronics)
$10k-$28k
Suzuki Sierra / Vitara SJ Sierra / 1st-gen Vitara
1982-1999 · 2-door soft-top convertible, 2-door hardtop, 3-door wagon, 5-door wagon (Vitara), Cab chassis / ute (Stockman)
HighTop issue: Chassis rail and body-mount rust
$3k-$25k
Subaru WRX / STI VA
2014-2021 · 4-door sedan
HighTop issue: Modified / abused history
$18k-$55k

Buy with caution29

Tata Xenon Xenon (1st-gen)
2010-2014 · Single Cab, Dual Cab
HighTop issue: Parts supply effectively gone
$5k-$12k
Caution
Nissan Navara D22
1997-2008 · Single Cab, Extra Cab, Dual Cab
HighTop issue: ZD30 piston failure ("the grenade")
$6-20k
Caution
LDV D90 1st gen
2017-2021 · 5-door wagon (7-seat)
HighTop issue: Coolant T-piece failure / overheating (recall)
$18k-$38k
Caution
SsangYong Actyon Sports Actyon Sports (1st-gen)
2007-2018 · Dual Cab
HighTop issue: DSI 6-speed automatic transmission failure
$5k-$15k
Caution
Nissan Navara D40
2005-2015 · Single Cab, Extra Cab, Dual Cab
HighTop issue: Timing chain rattle & failure
$8-22k
Caution
Proton Jumbuck 1st gen
2003-2010 · Single cab coupe utility (one body only)
HighTop issue: Poor crash safety (2-star ANCAP)
$2k-$6k
Caution
Jeep Wrangler JK
2007-2018 · 2-door soft/hard-top wagon, 4-door Unlimited soft/hard-top wagon
HighTop issue: Death wobble (solid front axle)
$18k-$45k
Caution
Jeep Grand Cherokee WH / WK
2005-2010 · 5-door wagon
HighTop issue: Oil-cooler seal leak ('black death')
$5k-$18k
Caution
Land Rover Discovery 3 L319 (LA)
2004-2009 · 5-door wagon (5 or 7 seat)
HighTop issue: Air suspension faults (compressor, valve block, airbags)
$8k-$25k
Caution
Great Wall Steed 1st gen
2016-2020 · Single Cab, Dual Cab
HighTop issue: Gearbox and clutch faults (manual only)
$8k-$22k
Caution
Great Wall V240 / V200 1st gen
2009-2016 · Dual cab ute, Single cab ute (from 2010)
HighTop issue: Asbestos gaskets/exhaust (2009-2012 recall)
$4k-$14k
Caution
Nissan Dualis J10
2007-2013 · 5-door wagon, 5-door wagon (Dualis+2 7-seat, longer wheelbase)
HighTop issue: Takata passenger airbag recall
$4k-$14k
Caution
Holden Jackaroo UBS (2nd gen)
1992-2004 · 5-door wagon (LWB), 3-door wagon (SWB, early/rare)
HighTop issue: Overheating / head gasket if cooling neglected
$3k-$15k
Caution
Volkswagen Transporter T5
2004-2015 · Van (SWB/LWB, low/mid roof), Crew van / Dual cab, Cab chassis, People mover (Caravelle/Multivan)
HighTop issue: DSG (DQ250/DQ500) mechatronic faults
$12k-$45k
Caution
Mazda RX-8 SE
2003-2012 · 4-door coupe (freestyle/suicide rear doors)
HighTop issue: Oil consumption (by design) and undiscipline killing the engine
$6k-$25k
Caution
Nissan Skyline R33
1993-1998 · 2-door coupe, 4-door sedan
HighTop issue: Timing belt neglect (all RB engines)
$15k-$120k+
Caution
Hyundai iLoad / iMax TQ
2008-2021 · Van (iLoad - 3, 5 or 6 seat, twin sliding doors), People-mover (iMax - 8 seat wagon), Crew van (iLoad twin-cab, factory and converted)
HighTop issue: Excessive factory service interval is a trap
$9k-$42k
Caution
Ford Escape / Kuga TF / ZG
2012-2020 · 5-door wagon
HighTop issue: Wet (belt-in-oil) timing belt degradation
$8k-$28k
Caution
Holden Colorado RG
2012-2020 · Single Cab, Extra Cab, Dual Cab
HighTop issue: Fuel injector failure
$12k-$32k
Caution
Nissan Pathfinder R51
2005-2013 · 5-door wagon (7-seat)
HighTop issue: Auto transmission / radiator coolant cross-contamination
$6k-$22k
Caution
Land Rover Discovery 4 L319
2009-2017 · 5-door wagon (7-seat)
HighTop issue: Air suspension fault / compressor failure
$18k-$55k
Caution
Holden Cruze JG / JH
2009-2016 · 4-door sedan, 5-door hatch, 5-door wagon (Sportwagon)
HighTop issue: 6T40 / 6T45 automatic - slip, flare and limp mode
$3k-$12k
Caution
Land Rover Discovery 2 L318
1998-2004 · 5-door wagon (5 or 7 seat)
HighTop issue: Cylinder liner slip / block failure
$4k-$18k
Caution
Nissan Juke F15 / F16
2013-2026 · 5-door compact crossover hatchback
HighTop issue: Jatco Xtronic CVT reliability (F15 1.6 cars)
$8k-$35k
Caution
Jeep Grand Cherokee WK2
2011-2021 · 5-door wagon
HighTop issue: TIPM (power module) electrical faults
$12k-$70k
Caution
Ford Focus LW / LZ
2011-2018 · 5-door hatch, 4-door sedan
HighTop issue: Takata airbag recall
$6k-$45k
Caution
Land Rover Defender 90 / 110 / 130 (classic)
1990-2016 · 3-door wagon (90), 5-door wagon (110), Hardtop / van, Single-cab ute, Dual-cab ute (110/130), Cab chassis (130)
HighTop issue: Chassis rust - rear crossmember, outriggers and rails
$15k-$90k+
Caution
Mitsubishi Triton ME / MF / MG / MH / MJ
1986-1996 · Single Cab, Club Cab, Dual Cab
HighTop issue: Cab corner and sill rust
$2k-$10k
Caution
Nissan Skyline R32
1989-1994 · 2-door coupe, 4-door sedan
HighTop issue: Grey-import history and compliance risk
$15k-$250k+
Caution

More by type and budget

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Ratings, price ranges and problems come from each FlamingCars guide. Always get an independent pre-purchase inspection.