Toyota Prado resale value after 2-3 years, LandCruiser 300 depreciation rates, and which cars hold value best in Australia 2026. Data-backed guide for buyers and sellers.
Toyota Prado resale value retention is usually stronger than the average family SUV because demand stays high with regional families, drivers who tow, and 4WD buyers. LandCruiser depreciation is also lower than most large SUVs when the vehicle has clean history, sensible kilometres, and the right specification. The risk is overpaying for high-km examples just because they carry a Toyota badge.
![Prado & LandCruiser Resale Value [2026]](/images/blog/depreciation-chart.webp)
How much does a car depreciate? On average, new cars in Australia lose:
A $50,000 new car is typically worth $25,000-$30,000 after 5 years. But some cars hold value far better than others.
Search Console shows this page is already appearing for Toyota Prado resale value retention and LandCruiser depreciation queries, so here is the short version:
| Vehicle | Typical resale strength | What helps value | What hurts value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Prado | Strong for 3-7 year old examples | Full service history, sensible kilometres, clean PPSR, popular grades | Very high kilometres, poor accessories, towing wear, missed services |
| LandCruiser 300 | Very strong when supply is tight | Desirable trim, regional demand, towing setup, clean condition | Accident history, heavy off-road use, inflated asking price |
| LandCruiser 200 | Strong but condition-sensitive | Diesel demand, touring fit-out, documented maintenance | Rust, modified suspension, neglected injectors or transmission |
| Average family SUV | Moderate | Remaining warranty, safety tech, low running costs | Oversupply, rental history, high kilometres |
For SEQ buyers, do not pay a Toyota premium blindly. Compare Prado resale value against kilometres, service records, finance owing, accident history and how the car has been used. If you want help checking whether a Prado or LandCruiser price is fair, start with a Brisbane car buying service or run the used car inspection checklist.
If you already own the car, depreciation is not just a buying topic. It tells you when the next big value drop may arrive.
| Your car situation | Selling decision | Best next step |
|---|---|---|
| Prado, LandCruiser, HiLux, Ranger, or clean 4WD with strong demand | Consider selling while buyer demand is still high | Get a SEQ cash offer before you accept a trade-in |
| Approaching 100,000 km, major service, tyres, or rego renewal | Compare selling now against paying the next ownership costs | Use the QLD selling guide to choose the route |
| Roadworthy repairs are likely to cost more than the price uplift | Do not spend blindly before checking as-is value | Compare selling without a roadworthy |
| Car is clean, financed, and still desirable locally | Private sale may work, but settlement and buyer finance need control | Start with sell my car Brisbane, Gold Coast, or Sunshine Coast |
For sellers, the cleanest move is often before the market sees the next risk marker: very high kilometres, an overdue major service, worn tyres, fading paint, or a new-model changeover. That is where a quick offer can beat waiting for a perfect private buyer.
Depreciation is where most people lose money on cars, especially in the first 1–3 years. If you want value in SEQ, target the “sweet spot” where the big drop has already happened but the car still has modern safety and warranty left.
Depreciation is the decrease in your car's value over time. It's the single biggest cost of car ownership, often exceeding fuel, insurance, and servicing combined.
The moment you drive a new car off the lot, it loses value. This continues every year, though the rate slows after the first few years.
| Year | Depreciation That Year | Total Value Lost | Car Worth (% of New) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 15-20% | 15-20% | 80-85% |
| Year 2 | 10-15% | 25-35% | 65-75% |
| Year 3 | 8-12% | 35-45% | 55-65% |
| Year 4 | 6-10% | 42-52% | 48-58% |
| Year 5 | 5-8% | 50-60% | 40-50% |
| New Price | After 1 Year | After 3 Years | After 5 Years | Total Lost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $33,600 | $24,000 | $18,000 | $22,000 |
| $50,000 | $42,000 | $30,000 | $22,500 | $27,500 |
| $70,000 | $58,800 | $42,000 | $31,500 | $38,500 |
| $100,000 | $84,000 | $60,000 | $45,000 | $55,000 |
That's $6,400-$11,000 lost in the first year alone, just for being the first owner.
| Rank | Vehicle | 5-Year Resale Value | Why It Holds Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Toyota LandCruiser 300 | 70-80% | Legendary reliability, strong demand |
| 2 | Toyota HiLux | 65-75% | Workhorse reputation, fleet demand |
| 3 | Suzuki Jimny | 70-85% | Limited supply, cult following |
| 4 | Ford Ranger | 60-70% | Popular ute, strong aftermarket |
| 5 | Toyota Prado | 65-75% | Regional demand, towing capability |
| 6 | Isuzu D-MAX | 60-70% | Reliability, low running costs |
| 7 | Toyota RAV4 Hybrid | 60-68% | Fuel efficiency, Toyota badge |
| 8 | Mazda CX-5 | 55-65% | Reliability, mainstream appeal |
| 9 | Kia Carnival | 55-62% | Family demand, value proposition |
| 10 | Tesla Model 3 | 55-65% | EV leader, software updates |
| Rank | Vehicle Type | 5-Year Resale Value | Why It Depreciates Fast |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Luxury European sedans (BMW 5 Series, Audi A6) | 35-45% | High servicing costs, tech updates |
| 2 | Large American trucks (RAM 1500, Silverado) | 40-50% | Limited Australian market, fuel costs |
| 3 | First-gen EVs (Nissan Leaf pre-2020) | 25-35% | Battery degradation concerns, range |
| 4 | Heavily optioned luxury cars | 35-45% | Options add cost, not resale value |
| 5 | Niche sports cars | 40-55% | Limited buyer pool, high insurance |
| 6 | Unpopular colours (lime green, orange) | -5-10% | Smaller buyer pool |
Toyota and Mazda dominate resale because buyers trust older models. Decades of reliability data means a 5-year-old Toyota is still considered a safe bet.
Cars with cheap parts and affordable servicing retain value. A BMW might cost $1,500 for a major service; a Toyota might cost $400. Buyers factor this in.
When demand exceeds supply, prices stay firm:
SUVs, utes, and family cars have steady demand regardless of economic conditions. Sports cars and luxury sedans are discretionary purchases.
With fuel prices volatile, hybrids and efficient vehicles hold value better than V8s and performance models.
At this age, you get:
| Option | Price | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| New 2026 Kluger GXL | $72,000 | 0 km, full warranty, new car smell |
| 2023 Kluger GXL (2 years old) | $55,000 | 35,000 km, warranty remaining, same features |
| Your Savings | $17,000 | Same car, just 2 years newer-to-you |
That $17,000 saved could buy 4+ years of fuel, insurance, and servicing.
Brisbane, Gold Coast & Sunshine Coast buyers pay premiums for:
This means: If you're selling a 4WD or ute in SEQ, you'll get more than the national average. If you're buying one, expect to pay more.
Queensland's UV levels are brutal on cars:
Impact: A garaged, well-maintained car in Queensland can be worth 5-10% more than one that's lived outside.
Cars near the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast face salt air corrosion:
Smart buyers look for inland vehicles or garaged coastal cars.
EVs are a special case with unique depreciation patterns:
| EV Model | 5-Year Retention | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Tesla Model 3 | 55-65% | Software updates, Supercharger network |
| Tesla Model Y | 58-68% | High demand, practical size |
| BYD Atto 3 | 50-60%* | Value proposition, newer model |
| Hyundai Ioniq 5 | 50-60%* | Design, fast charging |
*Estimated, these are newer models
With the FBT exemption on EVs (for vehicles under $91,387), many EVs are entering the market through novated leases. When these leases end, there may be a flood of 3-year-old EVs hitting the used market, potentially driving down prices.
When comparing cars, smart buyers look at total cost, not just purchase price:
Option A: Buy New ($60,000)
| Cost | Amount |
|---|---|
| Depreciation (5 years) | $33,000 |
| Fuel | $12,000 |
| Insurance | $7,500 |
| Servicing | $4,000 |
| Registration | $4,000 |
| Total 5-Year Cost | $60,500 |
Option B: Buy 2-Year-Old ($42,000)
| Cost | Amount |
|---|---|
| Depreciation (next 3 years) | $12,600 |
| Fuel | $7,200 |
| Insurance | $4,500 |
| Servicing | $3,000 |
| Registration | $2,400 |
| Total 3-Year Cost | $29,700 |
Option B costs less than half, and you're only driving a car that's 2 years older at purchase.
At SEQ Car Brokers, depreciation is central to every recommendation:
Whether you're buying in Brisbane, the Gold Coast, or the Sunshine Coast, we'll help you make a financially smart decision.
New cars typically depreciate 15-20% in the first year in Australia. A $50,000 new car will be worth approximately $40,000-$42,500 after 12 months. This is the steepest depreciation period, which is why buying a 1-2 year old car offers significant savings.
Toyota LandCruiser, Toyota HiLux, Suzuki Jimny, Ford Ranger, and Toyota Prado consistently hold value best in Australia. These vehicles retain 60-80% of their value after 5 years due to strong demand, reliability reputation, and practical appeal.
To estimate depreciation: Year 1 = 15-20% loss, Year 2 = additional 10-15%, Year 3 = additional 8-12%. For a $50,000 car: After Year 1 = ~$42,000, After Year 2 = ~$35,000, After Year 3 = ~$30,000. Use RedBook or CarsGuide for accurate current valuations.
For most buyers, the “sweet spot” is 2–4 years old: the steep first-year drop has already happened, but the car is usually still modern, safe, and easy to resell. This is the window we target when sourcing vehicles for Brisbane & SEQ clients.
Older EVs (pre-2020) depreciated faster due to battery concerns and rapid technology improvements. However, newer EVs like Tesla Model 3 and Model Y hold value comparably to petrol equivalents. The FBT exemption for EVs under $91,387 has increased EV demand in Australia.
Buying a 2-3 year old car is typically the best financial decision. You avoid the steepest depreciation (25-35% already lost), often still have warranty coverage, get modern safety features, and can save $10,000-$25,000+ compared to new. The only financial argument for new is if you plan to keep the car 10+ years.
White, silver, grey, and black cars consistently hold value best in Australia, with white being the top reseller. These neutral colours appeal to the widest buyer pool. Unusual colours like orange, lime green, or bright purple can reduce resale value by 5-10%.
Queensland's harsh UV rays cause faster paint fade, interior cracking, and rubber seal deterioration. A garaged, well-maintained car in Queensland can be worth 5-10% more than one that's been parked outside. Coastal cars also face salt air corrosion concerns.
Sell before major service milestones (100,000 km timing belt service, 150,000 km transmission service) and before the new model year arrives. Spring and early summer are generally best for selling, as buyers have tax returns and are thinking about holiday road trips.
Ready to use depreciation before the next value drop? Start with a SEQ cash offer or compare the QLD selling paths before you trade, list privately, or wait for another major service bill.
The SEQ Car Brokers team shares practical guidance on sourcing, comparing, buying and selling vehicles across South East Queensland.
Send the car, kilometres, postcode, and timing. We will help compare the current cash offer path against waiting, trading in, or selling privately.
Tell us the car, kilometres, postcode, and timing. We will help you decide whether selling now is the cleaner path.
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