Used petrol cars for sale in Australia

Why choose a used petrol car?

Used petrol cars are the most widely available vehicles in the Australian used car market, covering everything from compact city hatchbacks to family SUVs and utes. Petrol engines are proven, straightforward to service, and supported by mechanics and parts suppliers right across the country — making a used petrol car the most accessible and low-fuss option for most Australian drivers.

Running costs for petrol cars depend on the model and how you drive, but used petrol cars benefit from predictable servicing, widely available spare parts, and fuel available at virtually every service station in Australia. Modern petrol engines have improved significantly in efficiency — many compact and mid-size models return 6–9L/100km in combined driving, with smaller turbocharged engines closing in on those figures even in SUV packages.

One thing worth considering is how petrol fits your driving patterns compared to other fuel types. For city commuters who cover regular daily kilometres, our [used hybrid petrol cars](https://carma.com.au/used-cars/hybrid-petrol) page covers self-charging hybrid options that deliver meaningfully better fuel economy without any change to how you use the car. If you're planning to finance your purchase, Carma's [car finance options](https://carma.com.au/carma-used-car-finance) can help you work out what suits your budget.

Popular used petrol cars at Carma

Toyota Corolla

The Toyota Corolla is one of Australia's best-selling cars for good reason: it's reliable, economical, and simple to own. The petrol Corolla — available in hatchback and sedan — returns around 7.2L/100km in combined driving and is supported by Toyota's extensive Australian service network. It's an excellent choice for city commuters, first-time buyers, and anyone who wants a practical, no-fuss used car.

Volkswagen Golf

The Volkswagen Golf sets the benchmark for the small petrol car segment in Australia, combining a well-resolved turbocharged petrol engine with European build quality and sharp handling. The 1.4-litre TSI variants return around 6.5L/100km in combined driving. It's well-equipped, genuinely enjoyable to drive, and widely available in the Australian used market in multiple generations and trim levels.

Volkswagen Polo

The Volkswagen Polo is the compact city option from Volkswagen, pairing a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with impressive fuel economy — typically around 5.5L/100km in combined driving. It's easy to park, relaxed in traffic, and more refined than many other cars in its size class. For Australian city drivers who want a small, efficient petrol car with European quality, the Polo is a consistently strong option.

Toyota RAV4

The Toyota RAV4 petrol brings Toyota's reliability reputation to the family SUV segment, with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine returning around 8.1L/100km in combined driving. It offers generous interior space, a practical boot, and the peace of mind of Toyota's Australian dealer network. It's one of the most popular used SUVs on the market and consistently holds its value well.

Hyundai Tucson

The Hyundai Tucson is a well-rounded mid-size petrol SUV for Australian families, available with 2.0-litre and 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engines returning around 8.0–8.5L/100km in combined driving. It comes well-equipped across all grades and offers a practical interior suited to daily family use. The Tucson's strong value retention and wide availability make it one of the most in-demand mid-size SUVs in the Carma inventory.

What to look for when buying a used petrol car

Service history is the most important check on any used petrol car — a complete record of services at an authorised dealer or qualified mechanic gives confidence that the engine and drivetrain have been properly maintained. Pay particular attention to timing belt or chain service history, as a missed interval can lead to significant engine damage.

When considering a used petrol car, work through this checklist:

• Service history: confirm all services have been completed at the recommended intervals; check for any timing belt replacement if applicable
• Oil condition: pull the dipstick; fresh oil should be clear amber, not thick and black
• Coolant system: check the coolant reservoir for correct level and no signs of contamination or leaks
• Exhaust smoke: blue smoke suggests oil burning; white smoke (on a warm engine) may indicate a cooling system issue; clear exhaust is ideal
• Transmission feel: automatics should shift smoothly without hesitation; manuals should engage gears cleanly with no crunching
• Battery condition: especially on older examples that may have sat unused; a weak battery is inexpensive to replace but worth knowing about

Every car at Carma goes through an NRMA-verified inspection & reconditioning process, so key mechanical and safety systems are assessed before the listing goes live. Use Carma's compare feature to line up petrol models side by side before deciding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a used petrol car worth buying in Australia?

Yes — to buy a used petrol car in Australia is to access the widest range of makes, models, and price points in the used car market. Petrol cars are simple to service, well-supported by mechanics and parts suppliers nationwide, and a practical choice for most everyday driving needs. For high-kilometre city commuters, a hybrid petrol may deliver better running cost savings over time.

What should I check when buying a used petrol car?

Focus on service history (especially timing belt/chain intervals), oil condition, cooling system health, exhaust smoke on startup, and transmission feel on the test drive. A complete service history from an authorised dealer or qualified mechanic is the most reliable indicator of a well-maintained petrol car.

Is petrol or hybrid better for city driving in Australia?

For heavy city driving, a self-charging hybrid typically offers better fuel economy — returning 4–6L/100km compared to 7–10L/100km for many petrol city cars. That said, the right choice depends on your budget and intended use. If city running costs are your primary concern, our used hybrid petrol cars are worth a look alongside this one.

How much does a used petrol car cost to run in Australia?

Fuel costs depend on engine size, driving style, and current petrol prices. Small turbocharged petrol cars typically return 5–7L/100km; mid-size SUVs around 8–10L/100km. Servicing intervals are generally every 10,000–15,000km, with costs varying by make and model. If you'd like guidance on a specific model's running costs, get in touch with us, we're happy to help.

Which used petrol car is the most reliable in Australia?

Toyota petrol models, including the Corolla and RAV4, are consistently among the most reliable used petrol cars in Australia, supported by a long service history in the local market. The Volkswagen Golf and Polo are excellent small petrol cars, though they benefit from servicing at an authorised VW centre. A complete service history is the single most reliable predictor of how any used car will perform.

Browse our full range of second hand petrol cars for sale at Carma — all NRMA-verified, with transparent fixed pricing and no haggling. Ready to trade in your current car? Find out how to sell or trade in your car through Carma.