Our Best-Selling Used Cars in NZ 2025
12 Dec 2025 | Buying A Used Car Articles
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Choosing a second-hand SUV, ute or car can feel like a big decision — but you’re not on your own. Thousands of Kiwi drivers visit Enterprise Motor Group each year, and the vehicles they choose tell a clear story about what really works for Kiwis.
If you’re looking for a reliable, practical and good-value used car, it makes sense to start with the models people trust the most. These are the vehicles with strong reputations, plenty of availability, and great long-term value.
Here’s a friendly guide to our best-selling used cars of the year, based on real sales from our nationwide NZ usedcar dealerships.
What Are the Best Second-Hand Car Brands in NZ?
According to our most recent sales data, Nissan sits at the top of the list for 2025 — and has done so for several years. Nissan builds dependable, practical vehicles across SUVs, hatchbacks, sedans and utes, giving buyers plenty of choice.
Mazda follows closely. NZ drivers love Mazda’s combination of stylish design, quality interiors and enjoyable driving feel.
Toyota rounds out the top three with its well-known reputation for bulletproof reliability and low running costs.
Other popular brands with our customers include Subaru, Mitsubishi, Ford, Holden, and Suzuki.
Most of these are Japanese manufacturers, a category well-known in NZ for long-lasting, well-engineered vehicles.
If you’re looking for the best used cars in NZ, these brands are a great place to start.
Best-Selling Second-Hand SUVs in NZ right now
New Zealanders love SUVs — the higher seating position, great visibility and flexible space suit everything from school runs to weekend missioning.
These are the SUVs our customers choose most often:
1. Nissan X-Trail
The Nissan X-Trail is our most popular second-hand SUV, and it’s easy to see why.
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Spacious and practical
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Super versatile for families
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Great value models under $20,000
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Some versions offer 7 seats
Earlier models (pre-2007) are famous for interior space, while the 2007–2021 generation is the most common on the market today. Kiwis keep coming back to the X-Trail because it simply works for everyday life.
2. Mazda CX-5
The Mazda CX-5 has become one of the most desirable SUVs in NZ since its launch in 2012.
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Stylish inside and out
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Premium feel without the premium price
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Sporty, responsive handling
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Strong fuel economy
Only two generations have been released so far, and both still feel modern, which is good news for second-hand buyers.
3. Mitsubishi Outlander
The Mitsubishi Outlander is a Kiwi favourite for its space, comfort and versatility.
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Some models offer 7 seats
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Options include petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid (PHEV)
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Great for families and road trips
The second-generation and onward models are the most popular in the used market, offering great practicality at a good price.
Search our Mitsubishi Outlanders
Best-Selling Second-Hand Utes in NZ
Kiwis love utes — whether it’s for work, towing, weekend adventures or just having a tough, capable vehicle. These are the utes our customers choose the most:
1. Ford Ranger
The Ford Ranger continues to be our top-selling second-hand ute.
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Strong towing power
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Excellent off-road ability
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Lots of trims including the popular Wildtrak
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Tough, modern styling
The Australian-engineered T6 model (released from 2011) really set the standard and remains highly sought-after.
2. Nissan Navara
Another long-time Kiwi favourite, the Nissan Navara is known for:
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Smooth ride comfort
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Strong diesel engines
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Reliable performance over many generations
With a new model coming soon, more trade-ins are expected — giving second-hand buyers even more choice.
3. Holden Colorado
Even though Holden is no longer producing new vehicles, the Colorado is still a big presence on NZ roads.
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Strong, practical and capable
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Plenty of models available
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Look for 2012+ versions and the standout Z71
Affordable, tough and good-looking — the Colorado remains a smart buy in the used market.
Search our Holden Colorados Utes
Best-Selling Second-Hand Cars (Hatchbacks)
Compact cars are still hugely popular in NZ, especially for commuting, parking in tight spots, and keeping fuel costs low. Our customers’ top choices are:
1. Nissan Note
The Nissan Note is our most popular used small car.
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Available as a used import
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Great interior space for its size
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Extremely economical
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Newer models feature Nissan’s clever e-Power hybrid system
It’s practical, modern and very affordable.
2. Toyota Aqua
A favourite of rideshare drivers and city commuters, the Toyota Aqua is known for:
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Incredible fuel efficiency
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Proven Toyota hybrid reliability
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Low running costs
If you want maximum economy, the Aqua is tough to beat.
3. Suzuki Swift
Fun, stylish and easy to drive, the Suzuki Swift has long been a Kiwi classic.
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Light and economical
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Nimble around town
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Stylish inside and out
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Swift Sport version available for added punch
It’s one of the most enjoyable small cars on the road.
Ready to Find Your Next Used Car?
These are the models Kiwi buyers choose again and again — and they’re popular for good reasons. Whether you’re after an SUV, a ute or a compact car, you’ll find trusted favourites across all our Enterprise Motor Group yards.
All our vehicles are quality-checked, competitively priced, and available with easy finance options to help you get on the road faster.
Browse our latest stock online or visit your nearest Enterprise Motor Group yard to take a test drive.