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INTRODUCING

AUSTRALIA'S
CAR BUYER
REPORT 2026

From longer journeys to fragile trust and the reality checks that reset decisions, uncover what’s really shaping how Australians buy cars.

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INTRODUCING

AUSTRALIA'S
CAR BUYER
REPORT 2026

From longer journeys to fragile trust and the reality checks that reset decisions, uncover what’s really shaping how Australians buy cars.

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HOW AUSTRALIANS ARE REALLY BUYING CARS IN 2026

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The car buying journey has changed. Are you ready for what’s next?

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HOW AUSTRALIANS ARE REALLY BUYING CARS IN 2026

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The way people shop for cars has shifted—again.

Australians are taking longer, researching harder, and leaning on trusted environments in a more complex market.

This report uncovers the mechanics of their decision-making — how emotions, expectations and mindset shape progress, and why trust, confidence and backtracking play a critical role in reaching commitment.

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INTRODUCING

AUSTRALIA'S
CAR BUYER
REPORT 2026

The definitive view of how consumers across Australia research, compare and buy cars.

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The way people shop for cars has shifted—again.

Australians are taking longer, researching harder, and leaning on trusted environments in a more complex market. This report uncovers the mechanics of their decision-making — how emotions, expectations and mindset shape progress, and why trust, confidence and backtracking play a critical role in reaching commitment.
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The way people shop for cars has shifted— again.

carsales mediahouse offers a unique perspective on relevant Australian audiences and the lives they lead. From these insights we are proud to offer a suite of solutions to tackle any marketing brief.

Across thousands of real buyers, we uncover the signals, shortcuts and surprises shaping decisions in 2025 and beyond.

Register to access our full whitepaper, Australia’s Car Buyer Report 2026, coming soon!

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Our latest research lifts the bonnet on the new journey: what’s changed, what still matters, and where the biggest opportunities are for your business. 
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Across thousands of real buyers, we uncover the signals, shortcuts and surprises shaping decisions in 2025 and beyond.

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Register to access our full whitepaper, Australia’s Car Buyer Report 2026, coming soon!

A taste of what’s inside

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AI enters the mix

AI has rapidly become a key influence in the buying journey. Not by replacing trusted sources, but by adding an extra layer of support to car research. We explore how it fits into research and decision making across the entire journey.
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The hidden journey

The car buying journey is stretching out. What looks like fast decision-making is shaped by a longer journey happening outside shopping environments — in the pauses, back-and-forth and moments of reassessment before commitment.

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Trust under pressure

Uncertainty is reshaping how buyers move forward. Discover how rising pressure on trust and confidence is influencing pace, backtracking and eventual outcomes.  

Explore our media solutions

Explore our media solutions

Explore our media solutions