Buying a car at EOFY 2026: how to score a new (or used) car bargain
The end of the financial year (EOFY) can be a great time to score a hot deal – and cars are no exception.
Stock needs to be cleared, bottom lines need to be fattened up, and with the influx of new brands making Australia’s intensely competitive car market even more of a pressure cooker, the pendulum definitely swings in the buyer’s favour. Here’s a guide to securing the best EOFY car deals in Australia.
When do EOFY deals start?
Deals typically start around the end of May and run until June 30, taking many forms. When it comes to new cars in 2026, for example, there are price cuts, free servicing offers, plenty of finance deals, cashback, deposit contributions, fuel cards and trade-in bonuses.
How to find the best EOFY deals on new and used cars
The easiest way to find these deals is to head to the manufacturer’s website and click on the ‘Offers’ tab. This will usually be on the main page, though sometimes in a sub-menu, and will show all the current deals and their terms, which we’ll get to in a moment.
If you’ve decided on a particular vehicle, it’s worth checking the dealers in your area, as some offer further sweeteners. For instance, a Mazda dealer in my neck of the woods is offering 10 years’ warranty and roadside assistance and five years’ capped price servicing on demonstrator models and a fuel card of up to $1000 on used vehicles.
How to negotiate a better EOFY deal
It’s important to check the fine print, as there are often terms and conditions attached to these deals. For instance, hefty discounts may only apply to older MY23 or MY24 models in an effort to move them off the lot, while sharp finance rates may depend on a certain deposit or loan duration.
These things can, however, be used as bargaining tools. But if that sounds too arduous or you’re not the haggling type, NRMA partner Motor Scout can assist in not only securing the car you want, but also obtaining the best price thanks to its network of more than 2700 dealers. Plus, My NRMA Rewards members get special benefits.
When it comes to used cars, finding the best deal can be trickier, as there aren’t the same central offers pages, and prices are more likely to vary from dealer to dealer. However, the new car offers can be used as leverage if you’re looking at a used example.
Let’s say you’re in the market for a Kia EV5 electric mid-size SUV, which is currently offered at $49,990 driveaway, a substantial discount over its $56,770 RRP. It would be reasonable to assume that a demo or used example would then be priced lower again, so having this knowledge could be helpful in securing a deal.
How the NRMA can help you buy with confidence
When purchasing a used vehicle, peace of mind is key, which is why the NRMA offers mobile vehicle inspections for an expert assessment of your potential new purchase, a CarFacts car history report (to check if the vehicle has ever been stolen, written off or has finance owing), and electric vehicle battery health checks.
The NRMA’s used car partner Carma also makes the process easier with rigorous quality assurance procedures, seven days to drive and decide, and a three-month warranty. NRMA members also receive an additional five days to drive and decide, and either an extra three months of warranty or five per cent off Carma’s extended coverage.
Whether you’re buying new or used, the end of the financial year is a great time to score a bargain, but remember, knowledge is power. A little extra research could save you thousands.
