Australia’s favourite first cars: Corolla tops the list

We’ve recently dug into the deep dark and scary car ownership history of the entire EFTM team here – and as if to follow on from that Gumtree Cars has just released a whole stack of data about our car-buying habits.

The data comes out as Gumtree Cars announces a partnership and ambassadorial role for race driver and TV guy Grant Denyer.

We popped out to Sydney Motorsport Park for the launch, and some skid-pan action of course.

But, that was just a distraction from the real story.

Australia’s top ten first cars are nothing short of boring – as you’d kinda hope for a young person getting out on the road for the first time:

• Toyota Corolla
• Holden Commodore
• Ford Falcon
• Toyota Camry
• Nissan Pulsar
• Holden Gemini
• Ford Laser
• Holden Torana
• Ford Escort
• Mazda 3/323

In researching this, Gumtree Cars – who through this process make it clear they are aiming to be a clear #1 in terms of where Aussies search for cars – found out a whole lot more too.

That first car – it’s purchased within a year of getting your P’s in more than three quarters of cases.

For almost a quarter of them – it’s before they even get their P’s!

Most commonly that first car is bought from a dealer (41%) while the rest are either private sale (31%) or from a family member or friend (21%)

Unsurprisingly, 82% were second hand.

The fun thing about a site like Gumtree is the data they have on what we’re searching for.

Aussies – we’re looking for SUVs. 42% of searches. Followed by UTEs (Hilux etc) 19%, Small cars and medium cars follow that.

So next time you’re searching Gumtree for a car – be warned, Denyer’s going to be in your face:)