Best used large car for 2019

They were once the de facto family car, but like the dinosaurs of the Jurassic era, large cars became too large and unable to adapt to a new (business) environment.

Large cars still have their followers, however, and why not? They're comfortable, safe, easy to drive and relatively inexpensive to own. New sales in this segment back in 2013 were dominated by Australian-built vehicles, but Australia is no longer a car-manufacturing nation, making this year's two front-runners in the large-car category potentially even better buying – for their historical value.

And in 2019, the carsales best used large car is the 2013...

The most popular large passenger car in the country was built here by Holden back in 2013. And the most popular variant in the range was the Holden Commodore SV6 – the VF model. Newly arrived in 2013, the VF Commodore was lighter, safer and more efficient than its forebear, the VE Commodore Series II – the car that won last year's best used cars in the large car category.

Holden ceased building cars at its Elizabeth plant at the end of 2017, but the 'Aussie' Commodore remains a popular product in the used-car market. RedBook and the judges were pretty close when it came to scoring the Commodore: 38.7 points from RedBook and 39 from the judges.

RedBook research indicates a 2013 Holden Commodore SV6 will set you back $16,850 in average retail condition, sold privately. The new price was $38,190 in 2013.

"Homegrown hero delivers great value in a comfortable, sporty package," says Ken Gratton, Technical Editor at carsales.

"A sizeable and sporty family car with a terrific engine and great street appeal," says carsales Road Test Editor, Matt Brogan.

"Sportier design... interior upgrade and fuel efficiency improvements, increased safety of rear cross-traffic alert, park assist and front and rear sensors," are all factors working in favour of the VF Commodore SV6, says Director of Data Services at RedBook, Ross Booth.

Honourable mentions:

At nearly 4.9 metres long, the 2013 Lexus GS 300h Luxury is nothing if not 'large'. Yet the engine powering it is a measly 2.5-litre four-cylinder – supplemented by the torque produced by an electric motor. Yes, the GS 300h is a hybrid, so in a technological sense it's a lot of car for not much money. Consequently, also, the Lexus has earned an 'honourable mention' in the large car category for its low running costs.

The total score of 75.9 points out of 100 was an aggregate of RedBook's 40.9 points and 35 points from the judges.
Red Book value: $30,700

"Large car presence with small-car frugality, plus legendary reliabilty and refinement" – Technical Editor at carsales, Ken Gratton

Proving yet again that Australians could build large cars to stand the test of time, the 2013 Ford Falcon XR6 has earned an honourable mention in carsales best used cars for 2019. The sporty XR6 variant, like the Commodore SV6, was the most popular variant in the Falcon range, frequently because fleets chose the XR6 over the vanilla-spec Falcon XT at entry level – testament to the Falcon's durability and broad-based appeal.

The Falcon pulled in the same score from the judging panel as the Lexus GS 300h Luxury. Running costs for the Falcon placed it at a disadvantage against the Lexus, scoring 38.7 points from RedBook, for a total of 73.7 points out of 100.
Red Book value: $13,650

"Possibly the most refined Aussie Falcons ever, and one of the most reliable Ford ever built" – Matt Brogan, Road Test Editor at carsales.

What makes a car eligible for carsales Best Used Cars Awards?
• Less than six years old,
• Standard side-curtain airbags,
• Standard Bluetooth,
• Standard stability control,
• Standard reversing camera for SUVs.

How did RedBook weight the categories for scoring?
• 10 per cent for resale,
• 10 per cent for ANCAP rating,
• 20 per cent for cost of ownership,
• Five per cent for service intervals,
• Five per cent for number of days for vehicle to sell

Read all about carsales Best Used Cars for 2019 here.