Best used medium car for 2019

As medium passenger cars have grown in size over the years, they've begun to lose sales at the same rate as larger passenger cars. It's a sign that Australians are content with smaller cars that are specified to a high grade or have switched over to SUVs.

But mid-size passengers still have their place in the market. Some buyers prefer the touring ability and refinement of a Mondeo or a Sonata over an SUV of similar size. There are other considerations too, including differences in fuel economy, lower price, crash safety and primary safety.

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

Yet again, a winner from 2018 makes it two in a row. The Mazda6 has been a popular new-car purchase in Australia since the current (GJ series) model was released with its SKYACTIV powertrain technology at the end of 2012. As the entry-level model in the range, the Mazda6 Sport sedan with 2.5-litre petrol engine delivers great value for the used-car buyer also. This variant of Mazda6 scored 40.7 points in the RedBook ledger, and the judges rated it at 37 points, for a total of 77.7 out of 100.

RedBook estimates a Mazda6 Sport sedan with petrol engine from 2013 to be worth $13,900, based on average retail condition and private sale. The new price was $33,460 in 2013.

"Elegant styling and an accommodating interior, the Mazda6 also boasts agile mid-size car dynamics," says Matt Brogan, Road Test Editor at carsales.

"Sophisticated, good looking Japanese build quality with a smooth drive from a refined engine," says Data Services Director at RedBook, Ross Booth, who also praised the Mazda6 for its "hard-wearing interior" and low cost of ownership.

Technical Editor for carsales, Ken Gratton, also heaped praise on the Mazda6, noting that it is "classy and smooth, but still a sporty alternative to the medium segment champ".

Find a used Mazda6 on carsales

Honourable mentions:

Another overachiever from last year, the Mercedes-Benz C 250 returned in 2019 for its second honourable mention in the medium passenger car category. By 2013 the 204 Series of C-Class was in its twilight years, but still a formidable offering in the segment. At the time it even outsold every mid-size car other than the Toyota Camry.

RedBook scored the C 250 35.8 points out of 50, but judges were a little kinder, their combined scores topping out at 41. Total points out of 100 were 76.8.
Red Book value: $24,050

"A good used example will deliver luxury at an affordable purchase price, however, maintenance may set you back" – Data Services Director at RedBook, Ross Booth

Skoda's small car with a long boot elbowed its way into a podium placing after pushing aside the Lexus IS 250 Prestige from last year's count. The Octavia shares many of its mechanicals and much of its architecture with the Volkswagen Golf, but the whole lot is packaged in a mid-sized body offering more rear overhang and a shorter wheelbase, making it ideal for ferrying larger loads and smaller passengers in the rear. It's more manoeuvrable too and is well built, comfortable and safe.

The RedBook score for the Skoda Octavia Elegance 110 TDI was 42.3 points, but the judges weren't as convinced, collectively contributing just 29 points to its total of 71.3 points out of 100.
Red Book value: $15,750

"An under-rated and often overlooked European alternative in the medium passenger category" – Matt Brogan, carsales Road Test Editor.

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.