Upcoming Car Auctions in Canberra ACT – 5 Upcoming Sales inc Ex-Lease Sedans, SUVs & Defence Vehicles
This week we list 5 car auctions in Canberra and the ACT. Government fleet disposals, ex-corporate vehicles, and general used car auctions from Pickles, Manheim, AllBids, and Grays. Updated weekly with sales that are open to the public with online bidding on most sales.
FAQ
Which auction houses sell cars in Canberra?
Pickles and Manheim operate ACT vehicle yards, with Pickles in Fyshwick running regular fleet disposal and general vehicle sales. AllBids also lists Canberra vehicle lots, and Grays is available online for ACT buyers continuously.
Are government fleet vehicles common in Canberra auctions?
Yes. Canberra is Australia’s largest source of federal government fleet disposals. ATO, Defence, and other Commonwealth agency vehicles regularly come through Pickles Fyshwick. These are typically well-maintained and properly documented.
Can I inspect vehicles before bidding in Canberra?
Yes (except Pickles). Most offer inspection windows before their sales.
Trends & Insights
The used electric vehicle segment is reshaping buyer behaviour at auction, with demand surging 77% and prices climbing 14% as customer enquiries spike across national platforms (Cox Automotive / LinkedIn, Jul 2). This momentum is running counter to broader new vehicle sales, which fell 4.8% in May to 100,206 units while year to date sales dropped 2.2% (MarkLines / FCAI, Jun 3). For auction buyers, the EV premium is now a structural factor rather than a temporary blip.
Supply dynamics in the ACT are tightening. Active used vehicle listings in the territory dropped 15.4% month on month to 3,169 units, part of a national decline to 321,602 active listings (AADA Australian Automotive Insights Report). With fewer cars available locally, buyers may need to look to national auctions for volume. Pickles will host a National Government and General Vehicles auction starting 7 July, featuring commercial and government fleet vehicles available online across Australia (Pickles Auctions, Jul 3). Manheim continues its weekly used car auctions with hundreds of lots across passenger and commercial segments, supporting steady wholesale activity (Manheim Auctions, Jul 3).
On the premium side, the collector car market shows no signs of cooling. Collecting Cars cleared 60 lots in January, setting a positive tone for classic and premium vehicle auctions through 2026 (Instagram / thebeep.com.au, Jul 1). This segment remains insulated from the broader new vehicle downturn, where Chinese brands gain share as traditional leaders like Toyota fall sharply.
Buyers should watch the Pickles national government sale starting 7 July for potential value in fleet stock, while keeping an eye on EV listings as demand continues to outpace supply.
Last updated: 4 July 2026
Rod’s Tips
Federal government fleet sales at Pickles Fyshwick are Canberra’s best-kept buying opportunity. Commonwealth vehicles are regularly serviced to government fleet standards and quality is consistently high.
PPSR check every vehicle. Even government-sourced vehicles should be checked, the $2 PPSR search is the minimum due diligence for any used vehicle.
Be mindful of dealer trade-ins High milage and loaded with a christmas tree of lights on the dash, these turds are often pushed through smaller auction houses or “clearing lanes”.
Slattery Auctions
Offices at Stafford QLD, Hexam NSW, Dandenong South VIC, Midvale WA. Auctions with online bidding and onsite auctions. Including business closures, ex-lease, vehicles, trucks and machinery.
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Canberra Car & Commercial Auction
Canberra Car & Commercial Auction
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Canberra Car & Commercial Auction
Canberra Car & Commercial Auction
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AuctionFinder curates upcoming vehicle auctions from established Australian auctioneers. We do not conduct auctions ourselves. Always confirm dates, terms, and conditions directly with the auctioneer.
