How to value a used truck (Australian market)
Three reference points for arriving at a defensible value on any used heavy vehicle in the Australian market.
RedBook commercial values
RedBook is the standard reference for finance lenders and dealers. Their commercial-vehicle valuations (available via MotorWeb or directly to industry users) give trade-in, retail, and wholesale numbers for most popular makes and models. Free user-facing tools cover smaller-segment vehicles; commercial heavy-vehicle data sits behind a paywall.
Recent comparable sales
What identical (or near-identical) vehicles are listed for and selling for, RIGHT NOW, on AYIO Marketplace and competitors. Filter by same make, model, year ± 2, similar kms, similar condition. Throw out the outliers; take the median. Sale prices are usually 5-12% below asking.
Condition adjustments
Add or subtract from the median for: above-average / below-average kms; new vs aged tyres ($800-$2,000 each on heavy vehicles); recent major service or component overhaul; unusual modifications (specific buyer pool only); accident history; outstanding service intervals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is RedBook accurate for older trucks?
Less so for trucks 15+ years old where the market is thin. Use comparable sales as the primary reference for older heavy vehicles.
Do auction results matter?
Yes — Pickles, Manheim and Grays results are public and reflect what buyers actually paid. Useful for assets being sold quickly or on enforcement.