Big Rolex Price Increases for 2025 Revealed
The 'Great Rolex Shortage' is nothing new, but it's a reflection of how one brand's value and sentiment have pushed its fans to a fever pitch. With demand skyrocketing and products harder to find, it makes sense that the manufacturer would want to capitalise, and that's exactly what Rolex has done by increasing their retail prices again. Heck, they've even started selling certified pre-owned watches in boutiques!
But for all the slight markups and price changes, it might matter less. With the Rolex Daytona, Datejust and Submariner among the most popular watches of the last few years, the chances of purchasing one at retail are getting slimmer by the day. Scarcity remains at an all-time high, with only a select allocation of models available for each region, making the prospect of nabbing one all the more difficult. Some have speculated the shortage may have been by design, rather than demand. However, late last year, Rolex issued an official statement that suggested otherwise. Today, we're looking at the increase for 2025.
Rolex Submariner Date | Image: Supplied / Rolex
Price (2025): AUD$18,050
Price (2024): AUD$17,700
The number one starter pack, Rolex, the Submariner Date ref. 126610LN has copped a mild AUD$350 price increase for 2025. It's one of the brand's top-selling watches, so it makes sense that they wouldn't want the price to skyrocket and turn away all of the real estate agents, fashion, and finance bros, who have budgeted the price of their first car to add their name to the list.
Despite the price increase, there's no doubt that the Rolex Submariner Date is one of the most iconic watches of all time. It's the watch equivalent of a Porsche 911, and if you ask us, it's still worth the price with a COSC certification, Calibre 3235 automatic movement, and 300 m / 1,000 ft of water-resistance. If you were planning to flip it on the secondary market, there's still some headroom in the price for a tidy profit, with most selling for between $18,000-25,000 on the secondary market.
Reference no. : 126610LN
: 126610LN Case diameter : 41 mm, Oystersteel
: 41 mm, Oystersteel Bezel : Unidirectional 60-minute bezel, black Cerachrom insert, numerals & graduations in platinum
: Unidirectional 60-minute bezel, black Cerachrom insert, numerals & graduations in platinum Crystal : Scratch-resistant sapphire with Cyclops date lens
: Scratch-resistant sapphire with Cyclops date lens Water-resistance : 300 m / 1,000 ft
: 300 m / 1,000 ft Movement : Calibre 3235, self-winding mechanical (Perpetual rotor)
: Calibre 3235, self-winding mechanical (Perpetual rotor) Accuracy : −2 / +2 s per day (after casing)
: −2 / +2 s per day (after casing) Power reserve : approx. 70 hours
: approx. 70 hours Bracelet : Oyster three-piece solid-link bracelet (Oystersteel)
: Oyster three-piece solid-link bracelet (Oystersteel) Certification: Superlative Chronometer (COSC + Rolex in-house tests)
Rolex Day-Date 40 'President' in Yellow Gold | Image: Supplied / Rolex
Price (2025): AUD$74,600
Price (2024): AUD$69,700
The Rolex Day-Date 40 'President' in Yellow Gold shares insights on how the solid gold Rolex models have fared when it comes to price increases in 2025. This is one of the most sought-after models, worn by the President of the United States, and it's seen a AUD$4,900 price increase. It's difficult to track how the price of gold models has been affected by the gold market itself, which continues to increase in value. However, considering the increases across the Rolex line-up, it seems they've been affected considerably.
Still, the Rolex President is a worthwhile investment with a market price between AUD$60,000-120,000, depending on the year model, rarity, and condition. The 2025 model uses a calibre 3255 automatic movement with a self-winding mechanical (Perpetual rotor) and day-date function. It has an accuracy of −2 / +2 s per day and a Superlative Chronometer certification, like all Rolex models.
Reference no. : 228238
: 228238 Case diameter : 40 mm, 18 ct yellow gold
: 40 mm, 18 ct yellow gold Bezel : Fluted bezel, 18 ct yellow gold
: Fluted bezel, 18 ct yellow gold Crystal : Scratch-resistant sapphire with Cyclops date lens
: Scratch-resistant sapphire with Cyclops date lens Water-resistance : 100 m / 330 ft
: 100 m / 330 ft Movement : Calibre 3255, self-winding mechanical (Perpetual rotor), day-date function
: Calibre 3255, self-winding mechanical (Perpetual rotor), day-date function Accuracy : −2 / +2 s per day (after casing)
: −2 / +2 s per day (after casing) Power reserve : approx. 70 hours
: approx. 70 hours Bracelet : President semi-circular three-piece-link bracelet (18 ct yellow gold)
: President semi-circular three-piece-link bracelet (18 ct yellow gold) Certification: Superlative Chronometer (COSC + Rolex in-house tests)
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36 'Tiffany' | Image: Supplied / Rolex
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36 'Tiffany'
Price (2025): AUD$10,750
Price (2024): AUD$10,050
If the Submariner is most people's first Rolex, the entry-level Oyster Perpetual 36 is the most accessible. It's one of the cheapest new Rolexes that money can buy, but it has copped a modest ADU$700 price increase for 2025. Still, it's a top performer in the AUD$10,000 price bracket thanks to its automatic calibre 3230 movement that boasts 70 hours of power reserve and an accuracy of −2 / +2 s per day, which is amongst the best in this segment. The 'Tiffany' dial (ref. 126000-0006) that we've chosen to showcase here isn't more expensive than any other Oyster Perpetual 36.
Reference no. : 126000-0006
: 126000-0006 Case diameter : 36 mm, Oystersteel
: 36 mm, Oystersteel Bezel : Domed bezel, Oystersteel
: Domed bezel, Oystersteel Crystal : Scratch-resistant sapphire
: Scratch-resistant sapphire Water-resistance : 100 m / 330 ft
: 100 m / 330 ft Movement : Calibre 3230, self-winding mechanical (Perpetual rotor)
: Calibre 3230, self-winding mechanical (Perpetual rotor) Accuracy : −2 / +2 s per day (after casing)
: −2 / +2 s per day (after casing) Power reserve : approx. 70 hours
: approx. 70 hours Bracelet : Oyster three-piece solid-link bracelet (Oystersteel)
: Oyster three-piece solid-link bracelet (Oystersteel) Certification: Superlative Chronometer (COSC + Rolex in-house tests)
Rolex GMT-Master II Jubilee | Image: Supplied / Rolex
Rolex GMT-Master II 'Batman' Jubilee
Price (2025): AUD$19,200
Price (2024): AUD$17,850
The Rolex GMT-Master II is the first 'serious' Rolex that watch enthusiasts will buy, and with an added layer of complexity because of the GMT function, it's more expensive than the similarly designed Submariner model. This year, the Rolex GMT-Master II with Jubilee bracelet has seen a AUD$1,350 price increase. Still, it's under AUD$20,000, and for that amount of money, you're getting a seriously impressive timepiece with industry-leading specifications that include 70 hours of power reserve thanks to an efficient Calibre 3285, self-winding mechanical movement with a GMT function. It boasts 100 m / 330 ft of water-resistance and an accuracy of −2 / +2 s per day, which is good enough for a Superlative Chronometer certification (Rolex's in-house certification).
Reference no. : 126710BLNR
: 126710BLNR Case diameter : 40 mm, Oystersteel
: 40 mm, Oystersteel Bezel : Bidirectional 24-hour bezel, blue-and-black Cerachrom insert with moulded numerals
: Bidirectional 24-hour bezel, blue-and-black Cerachrom insert with moulded numerals Crystal : Scratch-resistant sapphire with Cyclops date lens
: Scratch-resistant sapphire with Cyclops date lens Water-resistance: 100 m / 330 ft
100 m / 330 ft Movement : Calibre 3285, self-winding mechanical (Perpetual rotor), GMT function
: Calibre 3285, self-winding mechanical (Perpetual rotor), GMT function Accuracy : −2 / +2 s per day (after casing)
: −2 / +2 s per day (after casing) Power reserve : approx. 70 hours
: approx. 70 hours Bracelet : Jubilee five-piece-link bracelet (Oystersteel) with folding Oysterlock safety clasp
: Jubilee five-piece-link bracelet (Oystersteel) with folding Oysterlock safety clasp Certification: Superlative Chronometer (COSC + Rolex in-house tests)
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona in Oystersteel | Image: Supplied / Rolex
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 'Panda' in Oystersteel
Price (2025): AUD$27,000
Price (2024): AUD$25,200
One of the best investment-grade watches that money can buy, the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 'Panda' in Oystersteel has copped a modest AUD$1,800 price increase for 2025. However, that's still a drop of water in the pond that is the secondary market for this racing watch. See, prices for the steel Daytona sit between AUD$42,000-58,000 on the market, so you wouldn't be complaining about the prices of this watch if you were offered the chance to buy one from your AD.
Due to market forces, Yellow-gold Daytona prices have increased even more than the Oystersteel model we've selected here, and you should expect to cough up AUD$81,800 (ref. 126508) for a solid gold model in 2025.
Reference no. : 126500LN
: 126500LN Case diameter : 40 mm, Oystersteel
: 40 mm, Oystersteel Bezel : Black monobloc Cerachrom bezel in ceramic with tachymetric scale
: Black monobloc Cerachrom bezel in ceramic with tachymetric scale Crystal : Scratch-resistant sapphire
: Scratch-resistant sapphire Water-resistance : 100 m / 330 ft
: 100 m / 330 ft Movement : Calibre 4131, self-winding mechanical chronograph (Perpetual rotor)
: Calibre 4131, self-winding mechanical chronograph (Perpetual rotor) Accuracy : −2 / +2 s per day (after casing)
: −2 / +2 s per day (after casing) Power reserve : approx. 72 hours
: approx. 72 hours Bracelet : Oyster three-piece solid-link bracelet (Oystersteel) with folding Oysterlock safety clasp
: Oyster three-piece solid-link bracelet (Oystersteel) with folding Oysterlock safety clasp Certification: Superlative Chronometer (COSC + Rolex in-house tests)
Rolex Explorer II 'Polar' | Image: Supplied / Rolex
Rolex Explorer II 'Polar'
Price (2025): AUD$16,950
Price (2024): AUD$15,550
Ouch! One of our favourite sleeper Rolex models, the Rolex Explorer II 'Polar,' has grown in popularity over the last 5 years, and it seems the brand has decided to increase its exclusivity with a price increase of AUD$1,400 for 2025. It makes the sleeper model slightly less appealing as a Submariner alternative, but it's hard to argue that this isn't worth the money, with a calibre 3285, self-winding mechanical movement that boasts – 2 / +2 s per day accuracy, 70 hours of power reserve, and 100 m / 330 ft of water-resistance.
Reference no. : 226570-0001
: 226570-0001 Case diameter : 42 mm, Oystersteel
: 42 mm, Oystersteel Bezel : Fixed 24-hour graduated bezel, Oystersteel
: Fixed 24-hour graduated bezel, Oystersteel Crystal : Scratch-resistant sapphire with Cyclops date lens
: Scratch-resistant sapphire with Cyclops date lens Water-resistance : 100 m / 330 ft
: 100 m / 330 ft Movement : Calibre 3285, self-winding mechanical (Perpetual rotor), GMT function
: Calibre 3285, self-winding mechanical (Perpetual rotor), GMT function Accuracy : −2 / +2 s per day (after casing)
: −2 / +2 s per day (after casing) Power reserve : approx. 70 hours
: approx. 70 hours Bracelet : Oyster three-piece solid-link bracelet (Oystersteel) with folding Oysterlock safety clasp
: Oyster three-piece solid-link bracelet (Oystersteel) with folding Oysterlock safety clasp Certification: Superlative Chronometer (COSC + Rolex in-house tests)
Rolex Manufacture | Image: Supplied / Rolex
Why Rolex Prices Continue to Rise
Rolex has always said that scarcity is not something that's built into their strategy. They've previously claimed that production cannot meet demand, and that's driven the value of their watches through the roof. 'The scarcity of our products is not a strategy on our part. Our current production cannot meet the existing demand in an exhaustive way, at least not without reducing the quality of our watches – something we refuse to do as the quality of our products must never be compromised,' Rolex wrote in the statement back in 2022.
'This level of excellence requires time, and as we have always done, we will continue to take the necessary time to ensure that all our watches not only comply with our standards of excellence, but also meet the expectations of our customers in terms of quality, reliability and robustness. Rolex does not compromise on what it takes to produce exceptional watches.'
The exclusivity of the Rolex retail market has meant second-hand or resale communities, like the one run by Hafiz Jawad Mehmood, are among the only places an avid fan can score a new piece. Mehmood is the admin for the popular online watch community Australian Watch Buy, Swap and Sell (AWBSS), and he has noted the dramatic increase in Rolex resale prices over the past few years. Still, he believes scarcity isn't the only factor responsible.
'(There) are few very solid drivers, in my opinion: investment potential, FOMO, and status symbol,' Mehmood tells Man of Many. 'Watches used to be an expense; now they're a property or a good investment when picked carefully.'
The avid watch enthusiast has been managing AWBSS, which boasts over 92,000 members, for over five years. In that period, Mehmood has bought, sold and overseen several Rolex sales, observing the major increase in demand for second-hand timepieces play out first-hand.
'The Rolex 'Hulk' this time last year (even after being discontinued) was AUD$27,000-$28,000 BNIB. Now, a BNIB Rolex 'Hulk' is in the high AUD$40,000 to $50,000, it has doubled,' he said. 'In 2017, I bought a brand new 'Hulk' from a secondary dealer, paying a premium price of AUD$13,500. In 2018, I bought for AUD$16,000, and if I buy one today, it's over three times that price. The Rolex Panda in 2018 was in the high AUD$20,000s, and I remember people saying that the bubble was about to burst. Many are still waiting for that bubble to burst, but it sadly doesn't exist.'
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Land-Dweller 40 in 950 Platinum | Image: Supplied / Rolex
How the Rolex Price Increase Affects the Resale Market
Mehmood says the connection between the retail price increase and the resale market is complex, but recent figures would suggest the value is only increasing. And it's not exclusive to Rolex. The AWBSS community leader revealed that an interesting push towards high-end luxury watches had also prompted a greater level of activity and interest for names such as Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet over the last year.
'In the short term, the retail increase doesn't impact the secondary price right away, but in the mid- to long-term, it does indirectly,' he explains. 'Rolex Sports models are already over two to three times retail, and they don't really depend on a 10 per cent retail increase for their prices to continue to rise, but in the longer term, an increase in retail overall strengthens the preowned market prices. In short, it's not the retail price that bumps the secondary prices directly; it's their scarcity.'
So, what does Rolex bumping up its prices mean for watch fans? While it may not immediately impact the luxury watch resale market, only time will tell how the update is reflected in scarcity limits. In all likelihood, the reality may simply be that expensive luxury watches are only getting more expensive. Go figure.
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Man of Many
3 days ago
- Man of Many
Big Rolex Price Increases for 2025 Revealed
If you've spent the past few years on 'the list' for a Daytona or Submariner, you'd understand just how hard it is to purchase a stainless steel Rolex at an affordable price. Over the past decade or so, the iconic Swiss watchmaker has seen a scarcity surge dramatically increase demand, leading to an ever-growing secondary market that enables resellers to make a living off flipping their retail purchases. The 'Great Rolex Shortage' is nothing new, but it's a reflection of how one brand's value and sentiment have pushed its fans to a fever pitch. With demand skyrocketing and products harder to find, it makes sense that the manufacturer would want to capitalise, and that's exactly what Rolex has done by increasing their retail prices again. Heck, they've even started selling certified pre-owned watches in boutiques! But for all the slight markups and price changes, it might matter less. With the Rolex Daytona, Datejust and Submariner among the most popular watches of the last few years, the chances of purchasing one at retail are getting slimmer by the day. Scarcity remains at an all-time high, with only a select allocation of models available for each region, making the prospect of nabbing one all the more difficult. Some have speculated the shortage may have been by design, rather than demand. However, late last year, Rolex issued an official statement that suggested otherwise. Today, we're looking at the increase for 2025. Rolex Submariner Date | Image: Supplied / Rolex Price (2025): AUD$18,050 Price (2024): AUD$17,700 The number one starter pack, Rolex, the Submariner Date ref. 126610LN has copped a mild AUD$350 price increase for 2025. It's one of the brand's top-selling watches, so it makes sense that they wouldn't want the price to skyrocket and turn away all of the real estate agents, fashion, and finance bros, who have budgeted the price of their first car to add their name to the list. Despite the price increase, there's no doubt that the Rolex Submariner Date is one of the most iconic watches of all time. It's the watch equivalent of a Porsche 911, and if you ask us, it's still worth the price with a COSC certification, Calibre 3235 automatic movement, and 300 m / 1,000 ft of water-resistance. If you were planning to flip it on the secondary market, there's still some headroom in the price for a tidy profit, with most selling for between $18,000-25,000 on the secondary market. Reference no. : 126610LN : 126610LN Case diameter : 41 mm, Oystersteel : 41 mm, Oystersteel Bezel : Unidirectional 60-minute bezel, black Cerachrom insert, numerals & graduations in platinum : Unidirectional 60-minute bezel, black Cerachrom insert, numerals & graduations in platinum Crystal : Scratch-resistant sapphire with Cyclops date lens : Scratch-resistant sapphire with Cyclops date lens Water-resistance : 300 m / 1,000 ft : 300 m / 1,000 ft Movement : Calibre 3235, self-winding mechanical (Perpetual rotor) : Calibre 3235, self-winding mechanical (Perpetual rotor) Accuracy : −2 / +2 s per day (after casing) : −2 / +2 s per day (after casing) Power reserve : approx. 70 hours : approx. 70 hours Bracelet : Oyster three-piece solid-link bracelet (Oystersteel) : Oyster three-piece solid-link bracelet (Oystersteel) Certification: Superlative Chronometer (COSC + Rolex in-house tests) Rolex Day-Date 40 'President' in Yellow Gold | Image: Supplied / Rolex Price (2025): AUD$74,600 Price (2024): AUD$69,700 The Rolex Day-Date 40 'President' in Yellow Gold shares insights on how the solid gold Rolex models have fared when it comes to price increases in 2025. This is one of the most sought-after models, worn by the President of the United States, and it's seen a AUD$4,900 price increase. It's difficult to track how the price of gold models has been affected by the gold market itself, which continues to increase in value. However, considering the increases across the Rolex line-up, it seems they've been affected considerably. Still, the Rolex President is a worthwhile investment with a market price between AUD$60,000-120,000, depending on the year model, rarity, and condition. The 2025 model uses a calibre 3255 automatic movement with a self-winding mechanical (Perpetual rotor) and day-date function. It has an accuracy of −2 / +2 s per day and a Superlative Chronometer certification, like all Rolex models. Reference no. : 228238 : 228238 Case diameter : 40 mm, 18 ct yellow gold : 40 mm, 18 ct yellow gold Bezel : Fluted bezel, 18 ct yellow gold : Fluted bezel, 18 ct yellow gold Crystal : Scratch-resistant sapphire with Cyclops date lens : Scratch-resistant sapphire with Cyclops date lens Water-resistance : 100 m / 330 ft : 100 m / 330 ft Movement : Calibre 3255, self-winding mechanical (Perpetual rotor), day-date function : Calibre 3255, self-winding mechanical (Perpetual rotor), day-date function Accuracy : −2 / +2 s per day (after casing) : −2 / +2 s per day (after casing) Power reserve : approx. 70 hours : approx. 70 hours Bracelet : President semi-circular three-piece-link bracelet (18 ct yellow gold) : President semi-circular three-piece-link bracelet (18 ct yellow gold) Certification: Superlative Chronometer (COSC + Rolex in-house tests) Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36 'Tiffany' | Image: Supplied / Rolex Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36 'Tiffany' Price (2025): AUD$10,750 Price (2024): AUD$10,050 If the Submariner is most people's first Rolex, the entry-level Oyster Perpetual 36 is the most accessible. It's one of the cheapest new Rolexes that money can buy, but it has copped a modest ADU$700 price increase for 2025. Still, it's a top performer in the AUD$10,000 price bracket thanks to its automatic calibre 3230 movement that boasts 70 hours of power reserve and an accuracy of −2 / +2 s per day, which is amongst the best in this segment. The 'Tiffany' dial (ref. 126000-0006) that we've chosen to showcase here isn't more expensive than any other Oyster Perpetual 36. Reference no. : 126000-0006 : 126000-0006 Case diameter : 36 mm, Oystersteel : 36 mm, Oystersteel Bezel : Domed bezel, Oystersteel : Domed bezel, Oystersteel Crystal : Scratch-resistant sapphire : Scratch-resistant sapphire Water-resistance : 100 m / 330 ft : 100 m / 330 ft Movement : Calibre 3230, self-winding mechanical (Perpetual rotor) : Calibre 3230, self-winding mechanical (Perpetual rotor) Accuracy : −2 / +2 s per day (after casing) : −2 / +2 s per day (after casing) Power reserve : approx. 70 hours : approx. 70 hours Bracelet : Oyster three-piece solid-link bracelet (Oystersteel) : Oyster three-piece solid-link bracelet (Oystersteel) Certification: Superlative Chronometer (COSC + Rolex in-house tests) Rolex GMT-Master II Jubilee | Image: Supplied / Rolex Rolex GMT-Master II 'Batman' Jubilee Price (2025): AUD$19,200 Price (2024): AUD$17,850 The Rolex GMT-Master II is the first 'serious' Rolex that watch enthusiasts will buy, and with an added layer of complexity because of the GMT function, it's more expensive than the similarly designed Submariner model. This year, the Rolex GMT-Master II with Jubilee bracelet has seen a AUD$1,350 price increase. Still, it's under AUD$20,000, and for that amount of money, you're getting a seriously impressive timepiece with industry-leading specifications that include 70 hours of power reserve thanks to an efficient Calibre 3285, self-winding mechanical movement with a GMT function. It boasts 100 m / 330 ft of water-resistance and an accuracy of −2 / +2 s per day, which is good enough for a Superlative Chronometer certification (Rolex's in-house certification). Reference no. : 126710BLNR : 126710BLNR Case diameter : 40 mm, Oystersteel : 40 mm, Oystersteel Bezel : Bidirectional 24-hour bezel, blue-and-black Cerachrom insert with moulded numerals : Bidirectional 24-hour bezel, blue-and-black Cerachrom insert with moulded numerals Crystal : Scratch-resistant sapphire with Cyclops date lens : Scratch-resistant sapphire with Cyclops date lens Water-resistance: 100 m / 330 ft 100 m / 330 ft Movement : Calibre 3285, self-winding mechanical (Perpetual rotor), GMT function : Calibre 3285, self-winding mechanical (Perpetual rotor), GMT function Accuracy : −2 / +2 s per day (after casing) : −2 / +2 s per day (after casing) Power reserve : approx. 70 hours : approx. 70 hours Bracelet : Jubilee five-piece-link bracelet (Oystersteel) with folding Oysterlock safety clasp : Jubilee five-piece-link bracelet (Oystersteel) with folding Oysterlock safety clasp Certification: Superlative Chronometer (COSC + Rolex in-house tests) Rolex Cosmograph Daytona in Oystersteel | Image: Supplied / Rolex Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 'Panda' in Oystersteel Price (2025): AUD$27,000 Price (2024): AUD$25,200 One of the best investment-grade watches that money can buy, the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 'Panda' in Oystersteel has copped a modest AUD$1,800 price increase for 2025. However, that's still a drop of water in the pond that is the secondary market for this racing watch. See, prices for the steel Daytona sit between AUD$42,000-58,000 on the market, so you wouldn't be complaining about the prices of this watch if you were offered the chance to buy one from your AD. Due to market forces, Yellow-gold Daytona prices have increased even more than the Oystersteel model we've selected here, and you should expect to cough up AUD$81,800 (ref. 126508) for a solid gold model in 2025. Reference no. : 126500LN : 126500LN Case diameter : 40 mm, Oystersteel : 40 mm, Oystersteel Bezel : Black monobloc Cerachrom bezel in ceramic with tachymetric scale : Black monobloc Cerachrom bezel in ceramic with tachymetric scale Crystal : Scratch-resistant sapphire : Scratch-resistant sapphire Water-resistance : 100 m / 330 ft : 100 m / 330 ft Movement : Calibre 4131, self-winding mechanical chronograph (Perpetual rotor) : Calibre 4131, self-winding mechanical chronograph (Perpetual rotor) Accuracy : −2 / +2 s per day (after casing) : −2 / +2 s per day (after casing) Power reserve : approx. 72 hours : approx. 72 hours Bracelet : Oyster three-piece solid-link bracelet (Oystersteel) with folding Oysterlock safety clasp : Oyster three-piece solid-link bracelet (Oystersteel) with folding Oysterlock safety clasp Certification: Superlative Chronometer (COSC + Rolex in-house tests) Rolex Explorer II 'Polar' | Image: Supplied / Rolex Rolex Explorer II 'Polar' Price (2025): AUD$16,950 Price (2024): AUD$15,550 Ouch! One of our favourite sleeper Rolex models, the Rolex Explorer II 'Polar,' has grown in popularity over the last 5 years, and it seems the brand has decided to increase its exclusivity with a price increase of AUD$1,400 for 2025. It makes the sleeper model slightly less appealing as a Submariner alternative, but it's hard to argue that this isn't worth the money, with a calibre 3285, self-winding mechanical movement that boasts – 2 / +2 s per day accuracy, 70 hours of power reserve, and 100 m / 330 ft of water-resistance. Reference no. : 226570-0001 : 226570-0001 Case diameter : 42 mm, Oystersteel : 42 mm, Oystersteel Bezel : Fixed 24-hour graduated bezel, Oystersteel : Fixed 24-hour graduated bezel, Oystersteel Crystal : Scratch-resistant sapphire with Cyclops date lens : Scratch-resistant sapphire with Cyclops date lens Water-resistance : 100 m / 330 ft : 100 m / 330 ft Movement : Calibre 3285, self-winding mechanical (Perpetual rotor), GMT function : Calibre 3285, self-winding mechanical (Perpetual rotor), GMT function Accuracy : −2 / +2 s per day (after casing) : −2 / +2 s per day (after casing) Power reserve : approx. 70 hours : approx. 70 hours Bracelet : Oyster three-piece solid-link bracelet (Oystersteel) with folding Oysterlock safety clasp : Oyster three-piece solid-link bracelet (Oystersteel) with folding Oysterlock safety clasp Certification: Superlative Chronometer (COSC + Rolex in-house tests) Rolex Manufacture | Image: Supplied / Rolex Why Rolex Prices Continue to Rise Rolex has always said that scarcity is not something that's built into their strategy. They've previously claimed that production cannot meet demand, and that's driven the value of their watches through the roof. 'The scarcity of our products is not a strategy on our part. Our current production cannot meet the existing demand in an exhaustive way, at least not without reducing the quality of our watches – something we refuse to do as the quality of our products must never be compromised,' Rolex wrote in the statement back in 2022. 'This level of excellence requires time, and as we have always done, we will continue to take the necessary time to ensure that all our watches not only comply with our standards of excellence, but also meet the expectations of our customers in terms of quality, reliability and robustness. Rolex does not compromise on what it takes to produce exceptional watches.' The exclusivity of the Rolex retail market has meant second-hand or resale communities, like the one run by Hafiz Jawad Mehmood, are among the only places an avid fan can score a new piece. Mehmood is the admin for the popular online watch community Australian Watch Buy, Swap and Sell (AWBSS), and he has noted the dramatic increase in Rolex resale prices over the past few years. Still, he believes scarcity isn't the only factor responsible. '(There) are few very solid drivers, in my opinion: investment potential, FOMO, and status symbol,' Mehmood tells Man of Many. 'Watches used to be an expense; now they're a property or a good investment when picked carefully.' The avid watch enthusiast has been managing AWBSS, which boasts over 92,000 members, for over five years. In that period, Mehmood has bought, sold and overseen several Rolex sales, observing the major increase in demand for second-hand timepieces play out first-hand. 'The Rolex 'Hulk' this time last year (even after being discontinued) was AUD$27,000-$28,000 BNIB. Now, a BNIB Rolex 'Hulk' is in the high AUD$40,000 to $50,000, it has doubled,' he said. 'In 2017, I bought a brand new 'Hulk' from a secondary dealer, paying a premium price of AUD$13,500. In 2018, I bought for AUD$16,000, and if I buy one today, it's over three times that price. The Rolex Panda in 2018 was in the high AUD$20,000s, and I remember people saying that the bubble was about to burst. Many are still waiting for that bubble to burst, but it sadly doesn't exist.' Rolex Oyster Perpetual Land-Dweller 40 in 950 Platinum | Image: Supplied / Rolex How the Rolex Price Increase Affects the Resale Market Mehmood says the connection between the retail price increase and the resale market is complex, but recent figures would suggest the value is only increasing. And it's not exclusive to Rolex. The AWBSS community leader revealed that an interesting push towards high-end luxury watches had also prompted a greater level of activity and interest for names such as Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet over the last year. 'In the short term, the retail increase doesn't impact the secondary price right away, but in the mid- to long-term, it does indirectly,' he explains. 'Rolex Sports models are already over two to three times retail, and they don't really depend on a 10 per cent retail increase for their prices to continue to rise, but in the longer term, an increase in retail overall strengthens the preowned market prices. In short, it's not the retail price that bumps the secondary prices directly; it's their scarcity.' So, what does Rolex bumping up its prices mean for watch fans? While it may not immediately impact the luxury watch resale market, only time will tell how the update is reflected in scarcity limits. In all likelihood, the reality may simply be that expensive luxury watches are only getting more expensive. Go figure.
Man of Many
4 days ago
- Man of Many
10 Most Expensive New Cars on Sale in Australia
You could buy more than 50 Kia Picanto Sports for the price of a Lamborghini Revuelto, which holds the title of Australia's most expensive new car. While the Kia (the cheapest new car) shares some of the same features as the Lamborghini, such as wireless Apple CarPlay, folding side mirrors, power windows, and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), it's missing a 1,000 HP 6.5-litre V12 plug-in hybrid powertrain and a few electric motors. Next to the Lamborghini, Rolls-Royce and Ferrari dominate the list of the most expensive new cars on sale in Australia to prove that while money can't buy happiness, it can get you behind the wheel of a V12 supercar. Most Expensive New Cars at a Glance Highlights from our list include the following options: Now you've read the highlights, let's check out the complete list. Lamborghini Revuelto | Image: Supplied / Lamborghini 1. Lamborghini Revuelto Price: from AUD$987,000 before on-road costs. The most expensive new car on sale in Australia is the Lamborghini Revuelto, priced from AUD$987,000 before on-road costs. That means, in simple terms, that it would cost you more than $1 million to get one of these in your driveway once on-road costs have been applied. That's also without options, and the general rule of thumb is that owners of these cars spend anywhere from 15-25% of the overall cost of the car on options, so don't expect to see any of these rolling around the streets of your nearest high-earning suburb for less than $1.2-1.5 million. What you get for the money, however, is the fastest car that we've ever driven. The 6.5-litre V12 plug-in hybrid powertrain produces 747 kW (1,001 hp) of power, launching the Revuelto from 0-100km/h in 2.5 seconds. However, it's not the acceleration that was the most impressive thing about the car; it was the top speed. During our drive at Sydney Motorsport Park, we saw 294km/h down the front straight! Engine : 6.5-litre V12 plug-in hybrid : 6.5-litre V12 plug-in hybrid Maximum power : 747 kW (1,001 hp) : 747 kW (1,001 hp) Maximum torque : 725 Nm : 725 Nm Acceleration (0-100km/h) : 2.5 seconds : 2.5 seconds Top speed: 350 km/h Rolls-Royce Black Badge Spectre | Image: Supplied / Rolls-Royce 2. Rolls-Royce Black Badge Spectre Price: from AUD$932,400 before on-road costs. The newest addition to our list of the most expensive new cars in Australia is the Rolls-Royce Black Badge Spectre. This is the quickest, most powerful production car that Rolls-Royce has ever made, and it's the first with a 'Sport Mode,' which is not something that you would expect to find in a Rolls-Royce. The brand calls it 'Infinity Mode,' and it unlocks 485 kW (659 hp) of power, 1075 Nm of torque, and a 0-60 mph time of just 4.1 seconds. Motor : Dual-motor electric AWD (102 kWh usable) : Dual-motor electric AWD (102 kWh usable) Power : 485 kW / 659 PS : 485 kW / 659 PS Torque : 1,075 Nm : 1,075 Nm Acceleration (0-100 km/h) : 4.1 s (0-60 mph 4.1 s) : 4.1 s (0-60 mph 4.1 s) Top Speed: 250 km/h (electronically limited) Rolls-Royce Black Badge Cullinan Series II | Image: Supplied / Rolls-Royce 3. Rolls-Royce Black Badge Cullinan Series II Price: from AUD$895,000 before on-road costs. With a twin-turbo 6.75-litre V12 engine under the bonnet, the Rolls-Royce Black Badge Cullinan Series II is the most expensive SUV on sale in Australia. Changes to the facelifted Series II model include a new Clock Cabinet, where the Spirit of Ecstasy dances in an up-lit fascia display on the dashboard, next to the analogue clock. The Series II also integrates Rolls-Royce's SPIRIT infotainment system and the marque's members-only Whispers app that lets you customise your Rolls-Royce experience in the car and when you're away from it through remote connectivity. Visual changes include the first-ever illuminated Pantheon grille and 23-inch wheels. Engine : 6.75-litre twin-turbo V12 : 6.75-litre twin-turbo V12 Power : 592 hp / 600 PS / 441 kW : 592 hp / 600 PS / 441 kW Torque : 900 Nm : 900 Nm Acceleration (0-100 km/h) : ≈4.5 s (0-60 mph 4.5 s) : ≈4.5 s (0-60 mph 4.5 s) Top Speed: 250 km/h (electronically limited) Ferrari 12Cilindri Spider | Image: Supplied / Ferrari 4. Ferrari 12Cilindri Spider Price: from AUD$886,800 before on-road costs. We flew all the way to Portugal to drive the new Ferrari 12Cilindri Spider, and it didn't disappoint. The soundtrack has been hampered by strict European emissions regulations, but the engineers have done everything they can to bring the sound inside the cabin. It's hard to beat the sound of a 6.5-litre naturally-aspirated engine that delivers 830HP and spins out to 9,500 rpm. The acceleration from 0-100 km/h in 2.95 seconds sounds impressive, and it is, but that's not what this car is about. It's about flying through the mountains on your way to a Chateau in the south of France. Ferrari has introduced improvements to the interior of the 12Cilindri and its notches about that of the Purosangue and 296 with a triple-screen digital cockpit that includes a 15.6-inch driver display, 10.25-inch central touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and wireless phone charging, and finally, an 8.8-inch passenger screen if you so choose. Impressively, the retractable hard-top can be tucked away in 14 seconds and at speeds of up to 45 km/h. It also only adds 60 kg versus the coupé. Engine : 6.5-litre naturally-aspirated V12 : 6.5-litre naturally-aspirated V12 Power : 830 PS / 610 kW : 830 PS / 610 kW Torque : 678 Nm : 678 Nm Acceleration (0-100 km/h) : 2.95 s : 2.95 s Top Speed: 340 km/h Ferrari 12Cilindri | Image: Supplied / Ferrari 5. Ferrari 12Cilindri Price: from AUD$803,500 before on-road costs. Like the 12Cilindri Spider, but with a roof. The Ferrari 12Cilindri in Coupe form is slightly less expensive than the Spider variant, but it still boasts the same power and torque output, and includes the same changes on the interior with a triple-screen digital cockpit. Whether you can secure either of these highly sought-after vehicles is another question entirely. Like an Hermes handbag, you have to be on the list to buy one. Engine : 6.5-litre naturally-aspirated V12 : 6.5-litre naturally-aspirated V12 Power : 830 PS / 610 kW : 830 PS / 610 kW Torque : 678 Nm : 678 Nm Acceleration (0-100 km/h) : 2.9 s : 2.9 s Top Speed: 340 km/h Rolls-Royce Black Badge Ghost Series II | Image: Supplied / Rolls-Royce 6. Rolls-Royce Black Badge Ghost Series II Price: from AUD$800,000 before on-road costs. The naughtier, sportier Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II is dubbed the 'Black Badge.' This model adds a touch more power to the twin-turbo 6.75-litre engine (+29 PS and +50 Nm) and brings surprising performance to the stately four-door limousine. When we drove this model in the south of France, the 'most agile, driver-focused and technical Black Badge Rolls-Royce ever,' impressed us with its handling and straight-line speed, particularly in 'Low' mode that quickens gearshifts by 50 % and brings a sharper brake pedal to the mix. Hilariously, there are exhaust burbles when you let off the throttle. Of course, the staple Black Badge Planar Suspension remains, so you can always waft down the road in typical Rolls-Royce fashion should you so choose. The interior also adds the Series II treatment with the SPIRIT digital interface, bespoke cabin artistry (Technical Carbon veneer or bamboo-based Duality Twill (up to 2.2 million stitches)) and Clock Cabinet with the up-lit black-chrome Spirit of Ecstasy. Engine : 6.75-litre twin-turbo V12 : 6.75-litre twin-turbo V12 Power : 592 bhp / 600 PS / 441 kW : 592 bhp / 600 PS / 441 kW Torque : 900 Nm (664 lb-ft) : 900 Nm (664 lb-ft) Acceleration (0-100 km/h) : 4.5 s : 4.5 s Top Speed: 250 km/h (electronically limited) 2025 Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II | Image: Supplied 7. Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II Price: from AUD$777,000 before on-road costs. Like the Rolls-Royce Black Badge Cullinan Series II, but with a focus on the classic Rolls-Royce experience. It debuts the largest wheels ever offered on a Cullinan, but the ride quality is exceptional with the self-levelling air-suspension (with larger air-struts) and camera-guided 'Flagbearer' preview system that reads the road in front of you. Combine this with the effortless power of the twin-turbo 6.75-litre engine and silky smooth gearbox, and you have the best luxury SUV money can buy. Engine : 6.75-litre twin-turbo V12 : 6.75-litre twin-turbo V12 Power : 563 hp / 570 PS / 419 kW : 563 hp / 570 PS / 419 kW Torque : 850 Nm : 850 Nm Acceleration (0-100 km/h) : ≈5.0 s : ≈5.0 s Top Speed: 250 km/h (electronically limited) Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II Extended | Image: Supplied / Rolls-Royce 8. Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II Extended Price: from AUD$777,000 before on-road costs. The Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II Extended is a 170 mm (6.7 inches) longer version of the Ghost Series II. It extends this length in the wheelbase to increase the rear legroom for passengers, and the result is the greatest legroom of any four-seat saloon on sale, besides the Phantom Extended. You'll find everything from a Champagne cooler between the rear seats with twin modes ( 6°C for non-vintage, 11°C for vintage) to an optional Serenity Seating package that features fully reclining and lounge-style rear chairs inspired by the first-class seats in a private jet. Engine : 6.75-litre twin-turbo V12 : 6.75-litre twin-turbo V12 Power : 571 hp / 571 PS / 420 kW : 571 hp / 571 PS / 420 kW Torque : 850 Nm : 850 Nm Acceleration (0-100 km/h) : 4.8 s : 4.8 s Top Speed: 250 km/h (electronically limited) Aston Martin Vanquish | Image: Ben McKimm / Man of Many 9. Aston Martin Vanquish Price: from AUD$737,000 plus on-road costs. One of the best cars that we've driven this year, the Aston Martin Vanquish is special. It's the most powerful production road car that Aston Martin has ever made, with a 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12 that punches out 835PS (824HP, 614kW) and 1,000 Nm of torque. That's good for a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 3.3 seconds and a top speed of 214 mph (345 km/h), and after spending a week with the car, it exceeds expectations in every way. They're only making 1,000 of these every year, and with the full kit of new AM goodness packaged into a car that is best described as a missile, they'll have no trouble selling every single one of them. Engine : 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12 : 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12 Power : 835 PS / 614 kW : 835 PS / 614 kW Torque : 1,000 Nm : 1,000 Nm Acceleration (0-100 km/h) : 3.3 s : 3.3 s Top Speed: 345 km/h Ferrari Purosangue | Image: Supplied / Ferrari 10. Ferrari Purosangue Price: from AUD$728,000 plus on-road costs. The Ferrari 'not SUV' SUV, the Purosangue, could be the best lifted saloon on sale if it weren't an SUV. Confused? So are we, but this model is best described as a Porsche Panamera with a V12 and advanced Multimatic True Active Spool Valve dampers that make it incredibly capable in the corners. Power is sent to all four wheels through an eight-speed gearbox and is produced by a naturally-aspirated 6.5-litre V12 engine that produces 725CV and sprints from 0-100 km/h in 3.3 seconds and 0-200 km/h in 10.6 seconds. What you might not know is that the Purosangue has a near-ideal 49:51 weight distribution, independent four-wheel steering, and ABS 'evo' that make it particularly dynamic in corners. Engine : 6.5-litre naturally-aspirated V12 : 6.5-litre naturally-aspirated V12 Power : 725 PS / 533 kW : 725 PS / 533 kW Torque : 716 Nm : 716 Nm Acceleration (0-100 km/h) : 3.3 s : 3.3 s Top Speed: 310 km/h Why You Should Trust Our List The author of this list, Ben McKimm, is one of the few motoring journalists in Australia who has driven every single one of these vehicles. That's right, he's steered an Aston Martin Vanquish, Ferrari 12Cilindri, and Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II Extended. To compile this list, he looked at the list price of the vehicles and ranked them from most expensive to least expensive. He capped the list at ten cars to make it as informative as possible, without bloat. He listed the engine, power, and performance figures, and wrote a description about each car with some insights that he found while driving them. It's important to note that the prices listed are before 'on-road costs' are considered. What this means is that you still have to include Stamp Duty, CTP insurance in some states, and dealer options and delivery charges. For example, the Stamp Duty costs of a vehicle like the Lamborghini Revuelto are $48,450 in NSW, but that's before options and dealer costs so expect to pay a whole lot more than that.
Man of Many
4 days ago
- Man of Many
What Are On-Road Costs? Additional Costs of Vehicle Ownership in Australia Explained
You read it all the time in our automotive reviews and news articles, and we're going to explain exactly what on-road costs are in this article. Essentially, the term 'on-road costs' is an all-inclusive term for the additional costs of vehicle ownership, including stamp duty, compulsory third-party insurance (CTP), registration fees, and dealership delivery charges. However, there's a little more nuance to it than that. These additional charges apply to any new vehicle sold in Australia, but as they vary by state, we find it difficult to share an indicative drive-away price for new vehicles when we report on them in news articles. It's why we always use the phrase, 'before on-road costs,' but we understand that it can be a little confusing. If you're reading this article, then you probably want to calculate exactly how much those on-road costs are when shopping for a new car in Australia. To help, we're going to outline what these costs amount to below, with help from official government websites, insurance checkers, and dealerships to get to the bottom of these unexpected costs that can make a cheap new car a very expensive one without you even realising. 2024 Toyota Camry Ascent Sport | Image: Supplied / Toyota Australia Stamp Duty Stamp Duty is the first charge that you'll have to understand, and it's a state government charge, so it varies from state to state. Here's how much you should expect to pay in each state: Victoria Stamp duty calculator: State Revenue Office of Victoria Motor Vehicle Duty calculator Victoria has three different categories for stamp duty, and you'll have to work out where your car purchase sits in these categories before you work out how much you need to pay. Passenger-car rates (from 1 July 2024 – unchanged for 2025-26) Less than $80,567 : $8.40 per $200 (approx. 4.2 %) $80,567.01 to $100,000 : $10.40 per $200 (approx. 5.2 %) $100,000.01 – $150,000 : $14.00 per $200 (approx. 7 %) More than $150,000 : $18.00 per $200 (approx. 9 %) Concessional passenger cars – Green cars (CO₂ ≤ 120 g/km) and primary-producer cars $8.40 per $200 (approx. 4.2 %) regardless of price New non-passenger vehicles (utes, vans, motorcycles, buses, trucks) never registered $5.40 per $200 of value (approx. 2.7 %) Example 1 (Passenger-car): 2025 BMW M340i xDrive (from AUD$116,900 plus on-road costs) with a purchase date of July 1, 2025. Expect to pay $8,190 in Stamp Duty. Example 2 (Concessional passenger car): 2025 Toyota Camry SL Hybrid (from AUD$53,990 plus on-road costs) with a purchase date of July 1, 2025. Expect to pay $2,268 in Stamp Duty. New South Wales Stamp duty calculator: Revenue NSW calculator Things are simpler (and cheaper) in NSW, where the stamp duty payable on a new car is based on price. Passenger-car rates Up to $44,999 : $3 per $100 (3 %) More than $45,000 : $1,350 + $5 per $100 over $45,000 (5 % on the excess) There are no exemptions or concessions for green or electric vehicles in NSW Example 1 (Passenger-car): 2025 BMW M340i xDrive (from AUD$116,900 plus on-road costs) with a purchase date of July 1, 2025. Expect to pay $4,945 in Stamp Duty, which is significantly cheaper than in Victoria. Example 2 (Passenger car): 2025 Toyota Camry SL Hybrid (from AUD$53,990 plus on-road costs) with a purchase date of July 1, 2025. Expect to pay $1,800 in Stamp Duty, which is significantly cheaper than in Victoria, despite it being eligible for a concession in that state. Queensland Stamp duty calculator: Queensland Vehicle Registration Duty calculator Things get complicated in Queensland, where the light-vehicle duty is cylinder/engine-type based (Schedule 4C, Duties Act 2001). Electric/hybrid vehicles : $2 per $100 : $2 per $100 1–4 cylinders, 2-rotor, steam : $3 per $100 : $3 per $100 5–6 cylinders, 3-rotor : $3.50 per $100 : $3.50 per $100 7 + cylinders: $4 per $100 If the vehicle you purchase is more than $100,000, you will have to add $2 per $100 (doesn't apply to heavy vehicles >4.5 t GVM) and that makes things very expensive. Example 1 (Passenger-car more than $100,000): 2025 BMW M340i xDrive (from AUD$116,900 plus on-road costs) with a purchase date of July 1, 2025. Expect to pay $6,429.50 in Stamp Duty, which is less than Victoria but more than New South Wales. Example 2 (Hybrid passenger car): 2025 Toyota Camry SL Hybrid (from AUD$53,990 plus on-road costs) with a purchase date of July 1, 2025. Expect to pay $1,078 in Stamp Duty, which is significantly cheaper than in Victoria and New South Wales because it is a hybrid vehicle. Western Australia Stamp duty calculator: Transport WA calculator Western Australia keeps things simple, and the stamp duty payable is calculated on the weight of the vehicle. It's important to note that you cop a hefty 6.5% duty if your car is more than $50,000. Non-heavy vehicles (≤4.5 t GVM): Up to $25,000 : 2.75 % $25,000 – $50,000 : from 2.75 % to 6.5 % by formula R = 2.75 + ((value-25,000)/6,666.66) More than $50,000 : 6.5 % Heavy vehicles (>4.5 t GVM): 3 % duty, capped at $12,000 Example 1 (Passenger-car more than $100,000): 2025 BMW M340i xDrive (from AUD$116,900 plus on-road costs) with a purchase date of July 1, 2025. Expect to pay $7,598.50 in Stamp Duty, which is more expensive than in other states, including Victoria, which punishes you for driving a car with poor tailpipe emissions. Example 2 (Passenger-car more than $50,000): 2025 Toyota Camry SL Hybrid (from AUD$53,990 plus on-road costs) with a purchase date of July 1, 2025. Expect to pay $3,509.35 in Stamp Duty, which is significantly more than in other states, despite it being a green vehicle. The general rule of thumb is don't buy a car that costs more than $50,000 in Western Australia! South Australia Stamp duty calculator: RevenueSA calculator Stamp duty in South Australia is simple to calculate as the duty is based on purchase price or market value, with two schedules: Non-commercial : Rise from 1% for the first $1,00 to 4% once value exceeds $3,000 : Rise from 1% for the first $1,00 to 4% once value exceeds $3,000 Commercial (utes, vans, heavy vehicles): Flat 3% There are concessions and exemptions available to those with disability, those doing interstate transfers in the same name, etc., but the general thesis is that stamp duty is expensive in South Australia! Example 1 (Passenger-car more than $100,000): 2025 BMW M340i xDrive (from AUD$116,900 plus on-road costs) with a purchase date of July 1, 2025. Expect to pay $4,616 in stamp duty, which is about average for a new car purchase in Australia. Example 2 (Passenger-car more than $50,000): 2025 Toyota Camry SL Hybrid (from AUD$53,990 plus on-road costs) with a purchase date of July 1, 2025. Expect to pay $2,096 in stamp duty, which is above average for a new car purchase in Australia. Tasmania Stamp duty calculator: Tasmanian Government Motor Vehicle Duty calculator It's difficult to calculate the stamp duty for a car in Tasmania as the state uses a sliding scale for vehicle purchases. Light vehicles (≤4.5 t GVM) Less than $600 : flat $20 duty From $600 to $35,000 : $3 per $100 (3 %) From $35,001 to $40,000 : $1,050 + $11 per $100 over $35 k (taper) More than $40,000 : $4 per $100 (4 %) Heavy vehicles (>4.5 t GVM): First $2,000 is $20, then 1% on the balance It's important to note that EVs and hydrogen vehicles registered from 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2023 (and some 2023 sales) are duty-exempt, but that scheme has since ended. Example 1 (Passenger-car more than $100,000): 2025 BMW M340i xDrive (from AUD$116,900 plus on-road costs) with a purchase date of July 1, 2025. Expect to pay $4,676 in stamp duty, which is about average for a new car purchase in Australia. Example 2 (Passenger-car more than $50,000): 2025 Toyota Camry SL Hybrid (from AUD$53,990 plus on-road costs) with a purchase date of July 1, 2025. Expect to pay $2,160 in stamp duty, which is above average for a new car purchase in Australia. Australian Capital Territory Stamp duty calculator: ACT Revenue Office Motor Vehicle Duty calculator You can trust the ACT to make things difficult, and they've introduced a stamp duty that's based on the vehicle's emissions. Not only is this difficult to calculate, but it hasn't increased uptake of EV sales in their state, and they're falling behind the rest of the country. It's so difficult to calculate that many owners end up buying their cars interstate. Category AAA (Zero-Emission) : $2.50 per $100 up to $45,000, then increases : $2.50 per $100 up to $45,000, then increases Category B (131-175 g CO₂/km) : $3 per $100 up to $45,000, then increases : $3 per $100 up to $45,000, then increases Category D (221 + g): $4.53 per $100 up to $45,000, then increases It's worth noting that if you are in the market for an electric vehicle, new zero-emission vehicles and low-emission hybrids still pay $0 duty until 31 Aug 2025. Example (Passenger-car, C-Rate, more than $100,000): 2025 BMW M340i xDrive (from AUD$116,900 plus on-road costs) with a purchase date of July 1, 2025. Expect to pay $5,467.28 in stamp duty, which is above average for a new car purchase in Australia. Northern Territory The NT has made it incredibly easy to understand how much stamp duty you pay on a new car purchase with a flat rate of $3 per $100 (3%) of the dutiable value for all light vehicles. 2024 Toyota Camry Ascent | Image: Supplied / Toyota Australia Compulsory Third-Party Insurance (CTP) Compulsory Third-Party Insurance (CTP) is another on-road cost that you'll have to consider when buying a new vehicle in Australia. However, prices can differ from state to state, residential address, and insurer. To make things easy, we've provided a brief outline for each state with a link to their official government comparison tool to find the cheapest CTP deal for your circumstances. NOTE: Victoria (VIC), Western Australia (WA), Tasmania (TAS), and Northern Territory (NT) are all flat-fee states where the CTP is bundled into the vehicle registration, so we haven't included them below. New South Wales (NSW) CTP Calculator: Green Slip Price Check We also call this the 'Green Slip' in NSW, and it's purchased separately from an insurer of your choice. Queensland (QLD) CTP Calculator: CTP Price Check This is included in your registration fee, but you can choose the insurer. The amount you pay is determined by the vehicle class, on top of your residential address and more. It's best to use the calculator. South Australia (SA) CTP Calculator: CTP Price Check CTP is at extra cost, and like NSW and Queensland, you can shop around for a CTP insurer through the regulator. Australian Capital Territory (ACT) CTP Calculator: CTP Price Check This price is set by the insurers, like NSW, South Australia, and Queensland. You can shop around for a cheaper price, but the price is set by the ACT Treasury/MAI Commission, which publishes average risk-premium data and guidelines on how insurers must set prices. 2024 Toyota Camry Ascent | Image: Supplied / Toyota Australia Registration Fees The vehicle registration fees are simple to calculate as they're typically a fixed fee across Australian states. Here's how much you will pay in each state: Victoria Estimated cost: $931 (2025 Toyota Camry SL Hybrid at metro postcode, July 2025 schedule) Victoria uses a flat total for registration, and the fee includes rego, TAC, and plates. The current 12-month totals for sedan, station wagon, hatch, or 4WD are as follows: Metropolitan area (high risk zone): $930.70 Outer metropolitan (medium risk zone): $871.30 Rural (low risk zone): $800.90 Then you have goods carrying vehicles up to 2 tonnes (dual-cab utes, etc.): Metropolitan (high risk zone): $931.80 Outer Metropolitan (medium risk zone): $789.90 Rural (low risk zone): $652.40 Some concessions are available, and you can find more information at the government website. New South Wales Estimated cost: $718 (2025 Toyota Camry SL Hybrid at metro postcode, July 2025 schedule) You pay an $82 admin fee, $57 number plate issue fee, plus the motor-vehicle tax in New South Wales, which is calculated by tare weight: Up to 975 kg : $270 : $270 976 – 1,154 kg : $313 : $313 1,155 – 1,504 kg : $380 : $380 1,505 – 2,504 kg : $579 : $579 2,505 – 2,794 kg : $835 : $835 2,795 – 3,054 kg : $949 : $949 3,055 – 3,304 kg : $1,039 : $1,039 3,305 – 3,564 kg : $1,130 : $1,130 3,565 – 3,814 kg : $1,213 : $1,213 3,815 – 4,064 kg : $1,304 : $1,304 4,065 – 4,324 kg : $1,392 : $1,392 4,325 – 4,500 kg: $1,481 Once you've paid these fees, you have to pay your CTP. Queensland Estimated cost: $726 (2025 Toyota Camry SL Hybrid at metro postcode, July 2025 schedule) The fee is calculated in combination with registration, a traffic-improvement fee, and then compulsory CTP, which is extra. The current 12-month totals for private use are as follows: EV / 1-3 cylinder : $663.90 : $663.90 4-cylinder : $725.55 : $725.55 5-6 cylinder : $893.85 : $893.85 8 cylinder: $1,076.75 Western Australia Estimated cost: $898 (2025 Toyota Camry SL Hybrid at metro postcode, July 2025 schedule) The base fee is calculated on vehicle mass (light vehicles ≤4.5 t) at $28.64 per 100 kg GVM. You then pay a $9.50 admin recording fee and the compulsory CTP (Motor-Injury-Insurance) price. South Australia Estimated cost: $685 (2025 Toyota Camry SL Hybrid at metro postcode, July 2025 schedule) The current 12-month totals for private use are as follows: 4-cylinder : $685 : $685 6-cylinder : $845 : $845 8-cylinder: $985 Tasmania Estimated cost: $626 (2025 Toyota Camry SL Hybrid at metro postcode, July 2025 schedule) Tasmania uses a flat fee based on weight, engine size, and type of vehicle. More information can be found at the government website. The current 12-month totals for private-use vehicles are as follows: 3-cylinders: $601.66 $601.66 4-cylinders or battery-electric (< 3 t GVM): $625.66 $625.66 5 & 6-cylinders: $667.66 $667.66 7 & 8-cylinders: $744.66 $744.66 12-cylinders: $779.66 Australian Capital Territory Estimated cost: $1,133 (2025 Toyota Camry SL Hybrid at metro postcode, July 2025 schedule) The registration fees for a vehicle in the ACT are extremely confusing. You have to pay the following fees: $2.50 per 12-month road safety contribution and rescue fee $114.40 establish registration fee (for a brand-new vehicle) $58 re-registration fee (for a vehicle previously on the ACT register) $31 statement of registration details search fee Once you've done all of that, your registration fee is classed based on emissions, tare weight, and type of vehicle, e.g. a 2025 BMW M340i xDrive falls into emissions category C and has a tare weight between 1505 and 2504 kg, so you pay more. Using the online calculator, it would cost around $1,266.10 to register that vehicle today with the following fees attributed: $598.60 – Private usage registration fee, emissions category C, tare between 1505 and 2504 kg $32.50 – ACT Registration Road Rescue fee $114.40 – Original registration surcharge for motor vehicle $393.70 – MAI Insurance for a Private Car $2.50 – Road Safety Contribution $110.40 – Reg Lifetime Care AND Support Levy for Passenger Vehicle $14.00 – Motor Accident Levy for Passenger Vehicle Registering a vehicle in the ACT is painful, to say the least. Northern Territory Estimated cost: $841 (2025 Toyota Camry SL Hybrid at metro postcode, July 2025 schedule) Registration fees in the NT are a flat fee based on the size of the engine in your car. You then have to add a registration administration fee of $15 and a number plate fee, but more information can be found at the official government website. The current 12-month totals for private use are as follows: 0 – 500 cc : $672.25 : $672.25 501 – 1,000 cc : $723.25 : $723.25 1,001 – 1,500 cc : $786.25 : $786.25 1,501 – 2,000 cc : $841.25 : $841.25 2,001 – 3,000 cc (4-cyl) : $841.25 : $841.25 2,001 – 2,500 cc ( >4-cyl / >3 L) : $854.25 : $854.25 2,501 – 3,000 cc : $901.25 : $901.25 3,001 – 3,500 cc : $967.25 : $967.25 3,501 – 4,000 cc : $1 016.25 : $1 016.25 4,001 – 4,500 cc (typical V8) : $1 078.25 : $1 078.25 4,501 – 5,000 cc : $1 129.25 : $1 129.25 5,001 – 5,500 cc : $1 226.25 : $1 226.25 5,501 – 6,000 cc : $1 281.25 : $1 281.25 6,001 – 7,000 cc : $1 372.25 : $1 372.25 7,001 – 8,000 cc : $1 400.25 : $1 400.25 Plug-in EV (private, ≤ 4.5 t): $622.25 2024 Toyota Camry Ascent | Image: Supplied / Toyota Australia Dealership Delivery Charges Dealerships charge a delivery fee to the customer, and it's often the last thing that you have to consider when calculating the on-road costs of your new vehicle. Of course, the dealership itself will be able to provide you with a 'Drive-away' price, but for those playing along at home, this is the final step. The dealer delivery charge you should expect to pay in each state is between $900-2,000, according to the consumer watchdog. However, be careful, as some dealerships can price a sought-after model much higher than market value by slapping on an exorbitant delivery charge. It's always worth negotiating costs like these as they can differ from dealer to dealer. How Much You Should Expect to Pay We can't provide an exact price for on-road costs because it's like asking how long a piece of string is. However, if we take the 2025 Toyota Camry SL Hybrid (from AUD$53,990 plus on-road costs) and calculate on-road costs for each state, they work out to be as follows. New South Wales – approx. $58,850 Dealer-delivery ≈ $1,750 (Toyota shows $2,140 list; midpoint used) Stamp-duty $1,887 ( $1,350 + 5 % of value above $45 k for passenger cars) Registration & plates 12 mths $718 (rego $82 + tare-weight tax 1,505-2,504 kg $579 + plates $57) Average CTP Green-Slip $501 Victoria – approx. $59,060 Dealer-delivery ≈ $1,800 Stamp-duty $2,343 (4.2 % for passenger vehicles ≤ $80,567) Registration (incl. TAC & plates, metro zone) $930.70 Queensland – approx. $58,290 Dealer-delivery ≈ $1,900 Stamp-duty $1,677 (3 % for 1-4 cyl engines) Registration + TIF + CTP (4-cyl, metro) $725.55 Western Australia – approx. $60,690 Dealer-delivery ≈ $2,150 Vehicle-licence duty $3,649 (6.5 % for vehicles > $50 k) Licence fee $458.24 (16 × $28.64/100 kg) + admin $9.50 Motor-Injury-Insurance premium ≈ $430 (private passenger car, 12 mths, schedule 2024-25) South Australia – approx. $58,810 Dealer-delivery ≈ $1,950 Stamp-duty $2,188 (formula ≈ 4 % of price minus $50) Rego + CTP (4-cyl, metro) $685 Tasmania – approx. $58,960 Dealer-delivery ≈ $2,100 Stamp-duty $2,244 (4 % on vehicles > $40 k) Registration + MAIB premium (4-cyl) $625.66 Australian Capital Territory – approx. $56,870 Dealer-delivery ≈ $1,750 Motor-vehicle duty $0 – new Category A (≤ 130 g CO₂/km) exempt to 31 Aug 2025 Registration package (establishment fee, MAI premium, road-user charge) ≈ $1,132.60 Northern Territory – approx. $58,770 Dealer-delivery ≈ $2,250 Stamp-duty $1,687 (flat 3 % on dutiable value) Registration (2.0-3.0 L 4-cyl) $841.25 *All figures are best-estimate averages using official state charges current as of 1 July 2025. Dealer-delivery mid-point assumptions come from typical fees published by industry sources. Hopefully, this article has helped shed some light on the statement 'before on-road costs' that you see across automotive websites in Australia. Ultimately, speaking directly with your dealership is the best way to get a 'drive-away price' for any new car you're buying in Australia.
