For the second quarter running, the Toyota Corolla was the top selling car to go under the hammer at Turners Auctions.

And in the past six months, just over 20% of Turners’ vehicle sales were Toyotas – a resurgence after Holden’s Commodore dominated sales in 2009.

But in a twist of fortunes for Toyota its ever popular Hiace model - which has  consistently ranked high in the top 10 most popular models sold - has dropped out of the top 10 altogether during the past quarter.

“These results may be an indication of consumer sentiment towards Toyota shifting slightly due, in part, to the massive world-wide recalls they had to carry out earlier this year – but who’s to know?” says Todd Hunter of Turners.

“Toyota is widely recognised as a trusted brand and its vehicles are always top sellers, which makes the significant Hiace drop at odds with the recent trend which shows consumers are buying cars with bigger engines.” (It could also indicate that due to the popularity of this model, fewer Hiaces are offered at auction - ed.)

Sales of cars with engines 3L or greater have increased by 2.3% in the past quarter, which is the biggest increase in more than a year.

Even with petrol prices trending upwards over the quarter, consumers aren’t deterred, seemingly much happier to buy cars with bigger engines than in the preceding six months.

At the same time, sales of cars with engines under 1.6L have dropped 3.6% from Q1 2010, with sales of cars with engines under 1.3L dropping well below 5% for the first time in over a year.

In keeping with the increase in the number of cars with large engines sold, the average price of cars with engines of 3L or more has increased by a huge $1132. Correspondingly, the price of cars under 1.6L dropped on average by $386 from Q1 2010 to Q2 2010.

While Toyota is still the most popular brand of car selling - and Nissan is still in at number two - Ford has replaced Mitsubishi as the third most popular brand.

However, the bad news continues for Toyota with overall sales dropping 1.6% since last quarter and with overall sales tracking at 19.7%, this is its lowest level during the last 12 months.

Holden Commodore ranks as second most popular make and model sold in Q2 followed by the Ford Falcon. Both have moved up one ranking, meaning the previously second-ranked Subaru Legacy has dropped two spots down to fourth place.

Source: Turners Auctions