The short answer
How often do Toyota Aquas get stolen in NZ?
More than any other car on AMI's books. AMI received more than 9,000 theft and attempted theft claims in 2025, across more than 760 makes and models. The Aqua made up 8% of them, ahead of the Corolla (7%) and Nissan Tiida (6%). It was the most stolen car in Auckland, Canterbury and Otago.
| Rank | Model | Change on 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Toyota Aqua | Same |
| 2 | Toyota Corolla | Same |
| 3 | Nissan Tiida | Same |
| 4 | Mazda Demio | Same |
| 5 | Toyota Vitz | Up 2 |
| 6 | Toyota Hilux | Same |
| 7 | Subaru Impreza | Up 1 |
| 8 | Mazda Atenza | Down 3 |
| 9 | Toyota Mark X | Same |
| 10 | Mazda Axela | Same |
Source: AMI top 10 stolen cars for 2025, based on IAG's 2025 motor claims data.
Why are Aquas such a target?
Age, mostly. AMI says nearly 9 in 10 stolen vehicles are more than 10 years old, because older cars often lack modern encrypted locking systems. NZ has a lot of older Aquas: the first generation was sold from 2011 until 2021, and plenty arrived here as used imports.
It isn't the hybrid part. Hybrids make up only around 5% of thefts, according to AMI. Most stolen cars are petrol or diesel.
Should you still buy an Aqua?
It can still be the right car. It's frugal, reliable and parts are cheap. It makes the most sense if:
- it's a newer car, ideally under 10 years old
- you can park off the street, in a garage or behind a locked gate
- you're happy to add security: an immobiliser, steering wheel lock or GPS tracker
- the insurance quote still makes it good value against the alternatives
If you'll be parking on the street in Auckland or Christchurch, it's worth looking at what else does the same job.
What to buy instead of a Toyota Aqua
There's no theft-proof small car. Most of the top 10 is older Japanese hatches and sedans, because that's what New Zealand drives. AMI doesn't publish theft rates by model year, so nobody can promise one model is safe. What a carfinder looks for instead is a car that does the Aqua's job and is newer than the cars thieves go for.
| Option | Why it's worth a look | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Newer Toyota Aqua (2021 on) | Same running costs, newer generation, under the 10-year mark | Price premium over first-generation cars |
| Toyota Yaris hybrid (2020 on) | Similar size and economy, not on the 2025 top 10 | Fewer on the market, so prices hold firm |
| Honda Fit hybrid (2020 on) | Roomy for its size, frugal, not on the national top 10 | Most stolen car in Marlborough in 2025, so check the insurance quote |
| Toyota Corolla hatch hybrid (2019 on) | A size up with similar economy | Corolla is #2 overall, but its theft rate is under a third of the Aqua's |
The right one depends on your budget, how far you drive and where the car sleeps at night. That's the kind of trade-off we work through for you.
“The listing shows you the price. It doesn't show you what it costs to insure, or how often that model goes missing.”
[Carfinder name], carfinder
Want a shortlist that isn't a target?
Tell us your budget and how you drive. A carfinder will come back with 3 cars that fit, including some that aren't publicly listed, and why each one made the list.
How to check a used car isn't stolen before you buy
Search the plate or VIN on the NZ Police stolen vehicle database. It's free. It won't catch everything, though: it misses thefts that haven't been reported or updated yet.
Plates get swapped on stolen cars, so don't rely on the plate alone. Check that the VIN on the car matches the VIN on the registration record. Sites like CarJam show both. While you're there, run a PPSR check for money owing.
The short version
- The Aqua was NZ's most stolen car in 2025, for the fourth year running
- Age is the bigger risk factor: nearly 9 in 10 stolen cars are over 10 years old
- Get an insurance quote on the exact car before you make an offer
- Check the plate and VIN against the police database before you pay
Common questions
What is the most stolen car in NZ?
The Toyota Aqua, for 2025 and the three years before it, according to AMI. It made up 8% of AMI's theft claims, followed by the Corolla and Nissan Tiida.
Why is the Toyota Aqua stolen so often?
There are a lot of older Aquas on NZ roads, and older cars often lack encrypted locking systems. AMI says nearly 9 in 10 stolen cars are more than 10 years old.
Is a Toyota Aqua more expensive to insure?
It can be, because theft risk feeds into premiums. Quotes vary by insurer, region and the car itself, so get one for the specific car before you buy.
Are hybrids stolen more than petrol cars?
No. Hybrids make up around 5% of thefts, according to AMI. The Aqua is targeted for its age and numbers, not its powertrain.
Do stolen cars get recovered?
About 64% do, according to AMI. Only 40% of those are repairable. The rest are usually written off and sold for parts.
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