Strange new trend sees sellers using AI to sell used carsThe latest AI trend to infiltrate our lives has been labelled completely ‘cringe’ but it could be here to stay.Stephanie Coombes2 min readJune 25, 2026 - 12:46PMMotoringIf you’ve shopped for a second-hand car or motorbike recently, you may have noticed a strange trend in online listings. Private sellers are using AI to alter their photos, but instead of removing scratches or smoothing out dents, some are creating computer-generated images of attractive women to help sell their vehicles.This fad has prompted criticism from buyers and is raising fresh concerns from advertising watchdogs about the growing use of artificial intelligence in marketing.People are using AI to make their item more attention grabbing. Picture: FacebookUnsurprisingly this fad has prompted criticism from buyers. Picture: FacebookThe use of AI-manipulated photos was recently discussed on the CarsAustralia subreddit, with one user sharing suspected examples, calling the practice “misogynistic”.“It at least tells a potential buyer that they’re not an honest seller,” said one user. “I wonder if the guys buying these items are getting super pissed when it’s not the girl doing the deal,” another replied.Others you may likenewsnewsOthers were less analytical, simply branding the entire trend as “cringe”.There are numerous examples of AI-generated women appearing in vehicle listings on Facebook Marketplace. Some are more obvious than others, with people using humorous and attention grabbing visuals to stand out. And like it or not, it seems to be working.“There’s a new trend on Facebook marketplace where people are using AI to grab attention for their listings. Never cared about a Kawasaki KLR until now,” someone said on X, sharing an image of a grizzly bear sitting on the bike.MORE: Dodgy adults are ruining this for your kids“Never cared about a Kawasaki KLR until now...” someone said on social media. Picture: X/VadimYuryevAdvertising industry bodies say there are broad community concerns about transparency and realism in AI-generated content.Greg Wallace, Executive Director of Ad Standards, said while there are currently no advertising rules specifically governing AI-generated content, existing advertising standards still apply.“Whether content is produced using AI or other methods, we assess it against the advertising codes, which cover matters such as discrimination, exploitative or degrading imagery, violence, language, and health and safety,” he said.There are concerns about transparency when it comes to using AI to sell a product. Picture: FacebookShould the use of AI in ads be better regulated? Picture: FacebookAccording to Wallace, research conducted by the organisation found Australians were increasingly wary about the use of artificial intelligence in advertising.“There is strong community concern about the use of AI-generated content in advertising, particularly its potential to create misleading or unrealistic impressions and the lack of transparency around its use,” Mr Wallace said.MORE: Bizarre new Aus ute has heads explodingAussies are increasingly getting wary about the use of AI in advertisements. Pictures: Facebook“The research also found that almost two-thirds of Australians believe it should always be necessary for advertisers to disclose when an ad contains AI-generated content.”The issue is being considered as part of the ongoing review of the Code of Ethics, which is being led by the Australian Association of National Advertisers.The issue is not only confined to automotive sales.Earlier this year, buyers criticised a real estate listing that featured AI-generated animals inserted into marketing images.MORE: Car giants backflip on new ‘fake’ techBizarre AI-generated detail was found during a house sale but photos deeper into the listing revealed the backyard was empty.More Coverage‘No one knew’: Nan’s big secret outStephanie CoombesDrivers warned over dangerous Tesla actDavid McCowenThe Brisbane agent added horses and a stables in the backyard of a suburban home, prompting experts to warn that the lines between reality and fantasy in real estate was becoming blurred. Each state also has legislation that dictates professional rules of conduct for agents.In New South Wales, real estate agents must disclose when rental advertising images have been digitally altered in a way that could mislead prospective tenants.Join the conversationAdd your comment to this storyTo join the conversation, please log in. Don't have an account? 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