Australian Car Finance Motoring, Market and Policy News
Each week, Australian Car Finance brings a clear, trustworthy wrap of the biggest motoring and market stories. We sift through policy updates, dealership trends, EV developments, ownership costs, consumer rights, and industry data to help you stay informed and confident. Expect concise headlines, plain-English context, and what it means for Australian drivers and car buyers. No hype—just a dependable, repeatable briefing you can catch on your commute, so you’re up to speed before the weekend.
This Week:
This week: The RBA meets on Tuesday 11 August with the cash rate at about 4.35% and a hold seen as likely, but a further move remains possible. Fuel costs rose into late July and the temporary excise relief ended on 2 August, lifting running costs for motorists. Comparison pages refreshed yesterday show wide gaps between headline and comparison rates; secured green/new‑car loans often price lower than unsecured options. Listeners are encouraged to compare lenders, use calculators, and seek pre‑approval before shopping.
EPISODE 2564 | Australian Car Finance Motoring, Market and Policy News | Tue, 4th Aug 2026
11 Aug 2026 | Paige Estritori
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Read Full Transcript:
Hello and welcome to Australian Car Finance Motoring, Market and Policy News; Im Paige Estritori, and its Tuesday, 4 August 2026.
First up, a quick heads‑up on interest rates. The Reserve Bank of Australia, or RBA, meets next Tuesday 11 August. The cash rate sits at about 4.35 per cent after three moves this year. Many watchers expect a hold, but theres still a risk of another tweak before year‑end. If youre planning a purchase, stress‑test repayments a notch higher with a car finance calculator, and line up pre‑approval so you can negotiate on the car, not the loan.
Meanwhile, fuel costs jumped into late July and the temporary excise relief ended on 2 August. That pushes pump prices higher and lifts weekly running costs. If youre comparing car finance in Australia, update your budget so repayments and ownership costs stay comfortable, and consider a more efficient model to offset both fuel and rate pressure.
Finally, a quick market check. Major comparison pages were refreshed yesterday and theres still a wide spread between headline car loan rates and the comparison rates that include some fees. Secured green or new‑vehicle loans can start lower than unsecured options, but the right fit depends on your profile, the car, and fees. Compare across multiple lenders, use a repayment calculator, and aim for pre‑approval so you can move fast when you find the right vehicle.
Thats the wrap. For tools to compare options, check eligibility, and get a personalised quote, visit australian-car-finance.com.
The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.
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Knowledgebase
Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI): A type of insurance that a borrower might be required to purchase as a condition of a conventional mortgage loan, if the down payment is less than 20% of the property value.
