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: Banks tip an RBA cash rate hike on 28–29 September, so car loan pricing could move. Fixed-rate repricing across major banks signals higher funding costs, so compare fixed and variable options and check fees. EV prices plunge, with a mainstream model now under $20,000 drive-away, reducing typical loan sizes; FBT relief still applies to eligible EVs under the fuel‑efficient LCT threshold. Consumer confidence fell on rate and fuel concerns, so negotiate smartly and lock in your budget with calculators and pre‑approval at australian-car-finance.com.
EPISODE 3035 | Australian Car Finance Motoring, Market and Policy News | Tue, 22nd Sep 2026
25 Sep 2026 | Paige Estritori
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Hello and welcome to Australian Car Finance Motoring, Market and Policy News with Paige Estritori for Tuesday, 22 September 2026.
First up, the Reserve Bank of Australia, or RBA, meets next week on 28–29 September and the big banks now expect a cash rate increase to about 4.6%. If that happens, lenders may adjust personal and car loan pricing quickly. If youre car shopping, run the numbers today and consider getting a pre-approval so your budget is clear before any changes land.
Meanwhile, fixed-rate repricing has stepped up across the majors. Several big banks lifted fixed home loan rates in recent days as funding costs rose, a sign that fixed offers across credit markets can move fast. For car buyers, that means compare fixed and variable options side by side, watch fees, and use a calculator to see how a small rate shift changes repayments over a three to five year term.
On the showroom floor, the electric vehicle, or EV, price war just intensified. A mainstream EV now lists from under twenty grand drive-away, and rival brands are sharpening deals on entry models. Lower sticker prices shrink the loan amount, which can trim repayments. If youre weighing an EV for salary packaging, remember battery electric cars can be exempt from fringe benefits tax, or FBT, if they sit under the fuel‑efficient luxury car tax, or LCT, threshold this year. Check eligibility, then compare green car loans with no‑surprises fees.
And sentiment took a knock this month as households worried about rates and fuel costs. Softer confidence often means buyers take longer to decide, so dealers may be more open to negotiating delivery timing or on‑road inclusions. If youve been waiting for the right moment, set a firm budget and compare lenders now so you can move when the car and the numbers line up.
Thats the wrap. For tools to compare lenders, estimate repayments, and line up a pre‑approval, head to 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
Working Capital: A measure of a company's short-term financial health, calculated as current assets minus current liabilities.
