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 lifted the cash rate to about 4.85% on 3 November, adding pressure to borrowing costs and informing car loan pricing. Used‑car prices are down around 6.5% year on year, with faster depreciation on some Chinese‑brand models and non‑Tesla EVs, creating value for buyers but raising negative‑equity risks. Banks are also lifting savings rates to around 6% in coming days, which can help car buyers grow deposits and reduce total interest. Practical tips include stress‑testing repayments, comparing comparison rates, considering shorter terms, avoiding large balloons unless you understand them, and using calculators and pre‑approval.
EPISODE 3502 | Australian Car Finance Motoring, Market and Policy News | Tue, 10th Nov 2026
13 Nov 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, 10 November 2026.
First up, borrowing costs ticked higher again. On Tuesday, 3 November 2026, the Reserve Bank of Australia lifted the cash rate by a quarter of a percentage point to about 4.85%. Lenders have been moving on rates, which flows through to funding costs and, over time, car loan pricing. If youre shopping soon, stress‑test repayments at least a quarter to half a point higher, compare the comparison rate not just the headline, and use a calculator to see how term length changes total interest.
Meanwhile, the used‑car market keeps cooling. A new national report shows average used‑car prices were about six and a half per cent lower in September than a year earlier. Late‑model vehicles from fast‑growing Chinese brands and many non‑Tesla electric vehicles are depreciating faster, while sub‑$35,000 EVs doubled their share of the second‑hand market. That can mean sharper drive‑away prices, but watch your loan‑to‑value so you dont slip into negative equity. If youre going used, consider a shorter term, avoid big balloon payments unless you understand the risks, and get pre‑approval so you can move quickly on a well‑priced car.
And for savers building a deposit, theres a small tailwind. Several banks are lifting savings account rates this week and next, with some headline ongoing rates around six per cent. Conditions often apply, so check balance caps and monthly rules. Parking your deposit and on‑road costs in a higher‑earning account can shorten how long you need to borrow for and trim total interest on a car loan.
Thats the wrap. For clear explainers on car finance Australia, calculators to estimate repayments, and guides on eligibility and pre‑approval, visit australian-car-finance dot com and subscribe to MoneyTips. Im Paige Estritori—thanks for listening and catch you next week.
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.
The Reserve Bank of Australia’s latest rate increase has added a fresh complication for households considering a new or used vehicle before the end of 2026. The cash rate target rose by 25 basis points to 4.85% effective 4 November, extending a year in which borrowing costs have again become a central part of the car-buying decision. - read more
Australia’s latest inflation figures have added a fresh layer of uncertainty for car buyers, with the September 2026 Consumer Price Index showing annual inflation at 4.3 per cent and trimmed mean inflation at 3.6 per cent. Coming after the Reserve Bank of Australia lifted the cash rate target to 4. - read more
Australia’s car market is moving further away from the shortage-driven conditions that shaped buying decisions over recent years. As more brands work through stronger supply and compete for orders, buyers are seeing a wider mix of drive-away discounts, factory bonuses, demonstrator offers and promotional finance campaigns. That can be helpful for households planning a purchase, but it also makes the finance decision more important rather than less. - read more
Fresh spring comparison updates suggest Australian car finance remains competitive, but not evenly so. While some headline secured car loan rates still look attractive for well-qualified borrowers, the gap between the best advertised offers and the rates many buyers may actually receive is becoming more important. For households planning a vehicle purchase, the key message is simple: the rate on the first screen is only the beginning of the finance conversation. - read more
Car loan repayments are shaped by the amount borrowed, interest rate, loan term, fees, repayment frequency and any balloon payment. Understanding these factors can help Australians compare car finance options more clearly before applying. - read more
Car financing is a crucial aspect for many Australians looking to purchase a vehicle. Understanding the car finance market in Australia can equip you with the knowledge needed to make informed financial decisions. With various financing options available, taking the time to explore what's out there can be incredibly beneficial for aspiring car owners. - read more
Secured and unsecured car loans can look similar at first, but the way the loan is backed can affect rates, eligibility, insurance expectations and what may happen if repayments are missed. This guide explains the key differences for Australian borrowers comparing car finance options. - read more
Before taking out car finance, it helps to understand your rights under Australian credit law, your repayment responsibilities, and what can happen if a loan falls into arrears. - read more
Knowledgebase
Foreclosure: The legal process by which a lender takes control of a property, evicts the homeowner, and sells the home after the homeowner fails to make mortgage payments.
