Each week, we distil Australia’s automotive and mobility headlines into a concise, trustworthy update. Expect clear summaries of car market movements, policy and regulation shifts, technology and safety developments, and broader economic trends shaping how Australians drive and do business. Designed for busy professionals and everyday drivers, it’s your balanced, plain-English recap to stay informed and make confident decisions—without the noise.
This Week:
Paige Estritori recaps the week: a record bank penalty signals tighter lending and hardship processes; governments step up work on a national EV road‑user charge but say it could take years, with no change today; used‑car markets show slightly higher prices but better clearances and more stock, favouring prepared buyers; and financial stress remains patchy, so borrowers should budget carefully and seek help early. Listeners are encouraged to compare options, secure pre‑approval, and use expert support at car-loans-online.com.au.
Hello and welcome to the Car Loans Online News Brief with Paige Estritori, Thursday 18 September 2025.
First, a major development in banking. One of the big four has agreed to a record penalty for misconduct, including failures around customer hardship and misleading interest information. Why this matters: lenders are likely to double‑down on compliance and customer‑care processes, which can change how applications are assessed and how hardship requests are handled. If youre planning a personal or business car loan, get your documents in order early, compare options side‑by‑side, and consider a free eligibility check so you know where you stand before you shop.
Next up, the long‑talked‑about road‑user charge for electric vehicles. Governments have confirmed the policy work is underway toward a national scheme, but also indicated it could take years to implement. There is no new charge today. If youre weighing an EV, factor total cost of ownership—energy, servicing, tyres—and remember the fringe benefits tax, or FBT, exemption still applies to many eligible EVs through novated leasing. For businesses, a clear finance plan helps you choose between lease, chattel mortgage, or a standard car loan.
Meanwhile, used‑car conditions nudged in buyers favour last week. Auction data showed prices up slightly but clearance rates improving and more repossessed stock coming through, which can increase choice and sharpen pricing. The practical move is to secure pre‑approval and set a firm budget with a repayment calculator; that way you can act quickly when the right vehicle appears without overshooting your comfort zone.
Finally, pockets of financial stress are still emerging in some regions as households juggle higher living costs. If cash flow is tighter than expected, speak to your lender early about hardship options, and avoid taking on a larger loan than your buffer can support. Using an independent broker can surface flexible products for different credit profiles and business needs.
Thats it for this week. For clear comparisons, a free eligibility assessment, and expert guidance on personal and business car loans, head to car-loans-online.com.au. Thanks for listening, and drive safe.
Follow us!
We are a proud member of the Financial Services Online network!
Connect with us on your favourite social media platform for the latest financial news, views, tips, tricks, resources and information.
Understanding your credit score is a key part of navigating the world of car financing. Whether you're looking to buy your first vehicle or you're an established buyer considering an upgrade, your credit score can significantly impact your financing options. In this section, we'll delve into why your credit score is so essential and provide a primer on how it's calculated. - read more
Purchasing a car is a significant milestone for many Australians, but securing a loan to finance that purchase can often be a challenging endeavor. Whether you're buying your first car or upgrading to a new model, getting your car loan approved is a critical step in the process. - read more
When it comes to purchasing a car, one of the biggest decisions to make is choosing between a long-term and short-term car loan. Understanding car loans and their significance can make a substantial difference in your financial future. - read more
When it comes to financing a car, the importance of vigilance cannot be overstated. Navigating through the maze of loan offers and financial jargon can be overwhelming, making it all too easy to overlook critical details that could cost you dearly in the long run. - read more
Finding the perfect car is an exciting journey, but securing the right car loan to finance it is an equally critical step. Choosing a loan with favorable terms can make a substantial difference to your wallet and overall well-being. This introductory guide is designed to navigate the nuances of car loan negotiation, ensuring you drive off not just with the car of your dreams, but a loan that suits your lifestyle and financial goals. - read more
Finding the perfect car is an exciting adventure, but securing the right car loan is where the real journey begins. The terms of your car loan can significantly influence your financial health and lifestyle. It's not just about the monthly payments, but also about how the loan will fit into your life for years to come. That’s why understanding the importance of finding a loan that complements your financial situation and lifestyle is crucial. - read more
Owning a car comes with a lot of responsibilities and unexpected expenses. From regular maintenance to surprise repairs, the costs can quickly add up and create financial stress. - read more
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has introduced a new, consolidated legislative instrument that relates to financial advice. This update follows through on ASIC's May announcement regarding the remake of three existing advice-related instruments. - read more
Australia’s leading financial institution, the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, has openly criticised the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) for its calculations related to a proposed reduction in debit and credit card transaction fees. The RBA suggested that the reform would save Australian businesses $1.2 billion annually and benefit the majority of companies, a claim that the Commonwealth Bank strongly disputes. - read more
Amid a period of robust consumer spending, Australia's mortgage holders may face limited future interest-rate cuts. The Commonwealth Bank has observed Australians increasing their spending over the last six months, spurred by rising incomes, a robust job market, and previously lowered interest rates. - read more
The Compensation Scheme of Last Resort (CSLR) recently highlighted potential delays in compensation payments due to insufficient special levy funds. In July, the CSLR's proposed FY2025–26 levy plan allocated $67.29 million for financial advisers, surpassing the $20 million limit set for the subsector. This shortfall of $47.29 million prompted the Treasury to initiate a consultation in August to determine funding solutions for the excess levy. - read more
A recent study by Adviser Ratings, as outlined in the 2025 Australian Financial Advice Landscape Report, indicates that the number of financial advisers in Australia will need to increase significantly. From the present count of 15,500 advisers, the industry is expected to require more than 50,000 over the next thirty years to cater to a growing retiree population. - read more
The Australian government is examining potential reforms to non-compete clauses in employment contracts, driven by concerns that current laws may impede workers from advancing their careers and, in turn, hinder economic growth. In this context, the Financial Advice Association Australia (FAAA) has raised concerns about these reforms, urging that the proposed changes should balance the interests of both employees and employers. - read more
Australia has recorded a sluggish rise in real per capita household disposable income over the past decade, making it the slowest growth among major English-speaking countries. According to OECD data, from Q1 2015 to Q1 2025, Australian incomes only increased by 3.5%, starkly contrasted with Canada's 8.9%, the United States' 20.6%, and the United Kingdom's 8%. The OECD average during this period was 18.7%, further highlighting Australia's economic challenges. - read more
