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:
RBA lifts the cash rate on 3 February to about 3.85%, with lenders repricing soon. January new‑car sales were steady, with plug‑in hybrids surging and EVs around 8% share; utes still lead. Banks start hiking savings rates after the RBA move, with some top rates for under‑35s near 5%, and car loan rates likely to adjust over coming weeks. Demo cars resurface as a money‑saving option; check warranty start dates and lender treatment for finance. Practical takeaways: compare lenders now, stress‑test repayments, and consider EV/PHEV finance settings.
EPISODE 1237 | Car Loans Online News Brief | Fri, 6th Feb 2026
8 Feb 2026 | Paige Estritori
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Read Full Transcript:
Hello and welcome to the Car Loans Online News Brief, Im Paige Estritori, and its Friday, 6 February 2026.
First up, the Reserve Bank of Australia, or RBA, lifted the cash rate on Tuesday, 3 February, by a quarter of a percentage point to about 3.85 per cent. Banks are now repricing. If you have a car loan or youre planning one, check any pre-approvals, compare options across lenders, and consider whether a fixed or variable term fits your budget. Build a buffer so higher repayments dont catch you out.
Next up, new‑vehicle sales in January were steady at about 87,000. Petrol models fell, while plug‑in hybrids jumped more than 170 per cent, and battery electric vehicles, or EVs, took around eight per cent of the market. Utes still led, with Ranger ahead of HiLux. For buyers, more choice and improving stock can mean sharper drive‑away prices in some segments. Use a broker to compare car finance side by side and set realistic balloon or residual settings for EVs and PHEVs.
Meanwhile, banks have begun lifting savings rates after the RBA move, with one major bank pushing top saver rates for 18 to 34 year‑olds to around five per cent from mid‑February. Loan rate changes can take a week or two to flow through. If youre shopping this month, lock in written quotes and let us stress‑test repayments so there are no surprises when lenders reprice.
Finally, a quick way to cut the drive‑away price: demo models are back in focus. A fresh buyer story this week showed savings of roughly three grand on a near‑new demo. Just check the odometer and ask when the warranty clock started. For finance, a demo can be classed as new or used depending on the lender, so a quick eligibility check can steer you to the right product and a smoother application.
Thats the wrap. For a free eligibility assessment and a transparent comparison of personal and business car loans, head to car-loans-online.com.au. Im Paige Estritori—talk soon.
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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