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 minutes on 23 December warn rates could still rise in 2026 if inflation persists, keeping borrowing conditions steady but uncertain. The ACCC reminds retailers not to mislead during Boxing Day sales, a cue for car buyers to check drive‑away pricing and finance terms closely. With about $1.6b in Boxing Day spending and around $3.8b expected for the week, dealers may clear 2025‑plate stock, creating negotiation opportunities. Listeners are encouraged to compare options, focus on fees and flexibility, and use a free eligibility check at car-loans-online.com.au.
EPISODE 1034 | Car Loans Online News Brief | Fri, 26th Dec 2025
30 Dec 2025 | 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, 26 December 2025.
First up, the Reserve Banks minutes released on 23 December flagged a risk that interest rates could rise in 2026 if inflation proves sticky, even though the cash rate is unchanged for now. For anyone eyeing a new or used car, that means borrowing costs look steady over summer but the outlook is uncertain. Set a clear budget, compare offers side by side, and focus on features like fees, flexibility and early‑payout options rather than just the headline rate.
Next up, the consumer watchdog—the ACCC, thats the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission—has warned retailers ahead of the Boxing Day rush not to mislead shoppers with fake countdowns, “up to” claims, or tricky exclusions. That applies to end‑of‑year plate‑clearance deals too. If a drive‑away price looks sharp, check whats included, read the finance terms carefully, and dont be pressured into add‑ons. A quick eligibility check before you visit a dealer can help you negotiate with confidence.
Meanwhile, Boxing Day spending is expected to jump, with forecasts of about $1.6 billion today and around $3.8 billion across the post‑Christmas week. Many dealers use this period and model‑year changeover to clear stock, which can create room to negotiate. If youre weighing up petrol, hybrid or EV, compare total cost of ownership—insurance, charging or fuel, servicing—and see if you qualify for any green‑car finance discounts from participating lenders.
Thats it for this week. If youre shopping, take your time, compare clearly, and get a free eligibility assessment at car-loans-online.com.au to make the process fast and transparent. Thanks for listening, and enjoy the break.
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
Bond: A fixed-income investment in which an investor loans money to an entity that borrows the funds for a defined period at a variable or fixed interest rate.
