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:
Inflation ticked higher this week, keeping pressure on the RBA and suggesting car loan rates may stay steady for now. Banks are tightening small‑business lending, so SMEs financing vehicles should expect closer scrutiny and prepare stronger documentation. Lenders continue to market fast approvals, but clean applications and conditional approvals remain key to timely outcomes. With budgets stretched, listeners are reminded to compare total costs, including fees and add‑ons, for both personal and business car finance.
EPISODE 833 | Car Loans Online News Brief | Fri, 31st Oct 2025
31 Oct 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, 31 October 2025.
First up, inflation moved the wrong way this week. Underlying prices rose again, with fuel and household goods doing a lot of the lifting. That keeps pressure on the Reserve Bank of Australia, or RBA, ahead of its early‑November meeting and means borrowing costs for personal and business car loans are more likely to stay where they are for now. If youre comparing fixed versus variable for a new or used car, build in running costs and insurance so repayments still fit if rates dont fall as fast as hoped.
Meanwhile, small‑business lending is tightening. Lenders are scrutinising renewals and new facilities more closely, especially for SMEs—small and medium‑sized enterprises—financing utes, vans and equipment via chattel mortgages or leases. Expect more questions on cash flow, GST lodgements and director credit history. A quick, free eligibility check with a broker panel can surface options beyond your main bank and help you present stronger documents the first time.
Next up, turnaround times. Some lenders are promoting “fast approval”, which usually means within about three days, but timing still depends on clean applications. Having photo ID, income records or BAS if youre self‑employed, bank statements, and a comprehensive insurance quote ready can shave days off a decision. If youre shopping at a dealership this weekend, a conditional approval can set a clear budget and reduce the risk of over‑committing.
Finally, with household budgets stretched, be alert to fees and extras in car finance. Add‑ons, early‑payout conditions and dealer‑sourced credit can change the true cost more than the headline rate. Use a proper comparison, check the total payable, and make sure the product suits personal or business use from day one.
Thats the wrap for this week. For clear comparisons and a free loan assessment, head to car-loans-online.com.au. Im Paige Estritori—thanks for listening, and drive safe.
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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