Car Loans Australia Weekly Motoring and Market News Wrap
Each week, get a concise wrap of the biggest motoring headlines across Australia: new model launches, dealer trends, running costs, safety recalls, EV updates, road-rule changes, and consumer policy shifts. We cut through the noise with plain-English summaries and practical takeaways for everyday drivers and car buyers. Stay informed in minutes and feel confident about your next move on the road, wherever you live in Australia.
This Week:
This week: unemployment rose to about 4.5%, so lenders may scrutinise income stability; keep documents ready and use a fast, free eligibility check. The Qantas data breach data was reportedly posted online, raising scam and credit‑fraud risks—enable MFA and monitor credit files. The ATO reminds self‑lodgers to lodge by 31 October or be on a tax agents list; keep your Notice of Assessment for smoother finance comparisons. In NSW, unused unregistered Opal card balances will be reclaimed after a 12‑month campaign, so check and cash out any credit for rego, insurance, or a deposit.
EPISODE 800 | Car Loans Australia Weekly Motoring and Market News Wrap | Sun, 19th Oct 2025
23 Oct 2025 | Paige Estritori
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Read Full Transcript:
Hello and welcome to Car Loans Australia Weekly Motoring and Market News Wrap, Im Paige Estritori, and its Saturday 18 October 2025.
First, the jobs picture. Australias unemployment rate ticked up to about 4.5% this week, and applications per role are at record levels according to the ABS, the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Lenders tend to look closely at income stability in times like this. If youre eyeing a new or used car, have recent payslips, bank statements, and—if self‑employed—BAS statements ready, and use our fast, free eligibility check to understand your options without obligation.
Meanwhile, the Qantas customer data stolen in July has reportedly been posted online last weekend. Details such as names, emails and some addresses may be circulating, which can fuel targeted scams and even fake credit applications. Turn on multi‑factor authentication, or MFA, on important accounts, and monitor your credit reports with Equifax, Experian and illion. If you receive unexpected messages about refunds or account changes, dont click—go direct to the official app or website. Staying on top of your identity makes any finance application smoother.
Next up, a reminder from the ATO—the Australian Taxation Office. If you lodge your own tax return, the due date is 31 October, or make sure youre on a registered tax agents list by then. Late lodgment penalties start at about three hundred and thirty dollars. Your Notice of Assessment also helps you confirm income and expenses when comparing car finance, so keep it handy.
And for NSW commuters, a small budget booster. The state plans to reclaim balances on unregistered Opal cards that havent been used for five years after a 12‑month awareness campaign. Its worth checking for any forgotten credit now—you could put it towards rego, insurance, or a deposit.
Thats the wrap. To compare car loans Australia‑wide and get a fast, free eligibility check with personalised quotes, visit car-loans-australia.com. Im Paige Estritori—thanks for listening and talk to 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.
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