With Christmas and those all-important end-of-year holidays looming, thoughts now turn to where to go and how to get there. For many holiday-makers, a road trip is the ideal way to travel and discover more of this great country. But to take on a road trip requires a suitable vehicle. That could mean it’s time for a new car and for many, a car loan. The last thing you want to happen during a great road trip holiday is for the car to break down and be stuck somewhere other than the holiday location, while repairs are carried out.
Road trips can offer greater flexibility than say air travel. Destinations and routes can be changed on a whim and that may be critical for those planning to head off in coming months. Floods are currently impacting many areas of NSW, Victoria and Tasmania with regions of Queensland and South Australia also potentially at risk. Many roads may be impassable or areas isolated. So quick plan changes may be required en route.
Travelling by car also provides the advantage of being able to take all the gear, toys and sporting and recreational equipment required to max-out the holiday experience. But that may require a bigger or a better car. To make sure that new car purchases for holiday road trips don’t impact holiday budgets, buyers can source a cheaper car loan through Jade Finance.
First though, what car to buy? Supply issues have been impacting the new car market as explained by the FCAI. So buyers may have to consider a number of options to find a vehicle that suits their road trip plans, transport needs when not on vacation and is available to drive-away in time for the holiday schedule. We present some of the September top sellers as ideas and inspiration for buyers.
September’s Top Sellers
The roads to be travelled, the passengers to be accommodated, the gear to be taken or towed and the budget will all contribute to the final decision as to what car to purchase. Sports cars are popular for long drives and a convertible or a roadster may be suitable for couples heading off. The BMW Series 4 was a top seller in this category as were several models from Mercedes-Benz.
But for those taking more people, more gear and more rough roads, an SUV is likely to be the model of choice. But be mindful that not all SUVs will be equipped with 4WD and all-terrain capabilities. If you are heading off-road, then consider a vehicle that is definitely suited. LandCruisers and Nissan Patrols are popular with the 4WD community and many of the Audi models are all-terrain vehicles.
For a smaller SUV (not 4WD), the recent top sellers were the CX3 from Mazda and Kia Stonic. In the medium size it was another Mazda, the CX5 that was in the top seller list along with the Model Y from Tesla, Mitsubishi’s Outlander and Toyota RAV4.
Larger top-selling SUVs included Toyota Prado, Mercedes GLE, Isuzu MUX, BMW X5 and Subaru’s Outback. Many will be wanting a more multi-purpose vehicle such as a ute that is stylish and comfortable enough for that holiday trip but rugged enough for work on return.
For these buyers you can’t go past the HiLux and Ranger or possibly the Triton. These were the top sellers in that category but there are many more sport utes on the market, across a wide price range. Price – now time to talk finance.
Car Loan Options
For most private buyers of new cars, our Secured Car Loan will be the most suitable finance. This loan type suits most vehicles being purchased for private use. Despite the RBA raising interest rates at its last 6 Board meetings, we have maintained our cheaper car loan interest rates with our rates significantly below those of some other leading lenders.
To work out the estimated loan payments on vehicles of interest simply use the Finance Calculator and see how much may still be in the kitty for those holiday excursions after a cheaper car loan is secured.
Tip: don’t wait too long to apply for a car loan. The RBA is tipped to make further rate rises in coming months and motor vehicle finance lenders do responds with their own interest rate increases.
Travel Planning
While there are an endless range of options of places to visit by road in Australia, with the current flood situation, travellers may need to be more cautious in planning their trip.
Authorities have issued advisements to those planning road trips to be well aware of the situation, stay across the updates, forecasts and warnings and be prepared to change plans if necessary. Many roads in the flood-affected areas and those that have seen massive rainfall are damaged.
Many roads have potholes and other damage which may take months for councils and road authorities to repair. Road trippers will need to ensure their vehicle is up to travelling on the chosen route and may need to change their route as a result of damage to roads.
Contact Jade Finance 1300 000 008 to arrange cheaper car loans to purchase a new car which will take you on a great holiday road trip.
DISCLAIMER: NO LIABILITY IS ACCEPTED IF ERRORS OR MISREPRESENTATIONS ARE FOUND IN THIS ARTICLE. THE ARTICLE IS PREPARED AND PRESENTED FOR GENERAL INFORMATIVE PURPOSES AND IS NOT INTENDED TO BE THE SOLE SOURCE OF INFORMATION FOR MAKING FINANCIAL DECISIONS. THOSE REQUIRING GUIDANCE AND ADVICE SHOULD CONSULT A FINANCIAL ADVISOR.
