One of the most alarming revelations is that nearly half of all consumers who defaulted on their car finance repayments did so within the first six months of the loan term. This early default rate suggests that many borrowers may have been granted loans beyond their financial capacity, raising questions about the adequacy of lenders' assessment processes.

Additionally, the review uncovered instances where loan establishment fees reached as high as $9,000 on loans of $49,000. Such exorbitant fees not only increase the financial burden on consumers but also cast doubt on the transparency and fairness of lending practices within the sector.

ASIC Commissioner Alan Kirkland expressed concern over these findings, stating, "These numbers raise questions about whether these consumers have been given loans they cannot afford to repay, which is consistent with key themes in complaints that led to this review."

In response to these issues, ASIC has issued tailored action letters to eight lenders involved in the review, recommending improvements in areas such as staff training, risk management, hardship processes, and governance frameworks. The regulator has also signaled that enforcement action may follow if misconduct is identified.

For consumers, these findings underscore the importance of due diligence when seeking car finance. Prospective borrowers should:

• Thoroughly assess their financial situation to ensure they can comfortably meet repayment obligations.
• Scrutinize loan terms and fees, being wary of excessive charges that could indicate predatory lending practices.
• Seek loans from reputable lenders who demonstrate transparency and adherence to responsible lending standards.

As the industry anticipates further regulatory scrutiny, lenders are urged to enhance their compliance measures and prioritize consumer protection to foster a more equitable and sustainable car finance market in Australia.