One of the most alarming findings is the prevalence of exorbitant loan establishment fees. In some instances, consumers were charged up to $9,000 in fees on a $49,000 loan, representing a substantial financial burden. Such high fees can significantly increase the overall cost of vehicle financing, making it more challenging for consumers to manage their repayments.

Additionally, the review highlighted a troubling trend of early loan defaults. Nearly half of the 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 approved for loans they could not afford, raising questions about the adequacy of lenders' assessment processes.

Further compounding the issue, the review found that in cases where vehicles were repossessed and sold, almost 90% of consumers still owed more than half of their original loan amount. This indicates that the resale value of repossessed vehicles often falls short of covering the outstanding loan balance, leaving consumers with significant residual debt.

In response to these findings, 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 its intent to take enforcement action where appropriate to protect consumers.

For Australian car buyers, these revelations underscore the importance of due diligence when seeking vehicle financing. Prospective borrowers should:

• Thoroughly research and compare loan options from various lenders.
• Be vigilant about loan establishment fees and seek transparency from lenders.
• Assess their financial capacity to meet repayment obligations over the entire loan term.
• Understand the terms and conditions associated with loan agreements, including potential penalties for early repayment or default.

By taking these steps, consumers can better protect themselves from unfavorable loan terms and ensure that their vehicle financing aligns with their financial circumstances.