Action Sought for Toyota's High Finance Costs

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.

The legal challenge claims that from 2010 to 2018, Toyota Finance Australia and its affiliated dealers engaged in secretive practices allowing dealers to inflate interest rates, thereby earning higher commissions. This scheme, according to the firm’s analysis, resulted in customers paying more than what was necessary for their vehicle purchases, without their knowledge.

A flex commission structure worked on a basic level, wherein the finance company set a base rate, but permitted the dealer to hike that rate at their discretion. Consequently, the higher the interest and the longer the repayment term, the more lucrative the commission for the dealership. Importantly, this mechanism was employed without the customer's informed consent.

The outlawing of flex commissions in 2018 was a step forward in consumer protection. However, the legacy of their use has led to various class actions aimed at recovering undue expenses borne by customers, with Echo Law's decision to sue Toyota as its latest instance.

Joining Echo Law are fellow claimants represented by Maurice Blackburn lawyers, who have taken action against numerous finance institutions including ANZ and Macquarie Leasing, suggesting a widespread need for consumer redress affecting over a million Australians to date.

Car owners who financed their vehicle through Toyota Finance within specified periods and had their loan facilitated by a dealership may qualify for this recourse. Echo Law’s Andrew Paull expressed that the financial repercussions for those subjected to these commissions are substantial, running into the substantial sums.

While registration for the class action is complimentary via Echo Law's portal, the broader sentiment within the industry remains cautious regarding dealership-facilitated loans. Founding expert Julian Finch of Finch Financial Services warned that dealers often bypass stringent lending parameters, which could disadvantage buyers in various forms. These could include a slew of service charges and marketing-related fees that inflate the cost of borrowing directly from dealerships.

In contrast, competitive financial offers from other lenders are spotlighted for their straightforward and cost-effective car loan terms-featuring interest rates as low as 4.99% and devoid of numerous ancillary costs typically levied with such loans.

Published:Saturday, 24th Feb 2024
Author: Paige Estritori

Please Note: We do not endorse any specific products or companies. Some content is sourced from third parties, including press releases, and may not be independently verified for accuracy or completeness.

Share this news item:

Finance News

Clear

What Softer House Price Forecasts Mean for Refinancers

27 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori

Australia’s housing outlook has become more uneven, and that matters for anyone considering a mortgage refinance. Domain’s latest FY27 forecast points to a market shaped less by broad momentum and more by affordability, higher interest rates and local supply conditions. For borrowers, the headline is not simply whether prices rise or fall, but how changing property values could affect equity, loan-to-value ratios and lender appetite. - read more

Judo Bank’s Share Slump Puts SME Lending Risk in Focus

26 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori

Judo Bank’s sharp share price fall on 25 June has put a spotlight on the pressure building in parts of Australia’s small business lending market. The ASX-listed specialist lender, known for focusing on small and medium-sized enterprises, saw its shares drop heavily after it disclosed a small group of deteriorating business loans and lifted its expected cost of managing credit risk. - read more

ASIC’s Car Loan Warning Shows Why Borrowers Need to Check the Full Cost

26 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori

ASIC’s 24 June 2026 car finance review is a timely warning for Australians who rely on a vehicle for work, family care and essential travel. The regulator examined data from more than 350,000 loans across eight car finance providers and found concerns around third-party distribution, sales practices, fees, hardship support and outcomes after repossession. - read more

Strong Marina Data Points to a Competitive Boat Buying Market

26 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori

Australia’s marina sector has delivered one of the clearest signals yet that boating demand remains resilient, even as households continue to navigate higher living costs and careful lending conditions. The Marina Industries Association’s latest research, covering the 2025 Health of the Australian Marina Industry Survey and the 2026 Employment & Salary Survey, paints a picture of an industry with solid revenue, high occupancy and a growing need for investment. - read more

New DFAC WorkReady Truck Sharpens the Light-Duty Finance Decision

26 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori

DFAC Trucks Australia has added a new challenger to the busy light-duty market, launching the Captain 45 WorkReady with an introductory drive-away price of $59,990. For tradies, contractors and small transport operators who have outgrown a dual-cab ute, the arrival of a ready-to-work 4.5-tonne truck at this price point could make the step into a larger payload vehicle more achievable. - read more

Click for more Finance News