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
Source: Paige Estritori
Australia's Path Out of Recession: A Long Road Ahead 01 Nov 2024: Paige Estritori Australia is currently navigating its way out of what has been called the longest recession on record. The nation has seen six consecutive quarters of declining per capita gross domestic product, indicating a sustained period of economic downturn. - read more |
Scam Reports Hit New Highs: Are We Doing Enough? 31 Oct 2024: Paige Estritori A surge in scam reports has highlighted ongoing challenges as Australians continued to lose significant sums to fraudulent schemes. Despite efforts to combat scams, reports to the national complaints authority reached unprecedented levels in 2023/24. - read more |
Pressure Mounts for RBA Rate Cuts Amid Election Concerns 31 Oct 2024: Paige Estritori As Australia approaches the upcoming federal election, scheduled for May 2025, recent polls suggest the possibility of a hung parliament. Voters continue to express mounting concerns over the cost of living, as household disposable incomes fall to record lows. The loudest cries for financial relief come from mortgage holders, who have been particularly affected. - read more |
Cash Comeback: Australian Cash Circulation Increases 28 Oct 2024: Paige Estritori In an era dominated by digital transactions, Australians are increasingly gravitating back to using cash, evidenced by a $300 million surge in cash use over the past few months. Despite the numerous closures of bank branches and ATMs, this trend highlights an unexpected rebound in physical currency preference. - read more |
AFCA Leverages Enhanced Standards to Minimize Advice Complaints 28 Oct 2024: Paige Estritori The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) demonstrated significant progress in managing investment and financial advice issues in the past year. The organization reported closing 4,118 complaints in the sector during the 2024 fiscal year, marking an impressive 82% increase in resolved cases compared to the previous year. - read more |
The Commercial Buyers Guide to Buying a Used Truck in Australia With the evolution of the logistics industry and small businesses gaining momentum in Australia, the market for used trucks has witnessed substantial growth in recent years. This surge is a testament to the pivotal role commercial vehicles play in driving the economy forward, keeping supply chains agile and businesses thriving. - read more
|
How to maintain your truck to extend its lifespan in Australian conditions Maintaining your truck is essential if you want to prolong its lifespan and save money down the road. Australian conditions can put a lot of strain on your vehicle, and neglecting its maintenance can lead to costly breakdowns and repairs. - read more
|
The Pros and Cons of Leasing vs. Buying a Truck for Your Business Small businesses that require regular transportation of goods may find it essential to purchase a truck. However, this acquisition can become a significant investment that requires careful consideration before making a decision. The two options available are buying or leasing a truck. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of each option to help you make an informed choice. - read more
|
Understanding Credit Scores and Their Impact on Your Commercial Vehicle Loan Terms Finding the right financing for a commercial vehicle in Australia can be a critical step for businesses and individuals alike. Whether it's for a single van or an entire fleet of trucks, understanding the intricacies of commercial vehicle loans is key to securing a deal that aligns with your financial goals. One factor that stands out in determining your loan terms is the credit score—a numerical representation of your creditworthiness. - read more
|
Essential Financial Safety Nets for Aussie Truck Drivers Welcome to the road less traveled, where the rubber meets financial prudence. Truck driving in Australia is not just about long miles but also about ensuring financial stability amidst life's crossroads. As a truck driver, taking the wheel of your financial future is crucial, and that's what we'll navigate in this article. - read more
|
Understanding Credit Scores and Their Impact on Your Commercial Vehicle Loan Terms Finding the right financing for a commercial vehicle in Australia can be a critical step for businesses and individuals alike. Whether it's for a single van or an entire fleet of trucks, understanding the intricacies of commercial vehicle loans is key to securing a deal that aligns with your financial goals. One factor that stands out in determining your loan terms is the credit score—a numerical representation of your creditworthiness. - read more
|
Maximizing Your Fleet Potential: How Truck Financing Shapes Success Trucks play a pivotal role in the Australian logistics and transport industry, serving as the lifeblood that keeps commerce flowing. The dependable rumble of engines crisscrossing the nation's highways is more than just a symbol of industry; it's a critical component of productivity and economic stability. Without these workhorses facilitating the timely movement of goods, the Australian market would face significant challenges meeting the demands of both businesses and consumers alike. - read more
|
Essential Checklist for Commercial Vehicle Loan Approval In the journey to secure a commercial vehicle loan, preparation is key. Just as a vehicle needs to be in perfect condition to hit the road, your loan application requires meticulous attention to detail to ensure a green light from lenders. This article embarks on the essential journey of understanding the critical checkpoints before applying for a commercial vehicle loan. We navigate through the path of prerequisites that pave the way for a seamless approval process. - read more
|
Maximizing Your Investment: Strategies for Enhancing Truck Resale Value in Australia The commercial vehicle market in Australia is a cornerstone of the transportation and logistics industries, with trucks playing an indispensable role. Whether for long-haul deliveries across the vast distances of the continent or for urban distribution, trucks are critical assets for businesses and entrepreneurs alike. This significance makes it essential for commercial vehicle buyers to understand the dynamics of truck resale values in Australia. - read more
|
Essential Financial Safety Nets for Aussie Truck Drivers Welcome to the road less traveled, where the rubber meets financial prudence. Truck driving in Australia is not just about long miles but also about ensuring financial stability amidst life's crossroads. As a truck driver, taking the wheel of your financial future is crucial, and that's what we'll navigate in this article. - read more
|