Car road trip time? Motor vehicle loan tips to secure a ‘getaway’ car

Freedom days across the country have millions of Aussies ready for a full-on escape after extended lockdowns. After haircuts, some retail therapy and a schnitty and draught beer at the pub, thoughts are turning to getting away. While international travel is still somewhat restricted, a road trip can be a reality right now! The regions have a wealth of fantastic destinations and the domestic tourism industry is crying out for visitors.

You’re ready to pack and go, but how about your vehicle? Is it suitable for the places you have in mind to visit? Time to upgrade to a vehicle that will take you, your mates and family and all your gear on a memorable getaway in comfort. Jade Car Loans covers a range of issues to consider regarding selecting a vehicle, securing a motor vehicle loan quickly and suggestions for where to go on a car road trip in your 'getaway' car.

Vehicle Selection

Selecting a vehicle is a very personal decision and will of course depend on where you intend to get away to, the terrain, how many people and how much gear you intend to take, the price and all the other usual buying decisions. If cost is a driving priority the more significant figure to consider may be the finance repayments. To make that a simple process, you can use our commercial car loan calculator. Simply enter the price for all the cars you are considering and the calculator automatically calculates repayment estimates. It is free to use and a great buying tool.

With petrol prices recently reaching extremely high, even record levels, selecting a fuel-efficient model could present savings in running costs, especially for long road trips.

For a classic weekend getaway, a roadster or convertible can offer a unique experience. German manufacturers such as Audi, Mercedes-Benz and BMW are renowned for their range of roadsters. But there are other cheeky models to consider including those from Mini, Fiat and Mazda. Some SUVs such as Jeep also offer a top-down option.

The vehicle type does not itself affect the type of finance. Our range of business car loan products covers all types of cars with the Secured Car Loan the most popular for private vehicle purchases. Business buyers have a wider choice of finance products.

The interest rate and any loan terms and conditions are determined primarily by the specifics of the loan applicant, in particular credit profile. However, insurance will be priced in many instances based on the type of vehicle. When taking on finance, lenders require customers to take out comprehensive insurance on the vehicle. If the all-up price is a consideration for you, getting quotes on insurance before purchase could be smart thinking.

SUVs are the biggest selling vehicle type on the market and manufacturers continue to expand their ranges with models covering a wide range of sizes and prices. These can be the perfect vehicle for those looking to take sporting and recreational equipment on their getaway. Remember, not all SUVs have 4WD or off-road capabilities. If you plan to head off-road, ensure your vehicle is suited to the terrain. If you intend to tow a boat or caravan, check the towing capacity before purchase.

Electric vehicles are finally growing in popularity in Australia. The major issue for those heading away in an EV may be the location of charging stations on route. Latest news has Ampol looking to install EV charging at some of their service stations and there are apps to assist drivers find facilities on their route.

In a hurry to get away? Get finance fast

If the timing of lockdown liftings has caught you off-guard and you’re now scrambling to get that road trip organised, securing your car loan will likely be a high priority. If you want to save time and a lot of hassle (who doesn’t), simply ask us to arrange your car finance for you. Our loan brokers handle the entire loan process from sourcing the initial quote from across our vast range of lenders, through processing your application and on to the final settlement stage.

Our services save customers endless time contacting multiple banks and lenders for quotes and going through the same question-answer process over and over again. All time that you can spend checking out cars or deciding on your getaway route and destination.

Requesting pre-approved car finance can expedite the car buying process even more. By having your loan secured before heading to the showroom, you will be ready to commit immediately when you make that final decision.

Where to Go

Deciding on your escape route may be more difficult as all states and territories offer destinations and places to suit a wide range of preferences. Nature hunters, foodie lovers, history buffs, luxury lovers, coastal fans and those looking to just chill out.

Bookings for many holiday hot spots are filling fast, so we recommend checking your state tourism website for offers and suggestions of where to head:- Victoria Queensland NSW South Australia Western Australia Tasmania Northern Territory ACT

When planning your getaway, stay across COVID restrictions and have a Plan B in mind in the event of sudden changes.

Contact Jade Car Loans at 1300 000 003 to discuss quick car finance to get you started on that much-needed road trip.

DISCLAIMER: IN REGARD TO MISREPRESENTATIONS AND ERRORS CONTAINED IN THE MATERIAL AS PRESENTED, LIABILITY IS NOT ACCEPTED. THE DETAILS AND CONTENT IS PROVIDED FOR CAR BUYERS AND INDIVIDUALS AND BUSINESS SEEKING FINANCE PURELY AS GENERAL INFORMATION. THIS IS NOT PROVIDED AS THE ONLY SOURCE OF FINANCIAL INFORMATION. ANYONE THAT CONSIDERS THAT NEED FINANCIAL ADVICE ABOUT THEIR SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS SHOULD SEEK THEIR OWN FINANCIAL ADVISOR.