Bankruptcy in Australia

Jan 17
2011

Bankruptcy has become an increasing solution for individuals who cannot pay off their debts and liabilities. According to ITSA’s statistics, 10,499 Australians filed for bankruptcy in 2008-2009 and that is only in New South Whales! In Victoria, figures were almost half the amount at 5,980 individuals.

If you are bankrupt this does not mean you cannot work. In fact it’s recommended you continue working to pay off any debts that are remaining according to your plan with the creditors. Over your bankruptcy period attempt to pay all your commitments in a timely manner! You don’t want to add any defaults to your credit file, this will make it much harder to qualify for a loan when you are discharged. Bankruptcy usually lasts for 3 years unless it has been extended to 5 or 8 years. Although you will eventually get discharged, it will remain on your credit file for a few years after until it eventually drops off.

Many individuals want to get financed whilst they are bankrupt, this is not possible. Once you are discharged for a minimum of 12 months a financier will be able to help you, in the meantime do not apply anywhere. The more hits you have on your file the less chance you will have later on. It is recommended you have no more than four finance enquiries per year, financiers do not like a busy credit file.

When you are discharged and are looking at financing another car or boat there are many brokers that will be willing to assist you. These days there are financiers that are specifically in the market to provide second chance lending. Although they cater to assist individuals who have had a bit of a bumpy ride in the past, expect to received an interest rate that is slightly higher.

If you would like more information on how to go about getting finance after you are discharged contact Natloans on 1300 955 791 or have a browse on www.natloans.com.au

Car Safety

Dec 23
2010

As time goes by technology is improving at a rapid rate, increasing our chances of survival in car accidents. Statistics reveal that in Victoria, 1 in 4 cars are unsafe, that is 27.9% of our cars. It is also evident that darker colored vehicles have a higher chance of being involved in a car accident, whereas lighter colored vehicles provide better visibility to drivers.

Purchasing a new car provides the driver with the newest and safest technology, hence the importance of eliminating older vehicles from the road. New technology has decreased the number of deaths and serious injuries, due to safer car features.

Various features that are included in most vehicles are:

ABS Brakes: ABS brakes prevent brakes from quickly locking up. In fact they usually prevent an accident from occurring due to being so effective.

Reverse Cameras & Sensing System: This feature is currently on specific vehicles, unless you have requested them. They allow the driver to have a view

Driver Fatigue Warnings: When the driver is on the road for more than 2 hours a warning will appear, reminding them to take a break preventing high levels of fatigue.

Airbags: Are currently in most vehicles and have saved many lives in the past. They are usually located in the centre of the steering wheel and on the side of the doors. When the car is in a severe collision, this will be detected and the airbags will automatically pop out in only a matter of seconds.

Car manufacturers claim that from 2012 head protection technology will be mandatory in all new vehicles. It is vital to be driving a car with high safety features, as drivers can be quite dangerous (i.e. intoxicated or fatigue drivers).

For more information on how to go about financing a safer car in the new year call Natloans on 1300 955 791 or visit www.natloans.com.au

Finding the right car

Dec 16
2010


When in comes to finding the right car it can often be quite difficult due to the huge range of cars in the market. There are all sorts of designs, colors and varying features. Although they are all used for the same purpose the extent of luxury varies significantly depending on the make/model.

If you know nothing about car shopping you have a few things to learn! Finding yourself the perfect car can be done online, by a dealership or even in the local trading post. The first place to start is at the car yard, allowing you to choose a car that you like and is between your budget. Once you have chosen a few cars of interest your investigation begins in order to narrow your search down.

Websites such as www.carsales.com.au offer a wide range of new and used cars, allowing you to search according to the make, model and even location in which the car is currently in.  This is the most popular way of finding a car, checking online daily to see if the right car is on the market.  If and when you find the car, call the owner to pop by for a test drive! Remember to ask:

  • Whether the car has been completely paid off?
  • When the registration is due?
  • If the car has been in any major accidents?

If the car has traveled a significant amount of kilometers you may be able to negotiate with the owner to drop the price even further. Look for any flaws of the vehicle, even if it is a scratch here and there to drop the price to a satisfactory one!

If you aren’t up with technology the trading post is a great way to find your car! Although you may not be able to see a visual at all times, if you know what you want it should be fine due to you will be taking it on a test drive before you make the purchase.

Knowing what you want to buy will allow you to find the best deal available and narrow down your search quickly. Reading up on reviews will also guide you in the right direction. For more information on what deals are available on new and used cars contact Natloans on 1300 955 791 or visit the website www.natloans.com.au

Are you debating whether to purchase a new or used car?

Dec 14
2010

It is quite exciting knowing you will be driving around in a new vehicle, however have you really thought about whether it’s worth purchasing a brand new vehicle? Yes, surely you will be the very first owner, but is it really worth it?

If you have money to spare go for it! These days you can purchase a vehicle that is only a few years old and majority of these cars are as good as new and there are hundreds to choose from (i.e. Mazda 6, Holden Commodore, Toyota Yaris, Honda Accord). At the end of the day each car has the same features and performance levels, the only difference is the price you pay.

Another target market that would suit the category “used cars”, are new drivers. Statistics reveal that young and new drivers have a higher chance of being in a car accident or will bump their car here and there unintentionally. Why pay for a new car knowing that the moment you drive away from the dealer the price will drop a few thousand.

Where to find your next purchase?

The two broad categories you can start searching is either online websites or pop in to your local dealership. It would be ideal to begin at a dealership where you can see a range of vehicles, to choose what model suits you best and this also allows you to see what prices are applicable for each.

Having a few models in mind will guide you in the right direction. If you decide to purchase through a dealer, that is great! But remember to negotiate a price that you are satisfied with, get your moneys worth.

If you choose to buy through a private sale, you will need to undertake extensive research in finding the best option. That is, the right model, color, low kilometers and to check whether the car has been completely paid off from any previous loan.

For more information on what rates and loan terms are currently available contact Natloans on 1300 955 791.

Cash for Clunkers Program

Nov 29
2010

Before Gillard was elected to be Prime Minister she proposed the “Cash for Clunkers Program”, now the citizens of Australia are eligible for this benefit if they meet the criteria. This program has been proven successful in European countries, that is many individuals are favoring newer and smaller cars. What happens during this process is that individuals trade in their car that has aged significantly and receive 1,000-2,500 euros to go towards a new vehicle that is better for the environment.

As of January 2011-2014 Gillard will provide up to $394 million to support motorist in buying new, low emission, fuel efficient vehicles. This aims to reduce carbon dioxide emissions of one million tones, whilst at the same time removing 200,000 pre-1995 cars off the road. This will benefit motorists in two aspects: saving $344 million in fuel costs and they will be traveling in safer cars!

There are a few conditions:

  • Your car must be given up to be crushed and sold as scrap metal.
  • You must be purchasing a new vehicle to be eligible for the $2,000 rebate.
  • There is a list of specific vehicles you may choose from, there are at least 370 vehicles that are eligible so you shouldn’t have too much difficulties finding a car that suites your needs. Some vehicles that you can choose from are: Toyota Prius, Suzuki Auto, Holden Barina Spark, Honda Jazz or the Hyundai Getz.

This program has proven to be quite successful internationally, if Australians are open to this suggestion we will be cutting down on a significant amount of pollution that will benefit us all in the long run. If you are considering financing a new vehicle contact Natloans on 1300 955 791, to see if you are eligible for these funds in the new year!

Beware of Car Scams!!

Nov 22
2010

Purchasing a new or used vehicle can be quite a disaster if you don’t do your research before you hit the dealerships! If you are seeking a private sale be sure to do thorough vehicles checks including investigating whether the car has been fully paid off and if it has been in any serious accidents.

If you are looking at purchasing a vehicle from a dealership, whether it is used or new keep an eye out that you are getting what you paid for! You may be getting scammed and not even knowing about it. Remember to be ready to negotiate a deal that you will be satisfied with! The dealer will more than likely begin with the highest price, so you do the opposite! Start low and work your way up to your budget. Don’t make an agreement because you feel pressured or feel sorry for the dealer, they are only doing their job!

When shopping for your car, keep in mind the following:

  • Dealerships must inform the buyer if the car has been in any accidents, if odometer readings aren’t correct and whether the vehicle has been used as a rental vehicle in the past.
  • A dealership cannot sell a vehicle for more than the advertised price. Do your homework, you don’t want to be ripped off.
  • A “demo” car may be on the market at a new car “price”, negotiate a deal! This is not a new car if it has been driven!
  • If you are getting your finance from a dealer be sure to sign one set of contracts! If your partner is going on the loan with you this must be apart of one document and the conditions must be clearly stated.
  • If you do not understand English fluently an interpreter must be present who knows both languages to prevent miscommunication. The consumer must know what they are signing themselves up to.
  • Dealers may charge you extra and add various products. This will inflate your monthly repayments! Be specific as to what you want and how much you will pay.

It is vital that you understand how dealerships work, at the end of the day you want to benefit in the long-run and get a deal with a good interest rate that you will be able to repay. If you do default this will minimize your chances of getting financed again. So before you hit the dealerships contact your car financier and get a professional opinion. For more information call Natloans on 1300 955 791.

How to get a good interest rate?

Nov 18
2010

Looking for a car can be quite exciting, but what can take that excitement away in only a matter of minutes is the amount of interest you will be paying! This highlights the importance of finding the best deal at the most appealing price.

Two main factors that contribute to the interest rate is the loan term, credit history and the customer’s profile.

The longer the loan term is the lower the rate will be. However, if you expand the term too much you may find that you have been paying more interest than predicted. An ideal term would be 5 years, but it will vary according to the affordability of the customer.

If you have had a bad credit history the chances of you getting a loan are moderate, but be prepared to be faced with quite a high interest rate. This is due to lenders wanting to feel comfortable that you will be repaying the loan back and not defaulting again. For first time buyers it is imperative they receive the best advice from the beginning of the loan experiences. Remember not to apply to many financiers as this will affect your rating and may minimize your chances of being eligible for a loan, even though you have a clear record.

A customer’s profile depicts to a financier how strong they are, they take into consideration their occupation status, children, expenses and most importantly the wages. If a customer can’t afford to pay their commitments, no lender will be up for giving them a loan.

So before thinking of applying for a loan, contact your local financier for some advice! Remember don’t apply unless you are sure, you don’t want unnecessary hits on your credit file!

Have you heard about Nissan’s new electric car?

Nov 09
2010

After years of testing and innovative ideas Nissan has come up with an impressive, stylish electric car! Who would have thought that the car industry would change that rapidly that there would be no need to ever have to refill our tanks with petrol or gas? It was not long ago that the hybrid cars were seen as an amazing invention, to reduce the amount of damage us drivers do to our environment and now we are seeing a product that will potentially be even better.

In 2009, Nissan launched the electric car overseas and it is predicted that by 2012 it will hit the Australian market. These cars have been requested from thousands, even though they are still yet to be produced or available in specific countries. In various countries, the government has offered a rebate for individuals who wish to buy the “Leaf” car. However at the moment Australia isn’t too keen in implementing this grant, this doesn’t mean they won’t. At the moment they are supporting Toyota’s Hybrid car due to it being “beneficial” for the environment, only time will tell if this grant will be offered to Australians.

Where can you recharge?

Believe it or not, anywhere you find an electricity plug you can recharge. Whether it’s at work, at home or even at a supermarket! A batteries lifetime will depend on how well you maintain your car; Nissan estimates that it has an 8-year lifetime! When batteries are no longer useful, the company aims at using there power for other purposes and find ways to reuse/recycle them.

They solely run on a battery, benefiting individuals in the way that gas is not needed and they produce zero emissions.  It process is simple, in order to run your car all you must do is to charge it for 8 hours for a completely full battery, or “quick charge” it for 10 minutes. It is vital that these cars are not charged on quick charge several times a day, this doesn’t charge the battery to its full ability and may reduce the life of the battery.

It is a good idea to plan ahead in your financials; you may not be eligible for a loan at the moment due to having defaults or being bankrupt. This does not mean to say that you will not be eligible in the near future. So don’t wait around, speak to your local financier to see what can be done in order to be one of the first in Australia purchase the stylish Leaf. For more information on how to go about financing your new vehicle contact Natloans on 1300 955 791 or visit the website www.natloans.com.au

Looking for a new car? Why not go green to help our environment!

Oct 19
2010

Global warming has been an increasing issue for years now. In order to help save our environment car manufacturers are working their way towards inventing vehicles that are eco-friendly and reduce the amount of fuel consumption.

If you are looking at purchasing a new car, why not buy one that will help the environment and allows you to save some money in the long run. Before you think about finding a car, consider how much you will use it and who will benefit from it. Ask yourself; will you be using it for your family? Work? Traveling long distances?

If you answered yes to any of the above questions, think about how much you would use your car. Is it really worth buying a large car that will cost you $120 worth of petrol for a full tank? Where you can purchase an ‘eco friendly’ car that will not only save you money but minimize the effect on the environment for the future generation. There are various cars that are now on the market that run on diesel and environmentally friendly ethanol, these substances don’t harm the environment as much.

Toyota has introduced the Toyota Prius I-Tech a fuel-efficient vehicle that runs on three driving modes. The EV mode allows you to drive on the electric motor if the battery is fully charged. The Eco mode works with the electric motor in order to minimize the amount of fuel consumed and the Power mode is used for more power, in the situation where you accelerate it automatically switches mode! Not only will you be buying a stylish, fuel efficient vehicle it comes with amazing features: keyless entry with push button start, Intelligent Park Assist, portable navigation units and four- disc MP3-compatable CD stacker, these are only a few of them!

For more information on how to go about financing your new car, contact Natloans on 1300 955 791 or visit our website www.natloans.com.au.

What to keep in mind when dealing with car dealers?

Sep 24
2010

Car Dealers have been around for years, they continue to grow and remain a main competitor in the market. If you are looking at purchasing a car but unsure what you are looking for a car dealer may be a starting point for you. Allowing you to get more insight on various car models, once you have chosen a car model that you like then begins the hunt to find the right one for you!

Remember car dealers can be quite manipulative and persuasive in guiding your decision-making, do not settle for the first car you see. Car dealers tend to lie, or make promises that aren’t necessarily in writing in order to persuade you in making the purchase. Keep in mind, the more deals they settle the more commissions and benefits they receive. They deal with consumers on a daily basis and various dealers have been in the market for years. Their ability to negotiate is quite strong and will know how to answer all your questions with great confidence. They know their competitors well and will try competing against them, which is only natural. Don’t be surprised if you are told the car will be sold within the next few days and that it is still there two weeks later.

When looking on the positive side, going to a car dealer you will get a good perspective on what type of cars are in your budget range. Car dealers do have great knowledge on cars and their specifications.

What can you do to be sure you have made the right choice?

Be sure to do your research, it is now that much easier. All you have to do is do a search online and you will know exactly how much your car is on the market for. You need to decide what features you are looking for, for example if you want any safety features, extras or any technical specifications. This will increase the price of your purchase. Ask people you trust on their opinions and experiences with dealers, they will give you an honest opinion.

Deciding on what type of car is only one choice you’ve made. You need to work out your budget, there is no point in seeking for a car that you cannot afford in the long-run. Compare quotes with dealers and allow enough excess money for insurance and registration, if necessary.

Before sealing the deal with a dealer, don’t hesitate to take your local mechanic to examine the car. You are better off being safe, then suffering the consequences later.

Questions you should ask..

-          Has the car been in any accidents?

-          What is the purpose of the sale?

-          How many kilometers have been traveled?

-          Are there any special features?

When you are more than certain that the car is in good condition and your financials are available, you are then ready to sign your agreement and enjoy your new car! For more information on how to go about financing your new car, contact Natloans on 1300 955 791 or visit our website www.natloans.com.au