According to the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), there was a 9.8% decrease in sales of new cars in November 2019 compared to November 2018, with 84,708 cars sold in total.

On a year-to-date basis (1 January 2019-31 November 2019), total sales for 2019 have been recorded as 978,628 new cars, an 8.2% decrease on year-to-date 2018.

This follows a 9.1% decrease in sales in October and a 6.9% decrease in September.

vehicle sales YTD

Source: FCAI

FCAI Chief Executive Tony Weber said it’s a tough market full stop for cars.

“The industry has been looking for a lift for some time now and has activated multiple levers to achieve some stimulation, including incentives, sales and special vehicle editions,” Mr Weber said.

“However, the appetite for new vehicles remains suppressed.

“On the bright side, there has never been a better time to purchase a new vehicle.”

December can often be a good time to buy a car, with current-year models set to become ‘old’ once the calendar ticks over.

A 2019 model doesn’t sound quite as sexy as a 2020 model, and prices may be dropped accordingly.

Mr Weber says the holiday season is indeed a great time to act.

“With over 60 brands and more than 350 models, the Australian market is one of the most competitive in the world,” he said.

“This is great news for consumers who have an abundance of choice and pricing options when it comes to selecting a new vehicle.”

Looking for a good value car loan? The table below displays a snapshot of some of the lowest-rate fixed-interest car loans for new cars.

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LenderCar LoanInterest Rate Comparison Rate* Monthly Repayment Interest Type Vehicle Type Maximum Vehicle Age Ongoing Fee Upfront Fee Total Repayment Early Repayment Instant Approval Online Application TagsFeaturesLinkCompare
7.19% p.a.
8.31% p.a.
$597
Fixed
New
1 year
$8
$400
$35,804
Approval within 24 hoursEarly payout available
  • Required: Good credit history, stable employment history. Aus citizenship or PR.
6.69% p.a.
7.81% p.a.
$590
Fixed
New
1 year
$8
$400
$35,379
Approval within 24 hours
  • Save the planet. Save thousands on your car loan.
  • Get a discounted rate if you buy electric
  • Required: Good credit history, stable employment history. Aus citizenship or PR.
6.57% p.a.
7.19% p.a.
$588
Fixed
New
No Max
$0
$250
$35,278
Loan amounts from $2k to $75k
  • Available for any new motorised vehicle
  • No ongoing or early exit fees
  • 1-7 years loan terms. Pay monthly, fortnightly, or weekly
  • Get quick decision. Funds in 24 hrs if approved
6.34% p.a.
8.36% p.a.
$585
Variable
New
1 year
$8
$400
$35,084
7.29% p.a.
8.41% p.a.
$598
Fixed
New
1 year
$8
$400
$35,889
7.99% p.a.
8.27% p.a.
$608
Fixed
New, Used
No Max
$0
$195
$36,489
7.19% p.a.
7.82% p.a.
$597
Fixed
New, Used
7 years
$0
$249
$35,804
No ongoing fees
8.27% p.a.
8.27% p.a.
$612
Fixed
New, Used
No Max
$0
$595
$36,731
7.95% p.a.
8.16% p.a.
$608
Fixed
New
5 years
$0
$150
$36,454
8.99% p.a.
9.33% p.a.
$623
Fixed
New, Used
7 years
$5
$0
$37,356
9.24% p.a.
9.86% p.a.
$626
Variable
New, Used
10 years
$5
$195
$37,575
9.49% p.a.
10.82% p.a.
$630
Fixed
New, Used
No Max
$9
$474
$37,795
  • Available for purchasing new and demo vehicles
  • $5,000 to $150,000 loan amount
  • Redraw facility available up to $5000/day
  • Required: Good credit history, stable employment history. Aus citizenship or PR.

More details
Important Information and Comparison Rate Warning

All products with a link to a product provider’s website have a commercial marketing relationship between us and these providers. These products may appear prominently and first within the search tables regardless of their attributes and may include products marked as promoted, featured or sponsored. The link to a product provider’s website will allow you to get more information or apply for the product. By de-selecting “Show online partners only” additional non-commercialised products may be displayed and re-sorted at the top of the table. For more information on how we’ve selected these “Sponsored”, “Featured” and “Promoted” products, the products we compare, how we make money, and other important information about our service, please click here.

The comparison rates in this table are based on a loan of $30,000 and a term of 5 years unless indicated otherwise. The comparison rates for car loans and secured personal loans for the relevant amounts and terms are for secured loans unless indicated otherwise. The comparison rates for unsecured personal loans are applicable for unsecured loans only. WARNING: This comparison rate applies only to the example or examples given. Different amounts and terms will result in different comparison rates. Costs such as redraw fees or early repayment fees, and cost savings such as fee waivers, are not included in the comparison rate but may influence the cost of the loan. Comparison rates are not calculated for revolving credit products.

Monthly repayment figures are estimates only, exclude fees and are based on the advertised rate for the term and for the loan amount entered. Actual repayments will depend on your individual circumstances and interest rate changes. Rates correct as of . View disclaimer.

Which cars sold the most?

As usual, the Toyota Hilux remains Australia’s most popular vehicle with 3,687 units sold, likely thanks to its popularity with tradespeople and businesses, although year-on-year sales have fallen by a significant 21%.

The Ford Ranger came in at number two with 3,491 units sold (a 0.6% decrease), while the third-placed Mitsubishi Triton saw a near 30% increase in sales (3,123 units sold in November 2019).

The 7th placed Toyota Camry saw a massive 54% increase in sales, while the Toyota Landcruiser rounded out the top 10 with 1,641 new sales in November.

Rank Vehicle Nov-19 Nov-18 % diff
1 Toyota Hilux 3,687 4,671 -21.1%
2 Ford Ranger 3,491 3,469 0.6%
3 Mitsubishi Triton 3,123 2,404 29.9%
4 Hyundai i30 2,339 2,378 -1.6%
5 Toyota RAV4 2,316 1,936 19.6%
6 Toyota Corolla 2,229 2,659 -16.2%
7 Toyota Camry 2,001 1,295 54.5%
8 Nissan XTrail 1,882 1,942 -3.1%
9 Mazda CX-5 1,735 1,998 -13.2%
10 Toyota Landcruiser 1,641 1,995 -17.7%

Source: FCAI

Sales of cars in Western Australia were strong relative to the other states.

November new car sales in WA fell by just 0.8% – every other state saw a decline of at least 9%.

The Northern Territory, for example, saw a 20.7% fall, while the ACT and South Australia had falls of just under 15%.