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
NAB Offers a Glimmer of Hope with Fresh Interest Rate Cut 23 Jul 2024: Paige Estritori Australian home seekers facing stiff challenges may find a bit of relief from an unexpected source: NAB, one of the country's financial giants. The bank has recently slashed its three-year fixed home loan interest rate by a notable 0.6%, bringing it down to 5.99%. - read more |
Australian Markets React to Employment Data: Shares Narrowly Lower 20 Jul 2024: Paige Estritori The Australian sharemarket experienced a modest pullback on Thursday, ending a day of fluctuations just shy of its recent peak. A day following the celebration of a fresh 52-week high, the market's mood shifted. - read more |
ANZ Prepares to Finalize $4.9B Suncorp Acquisition 18 Jul 2024: Paige Estritori ANZ is poised to officially acquire Suncorp's banking sector on August 1, following recent modifications to Queensland's legislative framework essential for the $4.9 billion transaction. - read more |
Housing Crisis in Australia: Deeper Trouble Ahead 16 Jul 2024: Paige Estritori Australia is grappling with an increasingly severe housing crisis as rising interest rates and skyrocketing construction costs stifle the supply of new homes. Experts fear that the national goal of constructing 1.2 million new homes over the next five years will remain out of reach. - read more |
Australian Households Face Toughest Economic Times Since '90s 15 Jul 2024: Paige Estritori As Australia's economic climate continues to worsen, households are encountering unprecedented financial challenges, marking the gravest consumer recession since the early 1990s, excluding the impacts of recent pandemic-related downturns. - read more |
Managing Your Credit Card Debt Wisely in Tough Economic Times In light of the current economic challenges facing many Australians, managing credit card debt has become more crucial than ever. With rising living costs and financial uncertainty, accruing debt on high-interest credit cards can quickly escalate from a manageable inconvenience to a stressful financial burden. - read more
|
The Reality of Debt Consolidation: Does it Affect Your Ability to Borrow in Future? Welcome to a comprehensive guide aimed at dismantling the common myths that cloud the concepts of debt consolidation and debt reduction. Amidst widespread financial stress, debt consolidation emerges as a popular strategy for Australians in search of relief from their monetary burdens. - read more
|
The Ultimate Guide to Achieving Financial Freedom Through Debt Restructuring Financial stability is a common aspiration, yet many Australians find themselves weighed down by the burden of debt. Whether it’s due to loans, credit cards, or unexpected financial emergencies, the struggle to stay afloat is a reality for countless individuals striving to achieve their dreams of a secure, debt-free future. - read more
|
The Beginner's Blueprint to Creating an Effective Family Budget In a world marked by economic uncertainties and the ever-mounting cost of living, the importance of a sound family budget cannot be overstated. Today's economic climate necessitates not just prudent but strategic financial planning. With the right budget in place, families can navigate the choppy waters of their finances, avoiding the all-too-common pitfalls of overspending and under-saving. - read more
|
Busting Myths: The Misunderstanding About Debt Consolidation and Debt Reduction Welcome to our comprehensive guide where we aim to debunk common myths surrounding debt consolidation and debt reduction. This blog post serves as a beacon of clarity for those who find themselves navigating through the choppy waters of financial jargon and conflicting information. - read more
|
Managing Your Credit Card Debt Wisely in Tough Economic Times In light of the current economic challenges facing many Australians, managing credit card debt has become more crucial than ever. With rising living costs and financial uncertainty, accruing debt on high-interest credit cards can quickly escalate from a manageable inconvenience to a stressful financial burden. - read more
|