Reviewing the Suzuki Grand Vitara

Read The Suzuki Grand Vitara review to help you make better decision when it comes to financing a car in Australia!

The Car
Suzuki’s Grand Vitara is Suzuki’s time-worn SUV that is basic with 3 different grades. The car is without some of the advanced technology like keyless entry and powered tailgate.

It is only 4-stars ANCAP rated that offers stability and traction control as well as brake assist and electronic brake-force distribution.

The Drive
The Grand Vitara can rev well up to 6000rpm but at higher speeds, the engine starts straining. Low speeds might give you a bit of a bumpy ride with a fair bit of body roll but makes up for it off-road.

The Interior
The Grand Vitara is comfortable with ample space in front and the rear and plenty of cargo space with 398 litres which can go all the way up to 1,368 when the rear seats are down.

Overall
The Grand Vitara gives you the basics and an immense amount of space, but a bit lacking in terms of stability and handling.

Reviewing the Suzuki Grand Vitara

Reviewing the Subaru Forester

At The Smarter Finance Company, we handle more than just finances, we help you with reviews too.

The Car
The Subaru Forester is still doing well in the market as a family SUV that can truly perform off road.

The latest model gives a nice front grille and bumper with a new shape, 18 inch alloy rims, Subaru’s EyeSight driver assist and an automatic tailgate system.

The car performs well, but can be expensive, both to purchase and to run.

The Drive
The Forester breezes over any bumps even at high speeds with the grip from the wide tyres. The improved suspension and steering make it easy to handle through different environments.

However, suspension balance is reduced at lower speeds but at there is less feedback in the cabin.

The Interior
The Forester gives off a spacious feel inside the cabin which is a little rugged, but practical.

You get amazing space for both passengers and equipment totaling to 505 litres and triple that with the rear seats folded.

Overall
The Forester will do exactly what you need it to do as a work vehicle or for your family which is very practical.

Reviewing the Subaru Forester

Reviewing the Porsche Cayenne

Read on about the Porsche Cayenne before financing one of your own!

The Car
The Cayenne comes with an impressive 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 engine and a recent facelift of 19 inch wheels and auto dimming interior.

The diesel model doesn’t come with autonomous braking or keyless start and steering is manual. Anything more would require expensive upgrades.

The Drive
Corners are a little shaky with the all-wheel drive but the suspension allows you to manage the car well.

Off-road adventures are perfect but the city might seem off your course because the size makes tight turns difficult.

The Interior

You’ll get cushy seats in the front with door pockets and plenty of space in the rear for passengers.

The boot is just as spacious, with a 40/20/40 rear folding seat totaling up to 1780 litres.

The only downside is the immense number of buttons which are there just to confuse you.

Overall
The Cayenne gives you immense capacity and an exciting drive and nothing less than what you would expect from Porsche with this new sports wagon.

Reviewing the Porsche Cayenne

Reviewing the Nissan Juke

Find out more about the Nissan Juke with The Smarter Finance Company’s easy car review.

The Car
The Nissan Juke is a crowd favourite which looks good with high wheel arches and an aerodynamic edge.
It comes with a 1.6-liter turbo with intermediate lock of the CVVT system and a fitted low-pressure EGR system.

The Drive
It offers the I-CON system so you can get normal, sport and eco drive modes. It can go 0 to 100 in under 7 seconds with the front CVVT.

Its steering is pretty light with speed-sensitive electric power steering that maintains agility with its small wheelbase but the front end lacks grip at higher speeds.

Overall, the ride is comfortable though the suspension struggles to iron out potholes producing noise from the aftershocks of hitting one.

The Interior
The interior is colourful with highlights especially on the main console but the material quality is low with thin and hollow plastic.

The backseat is a bit cramp especially for tall people but it can folded to give a bit more cargo space.

Overall
The Juke is a fun and agile car but not as spacious for those bulky items.

Reviewing the Nissan Juke

Reviewing the Mitsubishi Triton

When it comes to car financing, The Smarter Finance Company wants you to know exactly what you’re buying with a review on the Mitsubishi Triton.

The Car
The latest Triton comes with a new grille that is lined with LED day lights and high intensity headlamps.
It is equipped with a brake override system and force limiters on the seatbelts qualifying it for the 5-stars ANCAP rating.
It has potential to tow up to 3100kg on both models.

The Drive
Speed is not a priority but this car is engineered to maintain a good pace even while pulling a load. The design of the vehicle makes it stable with decent fuel consumption at 7.6L/100km.
The extra reinforcement in the rear frame helps with weight distribution for enhanced speed resulting in smooth drive.

The Interior
The Triton has a pretty rugged interior with chrome trim which complements the new instrumentation layout.
Passengers will get reasonable space in the rear cabin while the tilt-and-reach adjustable wheel helps get the driver comfy.

Overall
The new Triton is a stunner and the vehicle is perfect for pulling and safety. However, space might be a concern for large families.


Reviewing the Mitsubishi Triton

Reviewing the Ford Everest

Find out about the Ford Everest before peeking at financing rates.

The Car

The Everest classes like a utility truck with more capacity for cargo and passengers and a shorter body length and wheel base.

The Everest comes with a standard kit along with other technologies like active noise cancellation and cruise control on top of regular safety advances.

Some technologies are missing like climate control and auto parking which can be upgraded for a price.

The Drive

The Ford Everest is smoother with a good balance of suspension dampers to help manage bumps and turns.

The vehicle can pull its weight with a maximum torque 1750rpm. The electric steering is a good addition and parking is easy.

The Interior

As a seven-seater, there is plenty of room for passengers. Seats are movable to further ease boarding/alighting. You can get up to 1060 litres with the 3rd row folded and 2010 litres when you fold all of them.

The seats are upholstered and supportive for all rows with lots of storage places for everyone.

Overall

You won’t have to complain about space and power for both on and off road experiences for a price.


Reviewing the Ford Everest

Reviewing the BMW 3-series

The BMW 3 series is one of our favourite cars and you can find out more about it with its review.

The Car

The 3-series has been around for the last 4 decades and is still popular due to its solid performance and the latest revamp will focus on the engine.

The 3-series can go from 0 to 100km/h in 5.9 seconds with an eight-speed transmission and can get up to 1700kg of towing capacity. It also comes with additions like reverse camera and adaptive M suspension.

The Drive

The 3-series ranks very highly in terms of performance with good steering and gearboxes options for a steady ride even on curvy roads.

We highly recommend the adaptive dampers to benefit from the additional control.

The Interior

The classy interior will not disappoint with the three-spoke leather steering and the well-positioned dashboard with dials and controls within easy reach.

Its head and leg-room are expanded but the back-centre passenger will have to compromise. Boot space is generous at 480 litres.

Overall

The 3-series is easy to drive and affordable to upkeep but you will be paying for the brand and the quality experience.


Reviewing the BMW 3-series

Reviewing the Audi A1

See what The Smarter Finance Company feels about the Audi A1.

The Car

The A1 is smaller than A3 with grille and overall stylistics being uniquely Audi. The wheels get bigger as you go up the tiers.

The standard kit offers alloy wheels, a 6.5-inch display screen and heated electric mirrors. It qualifies for the 5-stars ANCAP rating with ABS, traction and stability controls.

The Drive

The A1 is a compact vehicle which makes for good handling and parking. It's also agile with the evenly-weighted steering.

There are a number of driving modes to select with standard electronic differential to boost grip.

The Interior

High quality interior is expected especially the luxurious dashboard. The glossy black air-vent sleeves can be customised.

The front seats are adjustable for comfort with ample space, but rear seats are upright and might be a little sore.

Overall

The A1 comes with quality engine and interiors for a price but not so suitable for large families. Check with The Smarter Finance Company for the available options!


Reviewing the Audi A1

Reviewing the Volkswagen Golf

Read the review on the Volkswagen Golf to have a real life opinion to decide on a car financing option.

The Car

The Volkswagen Golf is yet another old-timer on the market with exceptional value retention.

The Golf is turbocharged, but very economical. You also get stability control and City Emergency Braking system in higher models qualifying it for 5-stars ANCAP rating.

The Drive

We love how the Golf handles steering and stability at turns. There is also little noise even on highways.

The downside is the hefty additional sum needed for more power and 4-wheel drive.

The Interior

The driver’s seat is comfortable and adjustable for a good vision but the quarterlight windows are distracting.
You get a 6.8-inch colour touch screen and Bluetooth phone connectivity with well-positioned dials on the dash.

It is comfy for every passenger and the boot has 280-litres of cargo space or 1,270 litres with the rear seats folded.

Overall

The only concern is its hefty pricetag but it is worthy looking at the retention of its resale value.


Reviewing the Volkswagen Golf

Reviewing the Toyota Corolla

Read the review on the Toyota Corolla to help you make a decision on car finance rates.

The Car

The Corolla into its 11th generation has managed to maintain its sales numbers as a “safe choice” for an all-rounded family saloon.

The latest model tries to up its street style with Toyota putting in efforts to showcase a more up-market feel.

You get efficient running costs and fuel economy coupled with impeccable service standards and a strong resale value as well as the full 5-stars ANCAP rating.

The Drive

The Corolla gets a new electric-assist power steering and better suspension but the drive wasn’t exciting with its ordinary engine.

The car also struggles at corners with the rear waggling over bumps. Stability and traction help to ease a little, but loses speed.

The Interior

You will get a leather steering and fabric-trimmed seats. The 4.2-inch colour screen provides you with technology and connectivity.

The new version gives more rear and boot space. The windows are small so we’d recommend the sunroof.

Overall

The Corolla is a decent car in the industry which is a typical run of the mill appliance but still retains its value well.


Reviewing the Toyota Corolla

Reviewing the Jeep Renegade

The Renegade is a reinvented compact SUV. Read up its review before peeking into car finance deals.

The Car
The Jeep is a symbol of an off-road vehicle just like the Renegade. With its high ground clearance and water-fording capabilities, you are obviously getting a rugged vehicle. The Renegade is awarded a 5-stars ANCAP rating with 6 airbags and software that prevents the car from rolling. Its huge tyres cushion potholes reducing accidents risks.

The Drive
The Renegade is smaller so steering at corners is a breeze with its grip handling. Quick steering and lusty diesel engine can do so much for that off-road adventure. One drawback is its box shape which hinders visibility and encourages wind noise but its grip tyres compensate all that.

The Interior
Overall space is poor in both the cabin and boot but seats can be folded to suit your needs. The revamped furnishings and rev-counter graphics are in for a change.

Overall
The Renegade is an obvious off-road prowess but it is noisy and might require additional funds for plush fittings. The Smarter finance company can help you with that.

Reviewing the Jeep Renegade

Reviewing the Hyundai i30

Financing a car would be a lot simpler with prior reviews, so check the i30 out.

The Car
The i30 is a good bargain for a family hatchback with pretty impressive running costs with a diesel engine that can reach 78mpg that could slate up to 126bhp. The i30 comes with technological advances like Bluetooth and LED day lights and safety features like 6 airbags and anti-lock braking system. Those are some features qualifying it for a 5-star ANCAP rating.

The Drive
The suspension is decent for a family hatchback so driving over humps is not a problem as well as cutting corners with the FlexSteer system.

The Interior
The interior feels more upmarket with well-spaced out dashboard buttons and abundant storage spaces. Seats are comfortable with plenty of room for everyone, including a generous boot. The i30 is smaller but it can expand from 378 litres to an entire 1316 litres with the help of foldable seats.

Overall
Its petrol engine isn’t the most efficient but the inexpensive cash upfront compensates that fact. Talk to a finance company on this great deal.

Reviewing the Hyundai i30

Reviewing the Holden Commodore

The Car
The Commodore is the brand’s last homegrown vehicle so it has all the advances possible. It starts with an impressive exterior followed by a torque that goes from 0 to 100km/h in under 5 seconds. The V8 engine can be realized with the bi-modal exhaust that lets you experience both sound and feel.

The Commodore handles bumpy roads well with a stabilizer bar at the back with springs to absorb much more movement for a stable drive. Corners are also managed just as well with its rear-wheel drive. To complement the V8 engine, we recommend the Brembo brake upgrade.

The Interior
The Commodore is marketed as a five-seater but we recommend only 4 to stay comfortable due to the room required in the middle for the rear-wheel drive transmission tunnel. The boot space is generous and luxurious with leather and suede.

Overall
There isn’t much to dislike about the Commodore which is a real bargain since it is home-grown. The Smarter Finance Company can help you with the finances so call us today.

Reviewing the Holden Commodore

Reviewing the Honda Odyssey

The Odyssey is one of the more popular Honda models. Read on before finalizing your car finance figures.

The Car
We really love the Odyssey minivan that is perfect for families by providing performance without sacrificing design. There are many technological advances such as an infotainment system and HDMI input which further support family needs.

The Drive
The Odyssey has a decent engine that provides power regardless of its bulkiness. Parking is nevertheless an issue due but the reverse camera and the automatic parking system will come in handy. It also takes on corners well with a responsive handling.

The Interior
The Odyssey is made to provide 8 people with comfort over aesthetics with its dual sliding doors and movable seats. The third row can be folded to make room for other purposes but with added help as the seats are quite heavy. The driver gets to enjoy the drive too with dials at the center stack and a second display for gadgets.

Overall
The Odyssey is an all-rounder family car so it is no surprise that people are asking to finance it as well as to insure it.

Reviewing the Honda Odyssey

Reviewing the Audi Q3

Our car finance company took the Audi Q3 for a spin and here’s what we thought.

The Car
The Q3 is a revamped mini SUV that fits nicely above the A3 as a sporty hatchback. It comes equipped with a start/stop technology, and parking assistance sensors and cameras. You can expect a top-notch driving experience with the Q3 that comes with a 5-star ANCAP rating.

The Interior
As the Q3 is a 5-door 5-seater car, you can expect the typical plush seats with an added nice and high seating position. The steering wheel has an odd position, especially the switches behind the gear stick. Nevertheless, the rear cabin has abundant room and not forgetting a decent 460 litres capacity boot.

The Drive
The Q3 offers a 2-wheel or 4-wheel drive feature and a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed automatic transmission, but unfortunately it still lacks the expected torque of an SUV. Hence, it felt more like a hatchback.

Overall
The Q3 is perfect if you are looking to get a slightly powerful hatchback with looks. Get in touch with us to compare car finance rates for the Audi Q3!

Reviewing the Audi Q3

Reviewing the Ford Ranger

If you are on a hunt, read our opinion on the Ford Ranger before peeking into car finance deals.

The Car
The Ranger has recently gotten new features upgrades like lane departure warning and cruise control with gap assistance. The Ranger comes with Regular, Double, or Super Cab versions so you can opt for the required size. It focuses more on heavy-duty work, so it is perfect as a commercial vehicle.

The Drive
As a utility vehicle, you can expect stable handling but obviously agility is compromised. There are technologies to aide your daily commute regardless of which terrain so parking or steep slopes are not an issue.

The Interior
The Ranger is more of a workhorse so you can expect a sturdy exterior. Space is abundant all around when it comes to either squeezing 5 adults comfortably or that laptop inside the glove compartment.

Overall
The Ranger is fantastic for everything heavy-duty looking at its size and power which means it can be a little difficult to park.

Reviewing the Ford Ranger

Reviewing the BMW 1 Series

Read what we have to say about the BMW 1 Series before you start looking at car finance options.

The Car
The BMW 2011 model replaces the 2004 model with a sportier look. It has a 5-star ANCAP rating due to its features like 7 airbags and climate controls.

The Drive
The BMW 1 series is the only hatchback with rear-wheel drive so you can expect a steady drive. Looking at its size, it generally gets tricky while parking and a little twitchy at high speeds.

The Interior
Rear-wheel drive often compromises the rear space and the center seat is raised making it quite uncomfortable to sit on. As for the rear window, it is relatively small so parking would be tricky due to poor visibility and bad natural lighting. The boot caps at a generous 360 litres complementing generous storage areas throughout the car.

Overall
The 1 series is a pretty good catch for a hatchback from a trusted brand, ensuring you with a guaranteed resale value. Talk to us today to discuss the necessary finances.

Reviewing the BMW 1 Series

Processing Your Car Financing Application

Once you’ve sent in your applications, do you know what the financial institutions do to get your loan approved? Read on!

Identification and Income - Your identity, contacts, income and other information are all being verified and cross checked. They will search through central databases to make sure you don’t have a criminal or bad driving record. Most of this information will be used later for more detailed checks.

Risk Assessment and Ability to make Repayment - The bank will make sure that you have a good history of credit and will be able to make payments in a timely basis based on track record and your details above.

Current Market Rates - The financiers will look at how much to charge you on top of the amount they are going to loan you based on current market situations.

A broker or financing consultant can make the whole application and approval process that much simpler. So why not contact The Smarter Finance Company for a bit of professional help today?

Processing Your Car Financing Application

Questions to Ask when you’re Ready to Buy a Car

If you’re ready to buy a car, perhaps you should ask yourself these questions to make sure that you’re on the right track balancing your cash and financing.

How much do you Have? - How much you have in the bank determines how much you can put down for the car now and how much you’ll need to apply for with the bank.

How much can you Afford? -  Your on-going commitment is going to be a part of your life so you need to work out how much spare cash you can put aside every month without having to eat potatoes every day for the rest of the contract.

Do you have any Upcoming Commitments? - Life events like a wedding or a baby might require you to put aside your cash and reconsider just how much you can set aside. When things are uncertain, it’s best to put off any major cash purchases.

Do you Really Need a New Car? -  Sometimes people buy cars on a whim. While that might be nice, not all of us can afford to do so “just for fun”.

If you want to know more about how to apply for the best car finance deals, then call The Smarter Finance Company! 

Questions to Ask when you’re Ready to Buy a Car

Buying a Car that Retains its Value

You can make a difference to your resale value of your car with some handy tips here!

Choosing the Right Car - Because you will eventually have to sell or look at a new car, it’s important to choose a car that will potentially stand the test of time. Some cars are evergreen, and it pays to look at whether those models fit into the list that you’re looking at.

Looking at your Options - Different car features will appeal to different people so if you have too many frills installed, it may be harder to attract the right buyer. Our advice is to go for a right tier of car that offers as close to what you want without too many pricy add-ons.

Taking Care of your Car - We can’t stress how important it is to take care of your car and drive safely! Accidents and deterioration of the inside or outside of the car will negatively affect its value.

The Smarter Finance Company can help you to make sure that your finances are in order so when you eventually sell your vehicle, you’ll be financially prepared for that new one too!

Buying a Car that Retains its Value

Things to Think About when Signing for Car Financing

Here are some basics about car financing so that you can go into negotiations knowing what to expect...

Payments - THE biggest component of car finance is the amount you pay back to the bank every month. Tweaking this figure helps to shorten or lengthen the tenure of your contract depending on how much you can afford.

Interest Rates and Fees - Floating/variable or fixed rates affect how much on top of your monthly payments you are paying back to the bank. Sometimes there are additional fees to the dealer or broker as payment for their services.

Options - Check out the fine details of how your car loan works, for example Novated Leases, Hire Purchase agreements, secured and unsecured options, refinancing, balloon payments and tax rebates.

What Happens if you Can’t meet the Obligations - Read the T&Cs carefully to ensure that you know what happens if you miss or default on your payments.

You can make the process a lot simpler with a little help from  The Smarter Finance Company, find out how we can help you with your car finances today.

Things to Think About when Signing for Car Financing

Things to do before you Sign for you New Car

Need a list of last minute things to do when you buy your car? Here it is!

Look at Referrals - Have a look-see at what others are saying about your dealer or the car itself and you might just find out whether you’re making a right decision.

Check the Car - Tick off all the inspection items against the physical car before you get in it or even sign the contract. Make sure that you are getting exactly what you paid for!

Review your Financing Plan - Make sure that the figures tally so that you don’t end up with a plan that puts you in a bad position later on.

Be Certain! - If you need a little more time to think, then take it. Don’t get cornered into a purchase that you don’t think you’ll be 100% satisfied with.

The Smarter Finance Company can help you with getting your finances on track and can even walk you through the whole procedure or purchasing a new car. Call us today!

Things to do before you Sign for you New Car

How to Check your Car before Driving

Getting a few checks done before you drive off might make the difference between a smooth ride and a huge inconvenience.  Read on!

Exterior - Look for leaking fluid as well as any tire issues. Your windshields, windows and mirrors should all provide clear visibility too

Engine - Make sure that your fluid levels are up and that your battery is charged up.

Signals and Lights - Your indicator lights should be bright and responsive. Make sure that your headlight, brake and reverse lights are not blown. Your wipers should be in good working order too!

Interior - Make sure nothing has sneaked into the car before you drive off! Also, give your car a chance to warm up so you can read the gauges and make sure that everything is in order.

When car trouble is unavoidable, you can always call a mechanic or reliable roadside assistance team to bail you out! Find out how you can subscribe with such services with The Smarter Finance Company today!

How to Check your Car before Driving 

How to Protect your Car

Take a few steps once in a while to make sure that your investment in your new car is protected!

Scheduled Maintenance - Follow your scheduled maintenance schedule! A trained mechanic will not only be able to help you tune up your vehicle every once in a while if you can’t do so on your own but they can spot some problems that you might have missed!

Washing and Waxing - Keeping your car clean helps your car to continue to look its best! A shiny car is also perceived to be worth more too.

Car Alarm - A simple car alarm can help protect your car from theft and vandalism. Just make sure to calibrate the car well if you don’t want to wake up the neighbourhood with the slightest disturbance!

Driving Safe! - If you drive safe, you prevent a lot of unnecessary woes! Follow the road rules and make sure you are in good condition to drive before getting in the car.

A good comprehensive insurance coverage can help make sure that if something does happen to your car that you’ll have somewhere to go to get repairs done! Call The Smarter Finance Company to find out more! 

How to Protect your Car

Things to Note when Applying for Car Financing

Find out more about how to apply for the best finance deals here.

Asking around - Do your research and perhaps look for a broker or specialist to help you do comparisons and figure out the right figures for you.

Comparing and Selecting Quotes - After all the applications, you can start comparing the different quotes to find out which plan gives you the most value for money. Don’t be suckered into making a hasty decision because a car financing loan is a big commitment over a long time!

Processing Your Application - All that’s left to do now is send in your documents so they can finalise the loan. Different companies will have different requirements so make sure that you follow their list if you don’t want delays!

With your loan finalised, you can head to the dealership to pick up your or start negotiations for one! Do remember that at all stages you can contact a broker like The Smarter Finance Company to help you compare and analyse the different quotes!

How to keep Your Car in Good Shape

Here are some basic maintenance steps that you can take to keep your car in good shape.

Exterior- Make sure your tires are properly inflated and well balanced. Ensure that your car windows and mirrors are well-adjusted and clear so that your vision is unobstructed.

Interior- Getting your car vacuumed and cleaned is not only going to help maintain the value of your car, but it’s hygienic too! You should also maintain your sound and entertainment system as well.

Engine - The oil and fluid levels should be topped up and you should check out any issues with your car with a mechanic as soon as you notice something out of place.

Finances - Making sure that you have enough funds to fix any problems is important too! And to do that, you should ensure that your financing plan is something affordable for you and your family!

If you need help to keep your car in shape, ask a mechanic for tips!

How to keep Your Car in Good Shape

How Much is a Car REALLY Going to Cost you?

If you’re going to spend a lot of money on a car, you should know what you’re spending it all on!

Purchasing Costs - The advertised price plus extra features plus sellers’ and agent’s fees come under this section. This is how much it will cost to take the car out of the dealership and drive it back home!

Running Costs - To run your car, you’re going to need fuel, as well as parking and other road fees and tolls as well as servicing and repair costs to ensure that your vehicle is in good shape to be on the roads.

Protection Costs - Insuring your vehicle is mandatory for a minimum amount of coverage. But while it may be a cost, it’s something you will definitely need if you don’t want to pay through your nose if an accident happens!

Legal Costs - The government will normally charge you road taxes and fees for registration and maintenance of the road. And just in case you do get fined for speeding or illegal parking....

With all these costs adding up, why not get the best car finance rate to ensure that you save where it counts? Contact  The Smarter Finance Company today!

How Much is a Car REALLY Going to Cost you?

Questions to Help you Decide on a Car

Finding that one car? Ask yourself these questions first!

Family Situation? Thinking about that sporty 2-door? Think again! Do you have a big family? Perhaps you’ll need more space!

Lifestyle Choices? If you need space in the car for your work tools or for a golf bag or boogy board, then you may want to look at a car with a bigger capacity.

Commuting Habits? Comfort and fuel economy are key if you’re travelling long distance. You may need better traction and control if you drive in hilly terrain too.

Do you Need Power?  You don’t quite need too much power if you live in the city where there are lots of traffic lights. This depends a lot on your commuting habits too!

Tax Rebates? Do you want to utilise your car to get you tax rebates? Look at the different financing plans to get you the best deal.

Budget!! Don’t overspend! You could literally be paying for choosing above what you can afford for a long time to come! Ask the experts to help you work out a comfortable amount to pay for a new car.

The Smarter Finance Company helps people every day with car financing problems and questions. Our doors are always open to you if you need us!

How to Save on Maintenance Fees

Making sure that your car is in tune and in proper shape can be expensive, but here’s how to keep your maintenance fees low.

Routine maintenance - If you’re not sure what you need to do, at the very least you need to meet your regular maintenance schedules with your registered workshop!

Find a good mechanic - A good mechanic can spot a small problem and fix it before it becomes a much bigger and more expensive one!

Know what to Look Out for! - Getting acquainted with your engine can help you spot problems when they happen and get them fixed before they turn into bigger problems.

Take care of your tyres - People forget that their tyres can cost them a lot of money! Make sure that the treads are not worn out and the suspension is properly balanced. Keeping a spare helps a lot too!

If you find you are spending too much money on your car, why not explore refinancing to bring those costs down?

How to Save on Maintenance Fees

Deciding on Extra Features for Your Car

What are some extra features you can add-on to your car? Find out below!

Safety Add-ons - Check your car for number and placement of airbags, warning systems, and other technology that can help you detect danger around you and your vehicle.

Electric or Environmentally-conscious Versions - If there is a hybrid version, why not do your part for the environment and gain some fuel economy when you use electricity instead of petrol to run your car!

Paint & detailing - Changing colour and look of your car is an expensive feature that doesn’t add much value to your car but can be nice if you want to personalise your car.

More Technology - If you want to be connected on the move or entertained, or simply have a good mapping system installed, you can take a look at what technology can be added into your car’s control panel.

Extra Insurance and Warranties - Car insurance and warranties are important add-ons to give you peace of mind when you’re on the road. Find out more about what you’re covered for to make sure you are covered in all situations.

Extra features for your car might be quite expensive so be careful when you negotiate extras with your dealer. 

Deciding on Extra Features for Your Car

Making Sure you have Sufficient Car Insurance

You shouldn’t ever compromise on your car insurance even though it’s expensive. Here’s how to keep your insurance costs low...

Buy an Affordable Car - Sports, performance and SUV models generally are more risky cars to drive because of the power they have. While the cars are costly themselves, it can be expensive to insure them too.

Figure out what you Need - Find out what kind of coverage there is. Comprehensive insurance is a good mid-level coverage to start with.

Compare Car Insurance - Compare the best car insurance deals and pick the one that fits your car the best. Make sure you check out reviews of the company too!

Look for Discounts - There just might be some special rates if you pick up a package deal or wait for a particular time in the year.

Manage your Excess - Balance your excess with how much you can afford but don’t pick an excess too high that you won’t be able to claim anything unless your car is totalled!

Drive Carefully! - A good driving track record means a cheaper insurance premium!  

Check with The Smarter Finance Company if you need help with those quote comparisons today!

Making Sure you have Sufficient Car Insurance

What to Do in a Car Accident

Oh no! You’re in a car accident! What should you do now? Read on so that you’ll be prepared if it ever happens to you.

 What should I do? - KEEP CALM. Check for injured passengers and help them first. Have your hazard lights on while you stop to do the necessary.

Notify Police if Necessary - If there have been injuries or damages to property, call your local authorities and inform them a crash has happened and take responsibility for your actions.

Get help - If someone is injured, call an ambulance and get that person to safety and out of the vehicle if you can. If you’re not sure what else to do, get in touch with your insurance agency who can walk you through what to do.

Exchange Details - You are required to exchange details with the other parties in the accident no matter who caused it. Do not admit who is at fault just in case there are legal proceedings. Your insurance company can handle things once they have all the information.

With The Smarter Finance Company, you can ensure that you have a robust car insurance coverage and roadside assistance too if you need it! Call us to find out more!

What to Do in a Car Accident

Hiring a Car Financing Specialist

You may not have considered hiring a specialist to help you with car financing, but here are some reasons why you should!

Laying the cards on the table - Find out what your chances look like when you start applying. Your specialist should be well versed with what figures look like for a person with a similar background and financial ability as you.

Smoother Application Process - Because brokers handle lots of applications, they will be able to share with you guidelines and rules and of course help you to handle the paperwork so that there’s less chance of delays or rejections.

Deeper Analysis - With a specialist, you can be sure that they know how to crunch figures and help you work out a comparison for which loans are the most cost-effective for you.

Securing the Purchase - From the start right through to the finish, you can trust your specialist to help you complete the application right through to the point you get the loan transferred to you and perhaps past then.

Hiring a Car Financing Specialist

The Smarter Finance Company is one such company that can help you with your car financing and loan application woes!

What Happens when you Apply for Car Financing?

Here’s how your car financing process works. Find out more about what you need to do!

Providing Details - Providing your personal and financial information to a credit union, bank or other lending institution is an important step. It may be a good idea to collate all this information when you are ready to start shopping.

Offering you a Rate - The moment of truth - how much will you will be able to borrow for that car of your dreams. Do your comparisons and see how low the rates can go...

Negotiation - Banks and credit unions might not negotiate with you, but if you are buying a packaged deal from the dealers, it’s no harm to ask!

Finalizing the Loan - Make sure that the whole contract is documented and that your loan is approved. Everything should be in order when you sign for your new car and drive it off into the sunset!

Why not seek some professional assistance to finance your car. You can call The Smarter Finance Company for a bit of advice today! 

What Happens when you Apply for Car Financing?

Getting A Good Deal for your New Car

A car ain’t cheap! But you can take these steps to ensure that you’re not paying more than you should!

Research Prices - Look for options before you start buying your car so that you’ll be familiar with what a reasonable price will look like. Start looking at loan approvals too so that you can gauge just how much you can afford to be spending. 

Deliberate - After the initial selection process, take a step back and look at all your options. From the list of potential cars, you can figure out what best suits you. A professional car financing specialist might be able to make the job a little more easy on you too.

Time your purchase - If you didn’t know that cars could be discounted, well now you know! Holidays, new releases and at the end of the month are the best times to go finalize a purchase!

We hope that you’ll be well-prepared to purchase that new car when you do so we’d love to give you a helping hand with comparing car finances! Call The Smarter Finance Company to speak with our consultants today!

Getting A Good Deal for your New Car

How to Avoid Car Sales Tricks

We’ve got some tricks of our own so you can get the better of those sneaky sales people!

Check out Financing before Purchasing your Car - Doing your research and doing your own comparison will help you find out what the going financing rates are!

Get the Certification and Reports - Make sure that the paperwork is in order. Ensuring that you have accurate information or spending a bit to send your car for an inspection will save you from buying a dud!

Ask for Documentation - Get your dealer to confirm all the information and document your agreed price on paper, including all of the features and add-ons like insurance and installations so that you have it on record.

Don’t commit too Quickly! - Take your time to make your final decision. A car is a big commitment so you can afford to take a day or two to finalise your choice.

Getting ready to buy a car can be a lot simpler with a specialist by your side. Call The Smarter Finance Company for that helping hand now!

How to Avoid Car Sales Tricks

What Loan Suits You Best?

Here is some information about the 3 basic car loans that you’ll see when you’re applying for car financing...

Personal Loan? - With no deposit required, the personal loan is the simplest loan of the lot - immediate ownership is granted to you once you’ve paid! Just remember that this type of loan can potentially be risky if you have no collateral to put up as security!  

Hire Purchase? - Hiring the car from your lender is a good option if you want to eventually own your car. With a deposit and with the car itself as a security, interest rates are much lower and monthly instalments possibly more manageable.

Dealer Finance? - Getting a quotation from your dealer has its pros and cons - rates may not be as competitive as the salespeople mark up interest rates to earn a commission for themselves!  The convenience is a plus though so if you don’t mind paying a little bit more for that...

Why not let The Smarter Finance Company help you compare the options? Call us today!

What Loan Suits You Best?

The Advantages of Getting Car Finance

Why do people need to go to a broker to work out car financing plans or to get a secured loan? Here’s why!

More money! - Car financing will greatly increase your base pool of funds so that you can afford a higher class of car than you could normally afford.

Easy Applications - Car loans are easy to apply got and chances of approval are high since cars are a necessary convenience to a lot of people.  

Low Risk - When you pledge your car as a security, you don’t have to worry too much about what will happen IF you default.  

Fixed Interest Rates - You can fix your interest rates so that your monthly installment rates are stable throughout the length of your repayment period.

More Perks - Get freebies and add-ons or even discounts and vouchers when you sign up with a financier on promotion!

The Smarter Finance Company is privy to the best car finance deals in Australia. Experience these advantages first have with us and get a great deal to boot! 

The Advantages of Getting Car Finance

How to Avoid Getting Scammed

Nobody wants to know that the wool has been pulled over your eyes, so here are some tricks of the trade that you should watch out for when you’re buying a car.

Selling You Something You Can’t Afford - be careful when a deal seems too good to be true, dealership might tell you what you want to hear only to change the terms later on.

Inflating your Interest Rate - The quoted interest rates at the showroom might not be the actual rates available from lenders so remember to do your research!

Selling you a Dud - It’s hard to tell about the history of a car until something happens. Accidents and maintenance in the past may not have been done regularly and that can lead to you buying a pretty banged up vehicle!

Trying Their Luck - While this doesn’t apply to all salespeople, it’s true that they need to make a sale in order to earn money and may just tell you all sorts of things or push their luck with you trying to get you to feel guilty or buy at their quoted prices.

Doing your research greatly eliminates the chances of being scammed. You can check with The Smarter Finance Company for more tips and tricks and financing help!

How to Avoid Getting Scammed

Car sales Tricks

When you’re ready to buy a car, there are some tricks of the trade that you are going to want to know about!

Lies - Take the salesperson’s words with a pinch of salt, they may be trying to offload a car on you. Don’t feel pressured to buy when you are not ready.

Switches - When the salesperson is trying to get you down to the showroom, they’ll tell you what you want to hear. But beware that they might just pull a switch on you and tell you that the car you want isn’t available...

Distractions - Taking your attention away from the final price and convincing you that a monthly payment is a good deal is the oldest trick in the book. Make sure you do your sums so that you don’t over pay or end up with redundant add-ons.

Getting your car financing worked out before you head to the dealership can help solve a lot of these issues. Contact The Smarter Finance Company to get started!

Car sales Tricks 

A New car versus an Used car

If you need a replacement car, you might want to look at our list that compares buying a new one or a used one first.

Buying a New Car
Pros - You don’t have to wait for a car that you want to be available, they come brand new. You have your pick of options and noone else has touched the steering wheel or sat in that seat. You don’t have to worry about car history either.
Cons - New cars are definitely more expensive and value drops instantly after you’ve signed the dotted line. Feedback on new models is also harder to find.

Buying a Used Car
Pros - Cost is definitely a factor - you might be able to get a car that you like for a steal, and at cheaper interest rates too.
Cons - The history of the car is in question here especially if the previous owner did not maintain or repair issues effectively. You may not pay actual value of the car either since sellers always try to make money when they sell.

You can find out more when you compare car financing rates with The Smarter Finance Company. Let us help you decide which one will fit you best!

A New car versus an Used car

How to be Safe on the Road

Please be careful when you’re out on the road. Take some helpful tips from The Smarter Finance Company...

- Stay at a Safe Distance: Remember your 3-second rule so that you have enough stopping distance when the car in front of you brakes suddenly

- Watch Out for Others on the Road: You’re not the only one on the road and accidents can be caused by others around you when you’re driving. Keep alert and watch out for weird behaviour and unexpected changes in road conditions.

- Stay Focused: Keep your eyes ahead and remove distractions. Don’t let your attentions be diverted from controlling your car because anything can happen in a split second.

Kist in case something happens, you need to have good car insurance coverage too. Check with us to compare deals for car insurance in Australia.

http://financesmarter.com.au/blog/how-to-be-safe-in-your-car/

Things to think about When you Buy a Car

Here’s a quick how-to list of how you can get ready to search for a brand new ride!

1. List your Criteria - Figure out what you want in a car and list it down. Think about comfort, safety, engine power, fuel economy and even the cost all.

2. Prioritise your List - Are you willing to settle for less fuel economy if your car comes with more power? Rank your list of criteria since certain models of cars will be better at some things rather than others!  

3. Fix a budget - You need to decide how much you are willing to spend! A financing plan might raise your budget, but you need to figure out a comfortable monthly repayment amount for you to handle.

4. See what fits - Once you’ve got your criteria and budget, you can really start shopping. When you find something that fits your list, shortlist it and then you can pick the best ones from your final set!

If you need some extra help working out your finances, you can look for The Smarter Finance Company to help you out with your car loan! Call us today! 

Things to think about When you Buy a Car

Smart Tips for Selling your Car

Here’s how you can get an even better deal when you sell your car. Read on!

1) How much is it worth? Do your research and find out how much or how little people are selling cars the same make and model for.

2) Is it the Right Time to Sell? Are there sales and promotions for your car first hand going on? Keep tabs on trends and demand for certain types of cars because different cars will be more in demand through different seasons of the year.

3) Does it look good? If you can spruce up your car - get it washed, shined and vacuumed then its value will go up, up, up!

4) Can you Negotiate? Knowing how much your car is worth is half the battle won but have a bottom line for yourself. Start with what you would like to have and be reasonable about how much you get.

If your car doesn’t sell for as much as you would like, with The Smarter Finance Company, we can help you come up with any shortfall with our car financing plans!

Smart Tips for Selling your Car

Use Your Car for Your Safety!

Because so many things can happen to you on the road, your car is built to keep you safe. Here’s how!

1) Check your Speedo - Check that you’re within the speed limit and don’t speed. Save yourself from a speeding ticket and an accident!

2) Check your Blind Spots - Use your side view mirrors and keep your windows unobstructed and clear so that you can see your blind spots for any hiding pedestrians or vehicles

3) Use your Lights and Wipers Appropriately - In bad weather conditions, your high beam, demisting lines on your rear windshield and your wipers are there to give you a clear view of what’s in front and behind you.

4) Wear your Seatbelt - Always buckle up and buckle up tight! Keep a seatbelt cutter of knife handy as well in case you are trapped in the car and need a quick way out.

Keep safe not only by knowing how to use your car, but by having comprehensive car insurance in place too!

Use Your Car for Your Safety!

How to be Safe in your Car

Your car can be a dangerous machine, what more out on the road and at a high speed? Take some advice from us and be safe!

1) Don’t Drink and Drive - We’re sure that you know full well the effects of alcohol on you even when you’re not driving. Play it safe and get a designated driver or take a cab instead of driving.

2) Stay Focused - Don’t be on your phone, keep your eyes focused on the road. Kids should be safely buckled in and pets in pet carriers. Don’t get distracted!

3) Don’t drive when you’re Sleepy - It’s hard to get a good night’s sleep sometimes, or perhaps you’re sick and are taking medicine that makes you drowsy. Either way, it’s a better idea not to drive if you don’t think you’ll be alert on the road.

4) Keep Cool - No matter what happens on the road, don’t let anger or road rage get the better of you. Taking it out on someone else can cause them to lash out too so keep a cool head as best you can.

How to be Safe in your Car

Make sure your car insurance is in check and be safe! Being safe starts with you!

How to get a Fair Deal for your New Car

Want to make sure that you get a reasonable quote for the car you want? Take some tips from us!

Negotiate the Final Price - Be firm on your final price and try not to negotiate on add-ons once you’ve made your stand.

Expect Sales Tactics - Don’t be pulled in by limited time offers or pushy sales people. Focus on your criteria and meeting it. It may be hard not to be influenced but know that sales tactics are to be expected.

Make the Most of your Quotations - It might seem obvious, but getting a number of quotes means you can pick the cheapest car from the lot! Telling the dealers that you are getting other offers may also further reduce their figures!

How to get a Fair Deal for your New Car

Shopping for cars can be stressful, and so can comparing car finance too! But for that, you can always give The Smarter Finance Company a call! Why not do that today!

Car financing for Newbies - The Novated Loan

How can you use a novated loan to help finance your car? Find out more below...

How it works - Ever wish you could streamline your car payments? The Novated Loan helps you integrate your financing payments into your salary structure with the help of your employer! Choose a non-maintained novated loan to retain some control of how you pay for your car’s expenses and a maintained novated loan if you would prefer all the variables to be taken care of.

Pros - There is convenience in including your payments in your salary. Both parties are rewarded in this mutually beneficial relationship and more than in just good feelings! There are tax deductions also of course! And the lender is happy to lend you a larger amount at a smaller interest rate too.

Cons - The car remains under your name so if you are out of a job, the responsibility is on you to continue making payments.

The Novated Loan can make your life easier, but let The Smarter Finance Company help you work out the details. Call us today!

Car financing for Newbies - The Novated Lease

Car financing for Newbies - Comprehensive Insurance

How does Comprehensive Insurance work? Let this short article give you a heads up...

How it works - Insurance covers accidents and all sorts of unexpected situations that may happen to you and your car, whether on the road or at home parked under a tree. Comprehensive insurance normally will cover fire, theft and third party damage.

Pros - Definitely you will get peace of mind from the assurance of financial protection. You’ll be able to afford repairs and even medical care if it boils down to that as long as you have insurance in place!

Cons - Premiums can vary in cost to you and if you are a safe driver, you might wonder why you need to pay for something you might not utilise. Just remember that you’re not the only driver on the road though!

Car financing for Newbies - Comprehensive Insurance

Find out more about what insurance can be provided to you. Call The Smarter Finance Company today!

Car financing for Newbies - Roadside Assistance

We find out more about Roadside Assistance and how it can benefit you when you buy a new or used car.

How it works - A roadside recover team can help you get back on the road if something happens to you when you’re driving. A tow or a quick jumpstart or even help retrieving your keys from a locked vehicle is easy when you have a trustworthy team to call.

Pros - Sometimes you just need a helping hand but you don’t know who to call. Roadside Assistance gives you the peace of mind that someone with experience and a solution can come to your rescue at any time.

Cons - If something doesn’t happen during the term of your subscription (which is a good thing), your subscription fee goes down the drain.

Car financing for Newbies - Roadside Assistance 

Don’t you think it’s better to be safe than sorry? Find out about the options for Roadside Assistance with The Smarter Finance Company today! 

Car financing for Newbies - The Secured Loan

We take a look at the secured loan and how it can help you finance your new or used car!

How it works - A secured loan is carried out by putting up an asset, normally the car itself, as collateral so that the lender has an assurance of your commitment to the contract. If the borrower defaults or misses payments, the lender has the right to repossess the car as payment instead.

Pros - Because of the collateral that you’ve put up, lenders are appeased enough that their “investment” in you will be returned and that you won’t miss your payments. You are likely to be able to borrow a bigger fum of money with lower interest rates. Tax deductions, both for sales and for businesses, also apply.

Cons - There is a chance that your collateral or the car itself might get taken away by the lender if you are unable to make payments.

Car financing for Newbies - The Secured Loan

You can work out how to make sure that a secured loan is affordable for you by contacting The Smarter Finance Company!

Car financing for Newbies - The Hire Purchase Agreement

Let’s find out more about the Hire Purchase Agreement for financing your new car.

How it works - The lender buys the car and lets you “hire” it from them. But with the added benefit of ownership once you have made sufficient payments to the lender. You can adjust the payment terms according to your preferred tenure and work with the lender to find a monthly instalment amount that meets your needs.

Pros - Since the lender owns the car until you’ve paid up, they are much more willing to give you better interest rates and accept the agreement at a lower deposit amount. Sales tax and VAT can be waived and can benefit businesses in terms of managing their cash flow. Ownership is also granted at the end of the term.

Cons - If you default on payments or break contract anywhere in between, you lose the right to own even a portion of the car despite how many payments you’ve made.

Car financing for Newbies - The Hire Purchase Agreement

Find out more about the Hire Purchase Agreement with The Smarter Finance Company!

How to Pick a Car that’s Right for You!

Just how can a person decide on just ONE car? There are a lot of things to look at isn’t there? Here we narrow down some tips for you...

How big?

Different cars cater to different needs and you need to work out just how much capacity your need. Test drives and asking questions at the showroom might be able to help you sort out some queries you have.

How powerful?

More power may mean more speed, but you may not always be more safe!  What level of security and power you really needs depends on the terrain that you travel on a regular basis.

Gas, Diesel or a Hybrid?

You get different fuel economy from different types of petrol. Again, depending on what your average route looks like, different choices will give you a better yield!

How to Pick a Car that’s Right for You!

Your tastes may change over the years and finding a car that suits you will take some searching. We hope that we’ve been able to help you narrow it down!