New Car Price Calculators

01-March-2010

advertisement ^

Shopping around to buy a new vehicle will become easier and more user-friendly with 22 vehicle brands introducing a new online price calculator on their websites to provide customers with an all-inclusive drive away price.

Up until now, there was no pressure for car companies to list prices (and there's no regulation still, with some brands refusing to add the calculator - showing no prices on their websites at all).

"The price calculator is a real step forward for new car buyers," says Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) Chief Executive Andrew McKellar.

"This online tool means customers no longer have to add up all the different state and federal taxes, as well as dealership and insurance charges, when they are comparing new cars.

"This is a commonsense approach and makes it easier for new car buyers to conveniently compare different models online," adds Andrew.

The price calculator will allow potential customers to enter their postcode in order to gain a fair indication of how much that vehicle will cost, taking into account insurances and taxes.

"This enables customers to receive a good estimate of the drive away price, based on where they live, before visiting a showroom.

"This is another measure that we hope will provide private buyers with renewed confidence to return to the market in greater numbers," he said.

The FCAI acted to assist buyers following changes to the Trade Practices Act. The changes had the unfortunate consequence of brands withdrawing prices from websites because of the variations in stamp duty, registration and insurance charges in different states.