Why EOFY Is the Best Time to Buy
June is consistently the highest-volume month for new car sales in Australia. Dealers are under intense pressure to hit quarterly and annual sales targets, which means bigger discounts, bonus trade-in offers, and finance incentives that you won't see at any other time of year.
In 2026, the pressure is even greater. NVES (New Vehicle Efficiency Standard) regulations mean manufacturers face penalties for selling too many high-emission vehicles. This is driving aggressive pricing on EVs, plug-in hybrids, and fuel-efficient models.
Tax Benefits You Should Know
1. Instant Asset Write-Off (Business Buyers)
If you have an ABN and use the car for business, you may be able to immediately deduct the business-use portion of the vehicle cost up to the car limit of $69,674 (2025-26). This applies to new and used vehicles first used or installed ready for use before 30 June.
2. Novated Leasing (All Employees)
A novated lease lets you pay for your car and running costs from your pre-tax salary. For someone on $100,000, this typically saves $3,000-$8,000 per year in tax. For EVs, the savings are even larger thanks to the FBT exemption.
3. EV FBT Exemption
Electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids are 100% exempt from Fringe Benefits Tax when acquired through a novated lease. This is the single biggest tax incentive for car buyers in Australia right now, potentially saving $5,000-$15,000+ per year depending on your salary and vehicle price.
EOFY Negotiation Tactics
- Visit on the last week of June — dealers are most desperate to close deals
- Get quotes from 3+ dealers — competition drives prices down
- Focus on drive-away pricing — avoid hidden fees
- Consider previous-year plates — MY25 models will be discounted heavily
- Ask about demonstrator vehicles — near-new with significant discounts
- Don't mention trade-in until price is agreed — negotiate separately
Which Brands Are Discounting Hardest?
Brands under the most NVES pressure — those with large, fuel-hungry fleets — are offering the biggest incentives. Look for deals from brands actively pushing their EV and hybrid lineups. Chinese manufacturers (BYD, MG, GWM) are also pricing aggressively to build market share.
The Best Time to Buy (Beyond EOFY)
- End of Financial Year (June) — Best overall deals, tax benefits
- Plate Clearance (Dec-Jan) — Previous year models discounted
- Quarter End (March, September) — Dealers chasing bonus targets
- August — Quietest month, best negotiation leverage