The Hello Lending Institute maintains editorial independence across all published research.

Editorial decisions are not influenced by:

• Vehicle manufacturers

• Dealerships

• Advertising partners

• Commercial relationships

• Referral agreements

• Brand loyalty

• Personal preference

Advertising and editorial content remain separate.

Commercial relationships do not influence research outcomes.

Cost To Own Methodology

Our flagship Cost To Own research series compares vehicles using a consistent ownership methodology.

Each comparison is designed to reflect a realistic ownership scenario for Australian motorists.

Every comparison follows the same framework.

Ownership Period

All Cost To Own comparisons are based on a standard ownership period of:

Three Years

This allows comparisons to remain consistent across every vehicle category.

Vehicle Selection

Vehicles selected for comparison must satisfy the following criteria wherever practical.

• Comparable vehicle category

• Comparable intended buyer

• Comparable specification

• Similar model year

• Original Australian Recommended Retail Price within approximately AUD $5,000–$10,000

Where exceptions are necessary they are disclosed within the comparison.

Distance Travelled

Ownership calculations use the most appropriate Australian industry-average distance travelled for the vehicle category being assessed.

Examples may include:

• Passenger vehicles

• Light commercial vehicles

• Performance vehicles

• Luxury vehicles

Where no reliable industry benchmark exists, assumptions are clearly disclosed.

Data Sources

Research is based on Australian data wherever possible.

Primary sources may include:

• Manufacturer Recommended Retail Pricing

• Manufacturer Scheduled Maintenance Programs

• Manufacturer Fuel Consumption Data

• Australian Government Statistics

• Historical Australian Fuel Prices

• Australian Market Valuation Data

• Comparable Australian Market Listings

Where estimates are required they are clearly identified.

What We Measure

The Hello Lending Institute currently evaluates ownership using three measurable categories.

Depreciation

Including:

• Original Australian purchase price

• Estimated Australian market value

• Standard ownership period

• Standard ownership distance

Scheduled Maintenance

Including:

• Manufacturer service intervals

• Manufacturer scheduled servicing

• Applicable capped-price servicing where available

Fuel Costs

Including:

• Official combined fuel consumption

• Historical Australian fuel prices during the ownership period

• Standard ownership distance

What We Do Not Measure

To ensure consistency, the following ownership costs are currently excluded.

• Insurance

• Registration

• Finance costs

• Repairs

• Tyres

• Modifications

• Driver behaviour

• Optional accessories

• Vehicle financing structures

These variables differ significantly between owners and are therefore excluded from our standard methodology.

The Hello Lending Rating

The Hello Lending Rating represents comparative ownership value.

It is not intended to measure:

• Vehicle performance

• Driving enjoyment

• Luxury

• Comfort

• Technology

• Styling

• Brand prestige

A vehicle may achieve an outstanding ownership rating while another may deliver a superior driving experience.

Both outcomes can be equally valid.

Transparency

Every published comparison includes:

• Ownership assumptions

• Distance travelled

• Fuel assumptions

• Data sources

• Methodology

• Publication date

Readers should always understand how each conclusion has been reached.

Corrections

Accuracy is fundamental to our work.

Where an error is identified:

• The information will be reviewed.

• Supporting evidence will be verified.

• Corrections will be published where required.

• Comparisons will be updated when appropriate.

We welcome constructive feedback where readers identify information that may improve the accuracy of our research.

Continuous Improvement

Vehicle markets evolve.

Fuel prices change.

Manufacturer servicing programs are updated.

The Hello Lending Institute continually reviews its published methodology to ensure it remains relevant and accurate.

Future editions of the Cost To Own methodology may expand to include additional ownership metrics where sufficient reliable data becomes available.

Any changes to methodology will be documented and version controlled.

Our Commitment

The Hello Lending Institute was created to build trust through evidence.

Our commitment is simple.

We will:

• Apply the same methodology consistently.

• Disclose assumptions openly.

• Correct mistakes transparently.

• Separate editorial decisions from commercial relationships.

• Continue improving our research over time.

If we cannot support a conclusion with evidence, we will not publish it.

Disclaimer

The Hello Lending Institute publishes general ownership research designed to assist Australian motorists in comparing vehicles using a consistent methodology.

Our research is not financial, legal or taxation advice and should not be relied upon as the sole basis for purchasing decisions.

Actual ownership costs may vary depending on location, vehicle condition, driving habits, maintenance history, fuel prices, market conditions and individual circumstances.

Readers should conduct their own due diligence and consider their personal requirements before purchasing any vehicle.