Canberrans are taking out car loans in record numbers, with car loans in the ACT rising by 67 per cent compared to the 25 per cent national rise so far this financial year.
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Beyond Bank ACT state manager Christ Blight said Woden Valley and Manuka saw the highest growth at 72 per cent, followed by Gungahlin at 62.1 per cent.
"Canberra has rebounded following both the federal and ACT elections in 2016 with increased car lending as consumer confidence is restored," Mr Blight said.
"The election cycle always impacts the local Canberra market with larger consumer spending items such as car loans."
According to CommSec, car affordability was the best on record as new car sales in March 2017 set the month's record with 105,410 new cars sold.
In the year leading to March 2017 new vehicle sales topped 1,172,150 nationally, failing to beat the record 1,179,652 sold in the year leading to September 2016.
CommSec figures also showed new vehicle sales had remained steady in the ACT, dropping only 0.1 per cent.
Victoria saw the largest rise since March last year, with sales climbing 5.5 per cent, while in the Northern Territory sales dropped 7.5 per cent.
Sports utility vehicles, like Toyota Hi-Lux or Ford Rangers, outsold passenger cars for the second month in a row.
