Car & vehicle loans that fit your life, not just the sticker price
Dealer or private sale, your broker compares lenders on their panel for a car loan that fits your budget.
- Free to compare
- A specialist partner broker, start to finish
- No credit score impact
Typical ranges only. Actual limits depend on the lender and your circumstances.
Example rate only: not a comparison rate, quote or offer of credit. Your rate depends on your credit profile, the lender and the asset. Excludes fees and charges.
How car & vehicle loans work with us
Dealer finance is convenient, but it usually comes from a single lender. Your partner broker checks your situation against a wide panel of lenders and shows you what's genuinely on offer.
Read more
Get pre-approved before you shop and you'll know your limit and rate, putting you in a stronger position to negotiate on the car.
- New cars
- Used cars
- Private sales
- Dealer purchases
- Novated leases
- Refinancing an existing car loan
- Older cars (age limits vary by lender)
Secured or unsecured
Car as security usually means a lower rate; unsecured suits older cars or flexibility.
Balloon payments
Lower repayments by leaving a lump sum at the end, handy if upgrading in a few years.
Private sale support
We help check the PPSR for money owing and handle payment to the seller.
Fast turnaround
Some lenders can approve straightforward car loans quickly once your documents are in.
Dealer finance vs a car loan through a broker
Dealer finance usually comes from one or two lenders, and low headline rates can hide extras that lift what you repay. A broker compares fees, balloons and terms side by side, so you can negotiate like a cash buyer.
Read the full explanation
Dealer finance is built for convenience. The business manager can sign you up on the spot, but they usually work with one or two lenders and may earn a commission linked to the deal, which can shape what you're offered. Some dealers advertise low headline rates that are paired with a higher car price, a large balloon, or add-ons like extended warranties and paint protection rolled into the loan. Those extras can quietly lift the total amount you repay.
Going through a specialist broker from our partner network separates the car from the finance. Your broker compares lenders on their panel against your income, credit history and the car you want, then sets out the fees, balloon and term side by side. With pre-approval in hand, you can negotiate on the drive-away price much like a cash buyer. If the dealer's offer genuinely works out better once every cost is counted, you're still free to take it.
- First-time buyers wanting a budget before the dealer
- Buyers shopping private sales on Marketplace or classifieds
- Drivers replacing an ageing car with something reliable
- Anyone with a dealer loan no longer competitive
Pros and watch-outs
Pros
- Pre-approval gives a firm budget and negotiating power
- Secured loans usually cost less than unsecured
- Fixed repayments make budgeting simple
- Works for dealer, private and online purchases
Watch-outs
- !A large balloon can leave you owing more than the car's worth
- !Longer terms lower repayments but increase total interest
- !Older cars may only qualify for usually pricier unsecured loans
Costs and fees to compare
The interest rate is only part of the cost. Ask your broker to show these side by side.
Establishment fee
Charged once at setup. If added to the loan, you pay interest on it too.
Monthly account fee
Adds up over a five to seven year term. Include it when comparing.
Balloon or residual
Lowers repayments but leaves a lump sum. Make sure you can pay, refinance or trade in.
Early payout fee
Some fixed-rate car loans charge a fee if you pay out early, e.g. when upgrading.
Add-on insurance and warranties
Loan protection, gap cover and warranties are usually optional. Compare before rolling them in.
Tips to strengthen your application
- 1Check your credit report for errors before applying
- 2Reduce unused card limits; lenders count the full limit as debt
- 3Stick to one finance application, not several through dealers
- 4Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used car
What you’ll need
What you’ll need
- Driver's licence or passport
- Two recent payslips, or tax returns if self-employed
- Last 90 days of bank statements
- Current debts and regular expenses
- Car details (make, model, year, price) if you've found one
What lenders look for
- 18+, Australian citizen or permanent resident (some lenders consider visa holders)
- Regular, provable income
- A credit history your broker can explain, blemishes included
- Repayments that comfortably fit your budget
First chat to funds in four steps
How it works in detail →- 1Tell us what you’re after
- 2Meet your broker
- 3Compare and choose
- 4We handle the rest
Car & vehicle loans: common questions
Can I get a car loan for a private sale?
Yes. Many lenders our partner brokers work with finance private sales. Your broker checks the car on the PPSR, confirms there is no money owing, and arranges payment directly to the seller once the loan settles.
Should I get pre-approved first?
Usually, yes. A pre-approval tells you how much you can borrow and at what rate, so you can negotiate on the car price with confidence and settle quickly once you find the right one.
What is a balloon payment?
A balloon is a lump sum left owing at the end of the loan. It lowers your regular repayments, but you will need to pay it out, refinance it or trade in the car when the term ends.
How old can the car be?
It depends on the lender. As a guide, many lenders want the car to be under 12 to 20 years old by the end of the loan. Older or classic cars can still be financed through specialist lenders.
How much deposit do I need for a car loan?
Many lenders don't require a deposit for applicants with steady income and a clean credit history. A deposit still helps by reducing the amount you borrow and your repayments. If your credit history has a few blemishes, a deposit may also improve your chances of approval.
Can I get a car loan while on probation at a new job?
Some lenders accept applicants still in a probation period, particularly if you've stayed in the same industry. Others prefer a minimum time in the role. Share your employment details up front so your broker can match you with a lender whose policy fits.
Can I trade in a car that still has finance owing?
Usually, yes. The existing loan is paid out from the trade-in value as part of the purchase. If you owe more than the car is worth, you may need to cover the shortfall, or some lenders may add it to the new loan, which increases what you repay.
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