The dealer's rate isn't the only rate. See the difference in dollars.
New, used, electric, novated or through your business — the finance sitting on the desk at the dealership is rarely the cheapest one available to you. We compare car and asset lenders across our panel, and structure the loan around what you'll actually repay over its life, not just the sticker on the windscreen.
The same car. A much longer tail.
Here's the point most dealership finance quietly relies on: on a five-year loan, the rate barely changes the monthly figure you're shown — but it changes the interest tail dramatically. Same $40,000 car, same term. Only the rate moves.
Illustrative only. Assumes a $40,000 loan over 5 years, principal & interest, monthly repayments, fees excluded, rate fixed for the term. Not a quote, an offer of credit, or a prediction of your rate — your actual rate depends on your credit profile, the vehicle, the term and the lender, and is confirmed in writing. Advertised rates and comparison rates differ; always compare the comparison rate.
Australia bought 1.2 million new vehicles last year.
It's a deep, competitive finance market — which works in your favour when someone shops it properly rather than signing the first form at the counter.
Source: FCAI VFACTS, calendar year 2025 (reporting brands). Battery-electric share is full-year; monthly share varies.
Six ways to fund a vehicle — and the one that fits you.
The right product depends on the car, its age, and whether it's personal or business. A quick look at each.
New car loans
Secured against the vehicle, so rates sit at the sharper end. Indicative secured rates for strong profiles run roughly 6–10% p.a. — but the number you get depends on your file, not the ad.
New car finance →Used & private sale
Still usually secured, but older vehicles and private sales carry age limits and a rate premium. We know which lenders are comfortable with the car you've found.
Check used-car options →Electric vehicle loans
Many lenders discount green/EV loans by around 0.50–1.00% p.a. versus their standard secured rate. Salary-packaged EVs may also qualify for the FBT exemption — see the note below.
Electric vehicle finance →Novated lease
Finance and running costs bundled into your pre-tax salary through your employer. Particularly powerful on an eligible EV while the FBT exemption applies.
How novated leasing works →Chattel mortgage
Business car finance where the vehicle secures the loan and the business may claim GST and depreciation. Different product, different tax treatment to a consumer loan.
Business vehicle finance →Luxury & prestige
Above the Luxury Car Tax threshold ($91,661 fuel-efficient / $80,809 other for 2026–27), finance and tax treatment change. We structure these with lenders who understand them.
Prestige car finance →↯ The EV FBT exemption — still open, but changing
As at July 2026, eligible battery-electric and hydrogen vehicles first used on or after 1 July 2022, priced below the fuel-efficient Luxury Car Tax threshold, remain exempt from Fringe Benefits Tax when provided through your employer — which is what makes a novated EV so effective. Plug-in hybrids stopped qualifying from 1 April 2025.
The government has announced this narrows over time: from 1 April 2027 the full exemption applies only to EVs valued $75,000 or less, and from 1 April 2029 it becomes a 25% FBT discount rather than a full exemption.
General information only, not personal tax advice. FBT and salary-packaging outcomes depend on your circumstances and your employer — confirm with a registered tax agent or your accountant before you rely on it.
Why we quote the comparison rate, not the headline
A comparison rate rolls the interest rate together with most fees and charges into a single percentage — so it can be higher than the advertised rate. It's the honest number for weighing two loans against each other, and it's the one that catches the "low rate, high fees" trap.
Source: ASIC MoneySmart. It's a small thing that quietly saves people real money, and it's the first thing we check on any offer.
We compare products from our panel of 50 lenders; we don't compare every product or lender in the market, and we can't guarantee you'll qualify for any particular rate.
Three steps, and you keep your credit score intact to start.
Tell us the car and your situation
A few minutes online — the vehicle, whether it's personal or business, your income and rough credit picture. No credit check to begin.
We match it across the panel
We line your profile up against the car and asset lenders who'll price it well, and weigh the comparison rate, term and fees — not just the sticker rate.
You review real options
We come back with indicative options and a recommendation, structured around what you'll repay over the life of the loan. You decide before anything's lodged.
Car finance, answered straight.
How much can I borrow for a car?
Car and asset loans commonly range from about $5,000 to $150,000, depending on your income, the vehicle, and whether the loan is secured against the car. We size it to what you can comfortably service over the term, not just the maximum a lender will approve.
What's the difference between a secured car loan and an unsecured personal loan?
A secured car loan is backed by the vehicle, so it usually carries a lower rate. An unsecured personal loan isn't tied to the car — it typically costs more but can suit older vehicles or some private sales. Indicative unsecured rates run far wider (roughly 6% to nearly 30% p.a.), which is exactly the gap the cost comparison above illustrates.
What is a comparison rate, and why does it matter?
A comparison rate includes the interest rate plus most fees and charges as a single percentage, so it can be higher than the advertised rate (source: ASIC MoneySmart). It's the honest way to compare two loans — a low headline rate with high fees can cost more than a slightly higher rate with none. We always look at the comparison rate.
Do electric vehicles get a cheaper loan?
Often, yes. Many lenders offer a green or EV discount, commonly around 0.50%–1.00% p.a. below their standard secured car rate. Eligible EVs may also qualify for the FBT exemption when salary-packaged through your employer — but that's tax law that depends on your situation, so we'd point you to your accountant to confirm.
Can I get a car loan without a deposit?
Frequently, yes — many lenders offer 100% finance where your credit and income profile is strong. A deposit lowers the amount you borrow and can improve the rate and repayment, but it isn't always required.
What's a chattel mortgage?
It's business vehicle finance: the car secures the loan, and the business may be able to claim GST and depreciation benefits — different treatment to a consumer car loan. We can arrange either, depending on whether the vehicle is for personal or business use.
Know the number before you sign.
Five minutes now can make a real difference to what you pay over the loan. Tell us about the car — we'll come back with real options and no pressure.
Check my options →