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Buying a car brings with it a number of decisions, but one of the most important ones is your finance. If you've decided to get a car loan it's important to find the most competitive and suitable product for you. That is, you want to find the best car loan.
This guide will take you through all of the features and costs you need to consider when sorting through your car loan options so you can be confident when making your decision.
Car loans work much in the same way as other personal loans, except that the vehicle you're purchasing is used to guarantee the loan. This is why car loans come with much more competitive rates – generally between 5-10% p.a. If you don't want to attach your vehicle to the loan, you can consider an unsecured personal loan to finance your car purchase. These loans come with a rate of between 7-20% p.a.
A car loan can be offered as a dealership finance loan or as a standard car loan from a bank, credit union or standalone lender. You can generally borrow between $1,000 and $100,000 with a car loan and loan terms can extend up to 7 years. The type of loan you are eligible for will depend on whether the car is new or used, how much the car is worth as well as your own credit history and financial situation.
The best car loan is the one that helps you get the car you want for repayments that are affordable for you and offers features that meet your needs. To find this loan, you need to ensure the loan is competitive in terms of its interest rate and fees and that you are able to use it to buy the car you want (lenders have restrictions on age and value of the vehicle). You then need to look at other features, such as repayment flexibility, to ensure these all meet your needs. This is all detailed in the guide below.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when you're comparing your car loan options above – this will help you find the best car loans for your needs and settle for one.
The type of information you will need to provide usually depends on the lender and the type of loan you have chosen. You will generally need to provide
For a secured loan you will also have to provide details about the vehicle including the Vehicle Identification Number, the dealership. Check with your lender before you submit your application.
To apply for a car loan, simply use the comparison table at the top of this page to compare your options. Once you have found the best car loan that meets your needs you can follow the secure link to the lender's online application form. The eligibility criteria differ between lenders, but you will most likely need to be over the age of 18 and be a permanent Australian resident to qualify.
