Car brokers Australia

What is a car broker?

A car broker is a licensed professional who acts as a middleman between you and car dealerships.

For example, if you wanted a Toyota Corolla, instead of phoning multiple dealerships yourself, a broker would do that legwork - checking stock, prices and negotiating terms. Because brokers have bulk-buying power with dealers, they can often access "fleet prices" that aren't normally available to individuals.

Keep in mind that brokers earn money either through dealer commissions or customer fees, so always ask for a breakdown of charges before committing.

What does a car broker do?

If you're ready to buy a car, a broker can help you through the entire process. This can include sharing different types of cars if you don't have a specific model in mind.

When you know what car you want, the broker contacts a range of car dealerships and sellers to find you the best price. They can also conduct inspections and negotiate with the dealer on your behalf. The broker generally receives a commission from the dealer, but may also charge you a fee for their service.

Beyond simply finding you the best price, most car brokers will:

• Source vehicles across multiple dealerships and compare offers.
• Arrange inspections and vehicle appraisals.
• Organise test drives locally.
• Negotiate dealer add-ons such as window tinting or extended warranties.
• Help secure car finance, insurance, or extended protection plans.
• In some cases, assist with selling/trading in your old vehicle.

Should I use a car broker?

You might benefit from using a car broker if:

• You don't have time to negotiate with multiple dealers when buying a car.
• You're unsure what car best suits your needs.
• You want access to fleet or wholesale pricing.

But you might avoid using one if:

• You enjoy negotiating and want direct control.
• You're comfortable researching dealers and prices on your own.
• Broker fees push up the final price compared to what you can secure yourself.

What are the benefits?

As car brokers have existing relationships with a range of dealers, they can often get you a better price on a vehicle than if you bought it from a dealer directly. In some cases, brokers may even be able to find you a car at "fleet prices", which is the price that dealers normally give to businesses buying multiple vehicles.

Car brokers also have experience inspecting vehicles and can do so on your behalf. If you're unsure about the specific car you need, a broker can also use their expertise to help find the car that's right for you.

How much does it cost?

Some car brokers charge a finder's fee for helping get you a vehicle and many also receive a referral fee from the dealer for arranging the sale. Referral fees can generally range from $250 to $1,000, depending on the type of car.

While you won't typically pay the referral fee directly to the broker, it may be included in the price you pay for the vehicle. Car brokers aren't legally obliged to disclose any referral fees they receive, so you should always ask them directly to see if using a car broker makes financial sense.

How to find a car broker

There are 3 main ways you can find a car broker:

1. Contact an independent car broker.There are dedicated car broker businesses operating around Australia, which you can search for online, in local business directories or by asking people you know.
2. Auto club services. Some auto clubs and service subcriptions, such as RACQ or RACV, also offer car broker services for members.
3. Car loan providers. Finder research has found 9% of Australians plan to take out a car loan to buy a vehicle at some point. So if you're planning to get a car loan to buy your vehicle, some lenders also offers free car broker services as part of their loan.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is a car broker better than a dealership?

  A car broker can be better than a dealership, as brokers negotiate on your behalf and can access deals from multiple dealerships, meaning they can often secure lower prices. They may charge a fee for their services, which you won't pay when directly dealing with a dealership.

• Are car finance brokers worth it?

  Car finance brokers can be worth it if you want access to a wider range of loan options and help with negotiating better rates. They can simplify the process, guide you through the steps required, help you access specialised finance that suits your needs, and they may find deals that you would not be able to on your own. You should consider the broker's fees and whether the savings outweigh the costs.

• How much do car brokers charge in Australia?

  Car brokers in Australia typically charge between $200 and $1,000, depending on the service level. Some brokers work on a commission basis, taking a percentage of the savings they negotiate on your behalf, while others may charge a flat fee.

Written by

Thomas Stelzer

Journalist

Tom Stelzer is a journalist with 6 years of experience covering personal finance, specialising in investment and cryptocurrency. With a Master of Media Arts and Production and a Bachelor of Communications in Journalism from the University of Technology Sydney, Tom provides expert analysis on digital assets and market trends, helping readers navigate the fast-evolving world of finance. See full bio

Co-written by

Amy Bradney-George

Journalist

Amy is an experienced journalist with over 16 years of experience, contributing to major publications like Money Magazine, The Sydney Morning Herald, and ABC News Australia. Specialising in personal finance, she frequently appeared in media outlets and on radio. Amy holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Drama from Griffith University and earned RG146 certifications in Tier 1 Generic Knowledge and Tier 2 General Advice Deposit Products, ensuring her expertise is grounded in current financial regulations. Amy was Finder's Senior Writer for Credit Cards from 2016 to 2024. See full bio

Amy's expertise

Amy has written 482 Finder guides across topics including:

• Credit cards
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