Car loans vs personal loans

Taking out finance in order to purchase a car is a common form of borrowing. The two most applied for types of financing to purchase cars are car loans and personal loans. While similar in some respects, car loans and personal loans are distinctly different forms of finance. So, it is important to work out which one can get you more value for money.

This guide will explain the differences between these two loan types. It also includes a calculator to help you work out exactly how much money you can save by opting for one over the other.

What’s the difference between a car loan and a personal loan?

The exact terms of your financing will depend on your chosen lender and product, but you can generally expect to find the following features with each type of loan.

Essentially, you could think of car loans as “pre-made packages”, while personal loans are more flexible and can be tailored to your needs.

Which is better, a car loan or a personal loan?

Whether a car loan or a personal loan is better will depend on your personal situation. The pros and cons outlined above will affect different people differently.

For example, a personal loan might be better for you if you:

• Are buying an older car that may not qualify as loan security
• Decide that you want a bit of extra cash to use for another purpose
• Have excellent credit and can secure a competitive personal loan

A car loan might be preferable if you:

• Don't want to spend as much money over the life of the loan
• Are looking to buy a new, or newer model of car
• Haven't got a perfect credit history

Questions to ask yourself before submitting a loan application

If you're wondering what you should ask yourself before you click "submit" on that loan application, we've got a few handy tips that will help.

Are you expecting your financial situation to change?

If you’re anticipating a change in your financial situation in the near future, there’s a good chance a personal loan is preferable for you. An unsecured loan may carry less risk in an uncertain future and if you opt for variable rates, you’ll likely be able to take advantage of additional repayments without penalty.

Do you know what car you want to buy?

Pre-approval is generally only available with car loans. This means that if you want to shop for a car knowing how much you have to spend, you may want to opt for a car loan.

Are you buying a used car?

Buying used instead of new can be an effective way of saving money, but depending on the vehicle, you might not be able to find a car loan. So, you'll should possibly go for a personal loan instead. For example, some car loans will require the vehicle to be less than two years old, while personal loans will not have any such restrictions.

Do you have bad credit?

Bad credit car loans are available, but you’ll find more options with a bad credit personal loan.

Do you want to detail your car?

It can be costly to make modifications to your vehicle. Whether it’s just a new coat of paint or as extensive as changing the body of the car, many car lenders will not let you add this cost onto your loan. With a personal loan, you can borrow however much you like for different purposes. And you can add the cost of modifications onto the loan amount yourself.

At the end of the day, the most effective way to compare loans is by looking at specific options side by side. It can be a good idea to use a calculator to work out value for money more precisely.

Compare car loans and personal loans

For more information on any of these loans, simply click "More Info" to be taken to our review page. To apply for a loan, click "Go to site".

• Car loans
• Personal loans

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Name	Interest Rate (p.a.)	Comp. Rate (p.a.)	Application Fee	Monthly Fee	Monthly Repayment
OurMoneyMarket New Car Loan Fixed1 - 7 Years $2,001 - $75,000	Interest Rate (p.a.) 6.57% to 18.99%	Comp. Rate (p.a.) 7.19% to 21.78%	Application Fee $250 min.	Monthly Fee $0	Monthly Repayment $622.82	Go to siteMore Info Compare
Stratton Finance New Car Loan Fixed1 - 7 Years $10,000 - $300,000	Interest Rate (p.a.) 6.52% to 18%	Comp. Rate (p.a.) 6.95% to 23%	Application Fee $395	Monthly Fee $0	Monthly Repayment $625.27	Go to siteMore Info Compare	You'll receive a fixed rate from 6.52% p.a. depending on the lender you are approved with. Apply for up to $300,000 and use cash or trade in a vehicle to use as a deposit. Optional balloon payment available.
Simplify New Car Loan Fixed1 - 7 Years $10,000 - $300,000	Interest Rate (p.a.) 6.19% to 18%	Comp. Rate (p.a.) 6.6% to 23%	Application Fee $395	Monthly Fee $0	Monthly Repayment $622.21	Go to siteMore Info Compare
loans.com.au - New - Variable Rate Special Variable3 - 7 Years $5,000 - $150,000	Interest Rate (p.a.) 6.24% to 7.74%	Comp. Rate (p.a.) 7.36% to 8.85%	Application Fee $400	Monthly Fee $8	Monthly Repayment $630.83	Go to siteMore Info Compare
Credit Concierge New Car Loan Fixed1 - 7 Years $10,000 - $100,000	Interest Rate (p.a.) 6.29% to 16.45%	Comp. Rate (p.a.) 7.41% to 17.91%	Application Fee $553	Monthly Fee $10	Monthly Repayment $637.97	Go to siteMore Info Compare
Simplify Used Car Loan Fixed1 - 7 Years $10,000 - $300,000	Interest Rate (p.a.) 6.19% to 18%	Comp. Rate (p.a.) 6.6% to 23%	Application Fee $395	Monthly Fee $0	Monthly Repayment $622.21	Go to siteMore Info Compare
OurMoneyMarket Used Car Loan - No Vehicle Age Limit Fixed1 - 7 Years $2,001 - $75,000	Interest Rate (p.a.) 6.57% to 18.99%	Comp. Rate (p.a.) 7.19% to 21.78%	Application Fee $250 min.	Monthly Fee $0	Monthly Repayment $622.82	Go to siteMore Info Compare
Stratton Finance Used Car Loan Fixed1 - 7 Years $10,000 - $300,000	Interest Rate (p.a.) 6.52% to 18%	Comp. Rate (p.a.) 6.95% to 23%	Application Fee $395	Monthly Fee $0	Monthly Repayment $625.27	Go to siteMore Info Compare	You'll receive a fixed rate loan from 6.52% p.a. with a comparison rate of 6.95% p.a. A used car loan of up to $300,000 with quick approval times and balloon payment options.
loans.com.au - Variable Rate Used Car < 5 years Variable3 - 7 Years $5,000 - $150,000	Interest Rate (p.a.) 7.74% to 7.74%	Comp. Rate (p.a.) 8.85% to 8.99%	Application Fee $400	Monthly Fee $8	Monthly Repayment $644.82	Go to siteMore Info Compare
RACV New Car Loans Fixed1 - 7 Years $5,000 - $150,000	Interest Rate (p.a.) 7.29% to 16.99%	Comp. Rate (p.a.) 8% to 17.77%	Application Fee $499	Monthly Fee $0	Monthly Repayment $635.67	Go to siteMore Info Compare	You'll receive a fixed rate from 7.29% p.a. A larger loan of $5,000 or more to help you buy a new or used car. 5-hour pre approval available and no ongoing fees.
Credit Concierge Used Car Loan Fixed1 - 7 Years $10,000 - $1,000,000	Interest Rate (p.a.) 6.8% to 17.45%	Comp. Rate (p.a.) 7.56% to 18.91%	Application Fee $553	Monthly Fee $10	Monthly Repayment $642.74	Go to siteMore Info Compare
RACV Used Car Loans Fixed1 - 7 Years $5,000 - $150,000	Interest Rate (p.a.) 8.49% to 16.99%	Comp. Rate (p.a.) 9.21% to 17.77%	Application Fee $499	Monthly Fee $0	Monthly Repayment $647.01	Go to siteMore Info Compare	You'll receive a fixed rate from 8.49% p.a. Benefit from no ongoing fees, 5-hour approval and a 21-day satisfaction guarantee. Interest rate discounts for members.

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Name	Interest Rate (p.a.)	Comp. Rate (p.a.)	Application Fee	Monthly Fee	Monthly Repayment
Harmoney Unsecured Personal Loan Finder award winnerFixed3 - 7 Years $2,000 - $70,000	Interest Rate (p.a.) 5.76% to 24.03%	Comp. Rate (p.a.) 6.55% to 24.98%	Application Fee $275 - $575	Monthly Fee $0	Monthly Repayment	Go to siteMore Info Compare
NAB Personal Loan Unsecured Fixed Fixed1 - 7 Years $5,000 - $55,000	Interest Rate (p.a.) 8.49% to 20.49%	Comp. Rate (p.a.) 9.54% to 21.49%	Application Fee $250	Monthly Fee $10	Monthly Repayment	Go to siteMore Info Compare
NOW Finance No Fee Unsecured Personal Loan Finder award winnerFixed18 Months - 7 Years $5,000 - $50,000	Interest Rate (p.a.) 6.75% to 26.95%	Comp. Rate (p.a.) 6.75% to 26.95%	Application Fee $0	Monthly Fee $0	Monthly Repayment	Go to siteMore Info Compare
OurMoneyMarket Unsecured Low-Rate Personal Loan Finder award winnerFixed1 - 7 Years $2,001 - $75,000	Interest Rate (p.a.) 6.57% to 18.99%	Comp. Rate (p.a.) 7.19% to 21.78%	Application Fee 1.50% - 6% min. $250	Monthly Fee $0	Monthly Repayment	Go to siteMore Info Compare
ANZ Fixed Rate Personal Loan Fixed1 - 7 Years $5,000 - $50,000	Interest Rate (p.a.) 7.49% to 19.99%	Comp. Rate (p.a.) 8.18% to 20.58%	Application Fee $150	Monthly Fee $10	Monthly Repayment	More Info Compare	Special Offer: For a limited time, eligible borrowers of an ANZ Personal Loan can get a cashback of $500. This applies to both new loans and loan increases of $10k. Offer ends 15 August 2024. There is a limit of one cashback per loan per customer within an 18 months period. Cashback will be paid within 120 days of drawdown. Eligibility, ANZ’s credit assessment criteria, T&Cs, fees and charges apply.
ANZ Variable Rate Personal Loan Variable1 - 7 Years $5,000 - $50,000	Interest Rate (p.a.) 7.49% to 19.99%	Comp. Rate (p.a.) 8.18% to 20.58%	Application Fee $150	Monthly Fee $10	Monthly Repayment	More Info Compare	Special Offer: For a limited time, eligible borrowers of an ANZ Personal Loan can get a cashback of $500. This applies to both new loans and loan increases of $10k. Offer ends 15 August 2024. There is a limit of one cashback per loan per customer within an 18 months period. Cashback will be paid within 120 days of drawdown. Eligibility, ANZ’s credit assessment criteria, T&Cs, fees and charges apply.
ING Personal Loan Finder award winnerFixed2 - 7 Years $5,000 - $60,000	Interest Rate (p.a.) 6.89% to 18.99%	Comp. Rate (p.a.) 7.10% to 19.23%	Application Fee $150	Monthly Fee $0	Monthly Repayment	Go to siteMore Info Compare
NAB Personal Loan Unsecured Variable Rate Variable1 - 7 Years $5,000 - $55,000	Interest Rate (p.a.) 8.49% to 20.49%	Comp. Rate (p.a.) 9.54% to 21.49%	Application Fee $250	Monthly Fee $10	Monthly Repayment	Go to siteMore Info Compare

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Step-by-step guide to finding the right type of loan

You might try the following steps to find a loan that works for you. Note that everyone’s circumstances are different and these steps may be considered guidelines. First and foremost, you should always look at the full terms and conditions of each loan you're considering when questioning whether it's right for you. This is because not all car loans are alike, and the terms of personal loans can vary widely.

Compare both

If you are already certain whether a car loan or personal loan is right for you, then you can only compare those types of financing. If you’re unsure, it can be a good idea to compare both car and personal loans using the steps below.

1. Head to finder.com.au to compare different loans and assemble a list of likely options.
2. Go through the car loan and personal loan options in the table above
3. Enter the interest rate, fees and terms into the calculator below to see which one is more affordable.
4. Adjust the terms to see if you can save on either option.
5. Decide which loan is more affordable.

What to remember

Remember that you have the freedom to compare options until you've found the right one for you, and that the first option you see might not necessarily be the best one for your circumstances. If you have found a car loan, or a personal loan that you wish to apply for on site, you can simply click "Go to Site" to find out more about how to apply.

Frequently asked questions about car loans vs personal loans

Here are some questions we have been asked about car loans and personal loans:

What should I know about used car loans?

Used car loans may carry higher interest rates to compensate for the reduced value of the vehicle over time, and there will be restrictions on the age of the car.

Can I use the loan for non-vehicle expenses?

Car loans are for cars only, while personal loans may be spent at your discretion. Consider the cost of car insurance, licensing and registration, fuel, maintenance, repairs and related costs as well as the price tag of the vehicle itself.

Will I need to provide details of the vehicle for a personal loan?

No. It’s standard practice for lenders to ask about the purpose of the personal loan, but no specific vehicle details will need to be supplied unless you apply for a car loan.
Image: Shutterstock

Written by

Elizabeth Barry

Lead Editor

Elizabeth Barry was the lead editor for Finder. She has over 10 years' experience writing about a range of topics with a focus on personal finance. You’ll find her writing and commentary in a range of publications and media including Seven News, the ABC, MSN, the Irish Times and Singapore Business Review. See full bio

Elizabeth's expertise

Elizabeth has written 239 Finder guides across topics including:

• Banking
• Personal finance
• Investing