loans.com.au - Variable Rate Used Car < 5 years
variable rate
comparison rate

By
Matt CorkeUpdated
loans.com.au - Variable Rate Used Car < 5 years
variable rate
comparison rate
Used cars are pre-owned vehicles bought from dealerships or private sellers and their conditions can range from nearly new to well-worn.
Their main appeal is cost - they're generally cheaper than new cars (unless you're considering a classic or highly sought-after model). However, buying used comes with risks, as hidden issues may not be immediately obvious.
If you're not experienced with cars, it's wise to have a mechanic inspect the vehicle. Additionally, research the make, model and year to check for common issues or recalls and ask the seller detailed questions about the car's history.
Using a checklist during your inspection can help ensure you make an informed decision.
One perk of buying a used car is the variety of places you can find one - each with pros and cons:
If you're buying from a private seller, always inspect the car in person before handing over any money.
It's easy to fall for the first car you see, but a car is a big ongoing expense. Take the time to assess your needs and compare your options before committing.
Before you start searching, decide what you need in a car. Do you need lots of boot space or a small city-friendly vehicle? Think about how you'll use the car, how many seats you need, fuel efficiency, running costs, age and your total budget.
Once you start searching, do your research. Look online, scan newspapers and visit used car dealerships to get a feel for prices and availability. Understanding the market helps you spot a fair deal and gives you more confidence when it's time to negotiate.
When you're checking out a used car, take the chance to ask the seller a few key questions:
If anything feels off, get a mechanic to inspect the car or walk away. A dodgy deal can turn expensive fast.
When you are inspecting vehicles or going for a test drive, use this checklist to make sure you note the car's most important features to help you make an informed decision.
On your test drive
Engine bay
The car's body
The car's interior
The car's exterior
Documents you’ll need
All the factors involved in buying a used car can seem overwhelming, but you want to make sure that you’re purchasing a quality vehicle. Once you know what to look out for and after you’ve done your own research on what cars are available, you can make an informed decision.
If you're looking to finance your used car purchase, you have a few options available to you. Here are the financing options available for used vehicles:
Don't sign up for financing until you compare options.
Looking for other options? Check out these similar products.
How we picked theseTo make comparing car loans even easier we came up with the Finder Score. Interest rates, fees and features across 200+ car loan products and 100+ lenders are all weighted and scaled to produce a score out of 10. The higher the score, the more competitive the product.
The best way to buy a second-hand car in Australia is to research models that fit your needs and budget, check listings on reputable websites like Carsales or Gumtree, and always inspect the car in person. Ensure you get a PPSR check to verify there are no outstanding loans on the vehicle and it's always a good idea to have a mechanic inspect it, or get a roadworthy check, before finalising the purchase.
The best age for a used car is typically 2-5 years old. At this age, cars have already depreciated significantly but are still likely to be in good condition with modern features. They also often have some manufacturer warranty remaining, which can be beneficial.
Good mileage on a used car in Australia is generally considered to be around 10,000 to 15,000 km per year. For example, a five-year-old car with 50,000 to 75,000 km is within the average range and is likely to be in reasonable condition if well-maintained.
You can pay for a second-hand car in Australia using cash, bank transfer, or digital platforms like PayPal or PayID. If you need financing, you can apply for a car loan through a bank or lender. It is important to complete the payment securely and ensure all ownership transfer paperwork is correctly processed. You should never send money online as a deposit until you have seen the car in person and verified the accuracy of the transaction. Buying and selling cars online is an area where scammers are highly active, so be extra cautious when dealing with strangers online.
Finder writers are subject matter experts and use primary sources, in-depth research and interviews with other experts to ensure you're getting accurate, up-to-date information. Articles are fact checked in line with our editorial guidelines.
Matt Corke is Finder’s head of publishing ventures. Prior to this he was head of publishing for Australia, New Zealand and emerging markets. Matt built his first website in 1999 and has been building computers since he was in his early teens. In that time, he has survived the dot-com crash and countless Google algorithm updates. See full bio
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How long will a car dealer hold a car for you after you pay a holding fee?
Hi Melanie,
Thanks for reaching out to finder.
The holding time will vary from one dealer to another, depending on the contract terms. Before agreeing to a holding deposit, check whether the deposit is refundable, whether the deposit is part of the purchase price and how the deposit should be paid. Read carefully all the terms and make sure you agree on everything that is written on the contract before signing it.
If you decide to leave a deposit to hold your vehicle, you should should ask for a receipt and make sure you put everything into writing and have the document signed by both parties.
I hope this helps.
Cheers,
Charisse
Who offers loans to people on DSP up to 15 k for a car.
Hi Steve,
Thanks for leaving a question on Finder.
Usually, a secured car loan might be an option for you if you are on a Centrelink payment. You can purchase a new or used car and use it as security for the loan to get a lower rate. See our review on Centrelink loan options for your reference. We have a range of secured car loan options on our table to choose from. To help narrow down your options, please enter the amount you need following the loan term then press “Calculate”. You may then sort the table based on the lender’s interest rate, comparison rate, minimum loan amount, term, fees, and your projected monthly repayment.
You can click the name of the lender to be redirected to our review page and learn more about the lender’s loan offer, rates, and requirements as well as the pros and cons of using their loan service. When you are ready, you may then click on the “Go to site” button and you will be redirected to the lender’s website where you can proceed with the application or get in touch with their representatives for further inquiries you may have.
Before applying, please ensure that you meet all the eligibility criteria and read through the details of the needed requirements as well as the relevant Product Disclosure Statements/Terms and Conditions when comparing your options before making a decision on whether it is right for you. You can also contact the provider if you have specific questions.
Cheers,
Joel