Cheap Car Loans Australia

Need a car now but don't have the cash? You could sell a kidney... or get a cheap car loan instead.

The cheapest car loan on Finder in December 2024

  • Right now on Finder, the cheapest new car loan comparison rate starts from 6.59% p.a. and is offered by IMB New Car Loan.
  • Right now on Finder, the cheapest used car loan comparison rate starts from 6.6% p.a. and is offered by Simplify Used Car Loan.

Finding cheap car loans

There isn't a catch-all cheap car loan that suits every borrower. And while lower interest rates make your loan cheaper, there's more to a cheap car loan. Watch out for fees and future rate changes and keep in mind that the type of car you want will influence the cost.
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1 - 13 of 18
Name Interest Rate (p.a.) Comp. Rate (p.a.) Application Fee Monthly Fee Monthly Repayment
Simplify New Car Loan
Simplify Finance logo
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
IMB New Car Loan
IMB logo
Fixed1 - 7 Years $2,000 - $125,000
Interest Rate (p.a.)
6.24%
Comp. Rate (p.a.)
6.59%
Application Fee
$274.78
Monthly Fee
$0
Monthly Repayment
$619.01
Go to siteMore Info
You'll receive a fixed rate of 6.24% p.a.
A low minimum borrowing amount of $2,000 that you can use to purchase a new car or one that's up to two years old.
OurMoneyMarket New Car Loan ($5,000-$100,000)
OurMoneyMarket logo
Fixed1 - 7 Years $5,000 - $100,000
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
Stratton Finance New Car Loan
Stratton Finance logo
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
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.
RACV New Car Loans
RACV logo
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
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.
loans.com.au - New/Demo - Variable Rate
loans.com.au logo
Variable3 - 7 Years $5,000 - $150,000
Interest Rate (p.a.)
6.24%
to 7.39%
Comp. Rate (p.a.)
7.37%
to 8.5%
Application Fee
$400
Monthly Fee
$8
Monthly Repayment
$630.83
Go to siteMore Info
OurMoneyMarket Used Car Loan ($5,000-$100,000)
OurMoneyMarket logo
Fixed1 - 7 Years $5,000 - $100,000
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
Simplify Used Car Loan
Simplify Finance logo
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
Stratton Finance Used Car Loan
Stratton Finance logo
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
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
loans.com.au logo
Variable3 - 7 Years $5,000 - $150,000
Interest Rate (p.a.)
7.39%
to 7.39%
Comp. Rate (p.a.)
8.52%
to 8.64%
Application Fee
$400
Monthly Fee
$8
Monthly Repayment
$641.54
Go to siteMore Info
RACV Used Car Loans
RACV logo
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
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.
loans.com.au - Fixed Rate Used Car < 3 years
loans.com.au logo
Fixed3 - 7 Years $5,000 - $150,000
Interest Rate (p.a.)
7.59%
to 8.79%
Comp. Rate (p.a.)
8.72%
to 10.04%
Application Fee
$400
Monthly Fee
$8
Monthly Repayment
$643.41
Go to siteMore Info
Latitude Variable Rate Personal Loan
Latitude Financial Services logo
Variable2 - 7 Years $5,000 -
Interest Rate (p.a.)
9.49%
to 29.99%
Comp. Rate (p.a.)
10.37%
to 30.69%
Application Fee
$0
Monthly Fee
$13
Monthly Repayment
$653.57
Go to siteMore Info
Special Finder offer: $395 establishment fee waived for approved personal loan applications submitted through Finder. Latitude may withdraw offer at any time. T&Cs apply.
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Showing 13 of 13 results
Graham Cooke

Meet our money expert Graham Cooke

Graham heads Finder's insights team and specialises in a variety of financial topics, including credit cards, loans, insurance and investing. He regularly appears on TV including ABC News, Sunrise and Today, and edits Finder's Insights column.

Graham's top car loans tips

  • Always read the fine print to understand fees and charges before you apply.
  • Avoid being swayed by low-interest rates alone - look at the fees and loan terms too.
  • If you don't understand a term like balloon payments, research further before signing on the dotted line.

When the cheapest interest rate isn't the cheapest car loan

Some loans come with lower interest rates than others, but they aren't always the cheapest. This is because of other costs that you need to account for apart from interest, including establishment and ongoing account fees. These fees can add to the cost of your loan and at times outweigh the benefits of a lower rate. You should also consider whether there are any restrictions and fees for extra repayments and early exit.

Example 1: Fees vs cheap car loan rates

Amir is buying a car for $35,000 and applying for a car loan of $25,000 after the trade-in of his old vehicle. He's shopped around and found a cheap car loan with an interest rate of 8.5% with Bank A. The rate offered by Bank B was 9%, so Amir dismissed it for being too high.

But Amir didn't look into the other fees and charges that apply. He planned to make extra payments each month but didn't realise he'd pay an early repayment fee if he pays off his loan sooner than the 5-year loan term.

Amir also didn't check how much the establishment fees or monthly account fees were. Overall, the loan from Bank A costs an extra $1,287 – so the loan with the slightly higher rate ends up being the cheaper option.

Which is the cheapest car loan?

DescriptionBank ABank B
Loan amount$25,000$25,000
Interest rate8.5%9%
Loan term5 years5 years
Monthly account fee$10None
Monthly repayment$522.91 (includes monthly fee)$518.96
Establishment fee$600$100
Early repayment fee$550None
Total amount paid$32,524.80$31,237.53

* This is a fictional, but realistic, example.

How to get a cheaper car loan

Your lender may advertise its rates, but it's always possible to negotiate. Here's what you can do:

    • Shop around. Comparing loans is easier than ever. You'll get a good idea of the rates offered by a range of lenders. This gives you ammunition when negotiating or may help you land a better deal with another lender entirely.
    • Negotiate with your lender. If you're keen on staying with your lender, your comparison information can come in handy. If you make it clear you'll go where the loan is cheaper, the lender may be inclined to give you a lower rate.
    • Check out car dealership finance. With finance from a car dealership, you have room to negotiate on rates. Dealerships often receive loans at discount rates, giving them room to bump up the rate. The margin between what they pay lenders and what you pay forms its "trail" commission. With some haggling, you could bring it down by as much as 2% of what they initially quoted.
    • Look for package deals. Some lenders offer a discount on their advertised rates if you have other banking products with them. If you already have a mortgage, a credit card and a transaction account with a bank, ask if they'll give you a discount on your car loan if you add that to your package.
    • Borrow less. The more you borrow, the more interest you'll have to pay. The opposite is also true. Consider how you can reduce how much you borrow. You could offer a trade-in of your old vehicle or pay a larger deposit from your savings.
    • Opt for a residual balloon payment. With loans where you have to pay a residual balloon payment at the end of the term, you can reduce your monthly repayments. For instance, for a $30,000 loan with a $10,000 residual balloon payment, you'll have to repay $20,000 plus interest on $30,000. This means your monthly repayments will be less, making it easier on your budget. Make sure you can make the balloon payment in the first place and that it's covered by the trade-in value of the vehicle at that time.
    • Consider a longer loan term. With a longer loan term, the amount you owe is staggered over a longer period. This means your monthly repayments will be lower. It will also mean you're in debt and paying interest for a longer period.

What you will need for your application

Here are some of the information and documentation you may need to provide when applying for your cheap car loan:

  • Identification documents. Some lenders may only ask for your driver's licence, but you may also have to supply your birth certificate, passport or Medicare card.
  • Income verification. Proof of income in the form of recent payslips or tax returns may be required. If you're self-employed, you may need to provide tax assessment notices for the past 2 years, a current profit and loss statement and a business activity statement.
  • Employer's details. Include your employer's contact information and details of your current role and any previous roles over the last 3–5 years. The lender wants to see that you've maintained a steady job.
  • Savings history. You may need to show evidence of savings. You can provide a few months' worth of bank statements showing your income and savings.

Considerations when looking at cheap car loans

  • Interest rate. The interest rate is what the lender will charge you for borrowing. Comparing interest rates is a good way to check if the loan is competitive.
  • Fees and comparison rate. These include establishment fees and ongoing monthly or annual fees. Establishment fees can range from $100 to more than $600. Monthly account keeping fees can range from $5 to $15 per month. If you apply through a car dealership, you may also have to pay a brokerage fee. These fees add to the cost of your loan and are important to consider. Fees and interest charges are included in the comparison rate, which is an indication of the true cost of the loan.
  • Affordability. Your car loan should be, above all, affordable and should fit comfortably within your budget. You should be able to make minimum repayments on your current income and budget.
  • Insurance requirements. The lender may require your vehicle to be fully insured until the loan is repaid in full.
  • Loan term. Car loan terms can range from 1 to 7 years. Shorter terms mean higher monthly repayments but will reduce how much you pay in interest. Longer terms mean lower monthly repayments but you'll be in debt for longer and pay more in interest.
  • Extra features. These can include free extra repayments and early repayments. Making extra repayments can help you pay down the loan faster. With no fees for early repayments, you can pay off the loan before the end of the loan term.

What type of car are you looking for?

The type and age of the car will influence the cost of your car loan. Here's what to look out for:

New cars

Interest rates for new cars are usually lower because they're classified as lower risk. This is because new cars are likely to retain a fair amount of their value for the loan term. Using the car as collateral also makes the loan cheaper. In some cases, lenders may consider any car under 2 years as new, depending on the number of kilometers on the odometer.
New car loans


Used cars

Given that the value of the car will reduce over the loan term, used cars may be considered at higher risk from a lender's perspective. This means higher interest rates for used car loans. You can secure the loan with the car, but there may be restrictions based on the age of the car. For example, the used car should be between 2 and 5 years old at the time of application and no older than 10 years at the end of the loan term.

Used car loans


Older cars

With cars older than 5 years, the lender is unlikely to use the vehicle as security. In this case, you may have to opt for an unsecured personal loan instead. This type of loan is more expensive as it's riskier for the lender, resulting in higher interest rates. On the other hand, the lender can't repossess the vehicle in case you default.

Unsecured car loans

What are the different types of car loans?

  • Secured car loan. The vehicle you buy is used as collateral for a secured loan. This makes the loan cheaper, but if you default, the lender can repossess the vehicle to cover its loss.
  • Unsecured car loan. An unsecured loan does not require an asset as collateral. However, it's more expensive as it's riskier for lenders.
  • Variable rate car loan. Your loan can come with either a variable or fixed rate. With variable rates, your interest rate can either increase or decrease on a monthly basis, making it harder to predict and budget for.
  • Fixed rate car loan. Fixed rate loans have a fixed interest rate, so your repayments stay the same for the duration of the loan. While it's easy to budget, it's often higher than variable rate loans.
  • Chattel mortgage.If you own a business or are self-employed, you can use a chattel mortgage to purchase a car, provided it's used mainly for business purposes. A car lease is another option available to business owners and those who are self-employed.
  • Car hire purchase. Your repayments reduce the balance owing on the purchase price of the car. The lender owns the car for the duration of the agreement, with ownership transferred after the final payment is made.

Finder survey: How do Australians of different ages finance a new car?

ResponseGen ZGen YGen XBaby Boomers
My bank43.82%35.6%37.5%32.67%
Unsure26.97%26.36%36.51%46.31%
Cheapest rate on the market15.73%27.17%21.05%19.03%
A big 4 lender12.36%10.05%3.95%1.7%
Peer-to-peer lender1.12%0.82%0.99%0.28%
Source: Finder survey by Pure Profile of 1113 Australians, December 2023

Approval process for cheap car loans in Australia

✍ Fill out an application form online using the lender's online portal. You can also fill out the form in person at the bank branch or at the car dealership.

🖨️ Once you've applied, your application will be reviewed by a credit officer. You should receive conditional approval almost immediately if everything is in order.

🔎 During the final stage of approval, you may be contacted for more information or documentation to support your application. This can include your ID, payslips, income verification and bank statements.

✅ Once the loan has been approved, you'll have to sign the loan contract. The lender will then transfer the money to your account, which you can use to purchase your car.

Frequently asked questions about cheap car loans

Joselle Delos Reyes's headshot
To make sure you get accurate and helpful information, this guide has been edited by Joselle Delos Reyes as part of our fact-checking process.
Richard Whitten's headshot
Editor

Richard Whitten is a money editor at Finder, and has been covering home loans, property and personal finance for 6+ years. He has written for Yahoo Finance, Money Magazine and Homely; and has appeared on various radio shows nationwide. He holds a Certificate IV in mortgage broking and finance (RG 206), a Tier 1 Generic Knowledge certification and a Tier 2 General Advice Deposit Products (RG 146) certification. See full bio

Richard's expertise
Richard has written 562 Finder guides across topics including:
  • Home loans
  • Property
  • Personal finance
  • Money-saving tips

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