Car loans & car finance that fit the car, the budget and you.
Looking for a car loan in Melbourne or comparing vehicle finance anywhere in Australia? New car, used car, private sale, business vehicle or something a little more interesting — Loan Location can help compare suitable car finance options and explain the repayment, fees, loan term and total cost before you commit.
Car loans Melbourne & Australia-wide
Compare car finance with a broker, not just a repayment
Loan Location is based in Keilor East, Melbourne and helps clients compare car loans and vehicle finance for personal and business use. We can assist with new cars, used cars, eligible private-sale vehicles and commercial vehicles, subject to lender policy and approval.
If a secured car loan is not the right fit, we can also discuss whether a personal loan may be worth considering. Buying primarily for work or business use? Our small business finance page explains broader funding options beyond vehicle finance.
Start with how the vehicle will be used
Personal car or business vehicle?
That first question matters because the finance structure, documentation and lender options can look quite different depending on why you are buying the vehicle.
Consumer car finance
Buying a vehicle mainly for personal use? Finance may be available for new and used cars, dealership purchases and eligible private sales, subject to lender policy and assessment.
Business & commercial vehicles
Utes, vans, work vehicles and fleet additions may have different finance pathways. We can help you understand the available structures and what information a lender may need.
Tax treatment is not one-size-fits-all. If a vehicle is being purchased for business use, speak with your accountant or tax adviser about the tax consequences of different ownership and finance structures.
Not just the white sedan from aisle three
What can car finance be used for?
Vehicle lending covers much more than brand-new dealership cars. The vehicle itself — including its age, value and how it is being purchased — can influence which lenders may be suitable.
New cars
Dealer vehicles, demonstrators and eligible near-new cars.
Used cars
Older vehicles may still qualify, depending on lender age and value rules.
Private sales
Buying directly from another owner can require a different settlement process.
Enthusiast vehicles
Classic, prestige and specialist vehicles can require more tailored lender selection.
Utes & work vehicles
Vehicles used for work may be considered under consumer or commercial lending.
Vans
Delivery, trade and business vehicles can have commercial finance options.
Motorbikes
Some lenders finance eligible motorcycles under secured or personal lending products.
Something unusual?
Tell us what you are buying first. We can then work out which finance path is worth exploring.
The bit the shiny brochure skips
Car finance is more than the advertised rate
The rate matters — but it does not tell you the whole story. A useful comparison looks at what the finance does to your regular budget and what it may cost across the full term.
What actually leaves your account each week, fortnight or month?
Interest, establishment costs, ongoing fees and the loan term all contribute.
If a balloon or residual applies, understand what may still be owing at the end.
A smaller repayment is not automatically cheaper finance. Extending the term or adding a balloon can reduce the regular repayment, but it can change the total amount you repay and may leave a larger amount owing later.
Different job, different tool
Common car finance structures
The names can sound more complicated than the underlying idea. Here is the plain-English version.
Secured vehicle loan
The vehicle is generally used as security for the loan. Vehicle age, value and condition can influence whether a lender will accept it.
Unsecured personal loan
The lender does not take security over a specific vehicle. This may offer flexibility, although pricing and assessment can differ from secured lending.
Commercial vehicle finance
Business-use vehicles may be financed through commercial products, subject to lender criteria, business circumstances and documentation requirements.
Balloon or residual structure
A portion of the amount is left to the end of the term. This can change the regular repayment but creates a larger final amount that needs to be dealt with.
Finance desk ≠ only option
Dealer finance or organise your own?
Dealer finance can be convenient. Convenience, however, is not the same thing as comparison. You are allowed to separate the car negotiation from the finance decision.
One purchase. One finance desk.
The dealer may offer finance while you are buying the vehicle, which can make the process feel quick.
- Convenient at the point of sale.
- May include promotional offers or conditions.
- Finance and vehicle negotiation happen in the same environment.
- Worth understanding the complete repayment structure before signing.
Sort the finance before the showroom pressure.
A broker can look at suitable lender options separately from the person selling you the car.
- Compare suitable lender and structure options.
- Understand expected repayments before negotiating.
- Keep the car price and finance discussion separate.
- Have someone help manage the application and lender follow-up.
Useful negotiating trick: knowing your finance position before walking into the dealership can make it easier to focus on the actual drive-away price instead of trying to decode a repayment while someone is asking whether you want ceramic paint protection.
From “I found a car” to “where are the keys?”
How the car loan process works
Tell us the plan
Vehicle type, approximate price, personal or business use and how soon you want to buy.
Review your position
Income, commitments, expenses, existing debts and the repayment range you are comfortable with.
Compare suitable options
We look at relevant lender policy, structure, rates, fees and term options for your circumstances.
Get finance moving
Once you choose how to proceed, we help prepare the application and work with the lender through assessment.
What the lender actually looks at
What can affect car loan approval?
Different lenders assess applications differently. The exact information needed depends on the borrower, the vehicle and the finance structure.
Before you fall in love with the wheels
A few things worth knowing before you shop
Know what fits your household budget before deciding the maximum vehicle price.
Car price, trade-in value and finance are easier to assess when each number is clear.
Accessories, warranties and other add-ons can increase the amount being borrowed.
Car loan FAQs
Car loan and car finance questions people ask us
Can I get finance before I have chosen the exact car?
Potentially. The process can begin before the final vehicle is selected, although formal approval and settlement requirements depend on the lender, vehicle and application.
Can I finance a used car?
Potentially. Lenders can have rules around vehicle age, value and acceptable security. Older vehicles may require a different lender or finance structure.
Can I buy a car from a private seller?
Potentially. Private-sale finance is available through some lenders, although identity, vehicle and settlement checks can differ from dealership purchases.
Is a balloon payment a good idea?
It depends on the structure and your circumstances. A balloon can reduce the regular repayment but leaves a larger amount at the end of the term. The whole repayment plan should be considered.
Can self-employed people get car finance?
Yes, subject to lender criteria and acceptable evidence. Different consumer and commercial lenders may assess self-employed applicants differently.
Can I finance a business vehicle?
Potentially. Commercial vehicle finance may be available depending on the business, intended vehicle use and lender requirements. Tax treatment should be discussed with your accountant.
Should I just choose the lowest advertised rate?
Not automatically. Rate is important, but fees, term, repayment amount, balloon or residual, early-payout conditions and total cost should also be considered.
How quickly can a car loan be approved?
Timing varies by lender and application. Complete information, acceptable vehicle details and fast responses to lender requests can help reduce avoidable delays.
Ready to compare car loan options?
Tell us what you are buying and what you want the repayments to look like. Whether you are buying in Melbourne or elsewhere in Australia, we can help you compare suitable car finance options and understand the structure before you decide.
General information only. This page does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Lending criteria, rates, fees, vehicle eligibility and product availability can change. Approval is subject to lender assessment and applicable terms and conditions. For business vehicle tax treatment, seek appropriate tax advice.