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Finder Score for car loans
To 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.
Getting pre-approved for a car loan means the lender looks at your finances and gives you a conditional loan amount, so you know your budget before shopping.
Pre-approval doesn't guarantee final approval - the lender will check the car details and your financial situation again before confirming the loan.
Pre-approval usually lasts up to three months, so make sure to buy your car within that time or you might need to apply again.
What is conditional approval?
Most car buyers find the right car first then apply for a car loan. But with pre-approval you can do it the other way round. You submit an application and the lender offers you a conditionally approved loan. Then you look for a car.
It's not the same as a full approval (you might get knocked back when you actually apply) but pre-approval gives you a decent idea of how much you can borrow and what it will cost you. That way you can shop for a car with more confidence.
The ins and outs of pre-approved car finance
When you apply for pre-approval, the lender will determine how much you can afford to borrow based on your income, expenses, the amount you wish to borrow and the type of car you're looking to buy.
Why pre-approval is useful
Buyer confidence. Pre-approved car loans give buyers confidence that they have a good chance of getting finance for their chosen car.
Understanding of your financial situation. The lender has already assessed your financials and has confirmed that you can afford the loan and therefore the car purchase, before you go out and buy it.
Bargaining power. Pre-approval can give you the upper hand when negotiating your price at the car dealership. You know how much you can spend, so you can make an offer there and then.
Drawbacks of car loan pre-approval
Shorter periods of time. Conditional approval on some loans is only available for short periods of time (typically up to 3 months). After that you'll need to apply for pre-approval again or apply for a loan.
Limited choice. Not every car lender offers pre-approval.
Finder survey: Have Australians of different ages ever had a car loan application rejected?
Response
Gen Z
Gen Y
Gen X
Baby Boomers
No
55.06%
64.95%
70.72%
70.74%
I have never applied for a car loan
37.08%
25.27%
24.01%
28.69%
Yes
7.87%
9.78%
5.26%
0.57%
Source: Finder survey by Pure Profile of 1113 Australians, December 2023
How to get pre-approved for a car loan
Ensure you have all your documents and pay slips ready.
Compare a range of loans that you can apply for.
Contact your bank or financial provider you wish to apply with.
Get pre-approved by the lender.
Shop around for your car.
Note that not every lender offers pre-approval for a car loan. Some lenders simply require an application once you're ready to buy a car.
Research your car. The make. The model. The year. The colour. You'll also need to take into consideration the fuel consumption.
Check your financial standing. Car loans are an extensive financial commitment. Ensure that you have the required funds and/or pre-approval.
Test-drive your car. Taking the car for a test-drive will let you find out if there is any issues with it.
Shop around. Go to a few dealers or multiple private sellers. Don't buy the first car you see.
Frequently asked questions about pre-approved car loans
As with any large purchase, it's important to compare your options. You should choose a car based on the features you want, and then pick one in your budget. There are benefits and drawbacks to both new and used car purchases, for instance, used cars can be a bargain but can come with unknown mechanical problems, while new cars come with a factory warranty but depreciate quickly. Take a look at our used car buying guide here to get an idea of what might be in store.
Apply online to see if you qualify for a pre-approved car loan. You can compare your options using the table on this page and click 'apply' once you've found the right loan for you. Keep information handy such as your income, employment details, other income, assets, liabilities and 100 points of ID. Applying has never been easier, with some lenders granting pre-approval within 60 seconds.
Stamp Duty. The government requires you to pay stamp duty on your car which will be a percentage of the purchase price.
Compulsory Third Party Insurance. This is a legal requirement in Australia and covers anyone who may get hurt as a result of your driving.
Ongoing costs. You'll have to pay for the ongoing upkeep of your next car including servicing, tolls, etc.
Pre-approved car loans are no different to other car loans. You can use one to purchase a car through a dealership, at private sales and at auction.
Depending on who you bank with you may already have pre-approval. Compare the lenders above to find out. You'll have to be 18+ and a permanent resident or citizen, have a job and a regular income and be able to afford your loan repayments.
Richard Whitten is Finder’s Money Editor, with over seven years of experience in home loans, property and personal finance. His insights appear in top media outlets like Yahoo Finance, Money Magazine, and the Herald Sun, and he frequently offers expert commentary on television and radio, helping Australians navigate mortgages and property ownership. Richard holds multiple industry certifications, including a Certificate IV in Mortgage Broking (RG 206) and Tier 1 and Tier 2 certifications (RG 146), as well as a Graduate Certificate in Communications from Deakin University. See full bio
Richard's expertise
Richard has written 625 Finder guides across topics including:
I hold a provisional resident visa (subclass 309) pending my permanent residency which is sooner. I have lived in Sydney for 1 year and 7 months. There is no restriction on my visa, and I have been working as a part time permanent for a year plus now. Am I eligible for Car Loan from any Bank?
Finder
RenchJuly 27, 2017Finder
Hi Dennis,
Thank you for your inquiry.
Please note that we are not affiliated with any company we feature on our site and so we can only offer you general advice.
Here are some steps for you to get a pre -approved Car Loan:
-Get a copy of your credit score
-Ensure you have all your documents and pay slips
-Compare a range of loans that you can apply for
-Contact your bank or financial provider you wish to apply with
Shop around for your next car
Before applying for any loan, please ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria and requirements of the loan option or lender and make sure to read the details, as well as the relevant PDS/ T&Cs of the loan option before making a decision and consider whether the product or option is right for you.
Please contact your preferred lender to inquire. You may click the ‘Go to Site’ button to submit an online application.
Best regards,
Rench
SharonJuly 16, 2016
I have been pre approved for a car loan and went and found a car I liked today, and my bank said to make sure it was subject to finance which I did , do I let my bank know all the cars details and dealer details or does the dealer do that on my behalf
Finder
ElizabethJuly 18, 2016Finder
Hi Sharon,
You’ll need to advise the dealer that you’ve got a pre-approved car loan, but then you’ll need to give the details of the vehicle to the bank yourself. Following this the bank will pay the money to the dealership on your behalf.
I hope this helps,
Elizabeth
richardJanuary 20, 2016
sir I have a 2011 buick lacrosse that I want to trade in for a 2016acura rdx so how does a pre approval work in this case . I owe approx. 8000$ on it
Finder
ElizabethJanuary 21, 2016Finder
Hi Richard,
Pre-approval works depending on the lender you apply with, but this will be considered a refinancing loan. You can compare lenders using the table above and once you’ve found a lender you want to enquire with you can click through to its website. You can then find out the process and if the car is eligible for refinancing. You may also want to consider the services of a car loan broker which you can do on the table above.
I hope this has helped.
Thanks,
Elizabeth
KarinaJuly 12, 2014
Can you get a loan while being unemployed? Do car loaning places accept your application if your partner or parent is willing to pay your car loan until you get a job?
Finder
ShirleyJuly 14, 2014Finder
Hi Karina,
Thanks for your question.
When considering your application, most lenders will need to see proof of income before accepting your loan. Some lenders will allow a guarantor, but it’s best to do some research and speak to relevant the lenders before you apply to discuss your eligibility.
Want to buy a classic car but don't have the ready money? There are still financing options available for classic vehicles. Find out what loans you have to choose one and which one will work best for you.
If you are unhappy with your current car loan, refinancing it could be the right choice for you. Most people refinance their car loan to get a lower interest rate, get more flexibility in their car loan or get more additional features. Read our guide to see if it's right for you.
If you're looking to a buy a car you can consider a secured car loan to help finance your vehicle purchase. The loan is guaranteed so you can enjoy a lower interest rate – compare your options and apply today.
You can still get a car loan if you want to finance a used car. Find out how you can get a used car loan and see what rates are available for the used car you want. Learn how to best compare lenders and apply for your loan today.
Whether you're upgrading your current car or looking for a new vehicle for your first car purchase, a new car loan can help you finance your set of wheels. Find out everything you need to know about new car loans to help you find the right loan for you.
Don't pay an outrageous interest rate on your next car loan – compare loans before you buy.
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I hold a provisional resident visa (subclass 309) pending my permanent residency which is sooner. I have lived in Sydney for 1 year and 7 months. There is no restriction on my visa, and I have been working as a part time permanent for a year plus now. Am I eligible for Car Loan from any Bank?
Hi Dennis,
Thank you for your inquiry.
Please note that we are not affiliated with any company we feature on our site and so we can only offer you general advice.
Here are some steps for you to get a pre -approved Car Loan:
-Get a copy of your credit score
-Ensure you have all your documents and pay slips
-Compare a range of loans that you can apply for
-Contact your bank or financial provider you wish to apply with
Shop around for your next car
Before applying for any loan, please ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria and requirements of the loan option or lender and make sure to read the details, as well as the relevant PDS/ T&Cs of the loan option before making a decision and consider whether the product or option is right for you.
Please contact your preferred lender to inquire. You may click the ‘Go to Site’ button to submit an online application.
Best regards,
Rench
I have been pre approved for a car loan and went and found a car I liked today, and my bank said to make sure it was subject to finance which I did , do I let my bank know all the cars details and dealer details or does the dealer do that on my behalf
Hi Sharon,
You’ll need to advise the dealer that you’ve got a pre-approved car loan, but then you’ll need to give the details of the vehicle to the bank yourself. Following this the bank will pay the money to the dealership on your behalf.
I hope this helps,
Elizabeth
sir I have a 2011 buick lacrosse that I want to trade in for a 2016acura rdx so how does a pre approval work in this case . I owe approx. 8000$ on it
Hi Richard,
Pre-approval works depending on the lender you apply with, but this will be considered a refinancing loan. You can compare lenders using the table above and once you’ve found a lender you want to enquire with you can click through to its website. You can then find out the process and if the car is eligible for refinancing. You may also want to consider the services of a car loan broker which you can do on the table above.
I hope this has helped.
Thanks,
Elizabeth
Can you get a loan while being unemployed? Do car loaning places accept your application if your partner or parent is willing to pay your car loan until you get a job?
Hi Karina,
Thanks for your question.
When considering your application, most lenders will need to see proof of income before accepting your loan. Some lenders will allow a guarantor, but it’s best to do some research and speak to relevant the lenders before you apply to discuss your eligibility.
Cheers,
Shirley