Compare Car Loans from 50+ Australian Lenders
Get on the road sooner with flexible car finance. Choose sharp rates, repayment terms that fit your budget, and a lender that works for you.
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Car Loans Made Simple
Buying new or used? Dealer or private sale? We’ll help you line up a car loan that matches your lifestyle and budget.
Borrow What You Need
Typical amounts from $5,000 to $100,000+
Set Your Term
Repay over 1 to 7 years — whatever fits your plan
Fast Approvals
Same-day decisions are possible when you’re ready to go
New or Used
Finance from a dealership, auction or private seller
Predictable Payments
Lock in fixed repayments so you always know what’s due
Your Choice of Car
From family SUVs to first cars and 4WDs for adventure
How it works
We make car finance easy — no endless forms, just quick comparisons and clear results.
Apply online in 3 minutes
Tell us about yourself, your car and your budget.
Get matched options
See loan offers side by side — secured, unsecured, fixed or variable.
Upload your documents
Proof of income, ID and bank statements are usually all you’ll need.
Settle & drive away
We handle the lender and seller so you can pick up your car sooner.
Backed by over 50+ lenders
Giving you the best chance of being approved.
A quick guide to car loans
A car loan gives you the freedom to buy now and spread the cost into manageable repayments. Instead of draining your savings, you can choose a loan that fits your budget and timeframe.
Lenders will look at your income, credit history and the car’s age to decide how much you can borrow and the rate you’ll pay. For new cars, it’s often possible to borrow up to 100% of the price, meaning you can drive away without a big upfront deposit.
Want to skip ahead?
This guide is broken down into the following sections. Click a link if you want to skip ahead.
Types of car loans
Choose the loan style that matches your needs and repayment preferences:
Secured Car Loan
A car loan secured against the vehicle you're purchasing, offering competitive rates and terms for both new and used cars.
Pros
- Lower interest rates due to vehicle security
- Higher loan amounts available
- Longer repayment terms possible
Cons
- Vehicle serves as collateral - risk of repossession
- Restrictions on selling the vehicle during loan term
- Comprehensive insurance typically required
Best For
Car buyers seeking the lowest possible rates who are comfortable securing the loan against their vehicle. Perfect for new and used car purchases with competitive terms.
Unsecured Personal Loan
A personal loan that doesn't require collateral, based on your creditworthiness and ability to repay, offering flexibility for various purposes.
Pros
- No collateral required - no risk to personal assets
- Quick approval and funding process
- Flexible use of funds for any purpose
Cons
- Higher interest rates than secured loans
- Stricter credit requirements
- Lower maximum loan amounts available
Best For
People who need flexible funding for any purpose without risking their assets. Ideal for debt consolidation, home improvements, holidays, and old or exotic vehicles.
Fixed Rate Car Loan
A secured car loan with a fixed interest rate that remains constant throughout the loan term, providing predictable monthly payments.
Pros
- Predictable monthly payments with fixed interest rates
- Protection against interest rate increases
- Easier budgeting and financial planning
Cons
- Cannot benefit from interest rate decreases
- Typically higher initial rates than variable loans
- Less flexibility in payment structure
Best For
Budget-conscious borrowers who want predictable monthly payments and protection against interest rate increases. Ideal for first-time car buyers or those on fixed incomes.
Variable Rate Car Loan
A secured car loan with an interest rate that can fluctuate with market conditions, potentially offering savings when rates decrease.
Pros
- Can benefit from interest rate decreases
- Often lower initial rates than fixed loans
- More flexible loan features available
Cons
- Monthly payments can increase with rising rates
- Uncertainty in budgeting due to rate fluctuations
- Risk of significant payment increases
Best For
Financially savvy borrowers who can handle payment fluctuations and want to capitalise on falling interest rates. Great for those with stable income who expect rates to drop.
What can you use a car loan for?
Your car loan can be tailored to the way you live, travel and move around Australia.
Buy a New Car
Drive away in a brand-new model with finance that covers up to 100% of the cost.
Upgrade to Used
Pick up a quality used vehicle from a dealer, auction or private seller with loan terms to match.
Family Upgrade
Make room for the kids with a safe, spacious SUV or people-mover financed on terms that suit you.
Daily Commuter
Get a reliable runabout for work and errands, with predictable repayments you can budget around.
Adventure Vehicle
Finance a 4WD or camper and head off-road — repayment plans can match your lifestyle.
Replacement Ride
Say goodbye to unreliable cars and get into something newer, safer and more efficient.
Case Study
Sophie & Daniel
Upgrading to a safer family car without blowing the budget
Challenge: Sophie and Daniel needed a newer, safer car for family trips but didn’t want repayments to stretch their budget.
Solution: A secured, fixed-rate car loan over 5 years covering 90% of the purchase price.
After comparing offers through Emu Money, Sophie and Daniel chose a fixed-rate loan with predictable monthly repayments. With no large deposit required, they upgraded quickly and drove away in a safer family car—confident their budget would stay on track.
How much can you borrow?
Most car loans range from $5,000 to $100,000+. If you’re buying new, you may be able to borrow up to the full price. For used cars, loans usually cover 80–90% of value. The exact amount depends on your income, credit profile and the age of the car. Terms run from 1 to 7 years, so you can set repayments that fit your budget.
Car Loan Repayment Calculator
Work out what your repayments might look like before you commit. Adjust the loan amount, rate, term and balloon to plan with confidence.
Balance over time
Are you eligible for a car loan?
Lenders want to see that you can manage the loan without putting your budget under pressure. They’ll look at your income, employment stability, and existing financial commitments to make sure the repayments are affordable. The car itself also plays a role — newer vehicles usually qualify for sharper rates and longer terms, while older cars may have stricter limits.
Having steady income, a clean credit history, and healthy bank statements will all improve your chances of approval. Even if your profile isn’t perfect, there are options available — from specialist lenders to flexible structures that can still get you on the road.
You may be eligible if you are:
An Australian resident
Over 18 years old
Earning a regular income
Able to provide bank statements or payslips
Buying an eligible vehicle (dealer, auction or private sale)
How to apply for a car loan
Applying is simple. Fill out a short form, upload your documents, and we’ll match you with lenders. Once you choose your loan, we take care of settlement so you can pick up the keys.
Documents you may need:
Driver’s licence or passport
Recent payslips or bank statements
Employment details
Vehicle details (VIN, rego, invoice or quote)
How to save money on your car loan
The right structure can save you thousands. Secured loans usually come with lower rates, while unsecured loans offer more freedom. Adding a balloon payment can cut your monthly costs, but you’ll need a plan for the final lump sum. Choosing a newer car often means sharper pricing. Always check for fees, and consider rolling extras like rego, insurance or accessories into the loan so you pay one competitive rate.
Example: Balloon impact — $30,000 over 60 months at 7.99% p.a.:
| Balloon | Approx. Monthly Repayment | Notes |
|---|---|---|
$0 | $615 | Highest monthly cost |
10% ($3,000) | $554 | Lower monthly cost |
20% ($6,000) | $492 | Balance of cost vs cash flow |
30% ($9,000) | $431 | Lowest monthly cost; plan for resale or refinance |
Car loan options explained
Different loan features can change how much you pay and how much flexibility you get:
Secured vs Unsecured Loans
A secured loan uses your car as collateral, usually giving you a lower rate. An unsecured loan doesn’t, which means faster access but higher costs.
Fixed vs Variable Rates
A fixed rate keeps repayments the same every month. A variable rate can save money if rates drop, but repayments may rise.
Balloon Payments
Lower your monthly repayments by pushing a lump sum to the end — just make sure you can cover it later.
Early Repayment Flexibility
Want the freedom to pay off your loan early? Some lenders allow it without penalty, others don’t.
Fees & Charges
Look beyond the rate — establishment, monthly and exit fees all add to the true cost of your loan.
Testimonials
Verified Review
Brad and the team at Emu money are fantastic. Highly recommend.
Liam H.
Verified Review
I had an amazing experience with Wendy Fonseka from Emu Money! Wendy guided me through the refinancing of my personal loan, helping me secure a much better interest rate and significantly lower repayments. Her efficiency, reliability, and professionalism were outstanding every step of the way. I'm incredibly grateful for her support and can't recommend her highly enough. I'll definitely be spreading the word to friends and family—thank you, Wendy!
Raam G.
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Theodore G.
Verified Review
I was dealing with Ryan and wow đź’Ż He Helped me all the way from start too Finsh with my application,I would definitely go through these guys again Thanksđź‘Ś
Phillip U.
Verified Review
Great boutique provider of finance services. Emu were very helpful in improving my financial situation, despite the fact they had to do most of it remotely. Highly regarded and completely trusted. A+++
Thomas M.
Verified Review
Brad was great quick and simple no headaches. just simple process and was done in quick time frame. cant thank him enough.
Danny D.
Frequently Asked Questions
Car Loan FAQs
These helpful FAQs will help you find the answers you need. If you can't find what you're looking for, you can request a callback below.
