CAR FINANCE STRUCTURED AROUND THE VEHICLE
Car finance needs to fit your budget as well as the vehicle. Your income and existing commitments, the car’s age, how you are buying it and whether it is for personal or business use all help determine the options. We also consider any deposit or trade-in and the amount you need to borrow.
We arrange the lending side of the purchase. We look at the vehicle, the seller, your income and existing commitments, then compare suitable lender options and explain the structure before anything is lodged.
WHAT WE ARRANGE FOR VEHICLE BUYERS
New Vehicles
Finance for a new car from a dealer, with the vehicle typically taken as security. We consider the term, any balloon or residual and how the repayments fit your budget. If the vehicle secures the loan, the lender may repossess it if repayments are not met.
Used Vehicles
Lenders apply age and condition limits to used vehicles, and policy differs between them. We identify lenders whose policy suits the car you have found.
Private Sales
Some lenders finance private purchases, with additional checks on the vehicle, seller and any existing finance. We coordinate the lender’s requirements and any payout arrangements before settlement.
Balloon Payments
A balloon leaves a lump sum payable at the end of the loan. We compare regular repayments, total cost and the final payment so you can consider how you would meet that commitment.
Refinancing an Existing Car Loan
An existing car loan can be reviewed for rate, term and structure, subject to the vehicle’s age and any exit conditions on the current facility.
Business-Use Vehicles
Where a vehicle is used substantially for business, different loan structures may be available. We consider the options alongside your accountant where relevant.
WHAT SHAPES A CAR LOAN ASSESSMENT
Vehicle lending policy varies between lenders. These are the factors most likely to determine which options are available and how the loan is structured.
Vehicle Age and Type
Lenders may apply vehicle-age limits at purchase or at the end of the loan term. Vehicle type, condition and imports can also affect eligibility, with requirements varying between lenders.
Purchase Route
Dealer, private sale and auction purchases are assessed differently, particularly around verification of the vehicle and the seller.
Deposit and Trade-in
A cash deposit or available equity in a trade-in can reduce the amount you need to borrow. Any finance still owing on the trade-in needs to be accounted for first.
Income and Commitments
Lenders assess your income, existing debts and living expenses against the proposed repayments. Credit-card limits can affect this assessment even when the balance is low or paid off.
Credit History
Repayment conduct, enquiries and any listings are considered. We review the position with you before an application is lodged.
Term and Balloon Payment
For the same amount and interest rate, a longer term generally reduces regular repayments but increases total interest. A balloon changes the repayment schedule and leaves a final lump sum to plan for.
HOW WE APPROACH CAR FINANCE
01
Understand the Vehicle and the Buyer
We establish the car, the purchase route, your income and commitments, and how much you intend to contribute, so the comparison starts from the right facts.
02
Match the Structure to Suitable Lender Options
We identify lenders whose vehicle and borrower policy fits, then compare term, structure and conditions rather than the headline rate alone.
03
Lodge, Verify and Settle
We prepare the application, coordinate vehicle and seller verification with the lender and keep you informed through to settlement, subject to the lender’s assessment.
WE ARRANGE THE LENDING, NOT THE CAR
Direct Broker Access
Christian leads your finance review, supported by the AGFB team throughout the application process.
The Lending Side Only
You can speak with us before or after choosing a vehicle. We explain your finance options; vehicle condition, suitability and purchase-price checks remain separate parts of your buying decision.
Structure Explained First
We explain the available structures, repayment commitments and costs before you decide how to proceed.
COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT CAR LOANS
Can I finance a car bought through a private sale?
Some lenders finance private-sale vehicles, subject to their assessment and verification requirements. Checks may include the vehicle’s identity, the seller’s details and any existing finance. Settlement may involve paying an existing financier before the remaining funds go to the seller. We coordinate the lender’s requirements; these checks do not replace your own assessment of the vehicle’s condition.
Is there a limit on how old the car can be?
Limits vary between lenders and loan types. A lender may consider the vehicle’s age now and at the end of the proposed term. An older vehicle can affect the available lenders or repayment period. Tell us the vehicle details early so we can consider those requirements before an application is lodged.
What is a balloon payment and should I have one?
A balloon is a lump sum due at the end of the loan. Compared with an otherwise equivalent loan without a balloon, regular repayments are lower but total interest is generally higher. You need a plan for the final payment: refinancing is subject to approval, and selling the car may not cover the amount owed. We compare the regular repayments, total cost and final commitment before you decide.
Do I need a deposit for a car loan?
Not always. Some lenders will finance the full purchase price, while others prefer a deposit or trade-in, and a contribution can affect which lenders and structures are available. A deposit reduces the amount financed relative to the vehicle’s value, which some lenders view favourably. We tell you how a contribution changes the options for your situation.
Can I refinance my current car loan?
Refinancing may be available, subject to your circumstances, the vehicle and lender requirements. We compare the remaining cost of your current loan with the proposed replacement, including fees and any payout amount. A lower monthly repayment does not necessarily mean a cheaper loan. If an existing balloon is included in the new borrowing, that debt is being refinanced rather than removed.
What documents will I need?
Typically identification, evidence of income such as payslips or tax returns, recent bank statements and details of existing loans and cards. For the vehicle, the lender will want the purchase details, and for a private sale the seller’s and the vehicle’s identification. We tell you exactly what is needed before anything is lodged.