Pre-approval gives you a clear idea of how much you can borrow before committing to a car. It helps you narrow your search, negotiate better, and avoid overspending. Pre-approval is obligation-free and typically involves a soft credit check. Ausloans makes it easy — just apply online, and we’ll match you with lenders offering pre-approval within 24 hours.

When applying for finance, having the right documents ready can make the process much faster and smoother. Lenders need to verify your identity, income, and financial position to assess your ability to repay the loan.

Typically, you’ll be asked to provide the following:

• Proof of identity – such as your current driver’s licence or passport.

• Proof of income – for example, recent payslips if you’re employed, or tax returns and financial statements if you’re self-employed.

• Bank statements – usually covering the last three months, to demonstrate your spending habits and financial stability.

• Vehicle details – including the make, model, year, and purchase price of the car you’re buying.

If you’re applying for business car finance, lenders may also request your ABN, business activity statements (BAS), and evidence of trading history.

To see a detailed breakdown of exactly what’s required for both personal and business car finance, read our full guide here: Comprehensive Article on Required Documents for Car Loans.

Lenders may perform either a soft inquiry (which doesn’t affect your credit) or a hard inquiry (which does). At Ausloans, we start with a soft pre-check to match you with lenders — this gives you rate and approval visibility without risk to your credit score. Only if you proceed to full application with a lender will a hard credit check be performed.

Putting down a deposit isn’t a requirement for most car loans, but it can help. A deposit reduces your loan amount, lowers your monthly repayments, and may even improve your approval chances. At Ausloans, we can help you compare both no-deposit and low-deposit options from over 40 lenders.

A secured car loan is backed by the vehicle you're buying — this typically allows for lower interest rates. If you default, the lender can repossess the car. An unsecured loan doesn’t require security, so it’s more flexible but often more expensive. We’ll help you compare both based on your credit profile and goals.

Early loan repayment can help you save on interest, but some lenders apply fees for paying out the loan ahead of schedule. At Ausloans, we’ll show you which lenders allow early repayment with no penalties and help you choose a loan that works best for your long-term financial strategy.

Car loan approval time can vary based on your financial profile and how quickly you submit your documents. At Ausloans, most customers are matched with lenders and receive conditional approval within 1 business day. Some approvals may take longer if additional verification is required. Submitting your application online with all necessary details speeds things up.

Having bad credit doesn’t mean you’re out of options. Ausloans partners with over 40 lenders, including those who consider applicants with defaults, low scores, or limited credit history. We use our smart Zink software to match your credit profile with lenders most likely to approve your car loan — giving you a real chance to get back on the road.

Balloon payments let you reduce your monthly repayments by deferring a portion of the loan to the end of the term. While this lowers your regular instalments, you’ll need to pay a large lump sum at the end. It’s popular for businesses or those planning to upgrade vehicles. Ausloans can help you compare car loan options with and without balloon payments to suit your budget.

Beyond the interest rate, car loans can include setup fees, account-keeping charges, and sometimes early repayment penalties. Ausloans helps you understand the true cost by showing comparison rates, which factor in most fees and charges. We’ll help you avoid hidden costs by comparing real offers from Australia’s top lenders — all in one place.

There’s no single score that guarantees approval, but a higher score (650+) can unlock lower interest rates and more flexible terms. Ausloans works with lenders who cater to a range of credit profiles — including those with low or recovering scores. When you apply, our Zink platform matches your unique credit profile with suitable lenders without damaging your score.

Absolutely. At Ausloans, we work with lenders who approve used car finance for private sales — including cars listed on Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, or even from friends and family. We take care of the entire process: PPSR checks to confirm the car isn’t encumbered or stolen, verifying ownership, organising secure payment transfers, and guiding you through the paperwork. It's just as safe and simple as buying through a dealer — and often cheaper.

Interest rates for used car loans vary depending on your financial profile. Factors like your credit score, employment type, loan amount, and vehicle age all influence the rate you’re offered. That’s why Ausloans compares over 40 lenders — to find the best match for your unique situation. Using our Zink platform, we can show you competitive, real offers without impacting your credit score, so you can make an informed choice before you commit.

Yes, you can use a balloon payment (also called a residual payment) on a used car loan — but it depends on the lender, the age of the vehicle, and the total loan term. A balloon payment allows you to reduce your monthly repayments by deferring a lump sum to the end of the loan. This can be a smart option if you plan to trade in or sell the vehicle before the loan ends. Ausloans works with lenders who offer balloon options for eligible vehicles, and our brokers will help you assess whether it’s the right fit for your budget and ownership plans.