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.

Just like any other car brand, Tesla vehicles can be financed using a car loan. At Ausloans, we work with lenders that understand the EV market and offer tailored loan options for popular electric vehicles like Tesla. Whether it’s a Model 3, Model Y, or another variant, you can apply online, compare offers, and secure the finance that fits your budget.

EV loan rates can vary compared to standard car loans. Some lenders in Australia now provide green loan incentives — including lower interest rates — for borrowers financing electric or hybrid vehicles. These offers reward environmentally responsible purchases and can help you save money over the loan term. When you apply with Ausloans, we’ll highlight any lenders offering green finance benefits.

A low credit score doesn’t mean your dream of driving an EV is out of reach. We work with flexible lenders who assess more than just your credit file. Your income, living expenses, and current debts are all considered. If you’re self-employed or have had past credit issues, we’ll help find a lender who focuses on your affordability today — not your mistakes in the past.

Many Australian states and territories offer government rebates and incentives to make buying an electric vehicle more affordable. These can include rebates of up to $3,000 on eligible EVs, exemptions from stamp duty, and discounts on registration. Availability and eligibility vary by state — for example, Queensland and NSW offer significant support for EV buyers. These incentives can be combined with an EV car loan to reduce your overall upfront costs. Check your state’s transport department for the latest details or ask your Ausloans broker for guidance.