How it works
One short quiz, a call from a licensed broker, and you decide. Here’s exactly what happens when you enquire, and what to have ready.
Check my options- Free
- 60 seconds
- No obligation
From quiz to keys
Three stops between you and the keys.
Tell us about the car
Let us know what you’re buying, roughly how much you need and a few details about you.
Talk to a broker
A licensed car finance broker gets in touch, compares lenders and explains the loans that fit.
Pick up the keys
Once your loan is approved and you’ve signed, the lender pays the dealer or seller.
Free to enquire. No obligation to go ahead.
What happens next
You answer a few questions
About the car, how you’ll use it and your situation. It takes about 60 seconds and doesn’t run a credit check.
We pass your details on
Your enquiry goes to a licensed car finance broker. We don’t lend money or give credit advice ourselves.
A broker calls you
They check a few details and talk through the lenders that may suit you and the car.
You decide
Compare your options and only apply if it’s right for you. There’s no obligation to go ahead.
Have these handy
You don’t need them to enquire, but having them ready can speed things up once a broker calls.
- Your driver’s licence
- Your last two payslips, or your ABN and latest BAS or tax return if you’re self-employed
- Three months of bank statements
- The car’s details once you’ve found it: price, year, kilometres and seller
- What you currently owe on cards and other loans
Who you’ll deal with
UsedCarLoans is a free referral service. We don’t lend money and we don’t give credit advice. When you finish the quiz, we pass your details to a licensed car finance broker.
The broker compares loans from a panel of lenders and explains your options. A lender only checks your credit file if you choose to apply, and they’ll tell you before they do.
It costs nothing to enquire. If you go ahead, your broker will explain any fees and charges before you sign anything.
Get ready before you enquire
Not sure what you can afford yet? Try the car loan calculator first, then come back to the quiz with a price range in mind.
Every kind of vehicle is assessed a little differently. Our guides to used SUV loans, used ute loans, used 4WD loans, used van loans and used electric car loans explain what lenders look at, and popular models like the Toyota Hilux, Toyota Corolla, Toyota RAV4 and Toyota LandCruiser each have their own finance guide.
Still have questions? The used car finance FAQs cover deposits, credit history and private sales. When you’re ready, start the quiz.
The process
How long does the UsedCarLoans quiz take?
Most people finish the quiz in about 60 seconds. It asks a few simple questions, such as the kind of car you're after, roughly how much you'd like to borrow, how you'll use it, your employment and how you'd describe your credit, plus your contact details and postcode. There are no documents to upload at this stage, and it works just as well on your phone as on a computer.
What happens after I submit my enquiry?
Your details go to a licensed finance broker, who will contact you to talk through your situation. They'll check a few details, ask what you're looking to buy and explain the lenders and loan options that may suit you. If you decide to go ahead, the broker helps you apply, collects your documents and deals with the lender for you. You decide at every step whether to continue.
Who will contact me after I enquire?
A licensed car finance broker will contact you, usually by phone. The call may come from a number you don't recognise, so keep your phone handy. UsedCarLoans doesn't lend money or give credit advice, so the broker is the person who discusses your options and holds the relevant credit licence. If you miss the call, the broker may try again or follow up by text or email.
Can I enquire before I've found a car?
Yes, and many people do. The broker can talk through your budget and, where it suits, help you apply for pre-approval, which is a conditional approval from a lender up to a set amount. It lets you shop with a clear budget and move quickly once you find the right car. Pre-approval lasts for a limited time set by the lender, and final approval still depends on the car you choose.
Is there any obligation to take out a loan?
No, enquiring is free and there's no obligation. Talking to the broker is simply a chance to understand your options and see what lenders may consider. You can ask questions, take time to compare, or decide not to go ahead at all. Nothing is binding until you sign a loan contract with a lender, and you should only do that once you understand the repayments, fees and terms.
After you enquire
What documents do I need for a car loan?
Most lenders ask for photo ID such as a driver's licence or passport, recent payslips and a few months of bank statements. You'll also be asked about your living expenses, debts and credit cards. Self-employed borrowers usually need tax returns, notices of assessment or BAS statements. Once you've picked a car, the lender will want its details, such as a dealer invoice or the private seller's information and the VIN.
When does a lender check my credit file?
A lender checks your credit file only if you choose to apply for a loan. Completing the quiz doesn't involve a credit check, so your file is unaffected while you explore your options, and you'll be asked for consent before any check is run. When you apply, the lender's enquiry is recorded on your file, which is why brokers usually narrow the field to suitable lenders before an application goes in.
What if I'm declined for a car loan?
Ask the lender or broker why, because the reason shapes your next step. It might be your credit file, income, existing debts or the car itself. You can get a free copy of your credit report from each credit reporting body every three months to check for errors. Avoid applying with lots of lenders at once, as multiple enquiries can hurt your score. A smaller loan, a deposit or a different car may help.
How is my personal information handled?
The quiz asks only for the details needed to connect you with a licensed broker, and we pass them to that broker so they can contact you about your enquiry. Your information isn't used to apply for credit unless you choose to apply. If you go ahead, the broker shares it with the lenders you agree to. Our privacy policy explains how your information is stored and used, and how to request access or a correction.