Based on your details, you can compare the following car loans

Provider
RepaymentUpfront FeeLoan amountTotal repayments
Compare

Australian Credit Licence 488228Fees & charges apply

6.57%

7.19%

$588

$250

$2k to $75k

$35,278

  • $2k to $75k
  • undefined year
  • Fixed Rate
  • Secured
More detailsmore-details

Australian Credit Licence 488228Fees & charges apply

Australian Credit Licence 511803Fees & charges apply

6.29%

up to 24.99%

7.41%

$584

$500

$10k to $300k

$35,042

  • Via broker
  • $10k to $300k
  • undefined year
  • Fixed Rate
More detailsmore-details

Australian Credit Licence 511803Fees & charges apply

Australian Credit Licence 511803Fees & charges apply

6.80%

up to 24.99%

7.56%

$591

$500

$10k to $100k

$35,473

  • Via broker
  • $10k to $100k
  • undefined year
  • Fixed Rate
More detailsmore-details

Australian Credit Licence 511803Fees & charges apply

Australian Credit Licence 364340Fees & charges apply

6.52%

up to 18%

6.95%

$587

$350

$10k to $250k

$35,236

  • Via broker
  • $10k to $250k
  • undefined year
  • Fixed Rate
More detailsmore-details

Australian Credit Licence 364340Fees & charges apply

Australian Credit Licence 395219Fees & charges apply

6.24%

7.36%

$583

$400

$5k to $150k

$35,000

  • $5k to $150k
  • undefined year
  • Variable Rate
  • Secured
More detailsmore-details

Australian Credit Licence 395219Fees & charges apply

Australian Credit Licence 488228Fees & charges apply

6.57%

7.19%

$588

$250

$2k to $75k

$35,278

  • $2k to $75k
  • undefined year
  • Fixed Rate
  • Secured
More detailsmore-details

Australian Credit Licence 488228Fees & charges apply

What is the RateCity Car Loan Calculator?

The RateCity Car Loan Calculator is a valuable tool for those considering car financing options. Designed to assist you in evaluating potential car loan repayments, it calculates based on your preferred loan amount, term, and interest rate. The information you input allows the calculator to estimate your potential weekly, fortnightly, or monthly repayments, as well as the total interest payable over the life of the loan. 

Armed with insights into the total costs associated with prospective car loans and an understanding of your repayment obligations, you are better positioned to make informed financial decisions. 

Given the wide variety of car financing options available, this auto loan comparison calculator enables you to explore different interest rates and loan terms to see how they affect your repayments. This method can help you identify a car loan that best matches your financial constraints and goals. 

Our comparison tables facilitate a side-by-side evaluation of interest rates, fees, and various terms and conditions attached to car loans. However, this calculator could help advance your research by assisting in calculating the overall borrowing cost under different scenarios, ensuring that your monthly repayments are manageable throughout the loan's term and that you are making a financially wise choice. 

If you're contemplating a car loan with a balloon payment, this calculator can be particularly helpful. It calculates the regular payments required when considering a significant final 'balloon payment' at the end of your loan term. This feature of the car loan calculator with balloon repayments illustrates how the final payment affects the total cost of your loan, serving as an essential tool for planning and making informed choices when securing a car loan. 

How does the Repayment Calculator work?

The Repayment Calculator can help you determine your estimated repayments and the total interest payable on a car loan.

  1. Enter how much you’d like to borrow: You may have a rough figure in mind based on the car you want to buy, but you might like to consider entering different loan amounts to compare repayment estimates.
  2. Select a loan term: A longer loan term (4-7 years) could mean more affordable repayments, but you could end up paying more interest in total over the life of the loan when compared to a shorter term (1-3 years).
  3. Enter your preferred interest rate: As well as using the provided average interest rate, you can enter a higher or lower rate to see how it can affect your car loan repayments. And if you’ve already prepared a shortlist of options from our comparison tables, now is the time to enter their rates into the calculator. A lower interest rate could mean lower repayments, but be sure to also consider the comparison rate and any other fees that may be involved.
  4. Select your repayment frequency: See how paying your car loan monthly, fortnightly or weekly can affect your repayments and your loan’s total cost. This may make it easier to see how the repayments could fit into your budget and pay cycle.
  5. Add optional calculations: While not necessary for every calculation, you can see how making extra repayments or setting aside a balloon payment can affect your car loan’s costs.
  6. View results: Once you’ve entered the necessary information, the calculator will show the total interest you’ll pay and the loan’s overall costs. You can also reveal a repayment table for a payment-by-payment breakdown of the loan over time.

Keep in mind that the results from a car loan repayment calculator are only estimates, and don’t include all the fees and charges that a lender might levy. Make sure to read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) carefully for ongoing fees and charges to get a more accurate estimate of how much the loan will cost you.

How often can you use a car loan calculator without affecting your credit score?

Using RateCity’s car loan calculator for car loan comparison won’t affect your credit score. These calculators are designed to provide estimates based on the information you enter, and they don't involve a hard inquiry on your credit score. 

Credit scores are typically affected when you formally apply for credit, such as when you submit a loan application to a lender. This process involves a hard inquiry, and the lender reviews your credit report to make a lending decision. However, simply using a loan calculator to estimate your repayments or borrowing power won’t affect your credit score. 

Feel free to use a car loan calculator as often as you like to explore various scenarios and understand how different factors, such as loan amount, interest rate, and term, may impact your potential loan. It's a useful tool for informed decision-making without any impact on your credit score.

Is a car loan calculator the same as a personal loan calculator?

A car loan calculator and a personal loan calculator are very similar, although they differ in one key aspect: the default interest rate. This is because the average interest rate is different for car loans and for personal loans.

A car loan is often secured against the vehicle being purchased and secured loans generally attract lower interest rates. Meanwhile, the average personal loan rate may be much higher as it’s lifted by the number of unsecured personal loan rates in the RateCity database. Therefore, the average car loan interest rate may be lower than that of a personal loan. 

So, when using the car loan calculator and personal loan calculator, you may find the default interest rate is different, and that if you don’t set an interest rate the estimated repayments may be higher for personal loans.

What do I need to know about getting a car loan?

Before you dive into the car loan application process, it can help to familiarise yourself with the key elements that define a car loan. To help you make informed decisions, here are some common terms and concepts you should grasp before you begin your car loan journey.

Interest rates

Car loan interest rates play a pivotal role in determining the cost of your ongoing repayments and the total amount you'll pay over the life of the loan. These rates are applied on top of the principal amount you borrow. 

When comparing loan options, it's not just about the advertised interest rate; you should also consider the comparison rate. This figure typically encompasses the interest rate plus any additional fees and charges, providing a more accurate representation of the cost of a hypothetical car loan.

Fees

Car loans may come with various fees that can impact your overall expenses. These fees include establishment fees or application fees, ongoing charges like account-keeping fees, early repayment fees, and redraw fees. Being aware of these fees can help you budget effectively and choose a loan that aligns with your financial goals.

Repayments

Paying off your car loan involves making regular, consistent payments. These payments can occur on a weekly, fortnightly, or monthly basis. The specific amount you'll pay is influenced by factors such as your interest rate, whether the rate is fixed or variable, any associated fees, the loan's duration, and whether you've opted for a balloon payment at the end of the loan term. Understanding how repayments work is crucial for managing your financial obligations effectively.

Lending criteria

Different car loans come with distinct eligibility requirements. It's wise to assess whether you meet the criteria for the loan you’re after before proceeding with the application. Typically, meeting these criteria involves being an Australian citizen or permanent resident, having a minimum income that meets the lender's threshold, and maintaining a good to excellent credit score. This preliminary assessment can save you time and effort, ensuring you're pursuing a loan that you're more likely to qualify for.

How can I find the best car loan for me?

One of the simplest ways to find a suitable car loan is to look at options from a variety of different lenders. 

You can use rate tables like on RateCity for an apple to apple comparison. Use the filters to add details like your desired loan amount, preferred loan term, and other features that interest you. This can help narrow your car loan options to ones that better align with your specific needs. 

However, remember to consider more than just the interest rate when comparing your options. The fees associated with a loan could sometimes add to your costs significantly. Additionally, some car loans come with extra features that may offer added value, potentially justifying their cost. 

To find the car loan that best suits your financial situation, it might be worthwhile considering the following:

New vs. used carsWhile new car loans often feature lower interest rates than used car loans, it's worth noting that used cars typically come with a more budget-friendly price tag. Further, certain lenders might limit used car loans to vehicles within a specific age range, like 3-5 years old. If you're considering an older used car, you may need to apply for an unsecured loan which may have slightly higher interest rates. 
Secured vs. unsecured car loansA secured car loan is where the loan is secured by an asset - typically the vehicle you are buying. While most car loans tend to be secured, some are unsecured. These are generally for vehicles that are too old to be used as a security. Like personal loans, unsecured car loans often have higher interest rates than secured car loans.
Fixed vs. variable rates

If your loan is on a fixed interest rate, it means the interest rate you’re on and the amount you are paying back will not change over the loan term. This can provide certainty regarding your regular repayments and the total interest you would be paying. If you’re on a variable rate loan, your car loan repayments and interest rate could move up or down, as determined by the lender and the Reserve Bank of Australia’s (RBA) cash rate. This can work to your advantage if rates decrease. Further, home loan features are typically offered with variable rate car loans.

Loan termDifferent car loan terms can ultimately amount to different total costs. Generally, the shorter your loan term, the higher your monthly repayments may be, but this could also lower the total cost of the loan due to fewer interest charges overall. A longer loan term may mean lower monthly repayments but a higher total amount, as you will be charged more interest. In Australia, most car loan providers offer a maximum term of up to 7 years. Borrowers commonly tend to apply for loans in the 2 - 3-year range
Loan featuresA car loan lender may also offer helpful features, such as making extra repayments or a redraw facility. Keep in mind that a car loan with a redraw facility may come with redraw fees or caps, so read the product disclosure statement before applying if you want to avoid this fee.
Balloon paymentThis process entails postponing a portion of the loan's principal until the end of the loan term, resulting in smaller initial loan payments and a significant lump sum payment at the end. For example, if you defer 25% of a $30,000 loan, you will be required to pay $7,500 plus interest at the conclusion of the term. While this reduces the regular repayment amount, it also increases the total cost of the loan. It is crucial to calculate whether you can comfortably repay the lump sum at the end of the term.
DepositsWhile not all lenders require a deposit for a car loan, making an upfront payment towards the car’s purchase price could offer several benefits. For instance, if you have a low credit score or a limited credit history, which may be the case because you’re young or you’ve never used credit before, providing an upfront deposit could increase your chances of approval by reducing the lender’s risk. Further, paying a deposit on your car could also make you eligible for more competitive rates from some lenders.

What additional costs should you consider when comparing car finance options?

As well as calculating how much you can comfortably afford to borrow, it might also be worth factoring in any extra costs that can come with car ownership. This may better prepare you to budget for ongoing costs that are additional to your loan repayment.

Some common, extra costs car owners might incur include:

  • Stamp duty: When purchasing a car, you may be required to pay a one-time stamp duty fee. This fee may vary based on the value of the vehicle and the state you reside in.
  • Luxury car tax: When you purchase a luxury car, you may be subject to Luxury Car Tax (LCT). This tax is applicable when you buy a car whose GST-inclusive value exceeds the current LCT threshold set by the ATO. The LCT is imposed at a rate of 33% on the amount that exceeds this threshold. If LCT applies to your car purchase, it’s likely to be included in your purchase price. However, remember to confirm this with your dealer to avoid any additional charges further down the road.
  • Registration: Every car must be registered with the appropriate authorities. Registration fees vary depending on your location and the type of vehicle you own. These fees are typically renewed annually or biennially.
  • Car insurance: Acquiring car insurance is crucial to protect yourself and your vehicle in case of accidents, theft, or damage. Insurance premiums vary depending on factors such as your age, driving record, location, and the type of coverage you choose.
  • Petrol costs: Fuel expenses constitute a significant portion of car ownership. The cost of petrol varies based on the fuel efficiency of your vehicle, the distance you drive, and the prevailing fuel prices in your area.
  • Regular services, maintenance, and repairs: Cars require regular servicing to maintain optimal performance and ensure longevity. Routine maintenance tasks such as oil changes, tire rotations, and brake inspections incur costs. Additionally, unexpected repairs due to wear and tear or accidents may arise.
  • Tolls: Your experience may vary based on your location, but you might come across toll roads or bridges that demand payment for access. These charges can accumulate significantly, especially if you're a frequent traveller on toll routes.

By accounting for these various expenses, you can obtain a more comprehensive understanding of the financial commitments involved in leasing a car. This knowledge will assist you in determining a suitable borrowing amount that aligns with your budget and allows for the smooth operation and maintenance of your vehicle.

How do I pay off my car loan early?

If you’re hoping to repay your debt before the loan term is up, you may want to consider opting for a car loan that allows for additional repayments. By chipping away at the principal with extra repayments, you may be able to shave months off your car loan and potentially save hundreds of dollars in interest.

Some lenders may demand fees for these extra repayments. Others allow you to make extra payments without charging any fees. It’s best to check these details with your lender. If your lender does charge you a penalty or fees for early repayment, you may want to check that the cost of the fees don’t equal or outstrip the savings you may make by repaying the loan early.

Can your credit history affect car loan rates?

In terms of interest rates, car loan providers typically offer a range, such as between 5-11%. Nevertheless, the specific rate you qualify for is not arbitrary; it's determined by a variety of factors. Your credit score plays an important role in this calculation. 

If you present yourself as an ideal borrower, boasting a good to excellent credit score, a steady full-time income, and a work history spanning at least six months, you may be able to boost your prospects of securing approval for lower interest rates. On the other hand, if you have a low credit score or a history of late payments, lenders may view you as a higher risk. This could lead them to reject your loan application, or you may be offered a higher interest rate on your car loan. 

You can check your credit score online from time to time to keep a tab on your financial health. If you have a good credit score, you may confidently apply for car loans with competitive rates and additional benefits. 

However, if you find your score to be low, you might not qualify for the lowest rates offered by lenders. Depending on the urgency of your requirement, you may need to adjust your budget accordingly. Alternatively, you could wait for some time to apply for a car loan and work on improving your credit score in the meanwhile. 

What’s my credit rating? 

Your credit rating, also known as a credit score, is a numerical representation of your creditworthiness. Lenders typically use it to evaluate the risk of lending money to you. A higher credit rating indicates a lower credit risk, making it more likely for lenders to offer you better interest rates. On the other hand, a lower credit rating may result in higher interest rates. 

Besides the interest rate on your loan, your credit rating can have an impact on your likelihood of getting approved for a car loan. Before you apply for any financial product, such as credit cards or home loans, it’s a good idea to find out your credit rating. This is because having a poor credit history and a low credit score can increase the chances of loan rejection. Since being denied credit can further harm your credit score, it's important to try and avoid this situation.  

If you're interested in obtaining your credit scores for free from major credit bureaus in Australia, like Equifax and Experian, you can visit RateCity's credit score hub. A "soft" credit check will be performed on your credit history, but this will not affect your credit score.

Car loan lenders to choose from

Fact Checked

This article was reviewed by Personal Finance Editor Georgia Brown before it was published as part of RateCity's Fact Check process.

Compare these car loans lenders at RateCity