Work out your car finance with confidence

No. You can use the calculator as a guide before you’ve chosen a specific car. Just enter an estimated purchase price to get a feel for what your repayments could look like. Once you’re ready, a CarExpert Finance Specialist can help you understand your options based on the car and your situation.

Use the estimated drive-away price of the car you’re considering. This can include things like on-road costs, dealer delivery and any options or accessories you may want to add. If you’re not sure, start with a rough price and adjust it as you narrow down your choices.

No. Using the calculator gives you an indicative estimate only and does not impact your credit score. A credit check is only part of a formal finance application, and we’ll make that clear before anything progresses.

The calculator gives you a guide based on the information entered. Your final rate and repayments depend on your personal situation, the lender, the loan type, the vehicle and the final amount borrowed. A CarExpert Finance Specialist can help you get a more accurate personalised quote.

Lenders look at a range of things, including your credit score, whether you rent/board or own your residence, income, employment history, existing debts and the type of vehicle you’re buying. The loan type and broader economic conditions can also affect the rate available to you.

Not always. A deposit may reduce the amount you need to borrow, which can lower your repayments, but it isn’t always required. Some lenders may have their own deposit requirements depending on your application.

A shorter loan term usually means higher repayments, but you may pay less interest overall. A longer loan term can make repayments lower, but you may pay more interest over time. The right term depends on your budget and how long you plan to keep the car.

A balloon payment is a larger final repayment due at the end of the loan. It can help lower your regular repayments, but you need to be comfortable with how you’ll manage that final amount. It can suit some buyers who plan to sell, trade in or upgrade their car before or at the end of the loan.

You take possession of the car once it’s purchased. If you choose a secured loan, the vehicle is listed on the Personal Property Securities Register until the loan is paid off. This protects the lender’s interest in the car while repayments are being made.

It depends on your situation, but lenders commonly ask for identification, proof of income and details about the vehicle. If you apply for a secured car loan, they may also need the vehicle tax invoice and proof of comprehensive insurance before the loan is finalised.