Free Download: The Australian Car Buyer Checklist
Everything you need to know before financing your next car in Australia — and how to avoid paying too much
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What’s Inside the Checklist?
Our 10-point Australian Car Buyer Checklist covers the key steps every buyer should complete before walking into a dealership or signing a finance contract — whether you’re buying new, used, or refinancing an existing car loan.
The checklist covers:
- Your real borrowing power — How much can you actually borrow, and what lenders look at for car loans
- Pre-approval explained — Why getting pre-approved before you visit the dealer puts you in control
- New vs used vs demo — The pros, cons and finance differences between buying new, used or a demo
- Dealer finance vs broker finance — Why the finance offered on the showroom floor is rarely your cheapest option
- The documents every lender requires — Have these ready before you apply to help move your application along
- Comparison rate vs advertised rate — How to read the true cost of a loan and compare apples with apples
- Balloon payments & residuals — What they really mean for your repayments and the total you repay
- Secured vs unsecured car loans — Which one suits your situation and how each affects your rate
- Trade-in & deposit tips — How to use a deposit or trade-in to lower your repayments
- Before you sign anything — The final checks to make before you commit to a car finance contract
Get Your Free Checklist
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Why Download This Checklist?
Buying a car is exciting — but the finance side can cost you thousands if you’re not sure what to look for. Many buyers we speak to sign up to finance on the dealership floor without realising they could have secured a lower rate, a better structure, or pre-approval before they even walked in.
This checklist is designed to cut through the confusion and give you a clear, step-by-step guide to getting finance-ready, so when you find the right car — new or used, anywhere in Australia — you can negotiate from a position of strength.
It’s free because we believe an informed buyer is a confident buyer. And confident buyers become great clients — we hope to help you with your car finance, whether that’s now or in a few months’ time.
About SB Finance
SB Finance is an award-winning, independent finance brokerage helping buyers right across Australia. We compare 40+ lenders — including the major banks and specialist car and asset finance lenders — to find a competitive car loan for your situation.
Our brokers have helped hundreds of Australians finance new and used cars, refinance existing car loans onto sharper rates, and arrange finance for work vehicles and equipment. We offer free consultations, fast pre-approvals, and competitive rates across a wide panel of lenders.
Ready to talk? Call us on 1300 17 2346 or book a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the checklist really free?
Yes — completely free. We send it to your email immediately after you submit the form. There is no obligation to use our services, though we hope to be helpful when you’re ready.
Will I be added to a mailing list?
We may send you a short follow-up email series with helpful car finance tips over the next few weeks. You can unsubscribe at any time with one click. We do not spam and we never share your details.
Is dealer finance or a broker better for a car loan?
Dealer finance is convenient, but the rate offered on the showroom floor is often not the cheapest available — dealers can add a margin to the lender’s rate. A broker compares multiple lenders to find a competitive rate and a loan structure that suits you, and can arrange pre-approval before you buy so you negotiate with confidence. The checklist explains exactly what to compare so you can decide what’s right for you.
Who is eligible for a car loan?
Most lenders look for applicants who are over 18, an Australian citizen or permanent resident (some lenders also consider certain visa holders), and earning a stable income. Self-employed buyers, casual workers and people with less-than-perfect credit can often still be approved — there are specialist lenders for different situations. Because we compare a wide panel of lenders, we can match your circumstances to the ones most likely to consider your application at a competitive rate.
Should I buy a new or used car?
Both can be financed. New cars usually attract the lowest interest rates and come with full warranty, but they depreciate fastest in the first few years. A quality used or demo car can offer better value, though rates may be slightly higher and lenders sometimes set a maximum age for the vehicle at the end of the loan term. The checklist walks you through the finance trade-offs so you can choose what suits your budget.
Can I speak to a broker directly?
Yes! Call us on 1300 17 2346 or email info@sbfinance.com.au. We offer free, no-obligation car finance consultations by phone, video, or in person, right across Australia.