finance a used car Page 25

Yes, you can finance a used car without selling a kidney; just prep smart.

Get pre-approval from a bank, credit union, or reputable online lender, then compare the comparison rate (not just the headline rate), fees, and any balloon/early‑payout clauses against dealer finance. Set a realistic budget that includes stamp duty, transfer fees, rego, CTP, insurance, and a pre‑purchase inspection. Run a PPSR check to confirm it’s not written-off or under finance, and make sure the VIN matches the paperwork. Keep the loan term short enough that you’re not still paying it off when the tyres give up.

Finally, negotiate the car price first and the finance second—mixing the two is how “cheap” loans get expensive. For sanity checks on market value, browsing Tradingpost listings will keep expectations planted firmly in reality.