Loans For Cars :: Articles

Loans for Cars: Establishing How Much You Can Afford to Borrow

Loans for Cars: Establishing How Much You Can Afford to Borrow

Loans for Cars: Establishing How Much You Can Afford to Borrow
When it comes to car loans, one of the first things you need to determine is your budget – how much can you afford to borrow and still comfortably make your monthly car loan repayments?

Borrowing power

Borrowing power is the ability to obtain credit from lenders. This can be in the form of a loan, credit card, or line of credit. Individuals with a high borrowing power will typically have a high credit score, which indicates to lenders that they are low-risk borrowers.

There are a few things that can impact your borrowing power. Your income and employment history are two of the biggest factors. Lenders want to see that you have a steady income and a history of making on-time payments. Another factor is your credit history. If you have a good credit history, lenders will be more likely to lend you money.

Best Car Loans
Image for Best Car LoansFinance for all new or used cars including personal or business use vehicles, private sale or dealer purchase. Loans for $10,000 and over Rates from as low as 3.85%

This knowledge will help you narrow down your choices and find the right car for you and the features you can afford. It will also help you decide whether you should buy a new or used car and help you avoid getting into financial trouble.

If you’re not sure how much you can afford to spend on a car, one of the best ways to figure out your car loan borrowing power is to use an online car finance repayment calculator. There are many different car loan calculators available online. Some are more complex than others. But, in general, they all ask for the same information: the price of the car, the interest rate, the term of the loan, and the down payment. With this information, the calculator will generate a monthly payment estimate.

Your Income and Savings

Before you begin to apply for a car loan you need to understand how much you are currently earning from working or investments and the existing amount you have set aside for future expenses.

To get a loan, you will need to present a downpayment. Your money is needed to fund the deposit or downpayment, which comprises the up-front portion of your loan. Once this payment is made, you may obtain a loan for an amount calculated minus the deposit.

To repay a loan, you will need to make periodic payments - these are set payments over a dose size period until the mortgage has been paid in full. These payments may change during periods of resetting interest rates. You have to be conscious that your monthly income after expenses can cover your loan repayments. This will ensure that you can repay the loan comfortably.

Accounting for any past or existing Debt

Credit history is a record of a borrower's past credit experiences, including information about late payments, bankruptcies, and other negative information. This information is used by lenders to determine whether or not to extend credit to a borrower.

A borrower's credit history is important because it can impact the interest rate that they are offered on a loan. For example, a borrower with a good credit history may be offered a lower interest rate than a borrower with a bad credit history.

Poor credit history will reduce your borrowing power and therefore, it is important to clear debts and improve your credit rating to secure financing.

Calculating Repayments

A car loan calculator is a tool that can help you determine your monthly car loan payments. This can be a useful tool when you are considering a new car purchase, as it can help you budget for your new vehicle. There are a few different ways to calculate your car loan payments, but the most common method is to use the interest rate and the loan term to determine the payment amount. Just enter the loan amount, interest rate, and term of the loan, and the calculator will do the rest. 

The interest rate is the cost of borrowing money, and it is expressed as a percentage of the loan amount. For example, if you take out a 5-year loan for $25,000 at an interest rate of 5%, you will be required to pay $3306.80 in interest over the life of the loan. Your monthly payment will be lower if you choose a loan with a lower interest rate.

Try to get a few quotes from different financial institutions so that you can compare and contrast. Make certain you comprehend and don’t miss any clauses in a quote and of course, always pay your monthly payment on time. You may be surprised at how easy and fast it is to attain your auto financing with some smart shopping for the best rates.

Our specialist Car Finance Brokers are qualified and experienced to do this for you with guaranteed results. Simply complete our short Car Loan Eligibility Assessment form on this website to get started, no charge, obligation-free.

Published: Thursday, 27th Oct 2022
Author: Paige Estritori


Car Loans Articles

How to Find Budget-Friendly Car Insurance for Your New Vehicle How to Find Budget-Friendly Car Insurance for Your New Vehicle
Buying a new vehicle is an exciting experience, but finding budget-friendly car insurance can often feel overwhelming. Understanding how to navigate the landscape of car insurance is crucial to ensuring you get the best deal possible. - read more
Self-Employed? Here's How You Can Qualify for a Car Loan in Australia Self-Employed? Here's How You Can Qualify for a Car Loan in Australia
Stepping into the world of self-employment can be a profoundly liberating experience, offering greater flexibility and the potential for financial independence. However, when it comes to securing finance for substantial purchases like a vehicle, self-employed individuals may face unique hurdles. Traditional lenders often favor those with a stable employment history and regular income statements, which can put the self-employed at a disadvantage. - read more
Loans for Cars: Finding out if you Qualify Loans for Cars: Finding out if you Qualify
Qualifying for a car loan isn't all that difficult. There are a few key things that lenders will look at when considering your application, including your income, credit history/existing loans, employment, age, and residency atatus. As long as you have a good understanding of these factors, you’ll be in a much better position to qualify for a car loan. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about qualifying for a car loan! - read more
Your Ultimate Guide to Car Finance in Australia: Top Tips for Finding the Best Deals Your Ultimate Guide to Car Finance in Australia: Top Tips for Finding the Best Deals
Car finance in Australia presents a myriad of options for those looking to purchase a vehicle through a payment plan. Understanding how car finance works is crucial to navigating this complex landscape and finding a deal that aligns with your financial goals. From loans offered by banks and credit unions to dealer financing and specialised car finance companies, the choices are extensive. - read more
The Pros and Cons of Refinancing Your Car Loan The Pros and Cons of Refinancing Your Car Loan
Car loan refinancing involves taking out a new loan to pay off an existing car loan. This can be done with the same lender or a different one. The primary goal is often to secure better interest rates, alter the loan term, or reduce monthly payments. - read more
The Ultimate Guide to Fast Track Your Car Loan in Australia The Ultimate Guide to Fast Track Your Car Loan in Australia
Welcome to The Ultimate Guide to Fast Track Your Car Loan in Australia, designed to help you navigate the exciting journey of buying a car for the first time. Buying a car is a significant milestone, and securing the right finance can make all the difference. - read more
Why Australian Car Buyers Should Consider Pre-Approved Car Loans Why Australian Car Buyers Should Consider Pre-Approved Car Loans
Pre-approved car loans are financing arrangements where a lender evaluates your financial situation and determines an approved loan amount before you start shopping for a vehicle. This process provides buyers a clear understanding of their budget, which helps in making more informed decisions. - read more
The Ultimate Guide to Fast Track Your Car Loan in Australia The Ultimate Guide to Fast Track Your Car Loan in Australia
Welcome to The Ultimate Guide to Fast Track Your Car Loan in Australia, designed to help you navigate the exciting journey of buying a car for the first time. Buying a car is a significant milestone, and securing the right finance can make all the difference. - read more
10 Common Mistakes Australians Make When Financing Their Car 10 Common Mistakes Australians Make When Financing Their Car
Car financing has become increasingly popular among Australians for a variety of reasons. For many, it offers the opportunity to own a vehicle without having to pay the entire purchase price upfront. - read more
Common Car Loan Pitfalls and How to Steer Clear of Them Common Car Loan Pitfalls and How to Steer Clear of Them
Buying a car is a significant financial decision, and for many Australians, this means taking out a car loan. - read more
Avoid Rejection: Common Pitfalls to Sidestep in Meeting Car Loan Criteria Avoid Rejection: Common Pitfalls to Sidestep in Meeting Car Loan Criteria
Entering the realm of self-employment brings with it not only the freedom to be your own boss but also unique challenges, especially when it comes to securing financing for significant purchases like a car. For the self-employed, the path to obtaining a car loan can be fraught with additional hurdles, stemming from the variable nature of their income and the scrutiny lenders apply to their financial profiles. - read more
Self-Employed? Here's How You Can Qualify for a Car Loan in Australia Self-Employed? Here's How You Can Qualify for a Car Loan in Australia
Stepping into the world of self-employment can be a profoundly liberating experience, offering greater flexibility and the potential for financial independence. However, when it comes to securing finance for substantial purchases like a vehicle, self-employed individuals may face unique hurdles. Traditional lenders often favor those with a stable employment history and regular income statements, which can put the self-employed at a disadvantage. - read more
Your Ultimate Guide to Car Finance in Australia: Top Tips for Finding the Best Deals Your Ultimate Guide to Car Finance in Australia: Top Tips for Finding the Best Deals
Car finance in Australia presents a myriad of options for those looking to purchase a vehicle through a payment plan. Understanding how car finance works is crucial to navigating this complex landscape and finding a deal that aligns with your financial goals. From loans offered by banks and credit unions to dealer financing and specialised car finance companies, the choices are extensive. - read more
The Pros and Cons of Refinancing Your Car Loan The Pros and Cons of Refinancing Your Car Loan
Car loan refinancing involves taking out a new loan to pay off an existing car loan. This can be done with the same lender or a different one. The primary goal is often to secure better interest rates, alter the loan term, or reduce monthly payments. - read more

Finance News

Australia Records Historic Fall in Disposable Income Australia Records Historic Fall in Disposable Income
16 May 2025: Paige Estritori

Recent data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) revealed a historical drop in real per capita household disposable income for Australians, marking an unprecedented fall of around 8% since mid-2022. This decline represents a significant issue, with Australia experiencing the largest decrease in the developed world, according to the OECD. - read more
Record High Australian House Prices Exceed $11 Trillion Record High Australian House Prices Exceed $11 Trillion
16 May 2025: Paige Estritori

Australia’s housing market has reached a significant milestone, with the total value of housing stock hitting $11.3 trillion as of April 2025. According to Cotality, formerly CoreLogic, the average home is now valued at $1 million, underscoring the considerable growth in property values. - read more
ASX Hits 11-Week High Amidst US-China Tariff Pause ASX Hits 11-Week High Amidst US-China Tariff Pause
14 May 2025: Paige Estritori

The Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) reached its highest level in 11 weeks, buoyed by the announcement of a temporary pause in tariff increases between the United States and China. The ASX 200 index climbed 35.50 points, or 0.43%, to 8,269, with standout performances from the energy and information technology sectors. Similarly, the All Ordinaries index saw a rise of 43.70 points, or 0.52%, closing at 8,510.70. The Australian dollar also appreciated, gaining 0.71% to 64.16 US cents. - read more
AI Gaining Traction Among Australian Financial Advisers AI Gaining Traction Among Australian Financial Advisers
14 May 2025: Paige Estritori

A recent global survey conducted by the Financial Planning Standards Board reveals a growing trend among Australian financial advisers who see artificial intelligence (AI) as a beneficial tool. The study, which includes perspectives from advisers across 24 markets, highlights that approximately 82% of financial advice businesses in Australia are either currently utilizing, piloting, or planning to incorporate AI within the next year to enhance client services. - read more
ASIC Takes Legal Action Against Macquarie Securities Over Misreporting ASIC Takes Legal Action Against Macquarie Securities Over Misreporting
14 May 2025: Paige Estritori

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has initiated legal proceedings against Macquarie Securities Limited, accusing the company of engaging in misleading conduct related to the misreporting of short sales. This lawsuit, filed in the NSW Supreme Court, points to a significant duration of alleged misreporting that spanned over 14 years, from December 2009 to February 2024. - read more
Wall Street Surges Following US-China Tariff Reduction Agreement Wall Street Surges Following US-China Tariff Reduction Agreement
13 May 2025: Paige Estritori

In a significant development, Wall Street's three major indices have leapt forward as the S&P 500 reached its highest point since March. This upwards trend follows the announcement of a temporary reduction in tariffs between the United States and China, offering hope for a de-escalation in global trade tensions initiated by US President Donald Trump in April. - read more
Calls Intensify for Swift Financial Advice Reforms in Australia Calls Intensify for Swift Financial Advice Reforms in Australia
06 May 2025: Paige Estritori

Amid pressing concerns from industry associations, the call for rapid finalization of financial advice reforms in Australia has been amplified. The lack of direction from the Labour government regarding the Compensation Scheme of Last Resort (CSLR) is causing uncertainty in the sector, potentially stalling essential reform work. The impending retirement of Stephen Jones has only added to the speculation surrounding the future of these reforms. - read more

Start Here !
life insurance
Apply now for your free Insurance assessment and price comparisons!

Life Cover Amount:
Your Postcode:
All quotes are provided free and without obligation. We respect your privacy.
Need A Car Loan Right Now?
Compare Car Loan rates & options to secure the best finance offers from our broad network of leading Australian car finance brokers & specialist lenders. Fast, free … and without accessing or affecting your credit file!

 START HERE.

Loan Amount:
Postcode:
Your quotes are provided free & without obligation. We respect your privacy.
Compare Car Loan rates & options to secure the best finance offers from a broad selection of Australia`s leading car finance brokers & specialist lenders. Fast, free … and without accessing or affecting your credit file!

Knowledgebase
Underwater Mortgage:
A mortgage in which the balance owed on the loan is greater than the value of the property securing the loan.