Loans For Cars :: Articles

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

How do I determine how much I can afford to borrow for a car loan?

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

The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

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

The Credit-Savvy Car Buyer’s Guide to Obtaining Affordable Insurance
The Credit-Savvy Car Buyer’s Guide to Obtaining Affordable Insurance
Embarking on the journey of car ownership comes with its share of responsibilities, one of which is securing affordable insurance. Understanding the intricacies of insurance rates is central to managing this recurring expense effectively. Insurers take into account numerous factors when determining your premium, including but not limited to driving history, vehicle type, and geographic location. - read more
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? - 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
Loans for Cars: Finding the Best Financing Options
Loans for Cars: Finding the Best Financing Options
The cost of buying a car is a major financial commitment, so it's important to consider all of your options before making a purchase. In this article, we look at some of the pros and cons of the most common car financing options, including leasing, hire purchase and paying cash, and what difference it makes whether you are buying a new or used vehicle. - 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
Five Common Mistakes First-Time Car Buyers Make and How to Avoid Them
Five Common Mistakes First-Time Car Buyers Make and How to Avoid Them
Buying your first car is an exciting milestone that can offer a sense of independence and freedom. Whether you're envisioning weekend getaways or a smoother daily commute, the joy of car ownership holds a special thrill. However, alongside this excitement, it is crucial to approach this journey with awareness and preparation to ensure you make a smart financial decision. - read more
Navigating Credit Scores: How They Impact Your Car Loan Options in Australia
Navigating Credit Scores: How They Impact Your Car Loan Options in Australia
Welcome to the guide designed to help you navigate the intricate world of credit scores and their impact on your car loan possibilities in Australia. Whether you're a long-term resident or here for a temporary stay, understanding the nuts and bolts of credit scores is crucial in securing your ideal vehicle through a loan. This post aims to shed light on this pivotal financial metric and aid you in your car financing journey. - read more

Finance News

Macquarie Bank Transfers $1.5 Billion Car Loan Portfolio to Allied Credit
Macquarie Bank Transfers $1.5 Billion Car Loan Portfolio to Allied Credit
28 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori
In a significant move within the Australian financial sector, Macquarie Bank has agreed to sell a $1.5 billion portfolio of car loans to Allied Credit, a leading independent financier in Australia. This portfolio encompasses over 50,000 car loans and is slated for transfer by the fourth quarter of 2025. - read more
ASIC's Findings Highlight Urgent Need for Reform in Car Finance Lending Practices
ASIC's Findings Highlight Urgent Need for Reform in Car Finance Lending Practices
20 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has recently unveiled findings from its comprehensive review of the motor vehicle finance sector, highlighting concerning trends that are likely to prompt a tightening of lending practices across the industry. - read more
Affordable Electric Vehicles: New Low-Interest Loans for Eligible Australians
Affordable Electric Vehicles: New Low-Interest Loans for Eligible Australians
20 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian government has launched a new initiative to make electric vehicles (EVs) more accessible to a broader segment of the population. This program offers low-interest loans to individuals earning less than $100,000 annually, as well as essential workers, facilitating the purchase of new and used EVs priced up to $55,000. - read more
Surge in Car Loan Delinquencies Sparks Financial Sector Worries
Surge in Car Loan Delinquencies Sparks Financial Sector Worries
20 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori
Australia is witnessing a notable increase in car loan delinquencies, raising alarms about the potential ripple effects on the broader financial sector. This trend reflects the financial strain many Australians are experiencing amid economic challenges. - read more
ASIC's Findings Highlight Urgent Need for Reform in Car Finance Lending Practices
ASIC's Findings Highlight Urgent Need for Reform in Car Finance Lending Practices
04 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has recently unveiled findings from its comprehensive review of the motor vehicle finance sector, highlighting concerning trends that are likely to prompt a tightening of lending practices across the industry. - read more
Affordable Electric Vehicles: New Low-Interest Loans for Eligible Australians
Affordable Electric Vehicles: New Low-Interest Loans for Eligible Australians
04 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian government has launched a new initiative to make electric vehicles (EVs) more accessible to a broader segment of the population. This program offers low-interest loans to individuals earning less than $100,000 annually, as well as essential workers, facilitating the purchase of new and used EVs priced up to $55,000. - read more
Surge in Car Loan Delinquencies Sparks Financial Sector Worries
Surge in Car Loan Delinquencies Sparks Financial Sector Worries
04 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori
Australia is witnessing a notable increase in car loan delinquencies, raising alarms about the potential ripple effects on the broader financial sector. This trend reflects the financial strain many Australians are experiencing amid economic challenges. - 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 from participating car finance brokers and lenders in our national referral panel to help you find competitive finance solutions. Fast and free... our initial eligibility assessment does not access your credit file!

 START HERE.

Loan Amount:
Postcode:

All quotes are provided free and without obligation by a Specialist from our National Broker referral panel. See our Privacy Statement for more details.

Compare car loan rates & options from participating car finance brokers and lenders in our national referral panel to help you find competitive finance solutions. Fast and free... our initial eligibility assessment does not access your credit file!

Knowledgebase
Home Equity Loan:
A loan in which the borrower uses the equity of their home as collateral.