Car Loans New Zealand
Financing a vehicle in New Zealand — whether new, used, or electric — involves choosing between bank loans, dealer finance, and specialist vehicle lenders. This section covers everything you need to compare rates, understand the process, and find the best deal.
Car loan quick facts (NZ 2026)
• Typical rate range: 9–24% p.a. secured
• Minimum term: 6 months
• Maximum term: 7 years
• Security: Usually the vehicle being purchased
• PPSR registration: Required for all secured vehicle loans
• Always check PPSR before buying a used car — it's free at ppsr.govt.nz
• Typical rate range: 9–24% p.a. secured
• Minimum term: 6 months
• Maximum term: 7 years
• Security: Usually the vehicle being purchased
• PPSR registration: Required for all secured vehicle loans
• Always check PPSR before buying a used car — it's free at ppsr.govt.nz
Car Loan Guides in This Section
Comparing Lenders
- Car Loans NZ: Lenders Compared: lenders compared and how to compare car loans
- Car Loan Rates NZ 2026 — current rate ranges from all major lenders
Types of Vehicle Finance
- Dealer Finance vs Bank Loan NZ — which route saves more money
- Used Car Loans NZ — financing a second-hand vehicle
- EV Loans NZ — green vehicle finance and incentives
Getting Approved
- How to Get a Car Loan in NZ — step-by-step application guide
Lender Reviews
- MTF Finance Review NZ — NZ’s largest specialist auto lender
Key Lenders for Car Finance in NZ
Providers are listed alphabetically.
| Lender | Type | Rate range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ANZ | Bank | ~9.95–15.95% p.a. | Large dealer partner network |
| ASB | Bank | ~9.95–15.95% p.a. | Online application |
| Avanti Finance | Non-bank | ~13–26% p.a. | Lends with adverse credit |
| Finance Now | Non-bank | ~9.95–22% p.a. | Used cars including older vehicles |
| Kiwibank | Bank | ~9.95–14.95% p.a. | Green loan for EVs |
| MTF Finance | Specialist | ~10–24% p.a. | Largest dedicated auto lender, dealer network |
Bank vs Specialist: Which Is Cheaper?
For borrowers with good credit, bank car loans are generally cheaper than specialist lenders. However:
- MTF Finance works alongside dealers; its lowest rates (from ~10% p.a.) go to well-qualified buyers
- Non-bank lenders provide options for older vehicles (10+ years) or non-standard buyers that banks may decline
- Dealer finance can offer 0% promotional periods but typically higher standard rates
Always compare total cost including fees, not just the advertised rate.
Where to check the latest data
Rates, fees and returns change often. Before deciding, check current figures yourself:
- interest.co.nz car loan rates: tables of current car loan rates.
- The provider's own website: has its current rates, fees and full terms; these change more often than any comparison page.
- Financial Service Providers Register: shows whether a provider is registered to offer financial services in New Zealand.
The Loans Section
This section is part of the Loans hub, which also covers personal loans, student loans, and credit cards.
For general borrowing guidance, see Personal Loans NZ.