How to Buy a Car in Australia as an Immigrant
Complete guide for newcomers to Australia. From getting your licence to arranging finance, insurance, and registration - everything you need to know about buying a car in Australia without local credit history.Complete car buying guide for immigrants and new arrivals to Australia.
Helping new Australians get behind the wheel since 2020
Welcome to Australia
Buying a car in a new country can feel overwhelming. This guide walks you through the process step by step. If you need help with finance, we specialise in helping new arrivals get car loans - even without Australian credit history.
Step-by-Step Guide
Get Your Australian Drivers Licence
Most states allow you to drive on an overseas licence for 3-6 months, but you will need an Australian licence for long-term use and to register a car in your name. Each state has different requirements - some require a driving test, others accept licence transfers.
Open an Australian Bank Account
You will need an Australian bank account to pay for a car, make loan repayments, and pay for registration and insurance. Major banks include Commonwealth Bank, NAB, ANZ, and Westpac. Many allow you to open an account before you arrive.
Understand Your Finance Options
You can pay cash, get a car loan, or consider a personal loan. Car loans are secured against the vehicle and typically have lower rates. Getting finance without Australian credit history is possible but requires the right lender.
Research and Find Your Car
Australia drives on the left, so cars have steering wheels on the right. Popular websites to search for cars include Carsales, Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, and dealer websites. Consider fuel economy - petrol is expensive in Australia.
Arrange Insurance
Car insurance is not legally required in Australia (except CTP which is included in registration), but comprehensive insurance is strongly recommended. As a new driver in Australia, premiums may be higher initially.
Register the Vehicle
All vehicles must be registered in Australia. Registration includes CTP insurance and allows you to legally drive on public roads. You will need to transfer registration when you buy or renew it annually.
Common Visa Types & Car Ownership
Most visa holders can buy and register a car in Australia
Note: Finance availability varies by visa type. Permanent residents have more options than temporary visa holders. Some visas have limited finance options. See our visa holder car loans page for more details, or contact us to discuss your specific situation.
No Australian Credit History? We Can Help
Getting a car loan without Australian credit history is challenging but not impossible. We work with lenders who assess your application based on:
Free quote with no impact to your credit score
Immigrant Car Buying FAQs
Common questions from new arrivals to Australia
Yes, you can buy a car on most visa types. However, getting finance may be more difficult on temporary visas compared to permanent residency. Some lenders specifically accept temporary visa holders - speak with a broker to find your options.
Not necessarily. While having Australian credit history help...
Not necessarily. While having Australian credit history helps, some lenders accept applicants with no local credit history. They assess your application based on employment, income, visa status, and other factors. A broker can help find these lenders.
Yes, for a limited time. Most states allow overseas licence ...
Yes, for a limited time. Most states allow overseas licence holders to drive for 3-6 months. After that, you need an Australian licence. If your licence is not in English, you may need an International Driving Permit or official translation.
For many immigrants, used cars offer better value. Australia...
For many immigrants, used cars offer better value. Australia has a large market of quality used Japanese vehicles. A 3-5 year old car with good service history can be significantly cheaper than new while still being reliable.
Always check the PPSR (Personal Property Securities Register...
Always check the PPSR (Personal Property Securities Register) to ensure no money is owing on the car. Get an independent pre-purchase inspection. Check the service history. Verify the seller is the registered owner. For private sales, be cautious of scams.
Registration costs vary by state and vehicle type but typica...
Registration costs vary by state and vehicle type but typically range from $300-$800 per year for a standard car. This includes CTP insurance. Stamp duty (one-off purchase tax) is additional and varies by state and vehicle price.
Still have questions? Contact our friendly team