Perth-based · 40+ lenders · Australia-wide

Private sale car loans

Greenside Finance team · Updated October 2026

Finance for a car from a private seller, for personal or business use. A Perth broker compares 40+ lenders for you, Australia-wide.

  • 40+ lenders compared
  • Perth-based, Subiaco office
  • Rated Excellent from 82 Google reviews
  • No impact on your credit score to get a quote
Private sale car loans with Greenside Finance, Perth

Can you get a car loan for a private sale?

Yes, you can get a car loan for a private sale: many lenders will finance a car you buy from a private seller rather than a dealer, and the lender pays the seller directly. Greenside Finance are Perth-based finance brokers comparing 40+ lenders, including those that fund private sales, and we run the PPSR check at no cost to you. We lend across Western Australia and Australia-wide.

Who do we help with private sale car loans?

  • Buyers who've found a car on Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree or Carsales, or through a friend, and want to finance it.
  • Buyers chasing a better price than a dealer will offer, or a car dealers don't stock.
  • Buyers with a good credit history who want a low rate, and buyers with past defaults who need a lender that will still consider them.
  • Business owners buying a car, van or ute privately for work. Business car loans fund private sales too: see business car loans.
  • FIFO workers buying between swings: see FIFO car loans. Buying a ute for work? See ute finance. Buying from a dealer instead? See used car loans, or compare every option on our car loans hub.

Get approval first, so you know your budget before you hand over a deposit. A private seller won't wait while you sort finance.

How does financing a private sale car work?

With a dealer, the dealer handles the paperwork. In a private sale, you do, with our help. The lender needs proof the seller owns the car and that nothing is owed on it, then pays the seller directly once the paperwork is right.

StepWhat happens
PPSR checkA search of the Personal Property Securities Register shows if there's finance owing, or if the car is written off or reported stolen. We run it for you, at no cost to you.
Payout of existing financeIf the seller still owes money, it must be paid out at settlement so you get clear title.
Seller detailsThe lender needs the seller's name, bank details and a signed sales contract or invoice.
PaymentThe lender pays the seller by bank transfer, not cash. Don't pay a deposit to a stranger before the finance is confirmed.
TransferIn WA, the transfer is lodged with the Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure (DTMI), where the buyer pays vehicle licence duty.

Private sale or dealer finance: what's different?

QuestionPrivate saleDealer
Who checks the car's history?We run the PPSR check for you, at no cost to youThe dealer must give clear title
Who pays the seller?The lender, by bank transfer to the seller (and their financier if money is owed)The lender pays the dealer
Which lenders?Many of our 40+ lenders; a few are dealer-onlyAll lenders
PriceOften lower than a dealer for the same carUsually higher, sometimes with a warranty
PaperworkSales contract, seller ID and bank details, WA transferDealer tax invoice

Buying a car privately in WA: transfer, duty and interstate cars

  • Transfer: the buyer and seller lodge the change of ownership with the Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure (DTMI, formerly the Department of Transport). The seller notifies DTMI within 7 days and the buyer within 14 days; the buyer pays the transfer fee and vehicle licence duty.
  • Interstate cars: lenders fund private sales across Australia, and the PPSR is a national register. A car coming from another state generally needs a WA vehicle inspection before it can be licensed here, so allow time for that.
  • Regional WA: buying in Bunbury, Geraldton, Kalgoorlie or the Pilbara is no different for the lender: you sign electronically and the lender pays the seller wherever they are.

What documents do you need for a private sale car loan?

  • Driver's licence
  • Recent payslips, or BAS and bank statements if self-employed
  • Recent bank statements showing your income
  • A list of your assets and debts
  • The listing or sales contract: make, model, year, kilometres, VIN and price
  • The seller's full name and bank details
  • Proof of address, if the lender asks

Buying mainly for business? Add your ABN and GST details. Depending on the lender's option, business income is shown by your declaration of income, BAS or bank statements, or tax returns: see business car loans.

How do you get a private sale car loan with Greenside?

  1. Send us the listing. The link or the car's details, the price, and a few facts about your income. A two-minute quote request or a call.
  2. We compare lenders and check the car. We shortlist lenders that fund private sales and run a PPSR check at no cost to you.
  3. You choose, we apply. We check the loan suits your needs, prepare the application and arrange electronic signing.
  4. The lender pays the seller. Any finance owing is paid out first. Then you collect the car and transfer it into your name.

Example

Illustrative scenario based on common enquiries, not a specific client. Amounts are examples only. A Perth buyer found a seven-year-old SUV on a classifieds site for about $22,000. The PPSR check showed the seller still owed money to a finance company. We arranged for the lender to pay the seller's finance company first and the seller the balance, so the buyer got clear title instead of inheriting the debt.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get a loan for a private sale car?

Yes. Many lenders fund private sales, though a few are dealer-only and some price private sales slightly higher. We shortlist the lenders that suit your car and credit history.

Can you finance a car from Facebook Marketplace?

Yes. A car listed on Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree or Carsales by a private seller is a private sale, and lenders treat it the same way. We run the PPSR check and the lender pays the seller by bank transfer once the paperwork is right.

What is a PPSR check and why does it matter?

The PPSR shows whether a car has finance owing, has been written off or is reported stolen. If you buy a car with finance owing, the lender can still have a claim on it. We run the check for you, at no cost to you.

Do I need a deposit for a private sale car loan?

Not always. Some lenders fund the full price if your income and credit history are strong. Others want a deposit, especially for older cars or past credit issues. We'll tell you which applies to you.

Can I use finance at an auction?

Often yes, but timing is tight because auction payment is due quickly. Talk to us before the auction so your approval is in place. Not every lender funds auction purchases.

Is a private sale loan more expensive than a dealer loan?

It can be. Some lenders add a small loading for private sales, and a few don't fund them at all. A lower purchase price can still make the total cost lower. We compare the two for you.

Can I get a private sale loan with bad credit?

Sometimes. Options narrow with past defaults and the rate is usually higher, but some lenders specialise in this. We'll be upfront about what's realistic.

How long does it take to settle a private sale?

Once you have approval and the paperwork is complete, often a few days. Delays usually come from the seller's payout figure or missing details, so get those early.

How do I avoid scams when buying privately?

Check the PPSR, see the car in person, match the seller's name to the registration, and don't pay a deposit before finance is confirmed. We run the PPSR check and the lender pays the seller by bank transfer, never cash.

Can I buy a car privately from another state?

Yes. Lenders fund interstate private sales and the PPSR covers all of Australia. If you're bringing the car into WA, allow time for the WA vehicle inspection and transfer before you rely on it.

Can I finance an older or imported car privately?

Sometimes. Age and import rules vary a lot by lender. Send us the details and we'll check which lenders would consider it.

Choosing a broker? Read how to choose a car finance broker in Perth.

Get a free private sale car loan quote

Two quick steps. No impact on your credit score to get a quote.

Greenside Finance Pty Ltd (ABN 76 678 053 122) is an Authorised Credit Representative (#561052) of Fintelligence Pty Ltd, Australian Credit Licence #511803. Unit 5/531 Hay St, Subiaco WA 6008 · 1800 147 336. All finance is subject to lender approval, terms, conditions and fees. Information on this page is general and doesn't consider your objectives, financial situation or needs.

Get a free quoteCall us
Greenside Finance Logo
We're dedicated to your growth, providing expert loan solutions across Australia to support your financial progress and help you achieve your goals.
Address: Unit 5/531 Hay St, Subiaco WA 6008
Phone: 1800 147 336

Greenside Finance (ABN 76 678 053 122) is an Authorised Credit Representative (#561052) of Fintelligence Pty Ltd (ABN 80 625 017 174), who holds Australian Credit Licence (#511803).

Complaints: contact our Complaints Officer on 1800 147 336 or at [email protected]. If we can't resolve your complaint, you can contact the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA), a free, independent service, on 1800 931 678 or at afca.org.au. Greenside Finance is an AFCA member (member number 108475).