If you are buying a car in Perth or elsewhere in Western Australia, you can arrange finance in more than one way: through the dealer, through a broker, or directly with a lender. Alpha390 Finance is a national broker, not a Perth office, and we help buyers across Western Australia arrange car finance online and by phone. This guide compares the main routes, explains what changes when you buy privately in WA, sets out the transfer steps and vehicle licence duty rules published by the WA Government, and lists questions to ask before you sign. It is general information, not a quote, and every lender applies its own criteria. For the national overview, see our car finance page.
Short answer: how do you get car finance in Perth?
You can arrange car finance through a dealer, a broker or a lender directly. Moneysmart describes a car loan as a personal loan for a new or used car, repaid with interest over a fixed term, usually one to seven years, and suggests comparing loans before you visit a dealership (Moneysmart, car loans; no date shown). A broker can compare several lenders for you, but nothing here is an offer or a guarantee of approval.
Three ways to arrange car finance
| Route | How it works | Worth checking |
|---|---|---|
| Dealer finance | The dealer arranges a loan at the point of sale. See dealer finance. | Which lender it is, the comparison rate and any add-ons bundled into the amount financed |
| Broker-arranged finance | A broker compares lenders on its panel and helps with the application | Which lenders are compared, how the broker is paid, and the total amount you will repay |
| Direct from a lender | You apply with one bank or lender yourself | Whether it suits your income type, the car’s age and a private sale |
Moneysmart explains that a comparison rate is a single figure covering the interest rate and fees, and that you should compare loans on the same amount and term.
New car, used car or private sale
New and used cars from a licensed dealer, and private sales, are treated differently in WA. Western Australia’s Consumer Protection says dealers must meet Australian Consumer Law consumer guarantees and can only sell cars that have no money owing on them, and that private sales carry no statutory warranty or consumer guarantees, so buyers purchase at their own risk (WA Consumer Protection, buying a used car; updated 31 October 2025). It recommends a mechanic inspection and a PPSR check.
For dealer cars priced at $4,000 or more, WA’s statutory warranty applies to cars not more than 10 years old and not more than 150,000 km, at 3 months or 5,000 km, whichever comes first; older or higher-kilometre cars get shorter cover or none, and some vehicles, including single-row-seat utes and trucks, are not covered (WA Consumer Protection, car warranties; updated 15 July 2026). WA has no cooling-off period for vehicle sales, and a dealer can charge pre-estimated damages of up to 5 per cent of the purchase price if you cancel (WA Consumer Protection, buying a used car).
Buying privately in Western Australia: transfer and duty
When you buy a car privately in WA, the buyer lodges the transfer with the Department of Transport within 14 days of purchase and the seller must notify the Department within 7 days (WA Department of Transport, buy a vehicle and sell a vehicle; both updated 27 October 2025). If you buy from a dealer, the dealer handles the transfer. The charges named include the vehicle licence transfer fee and vehicle licence duty; check the Department’s current fee schedule for amounts.
The WA Government publishes how vehicle licence duty is calculated (WA Government, vehicle licence duty; last updated 14 August 2026). For a vehicle of 4.5 tonnes or less, duty is 2.75 per cent of dutiable value up to $25,000, a sliding rate between $25,000 and $50,000, and 6.5 per cent above $50,000. As an illustration of the published formula, a $30,000 car would attract a rate of 2.75 per cent plus ($30,000 minus $25,000) divided by 6,666.66, which is about 3.50 per cent, or roughly $1,050. For a used vehicle the purchaser estimates the dutiable value. Heavy vehicles over 4.5 tonnes are charged 3 per cent, capped at $12,000. Use the WA Government’s online calculator for your own figure.
Before you pay a private seller, a PPSR search shows whether a security interest is recorded against the car, though not the amount owing, and the national PPSR advises searching on the day or the day before you buy (PPSR, CarCheck; undated). WA Consumer Protection puts the search fee at $2, so check the current fee on the PPSR site. For more on how finance works when you buy from a seller privately, see car loans for private sale.
Applying online from Perth
You do not need to visit an office to apply. You can start an application online, then a broker contacts you to talk through options. If you are still choosing a car, our Perth car deals page covers sourcing a car, which is a separate service from arranging the loan.
What to have ready
Lenders commonly ask for photo ID, proof of income, details of your expenses and debts, and details of the car, such as the make, model and price. Requirements vary by lender, so see car loan requirements and how long car finance approval takes.
Questions to ask before you sign
- What is the comparison rate, and what is the total amount I will repay?
- Are there establishment, monthly or early-repayment fees?
- Is the rate fixed or variable, and is there a balloon?
- Are any add-ons included in the amount financed, and are they optional?
- Does the loan allow a private sale, and does the car meet the lender’s age limits?
Other city guides
Buying elsewhere? See car finance in Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and the Gold Coast.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to buy from a Perth dealer to get car finance?
No. You can arrange finance before you choose a car, and some lenders consider private sales. Criteria vary by lender and the car’s age.
How long do I have to transfer a car in WA?
The WA Department of Transport says the buyer lodges the transfer within 14 days of purchase and the seller notifies the Department within 7 days.
Is there duty on a used car in WA?
The WA Government charges vehicle licence duty on the dutiable value when a vehicle is transferred. Rates differ for vehicles over 4.5 tonnes.
Does WA have a cooling-off period for cars?
WA Consumer Protection says there is no cooling-off period for vehicle sales, so check the contract and ask questions before you sign.
Should I arrange finance before or after I choose a car?
Moneysmart suggests looking at loans before you go to a dealership, so you know your options and can negotiate with more confidence.
Can I get approved with irregular income?
Some lenders consider casual, contract and self-employed income, but criteria vary. See car loans for casual workers.
Is a pre-approval a guarantee?
No. A pre-approval is an early indication and is usually conditional. See what pre-approved really means.
This article is general information only and does not constitute credit, financial, tax or legal advice. Alpha390 operates under Australian Credit Licence 506065 (Five Tees Pty Ltd). Lending is subject to approval, lending criteria, terms, conditions and fees.
Written and reviewed by the Finance Director at Alpha390 Finance. Sources: Moneysmart, car loans (no date shown); WA Department of Transport, buy a vehicle and sell a vehicle (updated 27 October 2025); WA Government, vehicle licence duty (updated 14 August 2026); WA Consumer Protection, buying a used car (updated 31 October 2025) and car warranties (updated 15 July 2026); PPSR, CarCheck (undated). All accessed 9 November 2026.
