Key Takeaways:
- Think about more than just the sticker price—running costs, tax, depreciation, and resale value all matter.
- Make sure the vehicle you choose fits how you actually work, from passengers and cargo to daily routes.
- Decide on the finance option that keeps your cash flow healthy, whether that’s buying, leasing, or taking a loan.
- Inspect, test drive, and double-check the paperwork so you’re confident in your purchase.
Buying a car for your business isn’t just about picking something shiny from the showroom floor. It’s a decision that affects your cash flow, tax position, brand image, and day-to-day operations.
This guide walks you through each step of the process—whether you’re a sole trader needing a practical runaround or a growing company adding to a fleet, learn how to make an informed decision that balances cost, performance, and practicality.
1. Work out your business needs
What will you use the car for?
Whether you're transporting clients, cooking on wheels, or commuting between job sites, having a clear purpose for your new vehicle helps narrow down your options.
You can more easily identify the features you actually need and the type of commercial vehicle that will suit your business operations.
How many passengers do you need to carry regularly?
Some business owners might need a vehicle for themselves, others often travel with a coworker, and some regularly transport clients.
This will obviously influence the size and type of vehicle you choose—after all, no one wants to be stuck in a cramped car on a long day of work.
Think about future growth as well. Is your team likely to expand soon? If so, it may be worth investing in a slightly larger vehicle now, rather than having to upgrade again in a few years (or sooner!).
Do you need extra cargo or storage space?
Tools, equipment, samples, stock, marketing materials—think about everything you need to carry and make sure there's enough room to fit it all safely without overloading the vehicle.
Remember: driving an overstuffed car isn’t just inconvenient; it’s also unsafe.
If you need to haul awkward or bulky items—think ladders or event gear—consider extras like roof racks, tow bars, or shelving. These small upgrades can make your vehicle a lot more practical and business-ready.
How often will the vehicle be on the road?
If you're driving daily, reliability and fuel efficiency are key, whereas occasional drivers might get away with a smaller, cheaper car—though comfort and practicality are never worth sacrificing.
Think about the routes you’ll drive most often: city streets, long highway runs, or rough off-road tracks? This can influence vehicle type, engine, fuel type, and features.
2. Pick the right vehicle
Now that you've determined your business needs, it's time to choose the car. This is where things get exciting, but also where it’s easy to get distracted by shiny features you don’t really need. Here's what to think about:
Fuel type
There are 3 main options here:
- Petrol is usually cheaper upfront and more suitable for shorter trips, though in the long run, you can end up spending more.
- Diesel often has better fuel economy—meaning you can travel further on less fuel, making it a better choice for long-distance travel. However, it can cost more upfront.
- Hybrid or electric vehicles have lower running costs and are a more eco-friendly option. Tax incentives may apply, but the purchase price is often higher.
Depreciation and resale value
Depreciation is how much value your car loses over its lifespan. In Australia, new cars can lose 10-15% of their value over the first year and then around 15% per year afterwards. This means that in the first 5 years, they can lose over half their value.
Depreciation directly impacts your total cost of ownership and how much cash you’ll get back when you sell or trade it in—aka, its resale value.
If you upgrade your fleet regularly or need to maximise cash flow from vehicle turnover, depreciation and resale value are particularly important. A few key factors influence them:
- Age and mileage
- Condition (both mechanical and cosmetic)
- Servicing and maintenance history
- Make, model, and demand (high-demand vehicles like utes and SUVs tend to hold their value better than luxury or niche models)
- Damage history
- Fuel efficiency
- Colour (pro tip: neutral colours are usually more attractive to potential buyers!)
Practical features
If you followed step 1 and know what your business needs are, it shouldn't be difficult to determine what practical features you need. Some things to consider:
- Cargo and storage
- Number of seats
- Towing capacity
- Tech features like built-in sat-nav, parking sensors, and driver-assist systems
- Fuel tank size and range
- Ease of customisation
Safety features
Safety is obviously key when on the road, not only for peace of mind but also for insurance and compliance purposes.
Look for a strong Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) rating [1] and driver-assist tech like:
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Blind spot monitoring
- Adaptive cruise control
- Forward collision warning
- Reversing cameras and parking sensors
Brand image
The car you drive says something about your business. Before making a final decision, ask yourself if the vehicle you're eyeing reflects your brand values and fits in with your industry.
If you work in real estate, for example, a sleek SUV may be a good option, whereas if you're a tradie, a rugged ute is more suitable.
New vs used
You don't have to buy a new car for your business. Sometimes, going for a used one is the smartest move, depending on your budget, business needs, and long-term plans.
3. Set a realistic budget
Buying a business car isn’t just about the sticker price. There are additional costs you don't want to ignore—things like fuel, maintenance, rego, taxes, and depreciation.
It's also smart to include a buffer for extras (accessories, branding decals, and tech upgrades) and unexpected costs.
The secret here is in looking at your current revenue and operating expenses, determining how much you can comfortably afford, and staying within that budget.
If you want more flexibility, you can set a minimum, ideal, and maximum budget. This opens up your options while staying financially responsible.
The bottom line is: no matter how perfect a vehicle is for your business, committing to a loan or lease that stretches cash flow too thin is never a good idea.
4. Understand tax and ownership rules
Knowing how your new vehicle can impact your taxes and legal responsibilities can prevent headaches down the track.
First, let's cover ownership. This one's pretty straightforward: if your business buys the car, it's a business asset, and it influences how you claim deductions, depreciation, and GST.
If you buy it personally and use it for work, you may still claim some business expenses, but the rules are stricter.
Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) may apply if employees—including yourself—use a business-owned car for personal travel (although certain low- or zero-emissions vehicles are exempt) [2].
You can usually claim running costs like fuel, servicing, and insurance, as well as depreciation. Our tip? Keep detailed logs of business vs personal use to make deductions easier.
5. Choose how you'll get the vehicle
You know what vehicle you want and how much you can afford. Now, it's time to decide how you're going to get it.
There are a few main options—buying outright, financing or leasing—each with pros and cons:
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6. Arrange finance and prepare paperwork
What you need to do at this stage will depend on how you're going to get the vehicle. If you've decided to buy outright, it's mostly about making sure the funds are available and ready for transfer.
For business loans or leases, there's a bit more to take care of—particularly paperwork.
Lenders will ask for documentation to support your application. Specific doc requirements vary from loan to loan and lender to lender. But generally, you'll need:
- Proof of ID: driver's license or passport
- Business details: ABN, business registration documents
- Financial statements: bank statements, tax returns, cash flow projections, balance sheets
- Insurance information: evidence of coverage
- Vehicle details: quote, invoice, or vehicle specifications
If you’re unsure exactly what’s required, we can help. In fact, we can handle your loan application from start to finish, so you can focus on running your business.
We'll leverage the relationships we’ve built with 90+ lenders in Australia and match you with ones that work with your unique needs. This way, you don't have to go directly to a lender and cross your fingers that they’ll have the best product and rate for you.
Whether you're after a business car loan or lease agreement, we'll do all the legwork so you can get on the road as soon as possible. Sound like the right path for you? Reach out today to get started.
7. Inspect and test drive
Before committing to a car, you should inspect it thoroughly (even if it looks perfect at first glance):
- Check for scratches and dents
- Make sure all tires, brakes, lights, and wipers are in good condition
- Look inside for wear and tear and any signs of water damage
- For used vehicles, ask for a full service history
All looks good? Time to test drive and check it actually works properly:
- Drive in different conditions, from city traffic to open roads
- Pay special attention to brakes, steering, suspension, and unusual noises
- Test all the different tech and features available
You can also have the car inspected by an independent mechanic, especially if it's used.
Most importantly, don't feel pressured to buy a vehicle if you're not sure about it. Taking the time to find one that fits your requirements may be a bit of a process, but you'll thank yourself in the long run.
Got your eye on the right vehicle? Reach out today and let's get your car finance sorted.
