How much can I borrow for a car in NZ?

If you're shopping for a car in New Zealand, the first question lenders ask is the same one you should: how much can I comfortably afford to borrow? The honest answer depends on three things — your income, your existing commitments, and the lender you're matched with.

What lenders actually assess

Most NZ lenders look at your verified take-home income, your fixed living costs, and any debts you already service. They then apply a buffer to make sure repayments stay manageable if rates move. As a rough guide, total loan repayments (across all debt) shouldn't exceed about 35–40% of your net income.

Realistic borrowing ranges

On a clean credit profile and stable income of $70,000, most clients can borrow $25,000–$45,000 for a vehicle over a 5-year term while keeping repayments comfortable. With a deposit or trade-in, that range stretches further.

Where Vault adds value

Because we work across 75+ lenders — banks, non-banks, and specialists — we match your file to the lender most likely to say yes at the sharpest rate. That often means thousands saved over the life of the loan.