Commercial vehicle finance questions, answered

This is general information, not tax advice. If your business is GST registered and the vehicle is used to earn taxable income, you may be able to claim GST on the purchase, depending on the finance structure and how much the vehicle is used privately. A chattel mortgage and a hire purchase are treated differently for GST timing. Confirm your position with your accountant or Inland Revenue before you commit.

This is general information, not tax advice. Interest on business vehicle finance and the running costs are often deductible, and the vehicle itself may be depreciated, to the extent it is used to earn income. The exact treatment depends on your structure, the finance type and any private use. Your accountant can confirm what applies to your situation, and we can explain how each finance structure is set up.

Not always. Several lenders on our panel offer zero deposit finance for commercial vehicles, where the loan covers the full purchase price and keeps your working capital free. A deposit lowers your repayment and total interest, so the right call depends on your cashflow. We model both a zero deposit and a part deposit option, so you can see the difference before deciding.

Yes. Used utes, vans and trucks are financed the same way as new, and older assets are common in commercial work. Lenders consider the age, condition and value of the vehicle, since it secures the loan, so an older or higher-kilometre vehicle may have a shorter maximum term. We match the asset to a lender comfortable with its age rather than limiting you to one option.

Often, yes. A short trading history does not automatically rule you out. Because we assess one application across a panel rather than a single bank, a lender such as Avanti Finance may consider a newer business on its merits, especially where the vehicle earns income and you can show it will service the repayment. A deposit or supporting documents can strengthen a new-business application. We will tell you plainly if the timing is not right.

Yes. Vehicle and asset finance can be arranged in the name of a company, a trust, a partnership or a sole trader. The borrowing entity affects the documents a lender needs and how the finance is structured, often as a chattel mortgage or a hire purchase. Tell us how your business is set up and we prepare the application to match, then place it with a suitable lender on our panel.

Yes. Tippers, canters and heavier trucks are core to what LDM finances, including eight-tonne Class 2 tippers and light trucks such as the Fuso Canter, Isuzu and Hino. These are income-earning assets, so lenders assess them on their value and the work they do. A balloon structure can lower repayments while the truck is earning. See the asset and fleet finance hub for heavier vehicles and machinery.

Cars, utes, vans, light trucks and heavier commercial vehicles, plus machinery and other business assets such as earthmoving, transport and agricultural equipment. If it is an income-earning asset on wheels or tracks, we can usually structure finance for it across our lender panel. Use the calculator for an indicative repayment on the amount you have in mind, then apply.