At Sierra Car Loans, you get the best of both worlds — the personalised service of a dedicated sole operator and the buying power of one of Australia’s largest finance aggregators. That means I can access competitive rates typically reserved for larger organisations, while personally guiding you through the entire process from start to finish. Unlike larger firms where you’re just another number, I treat every client like a priority — because your outcome directly impacts my business. You’ll never be passed from person to person — you’ll work with someone who genuinely cares about getting you the right deal.
Getting a quote won’t impact your credit score. In some cases, we may perform a soft touch (or soft credit check) to view your credit file—this lets us better understand your situation without leaving a mark on your credit history. A formal credit enquiry is only made if you choose to proceed and we apply for pre-approval with a lender.
In many cases, approval and settlement can happen on the same day—especially when all required documents are submitted promptly and everything runs smoothly. We’ve had clients approved and settled within hours.
That said, since multiple parties are often involved, timelines can vary. As a general guide, we recommend allowing 1 business day for approval and another for settlement. If delays are expected, we’ll let you know upfront based on the lender’s usual turnaround times. If you’re on a tight deadline, we can prioritise speed and work with lenders who can meet your timeframe.
Absolutely. We can arrange a pre-approval based on the type, age range, and estimated value of the vehicle you’re considering. Once you’ve chosen your car and confirmed the final price, we simply update the details for formal approval. A pre-approval gives you the confidence to shop knowing you’ve already met the lender’s requirements—aside from the specific vehicle details.
Typically, you’ll need to provide proof of ID, income (like payslips or bank statements), and information about the vehicle if you’ve already chosen one. If you’re self-employed, additional financials may be required. I’ll send you a tailored checklist when you’re ready to apply to make it easy.
Yes — you can buy from a private seller, an auction, or a licensed dealer. We work with lenders who support all of these options. If you’re buying privately, there may be a few extra steps to confirm the seller’s ownership and ensure everything checks out, but we’ll guide you through the process to make it smooth and secure.
This is one of the most common questions we’re asked. As a broker, we work with a wide panel of lenders to find the best rate you may be eligible for. Rates vary depending on factors like your credit score, the age of the car, your borrowing history, financial position, and other variables.
The amount you can borrow depends on your income, expenses, credit history, and the type of loan you’re applying for. Everyone’s situation is different, but I’ll work with you to assess your borrowing power and find a lender that matches your profile. Getting a quick pre-assessment is a great way to get started.
Not always. Most lenders offer 100% finance, meaning no deposit is required, while others may prefer you to contribute a small amount upfront. Whether or not a deposit is needed can depend on your credit profile, the vehicle, and the lender’s policies — I’ll help you explore all the options.
Yes, absolutely. While car loans are a big part of what we do, we also offer finance solutions for a wide range of needs—including motorcycles, caravans, boats, business equipment, personal loans, and more. If you’re unsure whether your purchase qualifies, just ask—we’re happy to help.
Yes, we work with many lenders who support self-employed applicants. You may need to provide documentation like recent tax returns or bank statements to verify your income, but in some cases, there are low doc or even no doc options available depending on your overall profile. I’ll assess your situation and recommend the most suitable approach to give your application the best chance of success.
Initially, I can arrange a pre-approval, which gives you a strong indication of how much you can borrow and allows you to shop with confidence. Once you’ve chosen a vehicle and submitted all the required documents, we’ll progress to full approval. Typically, the main thing that might prevent pre-approval from progressing to a full approval are issues with the asset — such as its age, valuation, or if there’s something concerning about the vehicle itself. I’ll guide you through every step to make sure everything runs smoothly.
Yes, you can. As finance brokers with access to a wide panel of lenders, we’re able to assist clients with all types of credit histories—from perfect credit to those with past credit issues. We’ll work to find a lender that suits your situation.
Yes — I’m based in the Epping area of Sydney and operate from a home office, like many small businesses today. While most of my clients prefer the convenience of working online or over the phone (as do many brokers and lenders), I’m more than happy to arrange an in-person meeting in Sydney by appointment if that’s your preference. Just let me know what works best for you.
Absolutely! Most of the process is now electronic, which allows lenders to verify your details online and arrange for electronic signatures. This means we can assist clients Australia-wide. We also work with lenders that operate across multiple states, giving you a wider range of options and greater flexibility.
A secured loan is backed by an asset—typically the item you’re purchasing, like a car. If you fail to meet your loan obligations, the lender may repossess the asset to recover their losses. Because this reduces risk for the lender, secured loans often come with lower interest rates.
An unsecured loan doesn’t require any asset as collateral. The lender provides funds directly to you, and you can use them for your intended purpose. Since there’s no asset to recover in case of default, these loans usually have higher interest rates due to the increased risk to the lender.
We can assist if Centrelink is part of your income, but not if it’s your only source. Lenders generally require additional income from employment or other sources. If you’re unsure whether you qualify, feel free to get in touch and I’ll help assess your options.