Used and private-sale equipment finance

Financing second-hand equipment and vehicles from a dealer, a private seller or an auction, and the checks that protect you.

  • Dealer, private and auction
  • Bank and non-bank lenders
  • No obligation

In a nutshell

Lenders finance used equipment and vehicles bought from dealers, private sellers and auctions, with the asset as security. They usually set a maximum age for the asset at the end of the loan, may ask for an inspection or valuation, and check the Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) so you don't take on the seller's debt. If you buy from a private seller who isn't registered for GST, there's no GST in the price to claim.

We'll call you within 1–2 business hours · or call 0468 060 969

Dealer, private sale or auction

Paperwork

Dealer
Tax invoice from the dealer
Private seller
Bill of sale or invoice from the seller
Auction
Auction invoice

GST

Dealer
Included in the price; claimable if you're GST-registered
Private seller
Usually none if the seller isn't registered for GST
Auction
Depends on whether the seller is GST-registered

Existing finance on the asset

Dealer
The dealer clears it
Private seller
Check the PPSR; the lender can pay out the seller's finance at settlement
Auction
Check the PPSR and the auction terms

Condition

Dealer
Dealer checks, sometimes with a warranty
Private seller
Independent inspection recommended, sometimes required
Auction
Usually sold as is, so inspect before bidding

Timing

Dealer
Flexible
Private seller
Flexible
Auction
Payment due soon after the sale, so get pre-approved first

How a private-sale purchase works

  1. 1

    Get pre-approved

    Know your limit and the lender's age and condition rules before you commit to a seller.

  2. 2

    Check the PPSR

    A PPSR search at ppsr.gov.au shows whether a lender has a registered interest in the asset. The lender usually does this too.

  3. 3

    Inspect or value it

    Have the asset inspected, and provide photos, serial numbers and hours or kilometres. Some lenders require a valuation.

  4. 4

    Settle through the lender

    The lender pays the seller, and pays out any existing finance on the asset first, so ownership passes to you clear.

What lenders look at for used equipment

  • the asset's age now and at the end of the term
  • hours or kilometres, condition and service history
  • the price compared with the asset's market value
  • your ABN and GST history, credit and any deposit

The finance structure works the same as for new equipment. See our comparison of chattel mortgages, leases and hire purchase.

What lenders publish

These examples are from lender profiles in our business lender directory, checked 23 October 2026.

  • Dynamoney says there's no restriction on the age or brand of earthmoving equipment it finances. Profile →
  • Shift's Equipment Line pays for new or second-hand equipment and fitout purchases in instalments. Profile →
  • Silverchef finances certified used hospitality equipment, refurbished with a 3-month parts and labour warranty. Profile →
  • ORIX Australia's asset finance covers new and used equipment, plant and technology for mid-market businesses. Profile →

Related guides

Talk to us about used equipment finance

Found the right machine or vehicle? Tell us what it is and who's selling it. We work with a panel of 100+ bank, non-bank and private lenders and match you with the ones best suited to the asset and your business.

  • One conversation, no obligation
  • We seek multiple lender options for you
  • Business finance from $30,000

Prefer to talk now? Call 0468 060 969, Mon–Fri, 9am–6pm AEST/AEDT.

Get your equipment finance options

Tell us what you need and we'll call you back, usually within 1–2 hours during business hours. No obligation.

Ideal loan amount

We'll use your details to contact you about business finance, as set out in our Privacy Policy.

Call us now: 0468 060 969

Mon–Fri, 9am–6pm AEST/AEDT

FAQs

Used and private-sale equipment finance questions

Yes. Many lenders finance private-sale equipment and vehicles. Expect a PPSR check, proof the seller owns the asset, and sometimes an inspection or valuation. The lender pays the seller directly at settlement.

It depends on the lender and the asset. Many set a maximum age at the end of the loan, so older equipment may need a shorter term. Some lenders, such as Dynamoney for earthmoving equipment, say they don't restrict age.

Only if the seller is registered for GST and charges it. Most private sellers aren't, so there's no GST in the price to claim. Check with your accountant.

The Personal Property Securities Register records security interests over assets such as vehicles and equipment. A search shows whether someone else, like a lender, has an interest in the asset you're buying, so you don't end up responsible for the seller's debt.

Often, yes, but get pre-approved first, because auctions usually require payment soon after the sale and assets are sold as is.

Sometimes. Older assets can mean a shorter term, a deposit or different pricing, because the security is worth less. Newer used equipment is often financed on similar terms to new.

Yes. We work with a panel of 100+ bank, non-bank and private lenders and seek multiple lender options for you, including lenders that finance private sales and older equipment.

This page is general information only and isn't credit, tax or financial advice. Lender details are taken from each lender's published information, checked 23 October 2026, and can change. All finance is subject to each lender's credit criteria and assessment.