Introduction
If youâre a tradie â plumber, electrician, carpenter, landscaper â you know your vehicle isnât just transport, itâs part of your business. But when you donât have up-to-date tax returns or formal financials, getting vehicle finance can feel impossible.
Thatâs where low doc car loans come in. This article explains how tradies across Australia are using low doc loans to secure the utes, vans, and trucks they need to keep working.
Why Tradies Use Low Doc Loans
Many tradespeople are:
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Sole traders with irregular income
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Running businesses with seasonal cash flow
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Focused on jobs, not paperwork â meaning tax returns can lag
Low doc loans give tradies a way to access finance by providing alternative documents like bank statements or BAS, instead of formal financials.
What Vehicles Can You Finance?
With a low doc loan, you can often finance:
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Utes for carrying tools and supplies
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Vans for larger equipment or mobile workshops
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Light trucks or trailers for heavy-duty jobs
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Specialty vehicles (depending on the lender)
The key requirement: the vehicle is used at least 50% for business.
Case Study: Ben the Electrician
Ben runs a busy electrical business but hadnât filed his latest tax returns yet. By providing:
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12 months of business bank statements
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A valid ABN (active for 18 months)
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A 15% deposit
Ben secured a $48,000 low doc car loan to upgrade to a dual-cab ute, helping him transport gear and win bigger contracts.
Tips for Tradies Applying
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Keep your business bank accounts clean and well-managed
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Save a deposit (10â20%) if possible to strengthen your profile
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Provide as many alternative documents as you can (BAS, accountant letter)
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Be clear about the business use of the vehicle when applying
Common Pitfalls
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Applying too soon after starting your ABN (most lenders want 6â12 months of activity)
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Assuming you donât qualify because you lack tax returns
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Not preparing supporting documents ahead of time
Final Call to Action
Are you a tradie ready to secure the vehicle your business needs?
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Check your eligibility in just 20 seconds â no commitments, no impact on your credit score.
Visit our Business Lending Hub here:
https://financetheride.com.au/pages/small-business-car-loans
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DISCLAIMER
The information provided on this website is general in nature only and has been prepared without considering your financial needs, circumstances and objectives and should NOT be construed as financial, taxation or legal advice. For more information, get in touch with our experienced partner brokers today.