process
Can I get finance to buy a vehicle or equipment from a private seller?
Short answer
Yes. AssetMX can finance a private-sale vehicle or piece of equipment, provided it meets the usual eligibility rules. A private-sale asset may need an inspection, which carries a $250 fee, and you will need a contract of sale in place of a dealer invoice.
Last reviewed 8 September 2026 by AssetMX.
Direct answer
Buying a vehicle or piece of equipment from a private seller does not rule out asset finance. AssetMX can finance a private-sale asset provided it meets the usual eligibility rules on age and business use. The main differences from a dealer purchase are the documents used and, in some cases, an inspection.
What is different about a private sale
Because there is no dealer invoice or dealer warranty behind a private sale, two things commonly apply:
| Item | Dealer purchase | Private sale |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase document | Dealer invoice | Contract of sale |
| Inspection | Not usually required | May be required, $250 fee |
| Eligibility | Standard low-doc criteria | Same standard low-doc criteria |
The $250 inspection fee applies when a private-sale asset needs an inspection to confirm its condition and value before the lender will finance it. Not every private-sale deal requires one.
Eligibility is unchanged
The same rules apply whether the asset comes from a dealer or a private seller:
- ABN active for 24 or more months
- GST registered
- At least one director or guarantor
- Asset no older than 15 years at end of term
- Business use of the asset
See low-doc asset finance requirements for full detail, and financing used vehicles and equipment for how the age limit is calculated.
Documents you will need
In place of a dealer invoice, you will need a signed contract of sale showing the asset details, the seller’s details and the agreed price. The rest of the document checklist is the same as any low-doc application: ABN/GST lookup, director ID, and recent business bank statements. See documents needed for low-doc asset finance.
Where to next
If you have found a private-sale asset and are ready to check what it could cost to finance, get a quote from the home page or read how asset finance works for the full process.
This is general information only and does not take your circumstances into account. It is not financial, tax or legal advice.
Related questions
Why does a private sale sometimes need an inspection?
An inspection confirms the asset's condition and value for the lender, since there is no dealer warranty or standard invoice behind the sale. It carries a $250 fee.
What replaces the dealer invoice for a private sale?
A signed contract of sale between you and the seller, showing the asset details and agreed price, is used instead of a dealer invoice.
Does a private sale take longer to settle?
It can, if an inspection is required, since that adds a step before settlement. Otherwise the same conditional approval and settlement timeframes generally apply.
Ready? Three questions, then we take it from there.
One flat $800 fee, disclosed before you start. Nothing touches your credit file until you say so.
Trading 2+ years · Clean credit · Vehicles, trucks or equipment for business use