MTF Finance (Motor Trade Finance) is New Zealand’s largest specialist vehicle lender, with branches throughout the country and partnerships with hundreds of car dealerships. For buyers who can’t get the best bank rates — or who are financing an older vehicle — MTF Finance is often the most competitive specialist option.
Rates: ~10–24% p.a. (risk-based)
Loan amounts: $2,000–$100,000+
Terms: 1–7 years
Vehicle types: Cars, utes, vans, motorcycles, boats, caravans
Vehicle age: Generally flexible, including older vehicles
Distribution: Via dealers, MTF branches, or direct online
Owned by: NZ franchisee network (not bank-owned)
MTF Finance Rates
MTF Finance uses risk-based pricing, so your rate depends on your credit profile, income, vehicle type, and loan amount. Published rates as at June 2026:
| Credit profile | Indicative rate |
|---|---|
| Excellent credit, near-new vehicle | ~10–12% p.a. |
| Good credit | ~12–15% p.a. |
| Average credit | ~15–20% p.a. |
| Below average credit | ~20–24% p.a. |
MTF rates are generally competitive with Finance Now and Avanti Finance for similar credit profiles. For excellent credit borrowers, bank rates are typically cheaper — but MTF often wins on flexibility and vehicle eligibility.
How MTF Finance Works
MTF Finance operates through a franchise model — MTF franchisees are local business owners who operate the branches. This means:
- More relationship-based approach than large banks
- Local decision-making in many cases (branch manager has more discretion)
- Wide presence — branches from Northland to Southland
- Dealer partnerships — dealer staff can arrange MTF Finance for buyers on-site
You can apply:
- Via a car dealer: Dealer arranges MTF Finance as part of the vehicle purchase
- At an MTF branch: Walk in or book an appointment with your local MTF franchisee
- Online: MTF has an online pre-approval tool on their website
What MTF Finance Can Do That Banks Can’t
Older vehicles: MTF Finance can finance older vehicles (10–15+ years) that banks won’t consider. The vehicle must still have sufficient value as security, but MTF has broader criteria.
Non-standard employment: Contractors, self-employed, or people with non-standard income are assessed more holistically at MTF than at major banks.
Adverse credit: While MTF still does a credit check and will decline high-risk applications, they can work with some adverse history that would result in a bank decline.
MTF Finance Fees
MTF Finance charges an establishment fee on all loans. The exact amount depends on the loan size and is disclosed in your loan documentation. Typically:
- Establishment fee: ~$250–$500
- No monthly management fee (confirm at application — some franchisees may apply one)
- Early repayment: some MTF loans have an early repayment fee — check before signing
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Largest specialist auto lender in NZ with nationwide presence
- More flexible on vehicle age and credit profile than banks
- Local franchise model means relationship-based service
- Can consider non-standard employment
- Wide range of vehicle types
Cons:
- Rates are higher than banks for excellent credit borrowers
- Establishment fees can be higher than some competitors
- Early repayment fees on some products — check before signing
- Not the right option if you qualify for the best bank rates
MTF Finance vs Banks
| Feature | MTF Finance | Bank car loan |
|---|---|---|
| Best rate | ~10% p.a. | ~9.95% p.a. |
| Average rate for good credit | ~12–15% p.a. | ~11–14% p.a. |
| Vehicle age flexibility | High (15+ years) | Low (10–12 year limit) |
| Adverse credit | Some flexibility | Very limited |
| Application | Dealer, branch, online | Online or branch |
| Establishment fee | ~$250–$500 | ~$100–$200 |