Tesla Finance - Compare Your borrowing options

Getting a Tesla in New Zealand

Tesla is one of New Zealand's most popular electric vehicle brands, with the Model Y and Model 3 consistently among the most registered new vehicles in the country. Tesla offers finance options directly through their New Zealand website with two lenders, but that isn't your only pathway.

As an independent broker, Nomu Finance gives you access to a wider panel of NZ lenders, so you can compare what's available. This guide explains how Tesla finance works in New Zealand, what your options are, and what to have ready before you apply.

 ow buying a Tesla works in NZ

New Tesla vehicles are ordered directly through tesla.com/en_nz. Unlike most car brands, Tesla does not operate a traditional dealer network in New Zealand, there's no dealership to walk into.

If you arrange finance through Nomu, we coordinate payment directly to Tesla once your loan is approved. You complete your order on the Tesla website and we handle settlement.

Used Teslas can be purchased through Trade Me, directly from private sellers, or from used vehicle dealers. All of these purchase types are supported.

Your main finance options

Arranging finance through an independent broker

A licensed financial adviser can present your application to a panel of lenders, rather than you approaching each one separately. This is useful if your income is variable, you're self-employed, or your credit history needs some context. It's also a practical way to compare options without submitting multiple individual applications.

Nomu Finance acts as an independent broker. We have no affiliation with Tesla, Inc. or Tesla Financial Services.

Finance through Tesla's website

Tesla offers finance options directly through their NZ website at the point of ordering. If you go this route, you'll be assessed against that lender's criteria. It can be a straight forward option if your application is clean and you're happy with the offer presented.

Comparing that offer against what an independent broker can find is a reasonable step before committing - circumstances and lender appetite vary.

What lenders look at

Whether you go through a broker or apply directly, lenders in New Zealand assess the same core things:

•      Income -how much you earn and how consistently it arrives

•      Expenses - your existing financial commitments and living costs

•      Credit history - your track record with past borrowing

•      Bank statements - usually three months, showing account conduct and spendingpatterns

For more on how lenders review your bank statements, see our guide: How Lenders Use Bank Statements.

 What to have ready before you apply

•      A current New Zealand driver's licence

•      Three months of bank statements (You can connect online through our portal to supply these)

•      Proof of income - payslips, bank credits, or tax returns if self-employed (We will let you know if we need this)

•      If ordering new: the Tesla model and configuration you're planning to order

•      If buying used or privately: the vehicle's VIN/rego and a sale and purchase agreement (we can provide a template for you)

•      Comprehensive vehicle insurance - required by most lenders as a condition of approval

 You don't need everything upfront. Once you apply, we'll let you know what's required at each stage.

 Financing a used Tesla

Used Teslas are generally eligible for tesla finance subject to lender criteria, including the vehicle's age, mileage and condition. Most lenders will want to see the vehicle has clear title - a PPSR check at ppsr.companiesoffice.govt.nz confirms whether any finance is registered against it.

If you're buying a used Tesla that's no longer under manufacturer warranty, it's worth considering mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI). Electrical and mechanical repairs on EVs can be significant, and MBI can help reduce out-of-pocket costs if something goes wrong.

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