Our engine
Setting the wheels in motion.
Founded in 2005, C1 Car Loans (previously known as Center One Finance) is an Australian-owned and operated business specialising in car finance. We are driven by our mission to provide everyday Australians with an affordable car finance option, no matter their financial past.
Why? For too long, traditional financial institutions have shut the door on those they deem not 'creditworthy' because of their past mistakes. There are thousands of Australians who need a car but get rejected despite being on the path to rebuilding their credit history. Ultimately, this is why we decided to specialise in bad credit car loans - to give all Australians a fair go and help them get into a car when they need it most.
To keep our engine running, we use smart, market-leading technology to make lending more accessible and easier for those with an impaired credit history. Typically, people with a bad credit history and in need of a car are unable to access finance from banks and prime lenders. However, we believe that your past mistakes aren't a fair indicator of your borrowing power. Using the best in technology enables us a fast and fair approach to help clients get on the road sooner rather than later.
Our fuel
Putting you back in the driver's seat.
We know how important owning a car is. It's just not a way to get around quickly; having your own set of wheels can also give you freedom. The freedom to travel where you want and at any time. It can give you independence over your day-to-day life, whether it's helping you find suitable work, earn a living or run your families around. It can also simply let you explore new adventures and places. This is why we are strongly passionate about helping our clients get into a car when they need it most. After all, we've all started from somewhere. That's why we believe that everyone deserves a second chance and a fair go when it comes to car finance.
We are proud to have helped many Australians over the years to buy a car. Since our beginnings in 2005, we've provided over $10 million in car loans to Aussies that were knocked back by the bank. Not only have we helped them secure a car, but we've also seen many of them pay off their loan with us and, with an improved credit history, return to their banks and get approved.
As we continue to grow and succeed, our mission remains the same while making processing times faster and the task of buying a car easier.
"At the end of the day, helping our customers will always be the fuel that keeps us going."
Our main drivers
Steering the C1 vision.
It's the people behind the wheel at C1 Car Loans that make us who we are and stand out from the crowd. While our smart technology keeps the engine running, it is supported by a bunch of passionate and hard-working people. Learn more about them below.
Sheldon S.
General Manager
As the General Manager, Sheldon brings with him more than 15 years of diverse experience in the finance and technology space. Prior to joining C1 Car Loans, he was whipping up food as a chef in the Brisbane dining scene. In his current role, Sheldon is proudly committed to providing everyday Australians with a second chance, with the belief that your past shouldn’t get in the way of getting a car.
What was your first car? A 2005 Suzuki Swift with 250,000km straight up on the odometer.
What's your go-to music for a road trip? When hitting the road, I’ll put on a house music playlist to keep me entertained.
Nathan M.
Head of Assessment
Nathan joined the team at C1 Car Loans five years ago and hasn't looked back since then. As Head of Assessment, he is passionate about delivering quality service and enjoys understanding and solving challenges for our clients by thinking outside the box. From application to settlement, you can be rest assured that Nathan is there to guide you and answer any questions you may have along the way.
What was your first car? A 2007 Hyuandi Electra that I shared with my brother.
What's your go-to music for a road trip? My go-to isn't music but I like to listen to sports radio and commentary while driving.
What keeps us on the road
Our values that drive us.
100% Online
Here at C1, we value your time. This is why you don’t have to worry about filling in mountains of paperwork or waiting in line at the bank.
Our no-fuss application process only requires you to have a mobile phone and online banking — we’ll handle the rest.
Fair Go
We don’t believe that your past financial mistakes should define your future. That’s why we consider a range of factors other than just your credit score when assessing your application.
No matter your credit score, we promise to give a fair assessment of your application.
Free To Apply
Regardless of the outcome, our 100% online application is free to complete. There are no out-of-pocket costs involved to get pre-approved.
No matter where or when, all you have to do is apply with us and we’ll do our very best to help you out.