Commercial vehicle finance blog
Articles on financing commercial vehicles in New Zealand, written for tradies, owner-drivers, SMEs and fleet managers. For the evergreen explainers on how finance itself works, see the guides. Everything here is general information, not financial advice.
Utes
What a $45,000 Work Ute Really Costs Each Week: Repayment Scenarios From 1 to 5 Years
See weekly repayments on a $30,000 to $75,000 work ute over 1 to 5 years, plus how deposit, balloon and running costs change your real weekly cost.
EV and hybrid
Financing an EV or Hybrid in NZ: Residual Values, Balloon Risk and Running-Cost Maths
Thinking about a hybrid or EV? Learn how resale values, balloon payments and road user charges affect the real cost of financing one in New Zealand.
Couriers
Courier Contractor Van Finance: Structuring Repayments Around Contract Income
Courier contractor? Learn how to match van finance repayments, deposit, term and balloon to your contract income and protect cashflow in quiet weeks.
Lenders
Why a Single-Lender Car Loan Is the Wrong Default for NZ Buyers
Most NZ buyers take the first car loan they're offered. Here's why access to a panel of lenders can lead to a structure that suits you better.
Vans
Best Commercial Van in NZ for Tradies in 2026
Comparing the best commercial vans available in NZ for tradies in 2026. Load capacity, reliability, running costs, and how to finance your next work van the smart way.
Machinery
Machinery Finance vs Vehicle Finance: Key Differences for NZ Contractors
Discover the key differences between machinery finance and vehicle finance for NZ contractors. LDM Finance connects you with transparent, structured asset finance solutions to protect your cashflow.
Pre-approval
Car Finance Pre-Approval: NZ Ultimate Guide 2026
Get pre-approved car finance in NZ. Protect your cashflow, avoid dealership pressure, and buy with confidence using LDM Finance’s finance-first approach.
Cash or finance
Pay Cash or Finance? How NZ Businesses Should Weigh Up Their Next Commercial Vehicle
Should your NZ business pay cash or finance its next commercial vehicle? Weigh up cash flow, tax considerations, and capital preservation with LDM Finance.
Structures
Balloon Payments vs Zero Deposit Finance: Choosing the Right Structure for Your Business
Compare balloon payments vs zero deposit commercial vehicle finance in NZ. Learn how each structure impacts cashflow, total interest, and fleet updates.
Tippers
Financing an 8-Ton Tipper (Class 2): A Buyer's Guide for NZ Civil & Earthmoving Contractors
Looking to expand your civil or earthmoving fleet? Discover clear, structured 8 ton tipper truck finance in NZ. Learn how to protect cashflow and keep your business moving with LDM Finance.
Cashflow
How to Structure Vehicle Finance to Protect Business Cashflow: The SME Playbook
Discover how smart vehicle finance structuring protects your business cashflow. From repayment terms to ownership structures, this SME playbook covers everything New Zealand business owners need to know.
Tax
Tax Deductions on Commercial Vehicle Finance: What NZ Businesses Can Claim
Uncover which commercial vehicle finance deductions NZ businesses can claim. Learn how chattel mortgages, leases, and depreciation impact your tax position.
Utes
Toolbox Service Body Utes: What NZ Tradies Should Look For Before Buying
From tray configuration to finance structure, here's the complete NZ tradie guide to choosing the right toolbox service body ute — so your next work vehicle pays for itself from day one.
Credit
How Your Credit Score Affects Commercial Vehicle Finance Approval in NZ
Learn how your credit score affects commercial vehicle finance in NZ. Discover key approval factors and tips to strengthen your application.
Truck finance
How to Finance a Truck Without Killing Your Cashflow
Learn how to structure truck finance that protects your cashflow, minimises tax exposure, and keeps your business moving. Expert guidance from LDM Finance NZ.
Truck finance
2026 guide to commercial truck finance in NZ
How commercial truck finance works in New Zealand, why structure matters more than purchase price, and the mistakes that cost businesses money.
Compare
5 types of commercial vehicle finance explained
Asset finance, hire purchase, finance lease, balloon payment and zero deposit, compared side by side on ownership, repayments and flexibility.
Business
How to secure vehicle finance for a limited company
What lenders assess on a company application, the documents to prepare, and how to structure finance around business cashflow.
Buying
What to consider when buying a used truck
Cost, mileage and uptime on used commercial trucks, and how to finance one without straining working capital.
This guide is general information, not financial advice. Figures are indicative only, at a representative rate of 12.95% per annum, and do not constitute an offer of finance. Consider your own circumstances and seek advice where needed. Lending criteria, terms and conditions apply.