For most people, buying a car – even a used one – represents a substantial purchase in the context of their normal spending habits. That’s why car financing is becoming an increasingly popular option among the British public, with 91% of new car buyers using a finance deal to fund their purchase in 2019.

Of course, your available budget is likely to be the biggest factor in deciding whether to finance or buy a used car. However, it’s not the only consideration you should take into account, with advantages and disadvantages on both sides of the coin. In order to help you reach a decision, here’s a quick look at the pros and cons of both options.

The case for buying outright

If you have the capital available, paying for a car with cash can be the simplest and most straightforward method of acquiring a new motor. After having finalised the deal and transferred the funds, you can drive away with your new set of wheels. There are no monthly instalments to pay, no interest to worry about, no credit checks to pass and no mileage limits to stay under.

While buying a car is certainly the cheapest option available to you in terms of the amount you will pay for it, you should bear in mind that the value of your asset will undoubtedly depreciate over time. That means that buying a car outright is not an investment you can expect to see returns on. What’s more, the fact that you’re paying upfront means that your choice of car is likely to be restricted by your budget.

The case for car financing

On the other hand, taking advantage of the various types of car finance available on the market can give you a much larger budget, allowing you to access a wider range of vehicles. This can result in a better driving experience for the duration of the contract. In addition, you’ll have a more valuable asset at its conclusion that will last longer and fetch a higher price when it comes to moving it on.

Meanwhile, utilising a car finance deal allows you to manage your cashflow far better. You can even use the money that you save by not buying outright to invest in stocks and shares, lay down a mortgage or build up a nest egg. Meeting your fixed monthly repayments will also reflect favourably on your credit score. Even better, you can dispense with the hassle of finding a buyer if you choose an appropriate car finance package.

Is it better to finance or buy a used car?

Ultimately, the choice of whether to buy or finance a used car will depend upon your own financial situation, the type of car you wish to purchase and the things you value most in life. However, there are plenty of very attractive advantages of using car finance which simply aren’t available to those who buy outright.

If you’re interested in finding out more about the car finance options available to you, or to make an application with My Car Credit, why not give us a ring? You can reach us on 01246 458 810 or by sending an email to enquiries@mycarcredit.co.uk and we can take things from there. Get in touch today!

Rates from 9.9% APR. Representative APR 11.9%

Evolution Funding Ltd T/A My Car Credit

My Credit Rating

Excellent

  • You are a home owner
  • You have been on the electoral role for a long period of time
  • You have current credit arrangements and mortgage with no defaults
  • You have no CCJs, credit arrears or missed payments
  • You rarely apply for credit
  • You are employed or self-employed

Good

  • You are on the electoral role
  • You are a home owner or long standing tenant
  • You have a stable employment history
  • You have current credit arrangements with occasional missed payments
  • You have no CCJs

Fair

  • You are or have recently been on the electoral role
  • You may have recently changed address
  • You may have occasional missed payments
  • You may have an old CCJ
  • You may have regularly applied for credit

Poor

  • You may have had frequent changes in address
  • You may not be traceable on the voters roll
  • You may have exceeded credit card limits
  • You may have missed payments on current agreements
  • You may have had a CCJ in the past

Bad

  • You may not be traceable on the voters roll
  • Your credit cards are over their limits
  • You have recent CCJs
  • You may have been refused credit elsewhere
  • You may be in a debt management plan
£

X monthly repayments of
£X

Typical rate

Loan amount

Total payable

X% APR*

£X

£X

*for illustration purposes only

No impact on your credit score*

Representative Example

Borrowing £7,500 at a representative APR of 11.9%, annual interest rate (fixed) 11.87%, 47 monthly payments of £194.81 followed by 1 payment of £204.81 (incl. estimated £10 option to purchase fee), a deposit of £0.00, total cost of credit is £1,860.88, total amount payable £9,360.88.

Evolution Funding Limited, trading as My Car Credit, is a credit broker and not a lender.

Please ensure you can afford the repayments for the duration of the loan before entering into a credit agreement.

*Initial application is a soft search. Should you progress, some lenders may perform a hard search on your credit file.

Require more help?

Got a question you can’t find the answer to, or need some advice and guidance around taking out car finance? Our Car Credit Specialists are friendly, experienced, and here to help so get in touch today!