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What are the Most Popular Japanese Car Brands

From sushi to onsen hot springs and pastel-pink cherry blossoms, Japan is famous for all kinds of reasons. When it comes to automobiles, the country is a frontrunner. So, what are Japanese car brands known for and what makes them so well regarded around the world? Read on as we take a closer look at some of the most popular Japanese auto manufacturers and what they offer to motorists.

What are Japanese car brands known for?

Before we spotlight some of the most popular makes and models, let’s take a moment to unpack what are Japanese car brands known for.

Affordability

Japanese auto factories are highly efficient. This keeps prices down and makes Japanese models amazingly affordable, compared to many other brands.

Reliability

Japanese manufacturers continually dominate when it comes to reliability. High manufacturing standards and advanced quality control techniques help ensure every car that leaves the factory is built to last.

Technology

What are Japanese car brands celebrated for? Technology is one of the biggest draws. From powerful all-electric engines to next-generation driver assist features and infotainment systems, Japanese car brands are leading lights when it comes to technology.

Easy to maintain

Most Japanese cars are mass produced using readily available and easily replicated materials. This is good news for drivers as it makes it a cinch to find parts. Repair and replacement costs are low, which makes maintaining Japanese vehicles simple.

The most popular Japanese car brands

Now you know more about what Japanese car brands are known for, let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular makes and models.

Toyota

Based in the Aichi Prefecture on Honshu Island, Toyota is one of the most popular car manufacturers in the world. The Japanese auto giant sold almost 10.5 million vehicles around the world in 2022. This made it the world’s top-selling car manufacturer, topping German rival Volkswagen. The company ticks all the boxes when it comes to our list of what Japanese car brands are known for. Models are affordable, reliable and family friendly.

Model popularity varies between countries. For example, in North America, best-sellers include the Toyota Tacoma pickup truck, Toyota Highlander midsize SUV and the wildly popular Toyota Camry sedan. Drivers also love the RAV4, a capable and compact SUV that’s been winning over motorists since the 1990s.

British drivers love the Toyota Yaris, which is perfect for zipping around cities. The hatchback combines top-notch safety standards with smart technology, lots of style and a surprising amount of space. Hybrid technology also has a big role to play when it comes to the popularity of Japanese car brands. Hybrid models like the Yaris have been a huge hit with drivers who want to embrace electric but aren’t ready to commit to an EV. The new Aygo X compact crossover also helped boost Toyota sales in 2022.

Subaru

What are Japanese car brands known for? Speed, of course. When it comes to rally-inspired cars, no brand does it better than Subaru. The Impreza is a mainstay on the World Rally Champion stage, with legendary Scottish rally driver Colin McRae helping propel the model into the spotlight.

The practical Subaru Outback has been a firm favourite since it was first launched in 1994. Today it remains popular with British motorists in search of adventure. The AWD crossover is just as capable at cruising along urban streets as it is taking on rocky trails and mud-splattered fields. The Forester hybrid is tough-as-nails and combines a beefy petrol e-BOXER engine with self-charging electric battery power. And let’s not forget the all-new Subaru Solterra. It’s one of the company’s first all-electric models and offers an impressive range of up to 289 miles.

Nissan

Whether you use your Nissan to run errands in the city or whisk the family away on weekend road trips, this much-loved brand is hugely popular in the UK. The latest Nissan Qashqai compact crossover SUV boasts e-POWER technology. This clever feature offers the whisper-quiet and eco-friendly benefits of an all-electric motor, without the need to plug in and recharge.

A compact build and bold silhouette have made the Nissan Juke another darling in the UK. And of course, no list of Nissan favourites is complete without a nod to the Micra. Affordable and reliable, this pint-sized model sums up everything people love most about Japanese car brands.

Lexus

What are Japanese car brands famous for? While giants like Toyota and Subaru are renowned for their affordability and reliability, manufacturers like Lexus are all about luxury. The brand is owned by Toyota and strikes a perfect balance between reliability and luxury. Expect powerful engines, incredible craftsmanship and superlative attention to detail.

The all-new Lexus RZ 450e is the latest model to capture headlines. As the brand’s first battery-electric vehicle, the model sets a new benchmark for EVs. With a starting price of £62,600 it’s not cheap. But you absolutely get what you pay for.

Beyond the all-electric engine, expect a high-end cabin inspired by the traditional Japanese art of Omotenashi. The term is woven into the tapestry of Japanese culture and hospitality. It’s all about wholeheartedly anticipating the needs of guests and giving them the best possible experience. The Lexus RZ 450e does just this with features like an extra-large 14” touchscreen and incredible connectivity. Radiant heaters keep passengers cosy, while a glass panoramic roof with electronic dimming functionality allows you to customise your views and sunlight levels. This is Japanese luxury at its best.

Financing a Japanese car

Want to master the art of Omotenashi in your car? Whether you’re dreaming of a luxurious Lexus RZ 450e, an affordable Subaru or a family-friendly Toyota, use our car finance eligibility checker to get into the driver’s seat faster.

Rates from 9.9% APR. Representative APR 12.4%

Evolution Funding Ltd T/A My Car Credit

Loan amount

£

Repayment term

My credit rating

X monthly repayments of
^£X

Typical rate

Loan amount

Total payable

X% APR*

£X

*for illustration purposes only

No impact on your credit score*

Representative Example

Borrowing £7,500 at a representative APR of 12.4%, annual interest rate (fixed) 12.36%, 47 monthly payments of £196.44 followed by 1 payment of £206.44 (incl. estimated £10 option to purchase fee), a deposit of £0.00, total cost of credit is £1,939.12, total amount payable is £9,439.12.

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!

or call 01246 458 810

How to Find Car Finance for Young Drivers

Getting behind the wheel of a car is an exciting milestone for young drivers. Whether it’s a brand-new Ford Fiesta or a second-hand SEAT Ibiza, the sense of freedom that comes with a new car is invigorating. Understandably, many young drivers don’t have the cash to purchase a car outright. This is where car finance for young drivers steps up.

With a strong application, a positive attitude and a good amount of groundwork, you can take advantage of car finance for young drivers and get the keys to your new ride ASAP. Of course, car finance for young drivers does have its challenges. That’s why we’ve put together this guide designed to help you build a strong and attractive application.

Expand your horizons with a large lending panel

When it comes to securing car finance for young drivers, a large lending panel makes a big difference. It’s definitely possible to find car finance as a young driver, but barriers like lack of experience and financial history make it a little harder than usual. Enlisting the help of a broker can be a great way to expand your horizons and expose your application to as many lenders as possible.

One of the first things a broker will assess is eligibility and of course, age is a factor. Can you get car finance at 18? Absolutely. Here’s how a broker can help:

Let a broker do the hard yards

Instead of individually contacting lenders, a broker does all the legwork for you. They have the experience and expertise to match your application with the right lenders and products, thus increasing your chances of success and helping you secure the best interest rates and loan terms on car finance for young drivers.

Contrary to popular belief, many lenders are excited to help young drivers get behind the wheel of their first car. They won’t automatically refuse applications based on age and some even offer products designed especially for young drivers. You just have to know where to look! Once again, this is where a broker comes in.

Brokers are also a fantastic resource as they can help get you up to speed on the different types of car finance for young drivers. There are several different options available in the UK, each with its own unique pros and cons. As a young driver it’s important to understand what you’re signing up for. Brokers can help you navigate the car finance realm and select a product that’s right for you.

Choose an affordable vehicle

Naturally, most lenders will be wary about offering car finance to your drivers eyeing vehicles featuring high-powered V6 engines. Similarly, your chances of securing car finance for young drivers are lower if you’re shopping for a top-of-the-range Jeep 4×4 or luxury model like a Chevrolet Corvette. Even if you have the best intentions, applying for car finance to purchase these sorts of vehicles can imply you’re a high-risk borrower. Keeping your application realistic and down-to-earth will help you win over lenders and find the best car finance deals for young drivers.

Choosing an affordable vehicle not only boosts your chances of being approved for car finance but can also slash the cost of insurance. Most young drivers are hit with big premiums during their first year of driving, with many paying more than £2,000. As a young driver, it’s worth considering models that are cheap to insure. This includes popular cars like the zippy Hyundai i20 and the much-loved Fiat Panda. Want to know more? Don’t miss our roundup of the 10 cheapest cars to insure for young drivers.

Consider ‘black box’ insurance

As well as bringing down your premiums, ‘black box’ car insurance can be a great way to win over lenders. Also known as telematics, this type of insurance policy sees a black box installed in your car. It uses GPS to collect data on your driving behaviours, including things like speed, mileage, braking habits and the time of day you get behind the wheel. This data is used to assess your driving style and calculate a premium, ideally less than the blanket policies offered to other young drivers.

Ultimately, motorists who drive safely and responsibly are rewarded with lower premiums. Black box insurance can also help show lenders you’re committed to being a conscientious, low-risk driver.

Take advantage of young driver incentives

While car finance for young drivers does have its challenges there are also some great perks and incentives out there. Some dealerships offer student-friendly incentives while others attract young drivers with special rebates. You may also be eligible for discounts on your insurance premium, gifts such as retail vouchers and cashback schemes.

Shopping around for these deals can be tricky, which is where a broker can help. They’ll assess your application and match you with lenders who are most likely to approve your loan and ideally, offer you some great perks.

Tips to boost your credit score as a young driver

Lack of financial history is one of the biggest barriers young drivers face when applying for car finance. Below, we cover some quick and easy ways you can build a borrowing history and boost your credit score. In a matter of months, you can drastically improve your chances of securing car finance for young drivers.

Apply for a low-limit credit card

Many banks offer low-limit credit cards designed with students and young people in mind. Applying for one of these products can be a great way to build your credit history, as long as you use it responsibly and pay off your debt every month.

Pay off any existing credit card balances

If you already have a credit card with a significant balance, doing everything you can to pay it off is a guaranteed way to improve your credit rating.

Set up direct debits for bills

Rather than topping up your phone on a pay-as-you-go basis, consider setting up a direct debit. This helps pad out your credit history and shows lenders you’re capable of committing to regular monthly payments.

Car finance made easy for young drivers

Whether you’ve passed first-time in your late teens or you’re a twenty-something ready to upgrade your car, My Car Credit aims to make it easy to find car finance for young drivers from all backgrounds. Ready to get your application rolling? Reach out to our team by email on enquiries@mycarcredit.co.uk or give us a call on 01246 458 810 to find out more car finance for young drivers.

Rates from 9.9% APR. Representative APR 12.4%

Evolution Funding Ltd T/A My Car Credit

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PCP Finance Explained – Personal Contract Purchase Guide

Loan amount

£

Repayment term

My credit rating

X monthly repayments of
^£X

Typical rate

Loan amount

Total payable

X% APR*

£X

*for illustration purposes only

No impact on your credit score*

Representative Example

Borrowing £7,500 at a representative APR of 12.4%, annual interest rate (fixed) 12.36%, 47 monthly payments of £196.44 followed by 1 payment of £206.44 (incl. estimated £10 option to purchase fee), a deposit of £0.00, total cost of credit is £1,939.12, total amount payable is £9,439.12.

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!

or call 01246 458 810

affordability car finance options credit score Jan24 young drivers

How to Finance a Car in 4 Easy Steps

Car finance is growing in popularity in the UK. In fact, the Finance & Leasing Association (FLA) recently announced that consumer car finance has increased by 39% from February 2021 to February 2022.

Why? Car finance is an affordable, accessible way of purchasing a new or nearly new vehicle. There are various kinds of car finance available, depending on the circumstances of the buyer, and many lenders will now work to provide car finance to those with a poor credit rating.

If you’re new to the car finance world, you may be wondering how to actually finance a car. This article is here to help you gauge what to look for when considering car finance, helping you to stay in the driving seat.

How to finance a car: 4 steps

Establish your priorities

There’s no ‘one size fits all’ approach – different kinds of car finance will suit different people differently! One of the best ways to work out which type of car finance would suit you is by asking yourself key questions.

Are you looking for a new or nearly-new vehicle? Would you prefer to own your car at the end of your car finance deal, or will you plan to sell it? What kind of credit score are you working with? Can you work with mileage and other usage caps?

Once you’ve got an idea of the answers, you’ll be better able to tailor your car finance search.

Ask yourself what you can afford

Remember, car finance can be made up of different kinds of payment, depending on which finance option you opt for (more on that later). You need to ascertain what you’re able to afford, so that you can choose a deal that suits you.

You may prefer higher monthly repayments and a shorter term or lower deposit, or favour things the other way around. If you want to purchase the car at the end of the finance term, you’ll need to factor in this one-off payment. Remember, if you opt for a finance term with mileage or other limits, you may face penalties if you exceed these.

Your credit score will play a significant role in the kind of car finance you can secure. Higher credit scores tend to result in lower interest rates and better deals, but plenty of car finance providers can still work with you if you have a poor credit score – just be sure to determine who these are from the beginnings of your search.

Decide which car finance is for you

There are different kinds of car finance – your perfect deal depends on your needs. The most common are car loans, personal contract purchase, hire purchase, and personal contract hire. All of them involve making affordable monthly repayments over a pre-determined period of time, alongside interest.

We’ve written plenty about the pros and cons of these different kinds of car finance elsewhere – just browse the hundreds of helpful blogs and articles that we’ve compiled – but a quick summary goes as follows:

Car loans are like a personal loan, making them more expensive and better for those with good credit scores, but you will own the car from the get-go.
Personal contract purchase is a flexible option and you can opt to purchase the car at the end of the finance term.
At the end of hire purchase, you’ll automatically own the car and you’re paying less interest, but your monthly repayments are higher.
Personal contract hire is essentially a long-term rental with mileage caps but lower monthly repayments.

Reach out to car finance providers

Now that you know what kind of car finance terms you’re looking for, you can reach out to car finance providers, many of whom will have an online application process to determine whether you’re suitable for car finance.

At My Car Credit, we make things easier by comparing deals across our large network of trusted lenders. You’ll get a no-obligation quote within minutes with simple, straightforward online applications. You just tell us about yourself and your priorities, and we’ll use our unique technology and stellar network with the best lenders to find the right car finance deal for your circumstances.

Car finance made easy

Don’t panic if you still have questions about how to finance a car – My Car Credit’s friendly team of specialist advisors are available to answer any questions that you may have.

We aim to take the stress out of the search, so get in touch today on 01246 458 810 or email enquiries@mycarcredit.co.uk.

Rates from 9.9% APR. Representative APR 12.4%

Evolution Funding Ltd T/A My Car Credit

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Loan amount

£

Repayment term

My credit rating

X monthly repayments of
^£X

Typical rate

Loan amount

Total payable

X% APR*

£X

*for illustration purposes only

No impact on your credit score*

Representative Example

Borrowing £7,500 at a representative APR of 12.4%, annual interest rate (fixed) 12.36%, 47 monthly payments of £196.44 followed by 1 payment of £206.44 (incl. estimated £10 option to purchase fee), a deposit of £0.00, total cost of credit is £1,939.12, total amount payable is £9,439.12.

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!

or call 01246 458 810

affordability application process car finance process Jan24 lenders

Does Car Finance Affect Mortgage Applications?

If you have a car finance agreement in place and have also begun a mortgage application, your car finance may affect whether or not that application is approved, and what rates you may be offered.

This is particularly the case if you have missed any of your repayments for your car finance, as this will negatively impact your credit score, and will therefore impact your mortgage application. On the other hand, making all of your repayments can actually improve your chances of mortgage approval. Read on as we take a closer look.

How does car finance affect your mortgage?

When you apply for a mortgage, the lender will scrutinise your finances. Whether you have an active car finance deal, or a previous one that has been fully repaid, will impact their decision for your mortgage application. This is because car finance is a form of debt. As such, your mortgage providers will look to see how conscientious you’ve been in repaying your car finance.

Remember, if you have defaulted on your car finance, or missed any payments, then this will impact your credit history. This will in turn affect your mortgage application, as you will appear less financially responsible and therefore of higher risk to your speculative provider. Thankfully, there are still ways of securing car finance even with poor credit.

On the other hand, a history of timely repayments and problem-free car finance can actually improve your credit score. Put simply, it shows that you are capable of making regular repayments as agreed and staying within your budget – as is required with a mortgage.

Does car finance impact affordability assessments?

The short answer is yes, if you have an active car finance deal in place, this will affect mortgage applications because of the affordability assessments that your prospective provider will perform.

Any mortgage provider will scrutinise your finances before offering a mortgage – this is actually a legal requirement, and involves looking at your credit score, employment status, debt, and history of loan repayment. If you’re currently repaying any loan such as car finance, this will be factored into your mortgage affordability assessment.

As a general rule, the higher the debt remaining for you to pay back on your car, the lower you’ll be lent for a mortgage – though this may vary depending on the provider. The theory is that the more you have to repay on other loans or assets, like your car, the less you’ll have to put towards your mortgage.

As such, if you do have a way of clearing the balance on your car finance before applying for your mortgage, this would be a sensible course of action, as your car finance won’t impact the application to such a degree.

Car finance made easy

At My Car Credit, we pride ourselves on our customer service, and will work hard to find you a car finance deal that suits your needs and circumstances – so you can help rather than harm your credit score and any future mortgage applications. If you’re wondering how to make a car finance application work alongside a mortgage application, talk to us today on 01246 458 810 or email enquiries@mycarcredit.co.uk.

Rates from 9.9% APR. Representative APR 12.4%

Evolution Funding Ltd T/A My Car Credit

What Checks Are Done for Car Finance?

Try Our Classic Car Financing Calculator

What is the Average Car Loan Interest Rate?

Loan amount

£

Repayment term

My credit rating

X monthly repayments of
^£X

Typical rate

Loan amount

Total payable

X% APR*

£X

*for illustration purposes only

No impact on your credit score*

Representative Example

Borrowing £7,500 at a representative APR of 12.4%, annual interest rate (fixed) 12.36%, 47 monthly payments of £196.44 followed by 1 payment of £206.44 (incl. estimated £10 option to purchase fee), a deposit of £0.00, total cost of credit is £1,939.12, total amount payable is £9,439.12.

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!

or call 01246 458 810

affordability credit profile credit score debt Mortgage

What are Japanese car brands known for?

Affordability

Reliability

Technology

Easy to maintain

The most popular Japanese car brands

Toyota

Subaru

Nissan

Lexus

Financing a Japanese car

Rates from 9.9% APR. Representative APR 12.4%

Related articles

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Good

Fair

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Bad

Require more help?

Expand your horizons with a large lending panel

Choose an affordable vehicle

Consider ‘black box’ insurance

Take advantage of young driver incentives

Tips to boost your credit score as a young driver

Car finance made easy for young drivers

Rates from 9.9% APR. Representative APR 12.4%

Related articles

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Good

Fair

Poor

Bad

Require more help?

Car finance is growing in popularity in the UK. In fact, the Finance & Leasing Association (FLA) recently announced that consumer car finance has increased by 39% from February 2021 to February 2022.

How to finance a car: 4 steps

Car finance made easy

Rates from 9.9% APR. Representative APR 12.4%

Related articles

Excellent

Good

Fair

Poor

Bad

Require more help?

If you have a car finance agreement in place and have also begun a mortgage application, your car finance may affect whether or not that application is approved, and what rates you may be offered.

How does car finance affect your mortgage?

Does car finance impact affordability assessments?

Car finance made easy

Rates from 9.9% APR. Representative APR 12.4%

Related articles

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Good

Fair

Poor

Bad

Require more help?