What are the new Vehicle Excise Duty rates?

Calculator and form

A rise to Vehicle Excise Duty rates – more commonly known as car tax – looks set to sting drivers with major price increases. Drivers of different vehicles will face different Vehicle Excise Duty rates.

In the Spring Budget, UK Chancellor Jeremy Hunt announced a rise in Vehicle Excise Duty rates in accordance with the Retail Price Index (RPI). This impacts both old and new vehicles, but particularly hits owners of petrol, diesel and hybrid cars purchased for over £40,000 in the past five years (1 April 2017 – 31 March 2023). This band of drivers will see their VED rates rise from £355 to £390, on top of the standard rate, which itself has risen by £15.

Petrol or diesel vehicles registered between March 2001 and March 2017 will be classified by lettered Vehicle Excise Duty bands, which are based on the CO2 emissions of vehicles. Depending on where your car is classified within these bands, you can expect to see your Vehicle Excise Duty rates rise by anywhere from £5 to £65.

Vehicles registered before March 2001 will face similar VED rate rises (between £20 and £30), depending on whether the vehicle has an engine size of up to or over 1.55 litres.

Buyers of brand-new vehicles (after 1 April 2023) can expect a similar rise in Vehicle Excise Duty rates. Fully-electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles that emit less than 50g/km CO2 are exempt, with other vehicles facing a rise of anywhere between £5 and £60, depending on the amount of CO2 the car emits.

Upgrade to a greener drive

Get a car finance quote from My Car Credit and find out how upgrading to an electric vehicle might help you save on VED rates.

Rates from 9.9% APR. Representative APR 12.4%

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 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!

Diesel vs. Petrol – Comparing Car Mileage

Petrol station at night

If you’re looking at buying a new car, there are a number of factors you’ll want to consider. One of the most fundamental is whether you should buy a petrol or a diesel car. In order to come to a decision, you’ll likely be considering the fuel economy of different engines – or, in other words, the mileage of a diesel car vs. that of a petrol car.

This article will look at the mileage of petrol vs diesel, and help you decide which type of engine you’d prefer for your next set of wheels.

Car mileage: diesel vs. petrol

First off, let’s clarify how fuel economy works. It refers to the number of miles a car can travel on a specific amount of fuel. This is measured in MPG, short for miles per gallon. The higher the MPG rating of a vehicle, the more fuel-efficient it is, as it can go further on one tank of fuel and cover more miles per gallon.

What impacts MPG?

There are several factors that will impact the MPG of a vehicle, as well as its actual engine mechanics.

Your own driving style will impact the MPG of a car. If you regularly tow heavy items, rapidly brake or accelerate, speed, frequently idle (for example, at traffic stops), or only travel short journeys, you can negatively impact the MPG. Similarly, if you wear your tyres out and don’t replace them, or don’t regularly maintain your car, this can negatively impact the MPG.

Environmental factors will also play a part. Regular use of the air conditioning, for example, will impact the MPG, but so will opening the windows (as this makes the car less aerodynamic). Cold weather also brings strain, as the engine takes longer to warm up.

One of the most significant factors affecting a car’s MPG is its engine, which is why you’ll frequently see articles comparing the mileage of a diesel car vs. a petrol car.

Diesel vs. petrol – which has better fuel economy?

Diesel cars have better fuel economy to petrol cars, making their mileage better value for money. This is because diesel fuel contains more energy in a like-for-like comparison than petrol fuel. That means that if you’re regularly making long journeys in a petrol vehicle, you’ll end up paying more overall for fuel, even though petrol is cheaper per litre than diesel fuel. It’s all about the law of averages.

Which? ran a series of independent tests, which found that the average MPG of a diesel car was higher around town, out of town, and on a motorway. As a combined score, the overall MPG of the diesel car they tested averaged 46.8 compared to 41.9 for the tested petrol car.

Overall, in the battle of mileage for a diesel vs. petrol vehicle, diesel’s fuel economy will always win out. Diesel cars are also better for longer journeys at high-speed – that is, for frequent motorway driving – and if you need a vehicle that can tow well. Diesel vehicles have more torque than petrol vehicles, which have to work harder to maintain momentum and power and will therefore use more fuel.

Other factors to consider

It may be that the verdict on diesel’s better mileage is enough to settle your choice as to whether to purchase a diesel vs. petrol car. However, deciding whether a diesel car is right for you is unfortunately not that black and white.

Petrol vehicles produce fewer overall emissions of CO2 per litre of burned fuel compared to a diesel engine – however, because a diesel engine’s mileage is higher than its petrol counterpart, it will tend to have lower CO2 emissions. That said, petrol cars produce far fewer particulate emissions than diesel vehicles – particularly older ones, which emit nitrogen oxide, a substance that’s linked to air pollution and harmful health side effects. Petrol cars therefore result in less local air pollution.

Diesel cars are also bad on short, stop-start trips, as their DPF (diesel particulate filter), which is responsible for minimising harmful particulates, won’t operate as efficiently unless the engine is hot.

Financing your petrol or diesel car

Whether you decide on diesel for better long-distance mileage or petrol for short, stop-start trips, car finance can help you spread the cost of your next car to improve affordability and maximise your budget.

At My Car Credit, we aim to make the finance application process as simple as possible from start to finish. Get the ball rolling by checking your car finance eligibility, then benefit from our extensive network of trusted lenders to get a fair deal whatever your credit score.

Rates from 9.9% APR. Representative APR 12.4%

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 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!

Should I Buy a Car or a House First?

Couple unloading car and moving into a new house

For most people, a car and home are two of the biggest personal assets purchased over a lifetime. Both are major financial commitments and of course, exciting milestones. So, should you buy a car or a house first? Like all investments, it’s important to do your research, crunch the numbers and compare different options before committing to a purchase.

If you’re tossing up between buying a new set of wheels or getting the keys to a home of your own, we’re here to help. Read on for an unbiased guide designed to help you answer the question, “should I buy a car or a house first?”

Your personal circumstances

Your personal circumstances are one of the most important things to consider when thinking about whether you should buy a car or a house first. The car vs house debate isn’t black and white, which means it’s important to factor in your unique situation when deciding.

For example, if you live in a major city like London with world-class public transport links and sky-high property prices, saving for a house deposit could be a smarter choice than putting your cash towards a new car. That said, many Londoners do choose to own a car and enjoy the benefits.

On the other hand, if you live in a smaller city, town or village where owning a car would have an enormous benefit on your day-to-day life and homeownership isn’t a huge challenge, purchasing a vehicle could be a better option.  

Budgeting for extra expenses

Homes and cars are both exciting purchases. However, it’s important to pencil in extra expenses for both assets. Below, we’ve put together a list of some of the biggest expenses coming your way when purchasing a car or property. While they’re not exactly “hidden”, they can add up quickly and factoring them in should be an important part of your decision-making process.   

The “hidden” costs of car ownership

  • Car insurance

Car insurance can be a big expense, especially for new and young drivers with minimal experience. It’s not unusual for average annual premiums for new drivers aged under 24 to top £1,000. Many motorists buying new cars choose to add GAP insurance, which offers extra peace of mind but increases the cost significantly.

  • Vehicle tax

Vehicle tax, or ‘road tax’ as it’s often referred to, is another big one. Costs average around £140 a year, though this can vary between vehicles.

  • Fuel

With analysts predicting forecourt prices to hit an all-time high over the coming months, fuel should definitely feature in your car ownership budget. Of course, your fuel expenses will depend on how often you use your car.

  • Parking

The cost of parking varies dramatically across the UK, with some cities offering free parking and others hitting you with huge fees. It’s worth doing your research before making a commitment.

  • Depreciation

Depreciation will vary depending on the make, model, and age of the car you purchase. New cars tend to lose around 20% of their value in the first year of ownership, while second-hand models depreciate at a slower and less sharp rate.

  • Servicing and maintenance

Depending on what car you buy, servicing and maintenance can be a big expense or a non-issue. Many new cars not only come with warranties but also free servicing for the first few years of ownership. In contrast, if you buy a second-hand vehicle, it’s worth factoring servicing and maintenance into your budget.

The “hidden” costs of homeownership

  • Insurance

Most homeowners choose to take out insurance, with the average policy costing £142 per quarter.

  • Property taxes

Property taxes can push up the price of home ownership, with rates calculated based on the value of the property.

  • General maintenance and upkeep

As a homeowner, it’s your responsibility to carry out general maintenance and upkeep on your property. Many financial advisors recommend allocating around 1-2% of the value of your mortgage to cover everything from big structural jobs to small cosmetic changes.  

  • Interest rates on your mortgage

Interest rates can have a big impact on the total cost of your mortgage and naturally, it’s important to shop around for the best deal.

Boosting your credit score

For many Brits, a lacklustre credit score is one of the biggest barriers to homeownership. Banks can be ruthless when it comes to checking your financial history and even small hiccups like a missed credit card payment or late phone bill instalment can affect your score.

This is where buying a car first and a home second can be a smart option. If you’re wondering does car finance help credit score, the answer is often yes. Taking out a car loan and committing to regular monthly payments can be a great way to build your credit score and prove to banks that you’re a responsible mortgage applicant.

Most home loans are significantly larger than the average car loan, which means lenders are even more strict when it comes to vetting applicants. A credit agreement with a car finance lender can help position you as a responsible borrower, so long as you pay your instalments on time.

There’s no need to worry about whether applying for car finance will affect your credit score, with the best brokers preceding formal applications with a ‘soft search’ credit check. This is a great way to check your eligibility and assess your options before actually applying for a loan that will leave a permanent signature on your credit score.

The final word on car vs house

Ultimately, the answer to “should I buy a car or a house first” depends on your own personal circumstances. You’ll need to consider your current financial situation, as well as factors like your lifestyle and personal preferences. Exploring a variety of different factors will help you decide whether vehicle ownership makes sense for you and if it’s a smart financial decision.

If you’re leaning towards a car finance broker over a mortgage broker, My Car Credit is here to help. With a large panel of lenders at our fingertips, we’re best placed to find a great deal for all kinds of drivers. Start by calculating car finance and then apply online, with no obligation and without impacting your credit score.

Rates from 9.9% APR. Representative APR 12.4%

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 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!

6 Driving Tips to Save on Petrol

Man driving his car wondering how to save petrol

In May 2021, the RAC Foundation predicted that June would see fuel prices rise for the seventh consecutive month. With this in mind, saving money at the forecourt remains a top priority for British motorists. Tracking down the cheapest fuel prices in your local area is one way to save on petrol. But did you know there are also some easy tips and tricks you can utilise to minimise your fuel consumption? Here’s how.

1. Stop idling

Do you tend to keep the motor running while you’re waiting for the kids to come out of the school gate? Maybe you don’t bother to switch off the engine while your partner pops into the shop for milk?

Whilst this can seem harmless, idling can waste up to two litres of fuel per hour. What’s more, idling can release more than 5kg of CO2 into the atmosphere. Saying no to idling can also save lives, with the Royal College of Physicians warning air pollution claims around 40,000 British lives every year, with idling a key contributor.

“Whether it is outside schools, picking up relatives from stations, or in a car park, we can all do our bit by switching off our engines and reducing our emissions,” says RAC roads policy spokesman Nicholas Lyes.

2. Inflate your tyres

The firmness of your tyres can have an enormous impact on your fuel consumption. For example, Michelin warn that British motorists waste a huge £246 million a year driving on underinflated tyres. Not only does this result in your engine guzzling fuel, but it also increases your emissions.

Be sure to check your tyre pressure regularly and head straight to the forecourt if something looks off. Wheel alignment can also play a role in increasing fuel consumption. This can have the effect of compromising the smoothness of the ride, and forcing the engine to work overtime.

3. Don’t overaccelerate

While it’s tempting to speed up when taking off from a traffic light or give the speedometer a workout on the motorway, overaccelerating is one of the fastest ways to burn fuel. Smoother accelerations will keep your petrol consumption down. What’s more, your passengers will have a far more comfortable ride.

4. Carrying unnecessary weight

Do you wait a week before unpacking your car from a camping trip? Maybe you have a bad habit of carting around your golf clubs. Perhaps you continually forget to drop off that bag of books at the charity shop. Whatever your vice, extra weight translates to increased fuel consumption. Your engine has to work harder to move extra weight. As such, if your car is packed with unnecessary items it could be time for a cleanout.

5. Roof racks in the city

While roof racks can be incredibly useful on road trips, they do compromise the aerodynamism of your car. The extra bulk increases drag and forces the engine to work harder and burn more fuel. Furthermore, even empty roof racks can result in a 15% increase in fuel consumption. If your roof racks are easy enough to remove while not in use it could be worth putting them in storage.

Roof boxes are also something to watch, with data suggesting even when empty they can increase fuel consumption by up to 25%. Again, they’re great when you’re travelling long distances and need extra storage space. Conversely, for everyday journeys, they’re obsolete and should be removed if possible.

6. Upgrade to an eco-friendly vehicle

Cutting down on idling, checking your tyre pressure, avoiding over acceleration, clearing out your car and taking off your roof racks can all help to save petrol. But nothing compares to the benefits of a fuel-efficient car. For example, the Peugeot 208 is one of the most efficient internal combustion powered vehicles available in the UK, offering impressive fuel economy of 73.6mpg.

Of course, EVs are the ultimate petrol saving solution. With an electric engine you’ll eliminate the need to fill up at the forecourt entirely. Instead, models like the Nissan Leaf and Tesla Model 3 plug into power outlets and take you from A to B with zero fossil fuels.

Make the switch a little easier

Thinking of upgrading to a more fuel-efficient car? At My Car Credit we’re experts in all things finance. Whether you’re looking to purchase a brand-new luxury SUV or a second-hand hybrid hatchback, we offer tailored car finance solutions, from those with a flawless credit history to car finance with poor credit.

Rates from 9.9% APR. Representative APR 12.4%

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 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!

What Car is Best for Me?

Family car with lanscape

Shopping for a new car is exciting. But without a well-thought-out strategy it can also feel overwhelming. With so many manufacturers and models to choose from, it’s easy to get lost in the process and end up with a vehicle that’s not perfectly suited to your unique needs.

The good news is, we’re here to help. We’ve put together a guide to some of the most important factors to consider when shopping for a new car. As well as budget, we cover big variables like size, environmental footprint, safety and fuel efficiency.

Budget

Budget will be one of the biggest factors you consider when browsing new cars. Ultimately, this will determine what make and model you can afford, as well as variables such as mileage, servicing history and overall condition. It’s important to crunch the numbers before you commit to a purchase, factoring in extras like insurance, servicing, petrol expenses and any upgrades you may want to make. We make it easy with our car loan affordability calculator. This simple tool is designed to give you a good estimate of what you can get for your budget.

While some motorists have the funds to purchase a new car outright, most take advantage of finance. Designed to boost purchasing power, car finance allows you to spread out the cost of purchasing a new vehicle by establishing monthly payments that align with your budget. Brits are no strangers to car finance, with the latest data from the Finance and Leasing Association (FLA) revealing a huge 92.8% of private new car sales were financed between February 2020 and February 2021.

Size and environmental footprint

There are certainly benefits to owning a larger car, however Steve Gooding from the RAC Foundation encourages motorists to consider their needs carefully before investing in an SUV. “We should all choose the right vehicle for the right trip to cut the size of our carbon footprint,” says Gooding. “It is right to question if suburban drivers need a car capable of ploughing over rivers, across fields and up steep hills just to pop to the shops.” With research confirming most SUVs are purchased by urban drivers, Gooding’s comments highlight the importance of considering not only budget when purchasing a new car, but also your environmental footprint.

“It turns out that the home of the ‘Chelsea tractor’ really is Chelsea. One of advertising’s biggest manipulations has persuaded urban families that it’s perfectly ‘normal’ to go shopping in a two-tonne truck,” adds Andrew Simms, co-founder of British think-tank organisation, New Weather Institute.

As well as environmental concerns, size can also impact your driving experience. For example, if you live in Central London and parking is a headache, smaller cars can be a clever choice. Similarly, if you live in the country and you’re regularly dealing with muddy lanes and icy roads, cars with a little more grunt are a safer choice.

Safety

While all cars must comply with national safety regulations, credentials can vary significantly between models. Many drivers choose to invest in cars that not only meet but exceed safety standards. This can be for a variety of reasons, though families with young children are one of the biggest demographics.

The Euro NCAP (European New Car Assessment Program) is a great resource that offers in-depth information on the crash-test credentials of new cars. A star rating is used to evaluate the overall safety of models, as well as assess separate credentials such as child protection, adult protection, safety assist systems and more. Depending on your personal preferences you can use the Euro NCAP to select a car that fits your needs. The testing is rigorous and only a handful of models have been awarded a five-star safety rating by the Euro NCAP in 2021. These include the Polestar 2, Volkswagen ID4, Skoda Enyaq and Cupra Formentor.

Investing in electric

Electric cars are the vehicles of the future, with the RAC estimating there are currently around 150,000 zero-emission Battery Electric Vehicles on British roads. More than 100,000 of these were registered in 2020, suggesting uptake is on the rise. Plug-in Hybrid and Range-Extended Electric Vehicles are also popular, with around 185,000 currently registered in the UK.

For eco-conscious motorists, investing in EVs can be a powerful way to reduce your carbon footprint. There’s plenty to choose from in 2021, with manufacturers continually launching game-changing new models.

Compact and affordable, the Volkswagen ID.3 is packed with tech-savvy features like intelligent interior lighting and voice activated controls. The Volvo XC40 Recharge boasts acceleration performance of zero to 62mph in 4.9 seconds, while the long-awaited Tesla Model 3 is a great entry-level option for fans of the American-owned EV pioneer. When choosing an electric car our key advice is to do your research, read reviews and pick a model that fits your unique needs.

Fuel efficiency

The fuel efficiency of a vehicle can have a big impact on your overall running costs. For this reason, it’s not always advisable to choose a car based exclusively on price. In many cases, spending a little more upfront will unlock big savings at the petrol station. Similarly, cheaper and older models can do an alarmingly good job of guzzling petrol.

While EVs are the ultimate fuel savers, there are many models that offer great on-road efficiency. Smaller is usually better, with models like the Toyota Prius, Ford Fiesta and Skoda Octavia offering great mileage. Fuel efficiency can also vary significantly in larger vehicles such as SUVs. If this is a priority for you it’s always best to research different models before making a purchase.

Buying the best car for you

Ready to get behind the wheel of your new car? We’re here to help. At My Car Credit we specialise in offering great deals on car finance, at rates tailored to fit your individual needs. We work with lenders across the UK and are backed by Evolution Funding, one of the largest and most trusted car finance brokers in the country. Whether your priorities are budget, safety, size, fuel efficiency or environmental impact, we can help get you into the driver’s seat of your dream car.  

 

Rates from 9.9% APR. Representative APR 12.4%

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 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!