Car Finance or Personal Loan – Which is Best for You?

Couple comparing Personal Loan and Car Finance

Millions of new and used vehicles are purchased using finance every year in the UK. When securing funds, most motorists choose between two popular options – car finance or personal loan. Both are designed to get you behind the wheel of your dream car, though each option has its own pros and cons.

Car finance: options and ownership

Car finance is an umbrella term used to describe several types of auto loans, including options like Hire Purchase (HP), Personal Contract Purchase (PCP), Personal Contract Hire (PCH) and Conditional Sale. Each option is slightly different in terms of deposits, monthly payments, legal ownership and end-of-term options.

Pros of car finance:

Lower initial costs: Initial deposits are generally lower for car finance, compared to purchasing a vehicle outright. This can be an advantage if you want to retain capital and keep your upfront expenses as low as possible.

Flexibility in ownership:

What’s more flexible, car finance or loan? Depending on the type of agreement, car finance generally offers options at the end of the term, including owning the car outright or upgrading to a new model.

Access to new models: Car finance options like Personal Contract Hire are designed to get you into the driver’s seats of the latest models. The chance to drive newer or more expensive models that may otherwise be outside your budget is a major benefit for some motorists.

Maintenance included: Some car finance options include maintenance packages which takes the stress out of ownership.

Cons of car finance:

Monthly payments: While monthly payments may be lower, they accumulate interest over time which can increase the total cost of your loan.

Ownership delays: With some car finance options, you don’t own the car outright until the final payment is made. This can be an important factor when deciding between car finance or personal loan. 

Personal loan: simple and straightforward

A personal loan sees you borrow the full amount needed to purchase a car outright. You drive away as the legal owner of the vehicle and make monthly repayments to your lender to cover the cost of the loan, plus interest.

Pros of personal loans:

Instant ownership: With a personal loan, you own the car from day one. For many motorists, this makes the car finance or loan decision easy.

No mileage restrictions: Unlike some car finance agreements which come with mileage restrictions, personal loans give you the freedom to drive as much as you like without worrying about penalties.

Cons of personal loans:

Higher interest rates: Unless you have a stellar credit score, personal loans can come with higher interest rates compared to some car finance options.

Strict eligibility criteria: Securing a personal loan generally requires a good credit score, and eligibility criteria can be more stringent.

Higher initial costs: Personal loans often call for larger upfront payments.

Enjoy tailored auto finance with My Car Credit

Need help deciding between car finance or loan? Want to find out if car finance is easier to get than a loan?

At My Car Credit, we appreciate that every motorist is unique. That’s why we work with every client to build tailored financing solutions to match your budget, personal preferences and ownership goals.

Give us a call on 01246 458 810 to find out more about car finance options or email us at enquiries@mycarcredit.co.uk.

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’s the Cheapest Way to Finance a Car?

Motorway at dusk

Car finance is an accessible way to purchase a vehicle. Whether you’re after a new or nearly new vehicle, there are various different kinds of car finance that can help you drive off into the sunset with minimal stress. In this post, we’ll explore them in a little more detail to determine the cheapest way to finance a car.

Financing a car – the cheapest options in the UK

Purchasing the vehicle itself is likely to be the steepest cost, but you should also consider other costs like running and maintenance fees, as well as any interest rates or other costs you may be required to pay. Here are the basics on each method of financing a car.

Cash

The cheapest way to finance a car is with one up-front payment. As a cash buyer, you’re able to fund the entire cost of the car immediately, meaning that you’ll own the vehicle outright. Being a cash buyer means you’re invulnerable to any interest rates, monthly loan repayments, or having to repay more on a finance agreement than the car is worth. You can also sell the car at any time.

However, you do have to be able to fork out what the car is worth in one go – which is a lot more than most individuals can afford. It also means you are entirely responsible for any servicing and maintenance costs.

Personal loans

Personal loan rates are nearing an all-time low, and are therefore the next cheapest way to finance a car after cash purchases. With personal loans – or unsecured loans – you’ll borrow a fixed sum which you’ll repay over a pre-determined amount of time (usually one to seven years) and will also pay interest at the same time.

If you have a good credit score, personal loans can be secured with relative ease, and by shopping around and comparing the APR, you can secure a competitive rate. You’ll be the legal owner of the vehicle, so can sell it whenever you want, but monthly repayments of a personal loan can be higher than with alternative car finance.

Finding the cheapest car finance

If neither of the above are viable options for you, there are alternative ways to get a car finance quote and secure a deal that suits you to save money. Be aware that you will likely receive better deals and cheaper monthly payments if you have a good credit score, but you can find a car finance company that will still accept you if your score is less than ideal.

Hire purchase agreements (HP)

If you’re struggling to get a cheap personal loan, a hire purchase agreement may be for you. You won’t own the vehicle until you’ve made the final repayment – the car is used as an asset against the loan. As such, if you fail to make your repayments, the lender has the right to repossess the vehicle. A hire purchase differs from other options in this way.

You’ll typically make a deposit of around 10% (although there are no-deposit options) and from then on, you’ll have a series of pre-determined monthly repayments. These can, depending on the agreement, be low monthly payments. If you want to own the car at the end of the term, you can opt to make a final payment in order to do so. Repayment terms are flexible, you’ll often be offered competitive fixed interest rates, there aren’t usually any mileage caps, and a Hire Purchase Agreement is easier to be approved for than other car finance.

Personal contract purchase (PCP)

PCP is another car finance option, but if you’re hunting for the cheapest way to finance a car, PCP might not suit. But if you’re a fan of chopping and changing vehicles, PCP is ideal.

PCP finance deals often have low deposits as well as flexible repayment terms with low monthly repayments. You can choose to own the car at the end of the finance term, in which case you’ll make one final balloon payment, or can hand the car back to the dealer.

Bear in mind that, although the monthly repayments for PCP can be lower than HP, you’ll often end up paying more overall. If you exceed a mileage cap or cause wear and tear, you’ll also have to cough up.

Personal contract hire (PCH)

PCH is a way of leasing the vehicle – it’s essentially a long-term rental. Servicing and maintenance fees are included, and there’s a mileage cap as well as an initial deposit. As such, PCH can work out cheaper overall than PCP, but it will usually cost more in monthly payments.

With PCH, you hand the car back to the dealer at the end of your finance term. Your repayments are fixed, but payment terms are flexible and you can generally change providers.

Find a cheap car finance deal that works for you

Searching the car finance market and securing affordable car finance can feel overwhelming – but it doesn’t have to be. My Car Credit has hundreds of helpful blogs and articles for you to browse through. We also have a large network of trusted lenders to help you find the cheapest way to finance a car for your requirements. Contact us on enquiries@mycarcredit.co.uk to get the ball rolling.

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!

Can You Pay Monthly for a Used Car?

Woman using calculator

Opting for monthly payments is one of the smartest decisions you can make when purchasing a used car. Many Brits think payment plans are just for new vehicles and as a result, don’t ask “can you pay monthly for a used car?” when shopping for a second-hand ride. This is a big faux pas as car finance offers some fantastic benefits; when done right.

Want to know more? Read on as we answer all your questions about can you pay monthly for a used car.

Scenarios where used car finance steps up

Below, we explore some scenarios where used car finance can step up as a great purchasing option:

You want to stretch your budget

With the latest research from Auto Trader revealing the average cost of purchasing a used car in the UK is whopping £18,000, even second-hand vehicles are out of reach for many Brits. If you think this sounds high, you’re probably not alone. Over the past year, the typical cost of a pre-owned vehicle has increased by around £4,000. Large, family-friendly models are the most coveted, though the drastic price increase of almost 32% has hit all vehicle types.

If you’ve got a healthy deposit but can’t afford to pay the full amount in cash, car finance can help stretch your budget. It’s not about biting off more than you can chew and splurging on a vehicle you can’t afford. Instead, car finance can be a clever alternative to get behind the wheel of a used car within your budget, only faster.

Crunching the numbers is important, so take the time to factor in variables such as your budget, cash deposit, preferred loan term and your credit score, which can affect the interest rates you’re eligible for. Our cost of car finance calculator is a great place to start. 

You want to boost your credit score

Committing to monthly payment plans, such as a car finance loan, can be a great way to boost your credit score. If a big financial move like applying for a mortgage or increasing your credit card limit is on the horizon, car finance can be a great way to improve your reputation as a borrower and prove to lenders that you’re a responsible applicant.

You want to be a competitive buyer

Factors like the global semiconductor chip storage, supply chain issues caused by the pandemic and conflict between Russia and Ukraine have hit the used car market hard. According to Richard Walker from Auto Trader, “the speed in which used cars are selling has also accelerated significantly, with the average car taking 11 days fewer to leave forecourts in February 2022 when compared to the same period last year.”

Demand for used cars is high which means you’ll likely face competition from other buyers. Car finance can help you make a realistic offer on a used car and give dealers the peace of mind that payment is guaranteed.

Understanding loan types for used cars

As a used car buyer, you enjoy the same auto loan options available with new models. These include:

Personal contract purchase (PCP)

PCP loans are one of the most popular ways to pay for used cars. Offered by car dealerships and independent lenders, they allow you to spread out payments for your vehicle over three to five years. You may need to make a cash deposit but options are available without.

Payments are calculated using the price of the car, the interest rate (APR) of your loan and most importantly, the expected depreciation rate of the vehicle. Your lender will calculate a guaranteed minimum future value (GMFV) and at the end of the loan, you’ll have the option to make a ‘balloon payment’ equal to the GMFV to keep the car. Alternatively, you can use the GMFV to fund a new PCP agreement.

Personal contract hire (PCH)

PCH loans are another great way to get into the driver’s seat of a used car faster. Also known as car leasing, you pay a cash deposit, then continue to make monthly payments for the duration of the lease term. Most agreements span for between two and five years, with longer terms translating to lower monthly instalments. At the end of the contract, you’ll give the car back to the dealer.

Hire purchase (HP)

As the name suggests, HP loans see you ‘hire’ a vehicle for a fixed period, usually between one to five years. You may need to make a cash deposit, but no-deposit options are available, then continue to make monthly instalments over the course of the loan. At the end of a HP plan you’ll have the option to take ownership of the car by paying a transfer fee.

Personal loan

If you want to own your car outright, a personal loan can be a good way to boost your budget. A lender will agree to a fixed sum, which you’ll use to purchase a used car. You’ll then repay the loan in monthly instalments, usually spread out over a year or more. Generally, the higher your personal loan, the lower your APR will be.

Can you pay monthly for a used car?

The final verdict on whether you can pay monthly for a used car? Absolutely. Auto finance can be a terrific way to pay for a used car, with different benefits appealing to different buyers.  

Ready to get behind the wheel of your dream used car? Whatever your budget or credit rating, we’re here to help. With access to one of the biggest panels of lenders in the UK, we have the connections to secure you the best possible deals on finance for used vehicles.

You can calculate car finance and apply without impacting your credit score. Alternatively, get in touch by email or give us a call on 01246 458 810 to find out more about how can you pay monthly for a used 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!

Is Car Finance a Personal Loan?

Woman sat outside on laptop

When you secure a car on finance, you’re borrowing money in order to pay for your new vehicle. You’ll then repay this loan via a series of pre-agreed monthly instalments.

There are different kinds of car finance that you can secure, and which one is right for you will depend entirely on your circumstances.

The language around loans and finance agreements can be confusing. This article is here to help you differentiate between them and decide what option is best for you.

What are the different types of car finance available?

If you are not a cash buyer, you’ll likely need to get a car finance quote and establish which finance option is best for you.

There are three main types of car finance:

Hire Purchase (HP)

With HP car finance, you’ll have the option of paying an initial deposit followed by a series of pre-determined monthly repayments. Because you will own the car at the end of an HP finance deal, your repayments are likely to be slightly higher than with PCP finance.

Personal Contract Purchase (PCP)

Unlike HP finance, with PCP finance, you don’t own the car at the end of the finance term. Think of it more like a long-term rental. You’ll pay an initial deposit and then a series of monthly repayments. At the end of the deal, you can return the car to the dealer or trade it in for another car. Or you can pay a lump sum in order to own it outright.

Personal Contract Hire (PCH)

The monthly repayments for PCH are lower than either HP or PCP, because you don’t own the car at the end of the finance term and are never its legal owner. You will pay an initial deposit and then return the vehicle to the dealer at the end of the term.

What is a personal loan?

As well as these three main types of car finance, you can secure a personal loan. A personal loan is a loan that allows you to borrow a specific amount of money. They’re available from banks and other lenders, and are unsecured, meaning that you don’t have to put up any other assets (such as your car or your house), in order to secure them. You’ll typically repay a personal loan over a longer period than any of the other finance options, but shorter options are available.

A personal loan can be used to finance a number of things. You can use a personal loan to finance the purchase of a car, but they’re not exclusively designed for this purpose.

If you do choose to use a personal loan to finance a vehicle, you’ll have the advantage of being seen as a ‘cash buyer’ by the dealership. As a result, you shouldn’t face any balloon payment or deposit. It also means that you own the car outright and will be able to sell it as and when you want.

What is a car loan?

A car loan is a type of personal loan and, as its name suggests, it is specifically designed for the purchase of a car (or another vehicle).

As with a personal loan, you will own the car outright with a car loan, and you shouldn’t face a deposit. You just have to budget for the monthly repayments on your car loan.

Is car finance, a personal loan, or a car loan right for you?

Whether a car finance deal, a personal loan, or a car loan is the right option for you will depend upon your circumstances. There are advantages and disadvantages to all three.

There’s also no hard-and-fast rule on which type of finance or loan deal is easier to secure – it will depend on your situation and the lender’s criteria.

With a personal loan and car loan, you own the car, and aren’t subject to any mileage usage. You can also resell the car whenever you want. You just have to ensure that you repay the loan in full and remember not to miss any repayments, which would impact your credit score.

Car finance tends to be more flexible, and you can choose to terminate the agreement early or purchase the car at the end of your term (depending on what option you settle for). That said, you may face mileage or other restrictions on usage.

Get a great car finance deal

If you’ve decided that car finance is the best option for you, My Car Credit is ready and waiting to find you a great deal. We compare finance across our large network of lenders to find deals that are tailored to each buyer’s budget, credit score and other requirements.

You can apply online and get an instant decision on car finance without impacting your credit score. If you have any questions about car finance and personal loans, our team are on hand to talk you through your options, contact us today on enquiries@mycarcredit.co.uk.

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!

Who is the Legal Owner of a Car on Finance?

happy man who has become legal owner of car

If you’re thinking about purchasing a car through a finance option, you’re not alone. Around nine out of 10 of the new cars sold in the UK are bought by people who use a finance option. However, there are still some grey areas when it comes to ownership.

More specifically, who is the legal owner of a car on finance? Is it the driver or the dealership? Read on as we provide the answers.

Who is the legal owner of a car on finance?

In truth, the answer is neither you nor the dealership. It’s the lender that provides the money. The person who drives the vehicle and maintains it – AKA you – is known as the Registered Keeper in legal parlance. In other words, you will make the repayments and deal with the day-to-day running of the car, but your name won’t be on the V5.

Is there any difference between the finance options?

Yes, there are, but only when the loan finishes. Both PCP and HP are agreements that require repaying before the V5 is transferred to you. However, something to keep in mind is the final payment regarding PCP. Unless you pay off the balloon repayment, you will not own the vehicle. Where you don’t have the cash or savings, you may have the option of taking out balloon payment finance instead. With Hire Purchase, the last instalment of your loan will clear the balance and make you the legal owner.

Do I have other options?

One thing you can do if you want to be declared the legal owner is to use a bank loan. That way, you pay back the money to the bank, and the vehicle is all yours from the outset. Of course, taking out an unsecured bank loan may not be an option for your circumstances. In addition, you may not find the terms competitive.

Find the right finance deal

At My Car Credit, we help drivers up and down the UK find the finance they need to upgrade their car – and eventually own it outright if preferred. It doesn’t matter whether your budget is small or if you don’t think you qualify, we try to accommodate everyone, including those looking for car finance with poor credit.

To find out more, please contact us on 01246 458 810 to speak to an advisor.

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!

Car Finance vs Personal Loan, what’s best for me?

Car dealer handing over the keys to car bought on finance

If you’re looking to buy a nearly-new or used car and considering taking out a finance agreement, you’ll probably already know that there are a few options available to you. At My Car Credit, we want to make this choice easier with our no-nonsense lowdown on car finance options. Whichever option you choose, we are here to take care of it!

Personal Loan

In short: You borrow a lump sum from the lender to buy the car, which means you own the car from the start of your contract. You then repay this money (with interest) at a set monthly rate within an agreed time limit, usually between 24 and 60 months.

Pros:

  • Your interest rate is fixed and lower than other options where your credit score is good
  • Your monthly repayments are fixed, so you can budget around them
  • You own the car from the start of the contract
  • You can choose the time limit of the loan

Cons:

  • Your interest rates can be higher if you have a poor credit score
  • You are entirely responsible for the car and all repairs
  • You have to borrow over £1,000

Ideal for people:

  • Who want to own the car from the start of their contract
  • Who want flexibility with their repayment structure
  • Who are looking for lower interest rates

Eligibility

Most people will be eligible to take out a Personal Loan. However, those with a bad credit score or those with a bad credit history (especially those that have CCJ court orders against them) may be declined.

At My Car Credit, we work closely with a number of trusted Personal Loan funders. You can make an application on our website to determine your chances of being accepted and because we only carry out a ‘soft search’, there will be no trace left on your credit file.

Hire Purchase

You put down a deposit on a car and the lender pays for the rest. You then ‘hire’ the car from the lender until you have paid off your monthly repayments, at which point the car becomes yours. Your monthly repayments are paid within an agreed time frame, usually between 12 and 60 months, and will differ dependent on how much deposit you put in.

Pros:

  • The repayment time limit is more flexible
  • Your interest rate is fixed, and will be lower depending on your deposit amount
  • You are more likely to be accepted if your credit score isn’t the best

Cons:

  • You don’t own the car
  • You have to pay a deposit
  • There can be additional fees (such as a transfer of ownership fee at the end of the contract)

Ideal for people:

  • Whose finances and circumstances are suited to fixed monthly repayments
  • Who don’t have the best credit rating
  • Who want to own the car at the end of their loan
  • Whose disposable income could change (e.g. starting a family, changing jobs)

Eligibility

Hire Purchase agreements are one of the more accessible car finance options. Although not everyone is accepted, there is normally a broader spectrum that this option will cater for, i.e. credit profiles that range from excellent to poor, and several employment statuses, including retired, young professional and self-employed.

At My Car Credit, we have access to a large panel of lenders that offer excellent Hire Purchase agreements. You can make an application on our website to determine your chances of being accepted and because we only carry out a ‘soft search’, there will be no trace left on your credit file.

Personal Contract Purchase (PCP)

You borrow the difference between what the car costs when you take out the loan and what it will cost at the end of the loan. This is called a Guaranteed Future Value (GFV). In other words, if the car costs £3,500 at the start of your loan and will cost £1,500 at the end of your loan, you need to borrow £2,000. The GFV also includes your estimated mileage as a factor. Normally this kind of loan will last between 18 and 48 months. At the end of your loan, you have three options: buy the car by paying what it costs at the end of your loan, give the car back and settle the loan, or part exchange for a new car.

Pros:

  • Your options are more flexible at the end of your loan
  • Service and maintenance packages, as well as warranties and insurance, are normally included
  • You could drive a new car that you couldn’t afford with a cash payment

Cons:

  • It’s more expensive than other finance options to buy the car outright
  • Additional charges are made if the mileage agreement is exceeded
  • You don’t own the car during the loan

Ideal for people:

  • Who want to drive a new model
  • Who frequently want to change the car they drive
  • Who don’t want the responsibility of owning a car outright

Eligibility

PCP is slightly stricter in terms of its acceptance rate. Normally, a fair credit score is required.

At My Car Credit, you can make an application on our website to determine your chances of being accepted for a Personal Contract Purchase and because we only carry out a ‘soft search’, there will be no trace left on your credit file.

If you need any help or advice about which finance option is best for you, whether it’s a Hire Purchase agreement, Personal Contract Purchase agreement or a Personal Loan, our team of Car Credit Specialists can advise you. Just give us a call!

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!