Car finance is very popular in the UK. It allows vehicle buyers to get the car of their dreams by spreading the payments across affordable, monthly payments. That's not to say you can't still buy a new or used car with cash, but most dealers and traders will offer you some form of vehicle finance package. 

As with any form of personal finance, it's important to understand the terms and conditions of the loan agreement, including any fees, charges, and interest rates. It is also important to be aware of any restrictions, such as the type of car you can purchase and the mileage limits that may be placed on the vehicle.

To help you understand the most popular car finance deals in the UK, we've put together a guide that offers advice and looks at all of the available car finance options, how they work, as well as their pros and cons. 

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Car finance in the UK broadly sits in five categories. Each come with their own benefits and challenges for vehicle buyers, so knowing which one works best for you before going ahead with it is vital.

The choices for car finance include:

• Car leasing
• Personal Contract Purchase (PCP)
• Personal Contract Hire (PCH)
• Hire purchase (HP)
• Bank loan

Personal Contract Purchase, commonly called PCP, is a popular form of car finance in the UK. It is a type of hire purchase agreement in which the buyer agrees to make regular payments over an agreed period of time. At the end of the agreement, the buyer can either pay an agreed lump sum to buy the car outright, return the vehicle to the lender, or swap it for a new model (and new PCP agreement).

PCP is a loan to help you buy the car you want at an affordable price. However, it differs from a personal loan as you don’t have to pay off the full value of the car. It will give the signee of the contract the option of owning the car at the end of the contract by paying the remaining amount or trading it in for another vehicle or agreement.

How does  Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) work?

PCP is a popular form of car finance in the UK, as the monthly payments are usually lower than a hire purchase (HP) agreement due to the fact you pay the difference between the car's list price (when new) and its resale value. 

Initially, you will need to pay a 10% deposit. Following this, you will then agree to a monthly contract from two to five years. The payments will usually include interest on the value of the balance. 

At the end of the PCP agreement, you have the option to hand the car back, take out a new PCP agreement or buy the car by paying the ‘balloon’ payment. 

The pros and cons of  Personal Contract Purchase (PCP)

If this option seems like a better option for you, make sure you know the benefits and drawbacks you will come across.

Pros:

• PCP is a great option for those looking to buy a car with a lower initial outlay, as it requires a smaller deposit than other financing options.
• The monthly payments are also often lower than other types of car finance, as the lender takes on the risk of the car depreciating in value during the agreement.
• This form of financing allows you to drive a more expensive car than you otherwise would have been able to afford, as the monthly payments are traditionally lower than other financing options.
• You only pay for the depreciation of the car during the period of the contract. This means yuo don't have to worry about the car’s value dropping significantly as the payments are fixed for the duration of the contract.

Although there are many positives to PCP car finance – you need to be aware of the potential challenges you could face.

Cons:

• If you do not keep up with the payments, you will have the car taken from you and you will not be able to get another PCP deal in the future. It may also impact future attempts to get a loan and damage your credit score.
• Although PCP car finance may offer lower monthly payments, the total amount you end up paying over the course of the agreement is likely to be higher than if you took out a loan to buy the car outright. This is because you have to pay interest on the loan and the deposit, which can add up over the course of the agreement.
• If you decide to end your PCP agreement early, you may incur early repayment fees.
• Most PCP agreements require the borrower to put down a sizeable deposit. This can make it difficult for those on a tight budget to take out a PCP car finance agreement.
• At the end of the PCP agreement, you will be required to pay the balloon payment which is the estimated value of the car at the end of the agreement. However, if the value of the car has decreased significantly, you may end up with negative equity which means you owe more than the car is worth.

RAC Cars offers the chance to get a new vehicle on PCP car finance. Learn more here.

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Car leasing is a legal agreement between yourself and a car leasing company where you agree to pay a fixed monthly fee for the use of a car over a fixed period of time.

In mose cases, you'll start the leasing agreement with a single down payment, which is typically the first and last month’s payment, and then make monthly payments for the duration of the lease term.

At the end of the lease agreement, you may have the option to buy the car, extend the lease, or return it to the leasing company.

How does car leasing work?

When you lease a car, you are essentially renting the vehicle for a set period of time and paying a monthly fee for the use of it.

The first step in leasing a car is to research and decide which car you would like to lease. You can either visit a dealership or search online for different options. Make sure to compare prices, features, and leasing terms before deciding.

Once you have decided on a car, you will need to negotiate the terms of the lease with the dealership. This includes the length of the lease, the down payment, the monthly payments, the number of miles you can drive, and the amount of money you need to put down at signing.

Once you have agreed to the terms of the lease, you will need to sign a lease agreement, and agree to other clauses, such as the early termination of the lease.

After you have signed the lease agreement, the car will be delivered to you (or you pick it up at a dealership), and you can start driving it.

However, during the duration of the lease, you will be responsible for the monthly payments, as well as any additional fees such as tax and registration fees. You will also be responsible for any maintenance or repairs that need to be done. This also includes servicing and MOTs.

At the end of the initial lease agreement, you will need to return the car to the dealership and pay any remaining fees. If you decide to purchase the car at the end of the lease, you can do so by paying the remaining balance.

It's important to do your research and make sure you understand the terms and conditions of the lease before signing any documents.

The pros and cons of car leasing

If you are considering this option, you’ll need to make sure of the benefits and challenges of leasing a vehicle.

Pros:

• The monthly payment is typically lower than the payment for a car loan.
• You do not have to worry about the car’s resale value or depreciation.
• Since lease agreements typically last two to three years, you can enjoy the benefits of a newer vehicle every couple of years.
• A warranty is usually included, so you can rest easy knowing that your car is covered if something goes wrong, and maintenance is needed.
• You will not have to deal with the hassle of selling the vehicle when you want to change it.

Despite the obvious benefits, there are also some challenges that come with car leasing.

Cons:

• Most car leasing agreements come with a mileage limit. If you go over the limit, you’ll be charged extra fees. This can be an issue if you use your car a lot or you don’t know how much you’ll be driving in the next few years.
• If you decide to end your lease early, you’ll face a early termination fees. This can be an issue if your financial situation changes, or you just decide the car or agreement isn’t right for you.
• At the end of the lease, you’ll have to return the car. This means you’ll never actually own the vehicle.
• You’ll be responsible for any necessary maintenance and repairs on the car while you have it. This can add up quickly and put a strain on your budget. This includes an MOT if the vehicle is older than three year old. General wear and tear is your responsibility – not the leasing company.
• If you have a poor credit rating the monthly payments may be high.

Although this is a popular option, there are many other car finance options available.

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Personal Contract Hire (PCH) is a type of car leasing agreement in which a customer agrees to lease a car for an agreed period of time, typically for between two and four years.

In short, it is a long-term car rental agreement. You agree a monthly fee and contract length with the car or leasing company – and simply hand it back at the end of the agreement.

There is also an option to buy the vehicle outright after the end of the lease; however, this isn’t agreed when the document first got signed.

How does Personal Contract Hire (PCH) work?

As already mentioned, PCH is a longer form of vehicle rental. You pay a deposit, and then a monthly fee – and then you hand the keys back at the end.

Unlike PCP, there is no agreement in place to buy the vehicle once the PCH has finished. This is why it is the most popular version of car finance. It is a simple exchange where someone can have a newer, more expensive vehicle for a set agreed timeframe.

The pros and cons of Personal Contract Hire (PCH)

There is a reason why the majority of people choose PCH – here are some of the main positives.

Pros:

• PCH allows customers to enjoy the benefits of driving a car without the large upfront cost. Additionally, customers can benefit from the convenience of set monthly payments and the flexibility of returning the car at the end of the contract.
• PCH is a great option for those who want to drive a car without the commitment of ownership.
• PCH is suitable for those who may want to regularly change their car in order to keep up with the latest models and technology.

Despite the positives, there are some disadvantages to PCH.

Cons:

• Often only available for new, rather than used vehicles.
• At the end of the agreement, you are left with nothing and have no sellable or tradable asset.
• There is also no option to switch to another vehicle during the PCH agreement (unless the vehicle is faulty, or you have a clause in the initial agreement).
• PCH is usually limited to those with good credit ratings.

Before you go with this option, make sure to compare it with other options available in the market. Many places offer great deals on new and used cars.

What happens at the end of the Personal Contract Hire (PCH) contract?

When your PCH agreement comes to an end, you have two options.

First, you can hand your keys back and call it a day. You are then free to make your next vehicle decision without having to sell or swap your car.

However, you can also offer to buy your lease vehicle outright. The lease company will provide a figure for you to acquire the vehicle off of them. It is up to you whether you think this is a good deal or worth the money.

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A car hire purchase (HP) agreement is where you take out a loan that's secured against the vehicle. The duration of the hire will range from two to five years and at the end of the agreement, you will own the car.

HP agreements are popular with people who want to own something but may not be able to afford to pay the entire cost up front.

HP agreements usually involve a deposit, followed by regular payments over a fixed length of time. The contract will also contain details of the interest rate and any other fees associated with the hire purchase agreement.

How does hire purchase (HP) work?

When looking for a HP agreement for a new or used vehicle, it is important to know the steps.

There will be specific providers who offer the chance for you to get a vehicle through this type of agreement. You will need to provide a decent credit score, your driving licence, and any relevant details that the provider will ask for. Following this, you will sign an agreement for how long you will make payments, and the level of interest.

At the end of the HP contract, you will own the vehicle. This is popular with many other expensive items such as furniture and electronics

The pros and cons of hire purchase (HP)?

This option is popular in wider society, and can be a great option for someone looking at getting a new vehicle.

Pros:

• If you’re in need of a new car but you don’t have enough money saved up to purchase one outright, then a HP car might be suitable for you. With a hire purchase car, you can spread the cost of the car over a period of time, making it easier to afford. 
• One of the biggest benefits of a HP car is the low down payment. With a HP car, you’ll only have to pay a fraction of the car’s total cost upfront, making it much more affordable.
• When you opt for a HP car, you’ll be able to choose from a range of payment options. This means that you can select a payment plan that suits your budget and lifestyle, making it much easier to manage your car payments.
• You’ll eventually own the car once you’ve made all of your payments. This means that you don’t have to worry about returning the car or dealing with any extra fees for excess mileage.

Cons:

• HP cars can come with high interest rates, depending on your creditworthiness. You may be able to get a better rate from a bank or other lender instead.
• HP agreements usually require high deposits, which can be a significant financial burden. This is especially true if you are already paying off other debts.
• If you decide to sign the agreement, they are typically long-term commitments that can last several years. This means you are locked into the same car for a long period of time, so you may end up paying more for your car over the long-term.
• HP agreements often come with additional fees, such as setup fees, late payment penalties, and more. These fees can add up quickly and make it hard to keep up with payments.

This option is also available when you purchase a new vehicle through the RAC.

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This type of loan is secured by the vehicle itself, meaning the car will serve as collateral if the borrower defaults on the loan. The car loan is paid back in monthly instalments, with interest over a predetermined period of time.

When someone applies for a car loan, the lender will consider various factors such as the borrower’s credit score and income to determine the amount of loan they can provide, as well as the interest rates and payment terms.

Generally, the more money someone has saved for a down payment, the better terms they can receive.

These can be available through traditional banks and financial services firms, as well as industry specific providers.

How does it work?

Simply put, you choose the amount you wish to borrow. This can be the full amount or work alongside a deposit. This is then subtracted from the value of the new or used car.

Following this, you’ll need to agree a length of time and monthly payments – including interest.

After it is signed and approved by the lender, you can purchase the vehicle and start making payments. Often the first payment may be slightly higher than the remaining months.

The pros and cons of car loan

Loans are common in many people’s lives – and they are used to help many drivers get a new vehicle.

Pros:

• Car loans can be beneficial for those looking to purchase a new or used vehicle as they can help spread out the cost of the vehicle over a period of time.
• They can help people with bad credit as they can help build up a stronger credit score with timely payments.
• Car loans also offer more flexibility than other types of loans. You can choose the term length, loan amount, and interest rate that best fits your budget.
• Although this isn’t always the case, this type of car finance often offers lower interest rates.

Cons:

• Missed payments, late payments, and other negative activity can all be reported to the credit bureaus and will have a negative impact on your credit score. This can make it more difficult to qualify for other loans and lines of credit in the future.
• There is the issue of the loan being secured against the vehicle. If you fail to make your payments, the lender can repossess the car in order to recoup their losses.

The cost of your car finance deal will depend on which of the above options you choose.

If there is one that requires a deposit, then you will need to pay at least 10% of the value of the car.

You will then need to agree to monthly payments with interest, that can vary – and include other fees. These can include early termination and exceeding mileage limits.

Learning how to finance your car is the best way to work out if your next vehicle purchase will be affordable.

When it comes to car leasing or car finance, you will likely have to pay an initial deposit and then monthly payments that include interest.

Make sure you check the terms and conditions as there may be other monthly, yearly, start and end payments that you will need to make to keep the vehicle.

At this point, you are probably considering whether you should take up a car finance option or buy a car outright.

Both options come with benefits and challenges for owners.

Buying a car outright means that you own the vehicle from the moment you sign the correct documents. Meaning that there are no hidden fees or contracts to worry about.

From this point on, it is your responsibility to maintain, tax, insure and keep road legal.

However, the value of the vehicle rapidly decreases (in the majority of cases), and so you have an asset that won’t allow you to make your money back.

With a finance deal, you have the option to trade it in, or just have it for a pre-determined period of time.

However, the main advantage of financing a vehicle is that someone can afford a car that they wouldn’t be able to outright. The costs are then spread out over a longer time period, rather than one lump sum.

Hopefully this guide has given you some useful tips and information on what option works best for you.

If you have used car financing in the past, what advice would you give? Would you do it again? Leave your comments below.