Buying a new or secondhand car is one of the most significant expenses of most people’s lifetimes. Fortunately, a car on finance makes the whole ordeal more affordable so that you can pay for your much-needed vehicle in low monthly installments rather than splashing out more money than you can reasonably afford in one hit.
Even if you have saved up enough money, purchasing a car with finance may offer a whole lot of perks such as servicing and more options to choose from rather than a standard cash purchase.
So if you’re looking for a flexible way to pay for your next car without breaking the bank, check out our 8 reasons why you should consider financing your car:
Opting for car finance generally opens up a whole world of choice that you don’t typically get with a cash purchase. Primarily because finance allows you to pay off the vehicle in low monthly installments over a few years, allowing you to afford a more expensive, high-end car that is still within your budget.
Buying a new or nearly new car also ensures that you will get access to the best safety tech on the road and spend less on repairs at the garage. Plus, most manufacturers throw in a generous warranty to keep you covered for the first three years or more for bonus peace of mind.
If you’re fortunate enough to be able to purchase a car upfront, you are a minority. With over 90% of new car purchases in the UK bought with the help of car finance, it’s easy to see why spreading the cost of an expensive purchase over several months is the attractive option.
What’s more, any savings you do have can be put to better use elsewhere as you reap all the rewards of financing your vehicle.
Discover how much your car is worth! Get the instant offer by entering just two details about your car. You will be instantly matched with the right car buyer ready to pay cash for your car.
Getting a car on finance is one of the best ways to boost your credit score. As long as you make all of your payments on time and none are missed, you’ll quickly improve your score as you demonstrate to other potential lenders how good you are at managing your credit no matter what type of car finance you choose.
So if you’re hoping to impress a mortgage dealer or simply improve your chances of being approved for future loans without a fuss, then applying for car finance is the way to go, especially if you are new to the credit market.
But what about people who have been rejected in the past?
Car finance is accessible to all, regardless of your circumstances. While not every lender will take a risk on you due to your previous credit history, there is a range of lenders out there who specialize in bad credit car finance.
Yes, you may have to pay a bit more than those with a good or excellent credit score, but being accepted regardless of a previous bankruptcy, IVA, CCJ, default, or because you are self-employed can help you improve your score and get the car you want.
Classic bank or personal loans are unsecured loans, meaning that collateral is usually needed to make you less of a risk to the lender.
But with car finance, you’re not expected to put anything down as collateral as the car serves as the collateral for the loan instead. So if everything goes downhill and you miss a payment (although unlikely if you keep to your payment schedule), nothing but the vehicle that has been financed is at risk.
In short, your home, business or assets aren’t at risk should the worst happen.
Fixed terms and fixed monthly payments make budgeting far more straightforward. With any car finance agreement, you will know exactly how much you owe and when each payment will be deducted from your account.
As you keep track of your finance payments, you can work towards future savings and budget for future expenses simultaneously.
If you are a business owner, you’re likely already aware of all the taxes you have to pay. But, if you choose to buy car finance with your business name, then your purchase may be tax-deductible.
The type of car finance you choose will ultimately decide how much tax relief you get. For example, with a hire purchase agreement, company expenses can only cover the interest payments.
However, claim capital allowances can lower the overall costs of your chosen vehicle as it reduces taxable profit. But like all finance agreements, make sure you stick within agreed mileage limits and keep the car in good condition.
Bear in mind, it’s rare that lenders will cover the VAT costs, so be prepared to fork out a bit extra to cover the expenses.
The type of car finance you choose should reflect your lifestyle. So if you want to own the car eventually, you should consider a personal loan or personal contract purchase (PCP) as an option.
But, if you’d rather keep monthly costs down and switch your car more regularly, you should look at personal leasing or personal contract hire (PCH). While there is no option to buy at the end of your term, it allows you to upgrade your vehicle more easily.
If you’re not too bothered about what car you drive away from the dealership, you should think about new manufacturer finance deals. These include 0% finance, no-deposit deals, lower interest on new cars and deposit contribution discounts, which can all save you money in the long run.
Servicing is often included with most car finance deals. Combined with the manufacturer’s warranty, you’re financially covered if anything should go wrong. Some cars on finance come with added hardware like speed limiters and dash cams.
What’s more, some finance packages will have a host of extras included, such as discounts on travel insurance, holidays, roadside assistance, and more. Make sure you look at all the fine print to see what’s included in your deal.
Car financing is ideal for those who are looking to purchase a car that they cannot afford outright. If you decide to sell your car through Exchange My Car, you will be able to use the value of the car you have sold with us towards the purchase of your next car and you will have the opportunity to finance the remainder (if required).
Discover how much your car is worth! Get the instant offer by entering just two details about your car. You will be instantly matched with the right car buyer ready to pay cash for your car.
If you’re planning on driving in London’s Ultra-Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ) or Clean Air Zones (CAZ) in Bath, Birmingham, Bradford, Bristol, Portsmouth, Sheffield, or Tyneside, you might need a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) to avoid fees and fines. But what is a Certificate of Conformity? What does it show? How do you obtain a duplicate […]
Whether you’re upgrading to a newer model or simply looking to declutter your driveway, the process of car selling requires careful planning. Unfortunately, many sellers make the same old common mistakes when selling a car. This can lead to lost time and diminished profits. In this blog post, we’ll highlight 8 mistakes that car sellers […]
The national speed limit on a single-carriageway road, also known as a rural or country road, is between 50 and 60 mph for different types of vehicles. However, 60 mph is the highest you can go on a single road in any type of vehicle. Despite a lower speed limit than dual carriageway roads and […]
25% of all engine failures are attributed to negligence in changing engine coolant. Similarly, 95% of radiators fail due to old or contaminated coolant. This simple yet effective mixture of glycol and water is an integral fluid used to cool any internal combustion engine. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the reasons why your engine […]
According to a recent survey, one-third of all road deaths in the UK are caused by overspeeding. That’s where a speed limiter can play the role of a lifesaver. As per the European Transport Safety Council (ETSC), the speed limiters would reduce accidents by 30%, saving around 25,000 lives in the next 15 years. But […]
A faulty alternator can damage other electrical components of your car. Plus, it’s a safety hazard as a failing alternator can dim the headlights of your car, leading to compromised visibility. Let’s discover the common signs of a faulty alternator and alternator replacement cost in this blog post. Along with that, we’ll also discuss why […]
The cost to replace a head gasket in the UK is between £284 and £2,946 with an average of £585. It’s one of the most expensive replacements and the most interesting one as well. The seal for the head gasket costs less than £100 in most cases. However, it is a labour-intensive replacement. So, the […]
A recent survey by Kwik Fit found that battery failure is the most common cause of car breakdown in the UK. More than 17% of all issues faced by car owners were battery-related. However, only 4% of them were worried about battery failure. So, by understanding how long do car batteries last, you can avoid […]
The ULEZ fine for all kinds of cars (petrol & diesel cars), vans, motorcycles, motor tricycles, mopeds, motor caravans, ambulances, and minibuses is £180 and comes with a 28-day payment deadline. If you pay the ULEZ fine within the first 14 days, it comes down to £90. But if you don’t pay it even until […]
Euro NCAP testing has saved more than 78,000 lives since its inception in 1997. Plus, its ratings have a huge impact on the sales and popularity of cars sold in the UK. But what do these ratings mean? And do they really carry weight? Let’s explore the reasons why you should check the Euro NCAP […]
AWD vs RWD vs FWD vs 4WD: the choice of transmission in your car can influence everything from fuel efficiency, driving experience, and handling to overall safety. It can be difficult to choose between these types of transmissions because most differences are so subtle that they are very hard to notice. In this guide, we’ll […]
With nearly 31% of British vehicles now equipped with dash cams, it’s clear these devices are becoming essential for many drivers. But how do dash cams work exactly? This comprehensive guide will delve into the world of dash cams, covering everything from their functionality to legal considerations and purchasing advice. Let’s get started! What […]
More than 70% of people in the UK still drive a manual car. Similarly, Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) stats show that more people take their test in manual cars. So, if you’re new to manual transmissions or are usually used to driving an automatic car, don’t worry. Our guide offers a side-by-side comparison […]
The UK is experiencing a surge in electric vehicle adoption, with over 1.1 million electric cars on the road as of March 2024, according to DVSA. More people now drive an automatic car. While manual transmissions have historically been favoured in the UK, the shift towards EVs has introduced a new norm: automatic transmissions, as […]
People have some big misconceptions when it comes to a Motability car! One is that Motability cars have specific markings; the other is that all adapted cars are potentially leased through the Motability scheme. While these things might be true, they are not foolproof methods to suggest that a car is part of the Motability […]
Suzuki has long boasted a stellar reputation for reliability, consistently topping reliability indices and surveys. But are Suzuki cars reliable enough? How often do Suzuki cars actually break down? And which Suzuki models are the most dependable? You’ve come to the right place if these questions have crossed your mind. This blog post will answer […]
Cars in the UK need to pay an annual Vehicle Exercise Duty (VED), more commonly known as road tax, in order to legally circulate on the public road. The value of the fee depends on the car’s age, fuel type, tailpipe CO2 emissions, and engine capacity, with older or more polluting models typically being more […]
With a growing car-sharing trend in the UK, it’s no surprise that many people find themselves behind the wheel of a vehicle they don’t own. But what if you need insurance to protect yourself while driving someone else’s car? Can you insure a car you don’t own? Don’t worry. You’re not alone with this question! […]
To drive a vehicle legally in the UK, you need a valid driving licence – no surprise there. However, you also need to remember to renew a driving licence every few years. There are a few valid reasons why your driving licence might have expired (you may have been away from the country for a […]
Can deaf people drive legally in the UK? The short answer is yes, they can. The long answer? Well, that’s coming ahead! Bear with us as we uncover 8 details about deaf driving in the UK. If you have partial hearing or a friend with hearing loss, you might want to read this until the […]