Expert Advice

Car finance hub

Whether buying or leasing, subscribing, salary sacrificing or taking a car allowance, The Car Expert’s car finance advice can help get you get the best car for your budget.

Most people buying a new or used car will do so using some sort of car finance. The Car Expert provides independent and impartial information on every aspect of car finance.

The Car Expert gives you the knowledge you need to be able to make an informed decision about any finance agreement you are considering. You should always consider any finance offer carefully before signing a contract or agreement. The Car Expert does not provide specific advice on any finance quotation or offer.

Car finance glossary

The Car Expert’s comprehensive glossary of car finance terms can help you understand exactly what all the jargon means

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Expert Partners

Looking for specialist finance solutions or an alternative to dealer finance on a new or used car? Our commercial partners can offer you a great deal.

The best websites for leasing a new car

20 March 2024

If you're looking to lease a new car, which websites should you turn to? We've had a look at some of the best car leasing sites to help you.

What are the alternatives to PCP car finance?

13 March 2024

PCP car finance is still hugely popular, but there are more funding choices available to car buyers today than ever before.

Car finance mis-selling: what’s really going on?

22 February 2024

There’s been a lot of news about car finance mis-selling lately, with suggestions of massive compensation payouts totalling billions of pounds. But what’s the real story?

Personal Contract Hire (PCH) explained

15 February 2024

Leasing a car has always been popular for businesses, but it's increasing for personal users as well. We explore personal contract hire.

Car subscription services explained

23 January 2024

Car subscriptions have exploded in popularity for people who don't want a traditional lease, so we have a look at how they work.

Best EV salary sacrifice providers

3 January 2024

Salary sacrifice allows employees to drive a new EV for considerably less money than PCP or leasing. We highlight the best UK providers.

The best websites for used car finance

28 October 2023

It pays to shop around for used car finance rather than accepting what the car dealer says. We look at the best sites around.

Traditional company car schemes vs. salary sacrifice

29 September 2023

Your company can provide you with a car that is just used for the job, just for private use or a combination of both.

Can I modify my car on a PCP?

15 September 2023

The terms of your PCP agreement will stipulate what you can and can’t do with the car, and when it comes to modifications, you usually can't.

Has the PCP car finance bubble burst?

18 August 2023

New data shows that the popularity of traditional new car finance is decreasing, a trend that has been accelerating over the last two years.

The best car subscription providers

7 August 2023

Ever thought about subscribing to a car rather than leasing it? We've just updated our list of the top car subscription providers in the UK.

Can I part-exchange my PCP car at another dealership?

20 July 2023

The short answer is yes but let’s take a look at what you need to know before you part exchange your PCP car.

What will higher interest rates mean for car finance customers?

22 June 2023

Given that most cars are heavily financed, there's a lot of concern from car buyers and owners about what higher interest rates will mean.

How does salary sacrifice work for employees?

26 April 2023

One of the most popular ways of running a company car is through a salary sacrifice scheme, so we're looking at how it works.

Can I cancel my car finance on medical grounds?

21 April 2023

What are your rights if you can't afford your monthly car finance payments because of medical issues? The Car Expert has the answers.

Complaints about car finance soaring

24 March 2023

The number of complaints about car finance has soared over the last year, according to new data published by the Financial Ombudsman Service.

PCP car finance FAQs

4 March 2023

The Car Expert has put together this list of PCP car finance FAQs to help you with questions about car finance that car dealers won't answer.

Car finance debt continued growing in 2022

23 February 2023

It was another record year for car finance debt in 2022, but the data also shows electric vehicles are changing how new cars are financed.

What documents do I need for car finance?

13 January 2023

When applying for car finance, you need to provide various information and documents so the finance company can assess your application.

Salary sacrifice: The ultimate employee benefit

25 November 2022

A great incentive for an employer to offer, salary sacrifice is a tax-efficient way to provide non-cash benefits to employees (sponsored).

How salary sacrifice makes EVs cheaper

28 October 2022

With salary sacrifice, it's possible to get a new EV for a similar price to a petrol car – and enjoy the lower running costs that go with it.

Endless growth in car finance threatens household budgets

12 October 2022

The sheer scale of the UK’s car finance debt is a growing concern as the cost of living crisis puts households under unprecedented pressure.

Why you should consider car lease GAP insurance

27 September 2022

Taking out a GAP insurance policy as part of your next lease provides a financial safety net, guarding against depreciation and other factors (sponsored).

How to avoid finance and leasing penalty charges

20 September 2022

With most new cars funded through either PCP or contract hire, it's important that your car is in good condition when you hand it back.

These guys (and plenty of others) call us for analysis and comment on car finance issues:

Disclaimer

Most car finance agreements in the UK are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, and anyone involved in the selling of car finance must be accredited by the FCA.

You should always consider the terms and conditions of any agreement carefully before taking out any form of car finance, as you are making a substantial ongoing commitment and there may be significant costs if you change your mind or are unable to meet your commitments at a later date.