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 car subscription providers

1 October 2024

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.

Your 3-minute guide to car subscriptions

20 September 2024

Car subscription services are growing in popularity, but many people don't understand how they work – so here's a simple guide.

The best websites for leasing a new car

28 August 2024

If you're thinking about leasing a new car, which websites should you turn to? We've updated our guide to the UK's best car leasing sites.

Can I modify my lease car?

14 June 2024

Got a lease car that you’d like to make a few changes to? Here’s what you can, and can’t, do when it comes to lease vehicle modifications.

Your 3-minute guide to car leasing

18 May 2024

Personal car leasing (called personal contract hire) is growing in popularity, but many people don't understand how it works – so here's a simple guide.

Car subscriptions – here to stay?

11 May 2024

Car subscriptions are a growing market. We spoke to industry leaders to find out how subscription companies are faring.

Your 3-minute guide to PCP car finance

4 May 2024

It's the most popular type of car finance product in the UK, but many people don't understand how PCP car finance works – so here's a simple guide.

Different types of car leasing sites

23 March 2024

Most private car buyers still take out finance at the car dealership when they're buying their car. Leasing, however, tends to happen away from the dealership and is mostly arranged through a broker.

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.

Short-term leasing vs car subscription

20 October 2023

If you need a car for a few months rather than a few years, a short-term lease or a car subscription could suit your needs. We explain these two types of financing a car.

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.

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.

Car manufacturer subscription programmes – 2023 round-up

5 July 2023

As the popularity of car subscriptions grows, car manufacturers have decided to get in on the act, offering subscription deals of their own.

Nissan subscription programme launches in UK

5 July 2023

Nissan has become the latest car brand to launch a car subscription programme for new car customers, with a new offering called Nissan Subscription.

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.

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.