Car finance advice

Expert Advice

Whether buying or leasing, 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 has put together this comprehensive glossary of car finance terms to help you understand exactly what all the jargon means.

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Looking for an alternative to dealer finance? Our commercial partners can offer you a great deal on a variety of finance products.

Our top car finance articles

Personal Contract Purchase: the PCP explained

The personal contract purchase (PCP) is the most popular type of car finance. The Car Expert tells you everything you need to know.

Personal Contract Hire (PCH) explained

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

Car finance: Voluntary termination of a PCP or HP

Voluntary termination is your legal right to cancel your PCP or HP car finance agreement in certain circumstances. The Car Expert explains how it works.

What are your options at the end of a PCP?

Many car finance customers are confused about what happens at the end of a PCP finance agreement. We explain your options.

The best car subscription providers

17 September 2021

Car subscription providers can be divided into car makers, independent providers and rental companies. These are the top UK-based services.

Car subscriptions – a flexible alternative to leasing

20 August 2021

Car subscriptions offer a flexible alternative to traditional financing methods like PCP or leasing, allowing you to change cars more often.

Car subscription services explained

6 August 2021

Car subscriptions are being billed as the next big thing for people who don't want a traditional lease, so we have a look at how they work.

The best websites for leasing a new car

24 July 2021

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.

Can I get car finance if I’m unemployed?

2 July 2021

Car finance is essential for millions of people to buy a car for getting around. But what if you're unemployed? The Car Expert explains.

Do I have to service my car with the dealer if I have a PCP?

22 May 2021

The popularity of PCP car finance has allowed car manufacturers to be sneaky in forcing you to have your car serviced by their dealers.

Your next car: buying vs leasing

1 May 2021

There are many ways to fund your next new or used car. We look at the options and implications when it comes to buying vs leasing a car.

In good company: which car scheme should your business offer?

14 April 2021

It’s fairly easy for any employer to organise a company car scheme. The difficult part is deciding which model is right for your business.

The ten golden rules for buying a car

12 April 2021

Buying a new or used car? Follow these pearls of wisdom from The Car Expert and make sure you get the right car for the right price.

Can I cancel my car finance on medical grounds?

25 March 2021

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

How does salary sacrifice work for employees?

22 March 2021

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 take out car finance for someone else?

1 March 2021

Can you take out car finance in your name if the car is for someone else? This is called an accommodation deal, and it causes considerable confusion.

Could you be driving an electric car for less money?

10 February 2021

New research from Tusker shows that more people are looking to make the switch to an EV for their next car. (sponsored)

Car finance: Top 10 PCP myths busted

28 January 2021

Based on all the questions about PCP finance we have received here over the last few years, we've listed our Top 10 PCP myths – and then busted them.

Regulator confims new coronavirus car finance measures

19 November 2020

The Financial Conduct Authority has set out new car finance measures to help borrowers affected by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

How to avoid finance and leasing penalty charges

3 November 2020

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.

Car finance: Negative equity and why it’s a problem

8 August 2020

One of the big problems in car finance is negative equity, and it can get you into financial trouble. But what is negative equity and why is it a problem?

New car finance rules will save you money – but not until 2021

28 July 2020

The FCA has signed off new rules set to save customers an estimated £165 million a year – but you'll have to wait another six months.

What happens to your car finance agreement if you die?

17 June 2020

When taking out car finance, almost no-one thinks: "What would happen to this car finance agreement if I should die before it's paid off?"

How to understand a PCP car finance quote

2 June 2020

Thousands of people look at a PCP car finance quote and are hopelessly confused by all the different numbers. Cut through the confusion with this guide.

Car finance: How do I settle a PCP early?

27 May 2020

Changing circumstances mean you need to settle your PCP car finance agreement now rather than wait until it ends. What are your options?

What documents do I need for car finance?

1 May 2020

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

Coronavirus: Should I take a payment holiday on my car finance?

26 April 2020

A three-month car finance payment holiday may sound good, but there will almost certainly be some big extra costs to consider.

Coronavirus: Payment freeze for car finance announced

24 April 2020

The FCA has announced car finance lenders should offer customers a three-month payment freeze if they are struggling with their car finance bills as a result of coronavirus.

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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.