Car finance advice

Most people buying a new or used car will do so using some sort of car finance. Whether buying or leasing, The Car Expert can give you the right advice and help get you get the best car for your budget.

The Car Expert provides independent and impartial information on any aspect of car finance. 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. The purpose of this site is to give you the knowledge you need to be able to make an informed decision about any finance agreement you are considering.

Car finance glossary

Our comprehensive glossary of car finance terms will help you understand what all that jargon means.

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Our top car finance articles

PCP (personal contract purchase) car finance explained

Car finance advice Stuart Masson - 29 August 2018

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

Personal Contract Hire (PCH) explained

Car finance advice Corrine Barton - 18 December 2017

Personal contract hire (PCH) is a popular way of driving a new car. It is considered a viable alternative to a personal contract purchase (PCP).

Car finance: Voluntary termination of a PCP or HP

Car finance advice Stuart Masson - 21 September 2018

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?

Car finance advice Stuart Masson - 20 August 2017

Many car buyers are confused about what their choices at the end of a PCP car finance agreement. We explain your options to help you make the best choice.

Car finance: How do I settle a PCP early?

Car finance advice Stuart Masson - 24 July 2018

Today we answer one of the most common questions about PCP car finance: What if I want to end my agreement and settle a PCP early?

How to avoid finance and leasing penalty charges

Car finance advice Stuart Masson - 13 July 2018

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

How to understand a PCP car finance quote

Car finance advice Stuart Masson - 11 June 2018

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.

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

Car maintenance Stuart Masson - 29 May 2018

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

Before you apply for car finance…

Car finance advice Stuart Masson - 17 April 2018

The Car Expert presents a few simple car finance tips that you should follow before you sign your life away on that new or used car finance application.

Car finance: Top 10 PCP myths busted

Car finance advice Stuart Masson - 10 April 2018

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.

Understanding your credit history and credit score

Car finance advice Stuart Masson - 2 April 2018

If you've watched TV lately, you'll have seen loads of ads talking about your credit score. But what is a credit score, and how important is it really?

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

Car buying advice Stuart Masson - 27 March 2018

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?

Survey shows car buyers are dissatisfied with car finance experience

Car finance advice Stuart Masson - 15 February 2018

Three out of four motorists buying a new car on finance are not convinced they are getting the best car finance deal, according to new survey data.

The ten golden rules for buying a car

Car buying advice Stuart Masson - 13 February 2018

After much requesting, here are The Car Expert’s Ten Golden Rules on buying a new or used car. Follow these pearls of wisdom and you are will end up with the right car at the right price.

RAC looks to win used car buyers away from PCP finance

Car finance advice Stuart Masson - 23 January 2018

The RAC has launched a new personal loan offer aimed at winning used car buyers away from the ever-increasing popularity of PCP car finance.

Can I take out car finance for someone else?

Car buying advice Stuart Masson - 19 January 2018

"Can I take out car finance in my name if the car is for someone else?" This is a common question when people are applying for car finance, and causes considerable confusion. In short - NO! For a more detailed analysis, read on...

Collapsing car sales – is the car industry in crisis?

Car buying advice Stuart Masson - 25 October 2017

UK new car sales have slumped over the last six months Is an over-reliance on PCP car finance coming back to haunt us?

Channel 4 Dispatches – a sales executive responds

Car finance advice Fiona Duffy - 30 August 2017

This week Channel 4 discussed how car finance is sold. We invited sales executive Fiona Duffy to explain the process from the other side of the sales desk.

What happens to your car finance agreement if you die?

Car finance advice Stuart Masson - 13 August 2017

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?"

PCP car finance debate highlights widespread media confusion

Car finance advice Stuart Masson - 15 May 2017

With all the noise about PCP car finance in the media, it's amazing to see how many major media institutions fundamentally misunderstand how a PCP works.

Is the sky really about to fall in for PCP car finance?

Car finance advice Stuart Masson - 4 May 2017

The media is reporting that tougher rules on selling PCP car finance could be disastrous for the car industry, but what would it mean for car buyers?

Motability: What is it and how does it work?

Car finance advice Dean Leighton - 19 December 2016

The Motability scheme has helped millions of disabled people across the UK become more mobile. but how does it actually work and who is eligible?

Buying a car or leasing: which one is for you?

Car finance advice All Car Leasing - 19 December 2016

Should you buy or lease a car? We’ve summarised the top reasons for both buying and leasing a car – hopefully it will help you decide what's best for you (sponsored post).

Why does buying a car have to be so unfriendly?

Car buying advice Stuart Masson - 4 December 2016

If you’ve ever walked into a car showroom, you'll know that buying a car is quite different from shopping in any other retail environment #AskTCE

Car leasing advice for start-up businesses

Car finance advice Natasha Colyer - 2 March 2016

If you have a start-up business, you probably don't have spare cash to drop on a new car. However, leasing may be a viable option in certain situations.

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Car finance news

Car finance debt breaking new records in 2018

Car finance news Stuart Masson - 15 August 2018

Car finance borrowing for 2018 to date has smashed previous records, as new and used car buyers continue to borrow more and more money for their cars.

Car finance levels continuing at record pace

Car finance news Stuart Masson - 12 June 2018

The latest consumer car finance figures show that customers are still borrowing more and more money on both new and used cars.

Latest car finance results show no slowdown in borrowing

Car finance news Stuart Masson - 9 April 2018

Latest numbers show that car finance continues to drive car sales across the country, even though the number of new car sales is still falling.

More car finance news

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.

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