car finance options Archives - Page 7 of 7

How Much Does Car Finance Cost? Check Now!

Calculator on desk used to work out how much car finance costs

Picturing yourself behind the steering wheel of that new car? Then it’s time to look at car financing options. But with your finger hanging over the button to submit your online application, there is usually one question burning in the back of your mind... How much will it cost me to finance my car?

While costs and rates can vary from person to person, depending on their circumstances, My Car Credit aims to keep things simple.

Read on to see how we do our calculations and make every effort to get you the best car finance deal available from our large panel of lenders.

1. APR Calculator

First off, to get a rough idea of the finance charges on a new car loan, try out our car cost calculator. By entering the relevant details, you will get an indication of the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) and have an overall view of all the costs involved, including the cost of monthly payments. Nothing is set in stone, with zero obligation on your end. But now that you have an estimate to work with, you can send in your application and let us do all the hard work for you.

2. Our Process

Once your application has been submitted, we first make sure we have everything we need. After the compliance phase, we look at suitability, eligibility, affordability and vulnerability by means of an aggregator.

This one-of-a-kind decision-making system aims to find our customers the best possible deal without affecting their credit rating or even slowing down their application. By automating and streamlining this part of the process we can provide consistent, compliant and auditable decisions for our clients, without adding any additional costs.

With comprehensive car finance offerings (from poor credit right through to excellent credit) and loads of experience backing our efforts, we are primarily concerned with making this testing part of the car buying journey a faster, hassle-free and more enjoyable experience. The last thing we want is for you to be plagued by unnecessary delays, costs or extra paperwork.

3. Car finance options

As part of Evolution Funding, we have access to a large pool of car loan companies. This means we can submit to more than 34 finance lenders at the same time and hunt down the sweetest deal for every individual, no matter how unique their circumstances.

With all these means at our disposal, we are better placed to find you the package that best suits your means than any other car finance broker.

4. Communication

We know how frustrating it can be to be in the dark. There is nothing worse than a lack of communication. That’s why we stay in touch and give updated feedback every step of the way, keeping you informed of how your application is progressing and what options are available to you. Our aim is to provide unequalled communication to our customers.

Find out how much a car loan costs

If you want to find out how much car finance costs, it couldn’t be simpler with My Car Credit. Click apply now, fill in your details and get a clear estimate for the cost of your car finance. It’s that easy.

Rates from 9.9% APR. Representative APR 10.9%

Evolution Funding Ltd T/A My Car Credit

Loan amount

£

Repayment term

My credit rating

X monthly repayments of
^£X

Typical rate

Loan amount

Total payable

X% APR*

£X

*for illustration purposes only

No impact on your credit score*

Representative Example

Borrowing £7,500 at a representative APR of 10.9%, annual interest rate (fixed) 10.87%, 47 monthly payments of £191.50 followed by 1 payment of £201.50 (incl. estimated £10 option to purchase fee), a deposit of £0.00, total cost of credit is £1,702, total amount payable £9,202.

Evolution Funding Limited, trading as My Car Credit, is a credit broker and not a lender.

Please ensure you can afford the repayments for the duration of the loan before entering into a credit agreement.

*Initial application is a soft search. Should you progress, some lenders may perform a hard search on your credit file.

Require more help?

Got a question you can’t find the answer to, or need some advice and guidance around taking out car finance? Our Car Credit Specialists are friendly, experienced, and here to help so get in touch today!

or call 01246 458 810

Car Finance vs Personal Loan, what’s best for me?

Car dealer handing over the keys to car bought on finance

If you’re looking to buy a nearly-new or used car and considering taking out a finance agreement, you’ll probably already know that there are a few options available to you. At My Car Credit, we want to make this choice easier with our no-nonsense lowdown on car finance options. Whichever option you choose, we are here to take care of it!

Personal Loan

In short: You borrow a lump sum from the lender to buy the car, which means you own the car from the start of your contract. You then repay this money (with interest) at a set monthly rate within an agreed time limit, usually between 24 and 60 months.

Pros:

Your interest rate is fixed and lower than other options where your credit score is good
Your monthly repayments are fixed, so you can budget around them
You own the car from the start of the contract
You can choose the time limit of the loan

Cons:

Your interest rates can be higher if you have a poor credit score
You are entirely responsible for the car and all repairs
You have to borrow over £1,000

Ideal for people:

Who want to own the car from the start of their contract
Who want flexibility with their repayment structure
Who are looking for lower interest rates

Eligibility

Most people will be eligible to take out a Personal Loan. However, those with a bad credit score or those with a bad credit history (especially those that have CCJ court orders against them) may be declined.

At My Car Credit, we work closely with a number of trusted Personal Loan funders. You can make an application on our website to determine your chances of being accepted and because we only carry out a ‘soft search’, there will be no trace left on your credit file.

Hire Purchase

You put down a deposit on a car and the lender pays for the rest. You then ‘hire’ the car from the lender until you have paid off your monthly repayments, at which point the car becomes yours. Your monthly repayments are paid within an agreed time frame, usually between 12 and 60 months, and will differ dependent on how much deposit you put in.

Pros:

The repayment time limit is more flexible
Your interest rate is fixed, and will be lower depending on your deposit amount
You are more likely to be accepted if your credit score isn’t the best

Cons:

You don’t own the car
You have to pay a deposit
There can be additional fees (such as a transfer of ownership fee at the end of the contract)

Ideal for people:

Whose finances and circumstances are suited to fixed monthly repayments
Who don’t have the best credit rating
Who want to own the car at the end of their loan
Whose disposable income could change (e.g. starting a family, changing jobs)

Eligibility

Hire Purchase agreements are one of the more accessible car finance options. Although not everyone is accepted, there is normally a broader spectrum that this option will cater for, i.e. credit profiles that range from excellent to poor, and several employment statuses, including retired, young professional and self-employed.

At My Car Credit, we have access to a large panel of lenders that offer excellent Hire Purchase agreements. You can make an application on our website to determine your chances of being accepted and because we only carry out a ‘soft search’, there will be no trace left on your credit file.

Personal Contract Purchase (PCP)

You borrow the difference between what the car costs when you take out the loan and what it will cost at the end of the loan. This is called a Guaranteed Future Value (GFV). In other words, if the car costs £3,500 at the start of your loan and will cost £1,500 at the end of your loan, you need to borrow £2,000. The GFV also includes your estimated mileage as a factor. Normally this kind of loan will last between 18 and 48 months. At the end of your loan, you have three options: buy the car by paying what it costs at the end of your loan, give the car back and settle the loan, or part exchange for a new car.

Pros:

Your options are more flexible at the end of your loan
Service and maintenance packages, as well as warranties and insurance, are normally included
You could drive a new car that you couldn’t afford with a cash payment

Cons:

It’s more expensive than other finance options to buy the car outright
Additional charges are made if the mileage agreement is exceeded
You don’t own the car during the loan

Ideal for people:

Who want to drive a new model
Who frequently want to change the car they drive
Who don’t want the responsibility of owning a car outright

Eligibility

PCP is slightly stricter in terms of its acceptance rate. Normally, a fair credit score is required.

At My Car Credit, you can make an application on our website to determine your chances of being accepted for a Personal Contract Purchase and because we only carry out a ‘soft search’, there will be no trace left on your credit file.

If you need any help or advice about which finance option is best for you, whether it’s a Hire Purchase agreement, Personal Contract Purchase agreement or a Personal Loan, our team of Car Credit Specialists can advise you. Just give us a call!

Rates from 9.9% APR. Representative APR 10.9%

Evolution Funding Ltd T/A My Car Credit

Instant Car Loan: Does It Exist?

7 Advantages of Used Car Hire Purchase

Financing a Second-Hand Car: 4 Options

Loan amount

£

Repayment term

My credit rating

X monthly repayments of
^£X

Typical rate

Loan amount

Total payable

X% APR*

£X

*for illustration purposes only

No impact on your credit score*

Representative Example

Borrowing £7,500 at a representative APR of 10.9%, annual interest rate (fixed) 10.87%, 47 monthly payments of £191.50 followed by 1 payment of £201.50 (incl. estimated £10 option to purchase fee), a deposit of £0.00, total cost of credit is £1,702, total amount payable £9,202.

Evolution Funding Limited, trading as My Car Credit, is a credit broker and not a lender.

Please ensure you can afford the repayments for the duration of the loan before entering into a credit agreement.

*Initial application is a soft search. Should you progress, some lenders may perform a hard search on your credit file.

Require more help?

Got a question you can’t find the answer to, or need some advice and guidance around taking out car finance? Our Car Credit Specialists are friendly, experienced, and here to help so get in touch today!

or call 01246 458 810

car finance eligibility car finance options hire purchase hp Jan24 PCP personal loan

I want to buy a car on finance, how much can I borrow?

Couple calculating if they can buy a car on finance

After a house, buying a car is one of the biggest purchases you’ll ever make. When you come to apply for car finance, one of the first questions you’ll be asked is how much you are looking to borrow. Whilst this might seem like a simple question, there are actually many things that influence the total amount available to you.

Financial factors

Finance lenders will look at your application and consider various financial factors to determine how much they are willing to lend you. Things such as your credit profile – including your credit score and financial history (i.e. how you have dealt with previous loans and funds) – will all come into play. They will also consider your income, as well as the deposit you have available at the start of the process (although a deposit is not mandatory) to assess whether you can afford the repayments. Essentially, lenders are looking for reassurance from your information that you will be able to afford the finance you are applying for.

If you are sure that all these factors are in order, you are ready to begin your application. One of the best ways to start this process is to figure out your budget.

Budgeting

When working out how much you can afford to spend on your monthly car loan payments, you will need to be realistic. Ensuring that the payments will not overstretch you is vital to your future financial security. You’ll need to bear in mind the running costs of the car, including the rate of miles to the gallon (MPG), insurance rates, and general upkeeping, such as MOT and service costs. The Money Advice Service provides a useful budget planner on their website, which will help you to understand these incomings and outgoings.

When applying for car finance it is crucial that you can meet the monthly repayments comfortably and on time. Depending on your credit history, you may have to prove that you can do this. This can be done by showing three to six months’ worth of bank statements and/or payslips.

One way to make payments more affordable is to opt for a longer payment term. This does mean that you will pay more interest on the overall amount, but it will make the loan more manageable on a month-to-month basis. Bear in mind that the payment term can be affected by your credit profile, and will also be subject to the lender’s criteria.

Know what car you want

It’s important that you are realistic with the car you are looking to finance. You may have a dream car in mind but the finance cost – including running costs – may not be feasible on your budget. You must avoid committing to more than you can afford – missing payments can cause problems in the future, such as your ability to obtain finance of any sort moving forward. This is especially true if you do not have savings or your income reduces.

Also, if you try to apply for finance on a car that is outside of your budget, you are more likely to be turned down for car finance, which can impact your credit profile.

To help you in this area, Money Advice Service has a Car Costs Calculator, driven by CAP data, that will help you work out the yearly running costs on the car you have in mind.

Once you’ve found the car you want, the amount you can borrow will be determined by the value of the car. Some lenders will finance 100% of the value whereas other will lend for more than the value of the car, allowing you to purchase things like insurance, extras, and add-ons.

At My Car Credit, we’re lucky to have an extensive and diverse panel of lenders who offer a variety of finance options, including loaning up to 120% and catering for credit profiles that range from excellent to poor. We are also committed to helping people across a variety of situations, including retired people, young people, self-employed people, and so on.

Do the calculations

If you think you’re ready to begin the initial stages of your car finance application, our Car Finance Calculator will provide a monthly repayment figure, an APR, total cost of credit and total amount payable. Whilst your Car Credit Specialist will tailor a car loan deal for your circumstances, the Car Finance Calculator is great for getting a good indication of what you will be able to borrow.

Ready for the first stage of your car finance journey? Access our online Car Finance Calculator here.

My Car Credit will look at your personal circumstances and make sure that the finance agreement offered to you is one that you can afford. Your interests are always at the heart of what we do. If you need any more help or advice about how much you can borrow, our Car Credit Specialists can advise you. Just get in touch or visit our Help and Advice pages

Rates from 9.9% APR. Representative APR 10.9%

Evolution Funding Ltd T/A My Car Credit

Instant Car Loan: Does It Exist?

7 Advantages of Used Car Hire Purchase

Financing a Second-Hand Car: 4 Options

Loan amount

£

Repayment term

My credit rating

X monthly repayments of
^£X

Typical rate

Loan amount

Total payable

X% APR*

£X

*for illustration purposes only

No impact on your credit score*

Representative Example

Borrowing £7,500 at a representative APR of 10.9%, annual interest rate (fixed) 10.87%, 47 monthly payments of £191.50 followed by 1 payment of £201.50 (incl. estimated £10 option to purchase fee), a deposit of £0.00, total cost of credit is £1,702, total amount payable £9,202.

Evolution Funding Limited, trading as My Car Credit, is a credit broker and not a lender.

Please ensure you can afford the repayments for the duration of the loan before entering into a credit agreement.

*Initial application is a soft search. Should you progress, some lenders may perform a hard search on your credit file.

Require more help?

Got a question you can’t find the answer to, or need some advice and guidance around taking out car finance? Our Car Credit Specialists are friendly, experienced, and here to help so get in touch today!

or call 01246 458 810

car finance calculator car finance eligibility car finance options Jan24

HP, Conditional, PCP: The Lowdown on Car Finance Options

Customer calculates car finance monthly payments

With so many car finance options, choosing the best one can seem both daunting and overwhelming. My Car Credit takes the mystery out of it all by helping you understand how each car finance option works, how much it will really cost you and which option best suits your finances.

Car Finance in a Nutshell

Car finance allows you to become the owner of a car where you are unable to pay for your car upfront.
You make affordable monthly payments directly to the agreed lender of your car finance.
You will become the owner of the vehicle once you have paid the agreed amount in full.

Hire Purchase (HP)

Hire Purchase is the most common type of car finance and very simply means that you make monthly repayments and usually a small admin or purchase fee at the end.

Your car loan is secured against the car, which is owned by the lender. Whilst you are paying, you effectively hire the car from the lender and once all payments have been made the vehicle becomes yours.

Great for those people:

Who don’t want to or can’t pay cash
Who’s budget and circumstances suit fixed monthly repayments
Who have had problems getting credit
Who want to own the car at the end
Who’s disposable income might change (e.g. starting a family)

Personal Contract Purchase (PCP)

Personal Contract Purchase is similar to Hire Purchase except that you have the option to buy the vehicle at the end of the loan or hand it back.

If you decide to buy, you pay a balloon payment for the balance on the value of the vehicle. The value is fixed at the start of the agreement – the Guaranteed Future Value – so that you know and can budget for the balloon payment before you commit.

Great for those people:

Who want lower monthly repayments
Who want flexibility and options at the end of the agreement
Who like to change their car regularly
Who are confident that they can predict their mileage

Conditional Sale

Conditional sale is similar to Hire Purchase except that you don’t have to pay a fee at the end of the agreement, just monthly repayments.

Whilst you’re repaying the agreed amount of the car loan, you have possession and use of the vehicle but it continues to belong to the lender until you have made the final repayment, when the vehicle becomes yours.

Great for those people:

Who would rather pay a bit more, spread the fixed repayments and avoid a large payment at the end
Who want a choice of length of payment terms

Rates from 9.9% APR. Representative APR 10.9%

Evolution Funding Ltd T/A My Car Credit

Instant Car Loan: Does It Exist?

7 Advantages of Used Car Hire Purchase

Financing a Second-Hand Car: 4 Options

Loan amount

£

Repayment term

My credit rating

X monthly repayments of
^£X

Typical rate

Loan amount

Total payable

X% APR*

£X

*for illustration purposes only

No impact on your credit score*

Representative Example

Borrowing £7,500 at a representative APR of 10.9%, annual interest rate (fixed) 10.87%, 47 monthly payments of £191.50 followed by 1 payment of £201.50 (incl. estimated £10 option to purchase fee), a deposit of £0.00, total cost of credit is £1,702, total amount payable £9,202.

Evolution Funding Limited, trading as My Car Credit, is a credit broker and not a lender.

Please ensure you can afford the repayments for the duration of the loan before entering into a credit agreement.

*Initial application is a soft search. Should you progress, some lenders may perform a hard search on your credit file.

Require more help?

Got a question you can’t find the answer to, or need some advice and guidance around taking out car finance? Our Car Credit Specialists are friendly, experienced, and here to help so get in touch today!

or call 01246 458 810

car finance options conditional sale hp Jan24 PCP

Car Finance: A Complete Guide

Man drives car that he purchased using car finance

Buying a car is one of the biggest purchases you’re ever likely to make. Buying a car on finance (or credit) is a great option for those looking to spread the cost out over a period of months and/or years. Terms like personal contract purchase and balloon payment can make car finance seem confusing. My Car Credit is here to break it down for you so you can get the car you want, on a car finance agreement that works for you.

What is car finance?

Car finance is an agreement which allows you to pay for your car in affordable set amounts – rather than paying for the car in one go.

A finance lender pays for the car you want, and you pay them back in monthly instalments. The monthly instalments that you make will depend on how much you want to borrow, the length of the agreement, whether you put down a deposit, your credit score and the type of the agreement.

There are many different types of car finance agreement available, so it’s important to know which one will suit you and your circumstances.

What is Hire Purchase (HP)?

Hire Purchase is one of the most common types of car finance because it is nice and simple – you make monthly repayments to the lender over a set period of time and at the end, you own the car.

Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Whilst not obligatory, you have the option of putting down a deposit of around 5 – 10% of the car’s price.
The agreement lasts between 24 and 60 months.
During this time, you make monthly repayments to the lender and are effectively hiring the car from them.
At the end of the agreement, you own the car.

Pros:

Good for people who want to buy a car but have flexible disposable income and less than perfect credit score.
The repayments are regular and fixed which means you can budget accurately.

Cons:

The monthly repayments are normally higher with an HP agreement when compared to other options.
The finance lender owns the car until you make your last payment, so you cannot change the car to your own preferences.

What is Personal Contract Purchase (PCP)?

Personal Contract Purchase is a little bit more complicated than other options. You make monthly repayments based on the Guaranteed Future Value (GFV) of the car, which is the amount that the car is estimated to be worth by the end of the agreement. At the end of your agreement, you must pay a final sum (known as a balloon payment) to settle it.

Here’s a step-by-step guide:

The car you want is worth £9,000 at the start of your agreement but it will be worth £5,000 at the end of it – this is the Guaranteed Future Value.
You make repayments based on the difference between the larger and smaller car values (in this case £4,000) and a mileage limit that you agree with your finance lender.
At the end of your agreement (which usually lasts from 2 to 4 years) you pay a balloon payment – the end value of the car (i.e. £5,000).
You can settle your balloon payment by giving the car back, putting the money towards another agreement, or paying the amount and owning the car.

Pros:

Great for those that want to regularly change the car they drive or like to drive newer models.It has lower repayment fees than other car finance options.
Flexibility of options at the end of your agreement.

Cons:

It is more expensive to buy the car at the end of your agreement.
There is the complication of the balloon payment to settle, for which you’ll need to budget.
If you go over your agreed mileage, the financial penalties can be significant.

What is a Guarantor Loan?

A Guarantor Loan is when a third party guarantees to make the repayments on a car finance deal if you are unable to do so. Whilst you have a guarantor in place, you are still expected to be financially responsible for making the agreed repayments.

Pros:

Enables those with a less than perfect credit score or those who haven’t yet had time to build a score, to get a car.
If you keep on top of your repayments, (which in theory should always be the case) you will be able to improve your credit score as you go.
Fixed monthly repayments over a fixed period allows you to budget for this kind of agreement.

Cons:

Usually a higher interest rate (APR) than other finance options.
The guarantor must fit the lender’s criteria, which normally includes them being a homeowner.
If you fail to make the repayments, your guarantor will become liable. If your guarantor fails to make the repayments, you could both be issued with a County Court Judgement (CCJ), which would damage both your credit profiles – affecting both your abilities to obtain credit in the future.

Car Finance with My Car Credit

Buying your own car is one of the biggest (and most exciting) purchases you’ll ever make. If you think you’re ready to start the application process, we’ll be more than happy to help.

We welcome people with credit scores of all levels to apply for finance with us. We operate a soft search policy, which means that your initial application won’t affect your credit score. This allows you to shop around for the best deal for your circumstances, without impacting your credit file.

With over 30 car finance lenders and more than 4500 tried and tested car dealers, we have one of the best networks in the UK to match you with the perfect car. Get started today with our Car Finance Calculator!

Rates from 9.9% APR. Representative APR 10.9%

Evolution Funding Ltd T/A My Car Credit

Instant Car Loan: Does It Exist?

7 Advantages of Used Car Hire Purchase

Financing a Second-Hand Car: 4 Options

Loan amount

£

Repayment term

My credit rating

X monthly repayments of
^£X

Typical rate

Loan amount

Total payable

X% APR*

£X

*for illustration purposes only

No impact on your credit score*

Representative Example

Borrowing £7,500 at a representative APR of 10.9%, annual interest rate (fixed) 10.87%, 47 monthly payments of £191.50 followed by 1 payment of £201.50 (incl. estimated £10 option to purchase fee), a deposit of £0.00, total cost of credit is £1,702, total amount payable £9,202.

Evolution Funding Limited, trading as My Car Credit, is a credit broker and not a lender.

Please ensure you can afford the repayments for the duration of the loan before entering into a credit agreement.

*Initial application is a soft search. Should you progress, some lenders may perform a hard search on your credit file.

Require more help?

Got a question you can’t find the answer to, or need some advice and guidance around taking out car finance? Our Car Credit Specialists are friendly, experienced, and here to help so get in touch today!

or call 01246 458 810

car finance options car loan guarantor hp Jan24 PCP

Smart Tips for Financing Your Next Car

Woman wearing sunglasses thinking about financing next car

The world of car finance can be confusing. This often leads people to make simple mistakes which can cost them lots of money. Don't worry – we're here to give you a few smart tips to making financing your next car a doddle.

Understand your credit score

This is the first thing you need to do before you get car finance. Unlike other loan deals (e.g. mortgages, credit cards) you’re more likely (but not guaranteed!) to get a car loan regardless of your credit score. This is because the lender knows they can always redeem their investment by taking the car. However, this means that you may be willing to accept the first offer a car lender gives you. Normally, car finance will advertise their best interest rate but when you read the finer details, this only applies to customers with good credit scores.

A better indication of interest rate is the representative APR. This is the rate that the majority of borrowers will get (at least 51% of customers).

Conducting a credit score check can give you a better idea of what rate to expect. Many car finance websites have free calculators. These allow you to work out your expected interest rate using your credit score.

Keep the term as short as you can afford

Put simply: the shorter, the better. When you look into finance options you may be tempted to take a long-term contract with fantastically small monthly repayments. However, in almost all cases this isn’t a good option. Essentially, the longer the term is on your contract, the more interest you’ll pay overall. So, whilst it might be cheaper in an immediate sense, you’ll end up paying more. We recommend keeping the term as short as you can afford, but without impacting on your quality of life.

Pay for extras upfront

Most car finance deals come with additional costs. These can include registration fees, documentation fees, as well as any other additional extras you want like extended warranties. These are all normal parts of a loan agreement and are nothing to worry about. However, try to pay them in cash. Adding extras onto your loan increases your monthly repayments and you’ll likely have to pay interest on it.

If you’re looking to finance your car the right way, you should start by conducting a soft search with My Car Credit. Our approach is a great way of finding out about your credit score and the car finance options available to you without affecting your credit profile. We’re ready to help you on your journey to a great car with a great finance plan.

Rates from 9.9% APR. Representative APR 10.9%

Evolution Funding Ltd T/A My Car Credit

Instant Car Loan: Does It Exist?

7 Advantages of Used Car Hire Purchase

Financing a Second-Hand Car: 4 Options

Loan amount

£

Repayment term

My credit rating

X monthly repayments of
^£X

Typical rate

Loan amount

Total payable

X% APR*

£X

*for illustration purposes only

No impact on your credit score*

Representative Example

Borrowing £7,500 at a representative APR of 10.9%, annual interest rate (fixed) 10.87%, 47 monthly payments of £191.50 followed by 1 payment of £201.50 (incl. estimated £10 option to purchase fee), a deposit of £0.00, total cost of credit is £1,702, total amount payable £9,202.

Evolution Funding Limited, trading as My Car Credit, is a credit broker and not a lender.

Please ensure you can afford the repayments for the duration of the loan before entering into a credit agreement.

*Initial application is a soft search. Should you progress, some lenders may perform a hard search on your credit file.

Require more help?

Got a question you can’t find the answer to, or need some advice and guidance around taking out car finance? Our Car Credit Specialists are friendly, experienced, and here to help so get in touch today!

or call 01246 458 810

car finance options car finance tips credit score Jan24

Can I finance a car for my daughter/son?

Young person holding bag waiting for parent to arrive in new car

Financing a car for your child is a proud moment for many parents. Often you are looking to finance a car as your son or daughter is at a point in life where a car is simply too expensive. We are often asked whether it’s possible to finance a car for a son or daughter, so here’s a run-through of both the available routes with My Car Credit.

Use a guarantor car loan

A guarantor loan is one way of financing a car for your son or daughter. This type of car finance agreement works similarly to a normal loan, in the sense that your child will be responsible for making the agreed repayments. However, it also allows for a third party (i.e. you) to guarantee the repayments in the case that your son or daughter is unable to make them. By being a guarantor on the agreement, you are reducing the risk to the car finance lender. This can increase the likelihood of securing car finance on behalf of your son or daughter.

Guarantor loans are a big responsibility for both of you. Should your son or daughter fail to make the monthly repayments, you would be liable for the debt. If you fail to make the payments on behalf of your child, both of you could be issued with a County Court Judgement (CCJ) and you would both have damaged credit profiles, which would affect your ability to secure finance in the future.

A guarantor loan can create an opportunity for your son or daughter to improve their credit score for the future. An improved credit score will increase their chances of being approved for any future financial agreements they wish to take.

Joint application for a car finance agreement

A stronger option for financing your son or daughter’s car is with a joint application – an agreement in which both of your circumstances are taken into account. This is especially useful when your child has a good income but a slightly poorer credit score.

In this case, both parties are responsible for upholding the repayments, and if one is no longer able to meet their financial commitments, the other must pick up the full amount. The risk with this kind of agreement is that any missed repayment (from either party) will be recorded on both parties’ credit files. However, if you are supporting a child with a good income but a less-than-perfect credit score, this is an option to consider.

Can’t I just get car finance myself?

When buying a car for your child, you might think it would be simpler to just apply for car finance as if there are no other parties involved. This would mean getting a car loan, then putting your own name on the vehicle registration certificate, before later switching it to someone else’s name.

However, this can be classed as a fraudulent act. Whether you’re acting as a guarantor or making joint applications, it’s vital to be upfront and honest with every car finance company. That extends from who the main driver is to details about your financial history.

Different types of car finance

Whichever route you choose to help your daughter or son get their own car, there are a few additional choices. We’re talking about the types of car finance for which you’ll be making a joint application or acting as the guarantor.

The best option for you and your family members depends on your financial position and whether you want to own the car outright.

Hire purchase

Hire purchase is the most straightforward type of car finance. The total cost of the car plus interest is broken down into monthly payments. At the end of the agreement, you’ll be the legal owner of the car.

Personal contract purchase

Personal contract purchase gives you a bit more flexibility with a new car. These car loans also include the cost of the car plus interest. However, a big chunk of that is set aside for a final balloon payment. As a result, your loan repayments are lower for the duration of the car finance deal. At the end, you then have the choice between making the final payment to own the car. Or you can give the car back and get a new car on finance, or make other arrangements.

Personal contract hire

Finally, there’s personal contract hire. Also known as leasing, you essentially pay to use the car for the duration of the car finance agreement. At the end, the car goes back to the finance company. Because there’s no chance of car ownership, it’s often the lowest cost – making it a better deal for those on a tighter budget.

How the process works

To give you a little more insight into getting a car on finance on behalf of someone else, we’ll run through some of the key steps involved:

Start by getting a car finance quote from multiple lenders. Not all lenders will accept joint applications or provide guarantor loans, so you may have to shop around a bit. You can make this easier by using a car finance broker like My Car Credit – we compare deals from a large network of trusted lenders.
Credit history will be checked for you and your child. Initially, some lenders will perform a soft check on your credit profile, which doesn’t affect your credit rating. This gives them an overview of whether you have a good credit history or a poor credit score, for example. At the latter stage, a hard check will be needed. Too many of these can impact your credit rating, so it’s important not to allow too many.
If you have multiple options based on your personal details and credit scores, you can choose the best deal for your requirements. Compare the interest rate (often different to representative APR) and length of the contract, plus how that affects the total cost. Remember, it’s not just about cost – consider eventual car ownership and vehicle mileage limits too.
If you’re happy to proceed, you’ll enter the credit agreement, paying monthly by direct debit in most cases. It’s an exciting time, but make sure tax and car insurance are sorted before driving your car. Your insurance policy should cover both you and your child.

Speak to our car finance experts

Financing your child’s car is a matter of pride for lots of parents, especially when it’s their first car and they’ve just passed their driving test. But you must consider all your options before signing onto a car finance agreement.

Guarantor loans and joint finance are two ways to get your child up and running with My Car Credit – whilst our online application form doesn’t allow for adding in an additional person, our experienced Car Credit Specialists can help you with this over the phone. Simply give us a call on 01246 458 810.

Rates from 9.9% APR. Representative APR 10.9%

Evolution Funding Ltd T/A My Car Credit

Require more help?

Got a question you can’t find the answer to, or need some advice and guidance around taking out car finance? Our Car Credit Specialists are friendly, experienced, and here to help so get in touch today!

or call 01246 458 810

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With so many car finance options, choosing the best one can seem both daunting and overwhelming. My Car Credit takes the mystery out of it all by helping you understand how each car finance option works, how much it will really cost you and which option best suits your finances.

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