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We make getting car finance simple so you can be on the road in no time with over 17 lenders and 70 products compared.

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I would like to borrow
£60
To pay back over
3.5 years

Zuto is a credit broker, not a lender. Our rates start from 9.4% APR. The rate you are offered will depend on your individual circumstances. Representative Example: Borrowing £8,000 over 60 months with a representative APR of 19.9% the amount payable would be £204 a month, with a total cost of credit of £4,264 and a total amount payable of £12,264.

Zuto Limited. Registered in England under number 05722976. Registered office: Winterton House, Winterton Way, Macclesfield, Cheshire SK11 0LP. Zuto Limited is acting as a broker and not as a lender. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, registration number 452589. Zuto can introduce you to a limited number of finance providers, based on your credit rating, Zuto won't charge you anything for this service, but do get a fee from the lender which varies based on the product or amount borrowed.

Is car finance worth it?

While many people try to avoid taking out finance to keep their monthly outgoings to a minimum, when it comes to high-ticket items like cars, not everyone has the funds at their disposal to pay for a product outright. Therefore, many people wonder if car finance is worth it. In these cases, finance can be an invaluable option to purchasing.

Whether you take out a personal loan, a personal contract plan or opt for a hire purchase agreement, you will make repayments in installments to a lender. In some cases, such as a fixed loan, the car will be yours right away, while in others, such as hire purchase, the vehicle remains the property of your lender until all your payments are complete.

The value of car finance may depend greatly on your individual circumstances and needs, and can vary depending on the deal you are able to secure.

So, all this considered, is car finance worth it? Read on to get the lowdown on car finance pros and cons before deciding to apply today for car finance via Car.co.uk.

The pros of car finance

Unlike saving up for a vehicle, with car finance there’s no waiting. As soon as you’ve signed your agreement, you have immediate use of the car, although actual ownership will depend on the nature and details of your arrangement.

One of the most popular reasons for opting for car finance is that it allows you to spread out the total cost of purchasing a vehicle. This means that you’re more likely to be able to afford a higher spec or newer model of car than you would if you were to pay in one single upfront payment. 

Car finance is a flexible and affordable way to have the use of a car. Terms are available from one to five years, and if you are fortunate enough to be able to put down a large deposit, you may be able to secure an interest rate as low as 0%.

Car finance such as hire purchase can be a good option if your credit history is poor and it’s essential you have the use of a vehicle, for example to work. Individuals with negative credit ratings can receive finance agreements on the basis that the car itself is held as collateral.

Certain car finance agreements such as personal contract plans (PCPs) are worth considering if you like to change your vehicle regularly and upgrade to the latest model.

The cons of car finance

Car finance ties you into an agreement of regular monthly installments. If your circumstances were to change and you were no longer in a position to make repayments, your car could be reclaimed to cover your debt.

With many forms of car finance, such as hire purchase and PCPs, you don’t actually own the vehicle outright until all your payments plus fees have been made. This lack of ownership means that you are unable to modify the vehicle or sell it on without express permission from your lender.

If you have a poor credit history, the rate of interest you pay per month will be inflated. Always look at the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) figure before taking out any form of car finance as this will tell you the total amount you will actually be repaying during the term of your agreement. This figure will be instrumental in deciding whether your agreement is financially viable.

As experts in the automotive industry here at Car.co.uk, our goal is to continue to assist car owners throughout the country with all their queries on the subject of car finance.

Other related FAQs

Looking for more related content to this? We’ve picked a selection of related topics that you may find helpful

The number of years banks will finance a used car for depends on the particular agreement you enter into. Usually, agreements are available for terms of between 12 and 60 months.

Find out more

Car finance is a loan – but it’s one that’s often secured against the vehicle you’ve decided you want. As such, it’s often viewed a little differently to a personal loan – which is not secured against anything.

Find out more

Under certain circumstances, you can claim the cost of a car as a capital allowance, meaning you can deduct some of the vehicle’s value from the profits of your business before paying tax. However, strict criteria apply.

Find out more

Yes, certain lenders will consider offering finance for a vehicle that is sold privately.

Find out more

Car finance agreements can be a great option for a wide range of people. Before committing to a deal though, it’s always important to read the terms carefully and consider the pros and cons.

Find out more

In most cases, car finance providers pay for or provide your vehicle after you pay a deposit. Then, over the course of an agreed repayment period, you’ll pay off some or all of the price. The product you choose will decide what happens at the end of the agreement – but common options include taking ownership of the car, handing it back, or upgrading it.

Find out more

Car finance companies don’t usually contact employers to assess eligibility. However, in some circumstances, they might.

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In general, you cannot simply transfer a car finance agreement to someone else. However, there may be other options available to you that meet your needs.

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A guarantor car loan is an agreement in which a third party (usually a family member or friend) agrees to guarantee the repayment of your loan if you fail to keep up with your payments.

Find out more

Car loans for used cars vary in length. Terms are typically between 12 and 60 months.

Find out more
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