Types of car loan and finance
There are two main ways of borrowing to purchase a car:
Car Loan
With a car loan, money is loaned for outright purchase of the vehicle that is paid back over a period including interest. The car is the property of the purchaser on buying. Banks, building societies, finance houses and credit card companies are usual sources for loans. More information on car loans.
Click here for recommended loans
Hire Purchase or Conditional Sale
Hire purchase or conditional sale is similar to a loan but the car remains the property of the lender until a final payment is made. Car dealers are also able to offer such finance facilities. More information on hire purchase.
Personal Contracts
Contract and Lease purchase finance arrangements are also available for the private buyer. The main schemes are:
Personal Contract Plan (PCP)- if you intend to change your car at the end of the plan then PCPs are worth considering. Deposit and repayments are set to ensure that the value of the car will be worth more at the end of the plan than the final payment. Deposits will be above 10% but monthly payments relatively low. You may hand the car back at the end of the period or make a final payment which should be less than the value of the car. More information on Personal Contract Plans.
Personal Contract Hire (PCH)
- a no worries but expensive way to finance a car. Deposits will be low and repayments relatively high. Maintenance will be covered and so there are no extra motoring costs apart from insurance. PCHs are more suited to the self-employed or business user. More information on PCH.
Lease Purchase
- similar to hire purchase with a defined final or 'balloon' payment at the end of the period allowing the optional owning of the car at the end of the plan. Deposits can be varied but repayments relatively high depending on the final 'balloon payment' agreed.
- Personal Contract Purchase
- Motor Loan
- Car Hire Purchase
- Personal Contract Hire
|