How does used car finance work?
Types of used car finance
Typically, there are a few ways to buy a used car. Each option comes with its own advantages and disadvantages. The best choice for your second-hand car finance will depend on your circumstances.
Car loan
A car loan is a financing option where you borrow a lump sum of money to buy a used car and repay it through monthly instalments, but you’ll own the vehicle from the start. While no upfront deposit is required, it’s important to note that the interest rate and monthly payments can be higher than with other car finance options.
Hire purchase
Hire purchase (HP) is where you make a regular monthly payment for a second-hand car with a fixed interest rate – meaning you know exactly how much you are paying every month. The deposit can be flexible or even not required at all.
Personal contract purchase
Personal contract purchase (PCP) allows you to buy a used car through fixed monthly instalments, like hire purchase. PCP tends to have lower monthly payments as you don't have to pay the car's total value. But should you decide to keep the car at the end of the agreement you will need to pay a substantial ‘balloon payment’ to purchase it outright.
Personal contract hire
Personal Contract Hire (PCH) is a flexible leasing option that lets you hire a car for a fixed term with manageable monthly payments and an upfront rental fee. You get full use of the vehicle during the lease, then simply return it at the end - there’s no option to buy, making it ideal if you prefer driving the latest models without long-term ownership.
Is used car finance right for you?
Whether or not used car finance is the right thing for you will depend on your own personal financial situation and on your preferences.
Used car finance is a popular choice for thousands of motorists. Although used cars are more affordable than brand-new cars, buying any vehicle is still an expensive business. If you don’t have the cash ready to buy a car outright, or you don’t want to exhaust all your savings, then buying a good quality second-hand car with a finance agreement can help to make this sizeable purchase a reality.
By spreading out the cost of the car into manageable monthly payments, many drivers find they can afford to buy a higher-spec vehicle than they otherwise would have had access to.
Why choose Oodle to buy used cars on finance?
Get a great used car finance deal and then use it to find the right car for you.
Oodle has your back for the car you want at a budget that suits you. Let us handle the finance part so you can simply walk into your local car dealership and buy a car at a price that works for you. Say goodbye to uncertainty and hello to car-buying confidence.
We can help you every step of the way – we can even help you find a car
Buy and pay online or in person at an approved dealership
Sort your second-hand car finance with Oodle and drive away safe.