£0 deposit available
Get a quote in 60 seconds – No impact on credit score
Payment plans to spread the cost between 1-5 years
Zuto is a credit broker, not a lender. From 8.9% APR.
Money Expert has partnered with Zuto, one of the UK’s most trusted car finance experts, to help you secure the right motor finance deal for your circumstances. With over 17 years of experience and more than 5 million customers helped, Zuto specialises in the provision of HP (Hire Purchase) and PCP (Personal Contract Purchase), supporting people from all credit backgrounds. Whether your credit score is excellent, limited, or somewhere in between, they’ll work to find a solution that fits. Best of all, Zuto uses a soft credit search, so checking your eligibility won’t leave a mark on your credit file.
Zuto’s service is completely free to use and includes a full vehicle history and valuation check — so you can buy with confidence, knowing the car is legitimate and fairly priced. Let Zuto search their wide panel of lenders and match you with the best deal for your needs
Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), Zuto is credit broker, not a lender. All finance is subject to status and income. Representative Example: Borrowing £8,000 over 60 months with a representative APR of 19.0%, the amount payable would be £201 a month, with a total cost of credit of £4,064 and a total amount payable of £12,064.
When it comes to buying a car, there are several finance options to choose from, each with its own benefits. The best choice for you will depend on your financial situation, preferences, and long-term plans.
With HP, you pay a deposit (typically 10%) and then monthly payments to cover the car’s full cost plus interest. The finance company owns the car until the final payment and a small purchase fee are made. Because the loan is secured against the vehicle, approval may be easier even with a lower credit score.
PCP requires a deposit and monthly payments, but you're only covering the car’s depreciation. At the end, you can return the car, trade it in for a new deal, or pay a final lump sum to keep it. It’s ideal for those who like to change cars regularly.
A personal loan gives you the money to buy the car outright, which you repay over a fixed term with interest. You own the car from the start, and the loan isn’t tied to the vehicle. Approval depends more heavily on your credit score, as this is an unsecured loan.
The total cost of car finance depends on the price of the vehicle and the interest rate set by your lender. Your monthly repayments, and the overall amount you'll pay back, are influenced by several key factors, including:
Lenders assess your credit score, income, and financial history when setting your interest rate. A strong credit profile and steady income can help you secure lower APRs and better finance deals.
The type of finance you choose plays a big role in cost. Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) plans often have lower monthly payments, as you’re only paying off the car’s depreciation, not its full value. However, unless you make the final ‘balloon payment,’ you won’t own the car at the end of the term.
A larger upfront deposit typically reduces your monthly repayments. It’s also important to review the small print, watch out for setup charges, admin fees, and early repayment penalties, all of which can increase the total cost of your agreement.
Don't know your hire purchase from your personal contract purchase? Confused about interest rates, fees, and balloon payments? We've got a selection of helpful guides to ensure that you're fully clued up before you take out a car finance deal. Visit our guide library to see if you can find the information you're looking for.
Our guide to Hire Purchase (HP) explains how this straightforward option lets you spread the cost with fixed monthly payments, making it easier to budget. Learn how HP works, its pros and cons, and whether it’s the right choice for you. Read the full guide to get started.
Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) offers lower monthly payments and flexibility at the end of your term—keep the car, return it, or trade it in. Our guide breaks down how PCP works, who it suits best, and what to watch out for. Read the full guide to learn more.
A Car Loan lets you borrow the full amount upfront, own the car immediately, and repay in fixed monthly instalments. Learn how it works, its benefits, and how it compares to other options. Read the full guide.
Understanding your car finance options is essential before signing on the dotted line. Whether you're considering PCP, HP, or a personal loan, each choice comes with its own set of benefits and responsibilities.
In this section, we've answered some of the most frequently asked questions to help you make an informed decision, avoid common pitfalls, and get the best value from your car finance agreement.
Car finance can be a practical way to spread the cost of buying a car, especially if you don't want to pay a large amount upfront. However, it’s important to assess your financial situation and ensure you can keep up with monthly repayments to avoid fees, credit damage, or even repossession.
The cheapest option depends on your priorities. PCP (Personal Contract Purchase) usually has lower monthly payments as you're only paying for the car’s depreciation, but you won’t own the car unless you pay a final lump sum. HP (Hire Purchase) spreads the full cost of the car over time, and you own it at the end. Personal loans can offer flexibility and no deposit, but rates depend heavily on your credit score.
Your credit rating plays a key role in your car finance application. A higher score may get you better interest rates and more favourable terms. If your credit is poor, you may still be eligible for finance, but expect higher APRs or stricter conditions.
At the end of a PCP contract, you must return the car in good condition. Any damage beyond normal wear and tear may incur extra charges. You’ll also need to stay within the agreed mileage limit to avoid additional fees.
You may be able to end your finance agreement early under a process known as "voluntary termination," but this usually requires that you''ve paid off at least 50% of the total amount owed. Check the terms of your agreement for exact conditions and possible early termination fees.
If you're struggling to make payments, contact your finance provider immediately. Options may include payment deferrals or restructuring your plan. Ignoring the problem can lead to repossession, credit score damage, and legal action. If you have a personal loan, debt advice services can help you explore your options.
