Car finance usually costs more than the car's cash price because you're paying to borrow money to purchase the vehicle. The total amount payable includes the amount borrowed, plus interest and any applicable fees charged over the term of the finance agreement, which increases the overall cost.
For example, a £10,000 car on a 60-month agreement at a representative APR may cost several thousand pounds more in total once interest, and the option to purchase fee is included.
Several factors affect the total cost of car finance, including your APR, the length of your finance term, the size of your deposit, and the amount you can borrow. A longer agreement can reduce your monthly repayments but will often increase the total amount of interest paid over the life of the agreement. A larger deposit or shorter term may reduce the overall cost of borrowing. If you're unable to put money down upfront, our guide to zero deposit car finance options explains how these agreements work and what to consider before applying.
Before entering into any hire purchase agreement, it is important to review the total amount payable, monthly repayments, and APR so you understand the full cost of the finance. You can also use the AutoMoney Trust car finance calculator to compare different borrowing amounts, deposits, and agreement terms to find an option that best suits your budget.
The length of your car finance agreement can have a significant impact on both your monthly payments and the total cost of borrowing. Choosing a longer finance term, such as 60 or 84 months, spreads the cost of the vehicle over a greater number of payments. This can make your monthly payments more affordable, but it may mean you pay more interest overall throughout the agreement.
A shorter car finance term, such as 36 months, usually results in higher monthly payments because the balance is repaid over a shorter period. However, paying the agreement off sooner can reduce the overall amount of interest paid, making it a potentially lower-cost option over the full term.
When choosing the right finance term, it is important to consider your budget, monthly affordability, and how long you plan to keep the vehicle. The best option is one that allows you to comfortably manage your payments without putting unnecessary pressure on your finances.
AutoMoney Trust offers car finance terms from 36 to 84 months, giving you flexibility to choose an agreement that suits your circumstances. Use our car finance calculator to compare different term lengths and understand how your monthly payments and overall costs could change before applying.
The main difference between fixed and variable car finance rates is whether the interest rate can change during your agreement. A fixed interest rate means your rate and monthly car finance payments stay the same throughout the finance term, giving you certainty over what you'll pay and making it easier to budget. In comparison, a variable interest rate can rise or fall over time, meaning your monthly payments may change.
AutoMoney Trust offers fixed-rate hire purchase car finance only, so you know exactly what your monthly repayments will be for the full term of your agreement. While fixed rates may sometimes be higher than an introductory variable rate, they provide protection against future interest rate rises and make it easier to plan your finances with confidence.
When comparing car finance options, it's important to consider not only the interest rate but also the APR, total amount payable, and the overall cost of borrowing. For more information read our guide on What Is Car Finance APR?.
Yes, AutoMoney Trust hire purchase agreement includes a £199 admin fee as well as an option to purchase fee of £10, which is paid alongside your final monthly payment if you decide to keep the vehicle at the end of your agreement. This fee allows ownership of the car to transfer to you once all payments have been completed.
All applicable fees are clearly explained in your car finance agreement, so you can understand the costs involved before entering into a hire purchase agreement.
Additional charges may apply if payments are missed, including reminder letter fees or default interest. These charges are designed to cover the costs associated with managing missed payments and are detailed in our arrears fees and default interest schedule.
Unlike some finance providers, AutoMoney Trust does not charge early repayment fees if you choose to settle your agreement ahead of schedule. If you are considering paying off your car finance early, you can contact us to discuss your options and understand any settlement figure that may apply.
No, AutoMoney Trust does not charge early repayment fees on its hire purchase finance agreements, meaning you can complete your car finance settlement without paying additional penalty charges.
Whether you want to pay off your finance early, reduce your monthly commitments or sell your vehicle, settling your agreement ahead of schedule can provide greater financial flexibility and may reduce the overall cost of borrowing. To better understand how interest affects the total amount you repay, read our guide on what APR means in car finance.
If you're considering early settlement on car finance, you may be entitled to an interest rebate. Under the Consumer Credit Act 1974, customers who repay their hire purchase agreement early generally do not pay all of the interest that would have been charged over the remaining term. This reduces the total amount payable compared with continuing your monthly repayments until the end of the agreement.
If you would like to arrange a car finance settlement, you can request a settlement figure from AutoMoney Trust. This shows the total amount required to repay your finance agreement in full, taking into account any applicable interest rebate. Your settlement figure is valid for 28 days, giving you time to review the amount and decide whether early settlement is right for you.
Settlement policies can vary between lenders. While AutoMoney Trust does not charge early repayment fees, some providers may apply early settlement charges or calculate interest rebates differently. Before choosing to pay off your car finance early, always check the terms of your agreement and understand how your settlement amount has been calculated.
If you are considering a car finance settlement because you want to sell a financed car or part exchange your vehicle, our guide on Selling a Financed Car explains the process, what happens with outstanding finance, and the options available.
