Compare real payment scenarios, understand true costs, and make decisions based on numbers — not pressure from the dealership.
We are not a lender or broker. The tools below help you rehearse scenarios before you speak to anyone selling finance.
CarFinWise does not arrange credit or earn commission from lenders. Our purpose is transparency: you change the inputs, you see the payment and interest implications.
Language, examples, and typical APR bands reflect the UK market — PCP, hire purchase, and unsecured loans as they are commonly offered here.
Calculations use standard amortisation maths. Outputs are estimates for education only; your actual agreement will depend on underwriting, fees, and the lender’s terms.
The quick estimate uses a single representative APR. For a closer look at your deposit, term, and rate, use the full simulator below — then compare what you see with our guide to how car finance works.
Open full simulatorAdjust the variables and watch your costs change in real time. No signup required. Prefer a dedicated page? Use the standalone calculator.
Start with the simulator on this page, then read the guides to interpret your numbers. When you are ready to apply, you will know which questions to ask. Learn more about us.
Input the vehicle price, your deposit, preferred term, and the APR you've been quoted. No account needed.
See how changing your deposit, term, or rate affects your monthly payment and total cost — instantly.
Our smart insights flag when a deal looks expensive. Walk into the dealership knowing exactly what's fair.
Use these as a benchmark when comparing your offer. For a deeper discussion, see our UK car finance rates guide. Indicative only — last reviewed March 2026.
| Finance Type | Typical APR Range | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCP (Personal Contract Purchase) | 6.9% – 12.9% | Lower monthly payments, upgrade regularly | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Hire Purchase (HP) | 7.4% – 14.9% | Own the car outright at end of term | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Personal Loan (Bank) | 4.5% – 9.9% | Good credit score, maximum flexibility | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Dealer Finance (0% offers) | 0% – 4.9% | New cars, promotional periods | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Guarantor Loan | 19.9% – 39.9% | Poor credit history | ⭐⭐ |
PCP, hire purchase, and personal loans explained with worked examples so you can map each structure to your goals.
Balloon payments, ownership, mileage limits, and total interest — how to choose between the two most common showroom products.
Deposit, term, APR, and optional extras — practical levers UK buyers can pull before signing a credit agreement.
Why “affordable monthly payment” thinking can hide expensive deals, and what to check in the paperwork.
Finance is only part of it: tax, insurance, fuel, servicing, and depreciation in a single realistic picture.
Prepare with calculator outputs, compare APRs, and know which fees are fixed — without being adversarial for the sake of it.
Hard searches, payment history, utilisation, and how responsible use of vehicle finance can help or hinder your file.
Representative APR, risk-based pricing, and why your quote may differ from adverts — with sensible benchmarks.
Every guide links back to the simulator so you can plug in your own figures.
If you would like an occasional email when we publish new guides (no sales pitches from lenders), leave your address below. You can also bookmark the calculator page and return anytime.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. We don't share your data.