Buying a second hand vehicle can be an excellent way to save money and still get a good car. However, when it comes to financing pre-owned cars, many buyers are left wondering what their options are.
Whether you’re looking at a Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) plan, a traditional bank loan or a newer option like peer to peer lending, it’s important to know the options. In this guide, we will look at the financing options for second hand cars and how to choose the best one for your needs and budget.
Understanding Car Finance for Pre-Owned Vehicles
Borrowing money to pay for a second hand car over a set period is financing. New cars are usually financed on a variety of flexible plans but pre-owned ones have their own considerations. The lenders will set terms and your credit rating and the age of the vehicle will determine what financing options are available.
Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) for Second-Hand Cars
Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) is a popular way for people to finance a second hand vehicle. The advantage of this method is that it offers lower monthly payments and flexibility at the end of the term. You usually make a deposit and then monthly payments for a set period of time (generally 2-4 years). You can choose to either pay a final balloon payment at the end of the agreement to own the car outright, return the car, or trade in the car for a new model.
Benefits
Financing a pre-owned car with personal contract purchase has its benefits. Firstly, the monthly payments are typically lower than loans, making it cheaper to drive a newer model. Also, the end of the agreement is flexible, which means you don’t have to keep a car you don’t want or need.
Disadvantages
The flexibility of PCP is a plus, but the balloon payment can be quite large, and you could end up using more miles than agreed, incurring further charges. Also, the final payment is required to own your vehicle unless you intend to return your vehicle.
Bank Loans for Second-Hand Cars
A bank loan is a traditional way of financing a car. In this arrangement you borrow the full price of the car from a bank or financial institution and pay it back in monthly installments. Second hand car bank loans usually have a fixed interest rate and a fixed repayment term of 1 to 5 years.
Benefits of Bank Loans
The biggest advantage of a bank loan is that once you pay off the loan, the car is yours in full, there are no further obligations. If you are planning to keep the vehicle for many years, this can be a great option. Often competitive interest rates, especially if you have a good credit score, there are no mileage restrictions, and it’s a flexible option, bank loans are a good option.
Things to Consider
Borrowing against a second hand car can sometimes prove harder than borrowing against a new one; banks may be a bit more wary of financing older vehicles. The interest rates on bank loans also vary widely depending on your credit history, and should you choose to borrow on a bank loan, you should try and shop around for the best rate.
Dealer Financing for Second-Hand Vehicles
Second hand vehicles are financed by many car dealerships with their own financing options. The benefit of dealer financing is that you can work out the loan with the dealer yourself, making the purchase simpler. Sometimes dealers will provide special deals or low interest rates on pre-owned cars.
Advantages of Dealer Financing
The main advantage of dealer financing is its convenience. The financing is arranged in house, so you don’t have to deal with external banks or lenders. In addition, a number of dealerships also provide flexible terms, with the option of some offering additional benefits of free servicing or a warranty package for second hand vehicles.
Disadvantages to Watch Out For
While convenient, dealer financing can sometimes have higher interest rates than bank loans. However, to make sure you get the best deal, it’s important to compare the terms offered by the dealer with that of other lenders.
Peer-to-Peer Lending for Used Cars
More and more people are turning to peer to peer (P2P) lending to get car finance. This method bypasses the middleman and connects borrowers directly with individual investors through online platforms. The process is relatively simple: If you apply for a loan, investors decide whether to fund your application.
Benefits of P2P Lending
For borrowers with good credit, P2P lending can be a competitive interest rate option. This is a flexible, transparent way to borrow, able to negotiate loan terms and repayment schedule.
Potential Drawbacks
But the downside to P2P lending is that it may not be as widely available as traditional loan options, especially for those with bad credit. The interest rates can also vary a great deal, depending on the platform and your finances.
Which Financing Option is Best for You?
Several factors determine which financing option is the right option for you: the credit rating, the age of the vehicle and your personal preferences. If you’re after lower monthly payments and the chance to trade your car in a few years’ time, then PCP might be for you. If, on the other hand, you wish to own your car without mileage restrictions out right and without mileage restrictions, a bank loan could make more sense. On the other hand, dealer financing is convenient, and P2P lending may offer competitive rates for those with good credit.
Final Thoughts
There’s no one size fits all when it comes to financing a second hand car. With a bit of thought on your finances, the age of the vehicle and your long term plans, you can select the financing option that works best for you. Whether it’s a flexible PCP deal, a straightforward bank loan or a convenient dealer financing option, understanding your options will help you make an informed choice when buying your next vehicle.
Read more:
Car Finance for Second-Hand Vehicles: What Are Your Options?