Car Loans

What is a car loan?

A loan for your car is similar to other personal loans and can be used to cover the cost of a new or used vehicle. Once you receive your loan, you can put the money towards a new or used car, with repayment rates available to suit your requirements, including car finance for bad credit.

How does financing a car work?

Financing a car works in two ways. You can apply for finance with a registered car seller at the time you buy the vehicle and then pay back the loan over an agreed period.

Alternatively, you can apply for a personal loan and receive the money before you shop for a vehicle of your choosing.

By financing a car upfront with a personal loan, you’ll own the vehicle outright. You’ll avoid paying for extras such as excess mileage charges over time, as you may have done if leasing the vehicle from a garage.

However, the monthly payments on your personal car loan could be higher than some other options. So you should be sure you can afford to cover the monthly repayments before you apply.

Our loan calculator is here to help work out if you can get finance for a car. You can work out what your expected monthly repayments might look like by choosing a loan amount and term.

Personal or secured car loan?

Choosing between a personal or secured car loan depends on your circumstances. If you have a low credit score, you may find it’s difficult to get a personal loan. This is because lenders consider you a higher-risk borrower.

If you find you’re unable to get approved for a personal loan for financing a car, you may prefer a secured loan. This type of loan is secured against an asset, or collateral, such as your home. A secured loan will typically have lower interest rates. But your property may be seized if you are unable to keep up with the loan repayments.

Can I get a car loan?

Your eligibility depends on the requirements set out by the lender and will be influenced by your financial history and current situation.

On the other hand, a secured loan could be a better option if you have an asset such as a property or vehicle that can be used as security.

If you have a low credit score, it’s still possible that you could be approved for a personal loan. However, the interest rates for this may be very high and might not suit your budget. In this case, it’s advisable to get in touch with car finance brokers to discuss your personal circumstances and find the best solution.

Is a car loan a good idea?

Our loans can help you afford new car finance, whether you’re a new driver, need an upgraded model or simply want a decent run-around to commute to work. Before you apply, you should look at how much you can comfortably afford to pay back each month.

A loan can be a good way of building credit, improving your rating and your chances of being accepted for better rates in the future.

Other costs to consider

On top of your loan repayments, remember to factor in the other running costs of having a new or different vehicle, and if you can afford these.

A loan can be a good way of building credit, improving your rating and your chances of being accepted for better rates in the future.

Monthly or yearly car insurance

If you’re buying your first car using a loan, you should shop around for some insurance quotes for the type of vehicle you would like to buy. If you are upgrading, things such as the age, make and model, as well as the engine size, can increase insurance costs.

Car tax

Find out how much tax you will pay on your car beforehand. Car tax rates will vary depending on CO2 emissions and the age of the car. Car finance rates also differ slightly depending on the payment schedule you opt for.

Upkeep and repairs

Whether you’re looking to buy a new or used car, it’s likely you will need to pay for maintenance while you own it. Check locally if there are any specialists who deal with the make and model of your car. They’ll offer more competitive rates than servicing directly with the maker’s dealership.

Fuel costs

If you are buying a petrol or diesel car, find out what the average MPG for the make and model is so you can estimate fuel costs.

Similarly, if you are looking to purchase an electric vehicle, factor in extra expenditure for the cost per kWh. This may be different if you are charging at home or using a public charging point.

Applying for a car loan vs leasing

There are other options to consider when it comes to taking on a loan for a car. You could seek a PCP finance agreement with the dealer, where you take on a loan via their provider.

At the end of your agreement, you have the choice of handing the car back, buying it outright for the remainder of the loan, or swapping it for an even newer model.

You could also consider leasing a car, which may require an initial deposit. Leasing often has lower monthly repayments than a financing agreement, as you’ll only ever cover the depreciating value of the vehicle, rather than the whole cost. The difference is that an initial upfront payment is usually required to agree such terms.

Get a car loan with Norton Finance

We help people whatever their financial situation and will try to find a car loan for you even if you are retired or self-employed. We also help new drivers who may need help purchasing their first car and those on low-income salaries and apprenticeship schemes who still need a vehicle to get to work and back.

Frequently asked questions about financing for a car

Have a question before you apply? We’ve answered some of the most common queries below:

How much can I borrow?

You can apply for a loan between £1,000 and £100,000 - covering a wide range of vehicle options.

How long are the repayment terms?

We strive to be flexible, with repayment terms from one to 30 years available.

What are the interest rates?

These vary depending on the lender you select, but typically, homeowner interest rates start from 6.7%.

How long will it take?

You’ll be able to find out if you’re suitable for a loan instantly online. If your application is successful, the money could be with you within 1-2 days.

Are there any loan fees?

If your financing for a car is secured, there may be a broker fee of 12.5% applied - this is capped at up to £3,995 for secured car loans. We do not charge fees on unsecured car loans.

What about motorbike finance and caravan finance

You can get a motorbike loan with Norton Finance, just as you would a car loan, spreading the cost of £1,000 and £100,000, over between one and 30 years. This can be used to help fund the cost of a new bike. And the same applies to caravan finance, too.