The best car finance deal offers you affordability and good value. Still, it’s not always easy to unearth a great deal amidst all the technical details and jargon. So we’ve put together a guide to finding the best car finance deals in 2023. 

We'll help you wade through that jargon, hone in on the details you need to know and guide you towards the best possible finance deal for you. 

Is it better to finance a car through a bank or a dealership?

Dealerships can offer attractive packages if you want the flexibility of a PCP. Financing your car through a bank can also be good if you get pre-approved for a loan. You also don’t have to worry about mileage caps. 

Ultimately, it depends on what you’re looking for but I suggest that if you’re pre-approved by your bank you should then go to a dealership and compare their finance quotes to get a full picture of what's available. 

Taking out a 5-year car loan can be worth it compared to a shorter-term loan if you want to make lower monthly repayments. Bear in mind that the overall cost of buying the car will be higher as you’ll pay more in interest. 

Of course, during the loan period, you can refinance your car but there are positives and negatives to that option, so you'll need to decide if 

What’s the easiest way to finance a car?

The easiest way to finance a new car could be with PCP as this type of finance offers you flexibility, but a hire purchase deal may also be suitable. If you’re buying a used car, consider funding it with a personal loan or cash. 

Finding the best car finance deal does take time, but armed with the details and need-to-knows we’ve talked about you’ll soon be on your way to owning that dream car.

PCP offers flexibility when the contract finishes. You could buy the car outright, upgrade it, or hand it back to the dealership if you don’t want to continue. 

With a hire purchase agreement, you don’t own the car until the final payment is made. You pay a deposit and then the rest of the loan is divided into repayments, generally over five years. 

A personal loan spreads the cost over a fixed period and the interest rate is also fixed. 

What do you need to know when looking for the best car finance deals?

Three key figures to look at and compare are the percentage APR, the interest rate, and the loan term. So what do these mean? 

APR, or Annual Percentage Rate, is the total cost you’ll pay in a year for borrowing money. The APR includes the lender’s standard fees plus the interest rate. There are two different types of APR: 

This is a representative figure you can use to compare car finance deals as a first step. Be aware, though, that even if lenders advertise what seems like a ‘good’ APR, they’re not obliged to offer it to you. This is where personal APR comes in. 

A personal APR takes account of your personal financial situation, including your credit history, how much you want to borrow, and for how long. Based on this you could be offered a higher or lower APR, or the one advertised. 

The interest rate on your loan determines how much you’ll pay over and above the amount you’re borrowing. The higher the interest rate, the more you’ll pay for your car overall. When you take out a loan the interest is added and the total is divided into monthly instalments. 

The interest rate you’re offered is based on your financial circumstances in the same way as the APR, so the basic difference between interest rates and APRs is that the APR figure includes the lender’s fees. 

This is the length of time you’ll repay the loan. Choosing a shorter loan term means you’ll pay less in interest overall but your monthly repayments will be higher. A longer loan term means lower monthly instalments but the total cost of financing your car will be higher. 

It’s essential to know how much your car finance will really cost as lenders typically charge a range of fees. These can include an application or administration fee, early repayment fees, and in the case of a PCP deal, a price for exceeding the mileage cap. 

How to find the best car finance deal in 2023

Compare deals online using the APR figure as a starting point. You could also use a broker to find the best deals on your behalf. This can save time and many brokers work on a commission-only basis, which means you won’t pay a fee for their service. 

Use pre-approval to protect your credit score

If you narrow down your search to one or two deals that seem good, see if the lender(s) will pre-approve you for the loan. Or if you’re going for a bank loan, ask your bank if they can do this. 

If you can negotiate down the price of the car you might be eligible for better finance deals in terms of the interest rate or length of the loan term. 

Think about the running costs as well as the purchase price

Even if you’ve found a good finance deal, think about how much it’ll cost you to run the car. A car with a bigger engine could cost you more in fuel and insurance, so factor in the total cost of owning it before you go ahead. 

The fine print will include any ‘hidden’ costs, such as early repayment fees and late payment penalties, as well as the interest rate, APR, and loan term. 

You need to shop around to find a good car finance deal and ensure your credit rating is as high as possible. Also, consider putting down a larger deposit if you can - 10% or more if possible - to lower your monthly repayments. 

You can get 0% car finance deals but you need to have an excellent credit rating. They’re commonly offered on new cars rather than used cars and can save you a lot of money. Be careful, though, because there might be other fees to add on that could make the 0% car finance less attractive. 

A good APR is typically between 6% and 12% but this may only be available if you have a good or excellent credit score. If your credit score is lower, an APR between 13% and 20% could be considered good. 

Bumper offers interest-free loans for car repairs so we’ve got you covered when you find that special deal. Available at over 4000 garages and dealerships.

 has been writing about cars for over seven years and writing for Bumper for over two, blending his passion for automobiles with a talent for storytelling.

Joseph has written about engineering and cars for Autozilla, Komaspec, and several engineering manufacturers. When he's not writing or tinkering with one of his five cars, Joseph dreams of owning an Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale.

2023 Guide to the Best Car Finance Deals 

If you’re struggling to pay for car repairs, or are in dispute with a garage about the service provided, this article explains your rights, responsibilities and how to deal with the threat of a garage keeping hold of your car for non-payment. 

As consumers we all have a significant level of rights and privileges that serve to protect us in purchases, and it’s best to be armed with a good knowledge of the legal obligations of both yourself and the garage carrying out the work. 

 states that: Under the laws of the Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982 and the Sale and Supply of Goods to Consumers Regulations 2002, garages have to provide work to your car that is: 

If you believe that these conditions are not met, there may be some further steps you can take - the first step however is to communicate as best you can, with the garage, laying out your issues with their service. 

What to try first - how to mediate yourself 

If you find yourself confused with a large repair bill, or want some form of compensation or remuneration for the inconvenience caused by a garage, it’s often better to discuss with the garage first before resorting to legal action. 

Stating your consumer rights might be necessary, but it’s often better to talk through the problem first with the manager, to identify their side of the story. Be polite and friendly, and try not to accuse the garage of any wrongdoing straight away. 

You may find a reasonable explanation for the large bill, or the garage being a bit more willing to discuss options for fixing the dispute. 

A fairly common complaint with some garages is finding additional costs on your bill, for work you were not aware of. There are guidelines around how a garage should proceed with unforeseen breakages. 

If an issue is particularly complex, or you simply need your car back no matter what, giving general instructions to fix a problem is the easiest for the garage. This can include diagnosis, parts, labour and testing. 

An example would be if your brakes are underperforming. If the garage has instructions to “fix the issue with the brakes”, it is reasonable to assume they will take them apart, find the fault, purchase the required parts (from a supplier of their choice), and fit them. 

In this case, it is hard for the consumer to find fault with the cost of the parts, or the extent of time taken to diagnose and repair - as long as it is reasonable. 

However, if you have a little more time, and want to keep an eye on the costs, you can advise the garage with specific instructions. An example of this would be: “Diagnose the issue and prepare a quotation for remedial work to the vehicle's brakes”. 

This work may still be chargeable, as often problems need some level of disassembly to identify the fault, but once the fault is known, the garage should not do any more chargeable work. 

If you have instructed a garage on this basis, and they have gone on to buy or fit parts, without your instruction, they have not abided by the authorisation terms. 

What to do if the garage has not fixed the fault 

If you have trusted a garage to find and fix a fault, but it is still present, you may have grounds for complaint, unless the garage can prove that the new fault is a separate issue, or outside of the scope of work authorised. 

If a new fault has developed, speak to the garage immediately, and if possible book it in with the expressed notification that you require them to inspect their previous work, and you are not to be billed for any more diagnostic time. 

Bear in mind that due to the complexity of many systems, it’s possible that the new fault was not directly caused by the garage, and is the result of deferred repairs. 

Can a mechanic keep my car if I refuse to pay? 

In a word, yes. In the UK until a bill has been paid the garage can keep the car as a “Lien”, which is the right to keep the property until a debt is paid. 

It’s a necessary tool for garages to have, as once the work is completed, they have no power to ensure payment by the customer. 

The waters are muddied slightly if the work carried out is in dispute over any of the issues we’ve already discussed, including quality, price or time, where you may want and need your car back as soon as possible, but don’t want to accept the work completed by paying the bill. 

One way to get your car back, but not forgo the right to contest the level of service provided, is to pay the bill as ‘under protest’. This way the payment of the bill is not a marker of you agreeing with the transaction, if the complaint was to be elevated. 

Can a garage sell my car for non-payment? 

Whilst the garage is allowed to prevent you from collecting your car if you don’t pay, their ability to sell the car to recover costs is not as straightforward. 

 states the garage is not allowed to sell the car whilst the payment is in dispute. 

What if you can't afford the car repair? 

Sometimes car repairs take you by surprise and appear at the worst of times. If you’re worried about how to cover a large car repair bill, Bumper may have the solution for you. 

Bumper offers zero-interest financing on car repairs, from hundreds of approved partners across the country. Spread out your car repair bill by paying in instalments with 

To get started, enter your registration and postcode to 

Can a Garage Keep My Car For Nonpayment? 

With the vast number of cars on the road nowadays, collisions are sometimes unavoidable. Apart from the risk of injury, there's also the inconvenience of being without a car while it's being repaired and the difficulty of dealing with insurance providers. 

If your car has been in an accident and is unable to be repaired, it will be ‘written off’ by the insurance company. So, what happens if your car is written off while on finance? And what if it's not your fault? 

In this article, we'll discuss insurance write-offs and all the different types, along with examining each scenario so you know what to do should the worst happen after a pcp car accident. Scroll down to get the lowdown in minutes. 

An insurance write-off, also known as a total loss, is a determination made by an insurance company that the cost to repair a vehicle following an accident is greater than the vehicle's value. In other words, the car is deemed beyond repair and not worth fixing. 

When an insurance company writes off a car, it is usually due to one of three reasons: 

If you have a big repair bill that can’t be funded by insurance, split the car repair into interest-free monthly installments. With Bumper, you can apply for up to £5,000 and see a list of local dependable garages near you.

Are there different kinds of car write-offs? 

Yes, there are multiple categories of write-offs. Insurance companies use these to assess the damage. 

The four classifications used up to October 1, 2017, were A, B, C, and D, with the severity of the damage descending by category starting with A. 

After consideration, the ABI revised the salvage rule to emphasise structural problems that compromise safety rather than just the expense of repairs. These days, the categories are A, B, S, and N. 

Cars that are severely damaged ought to be crushed and never be seen again on the road. Even parts that can be salvaged must be destroyed. 

Crushing the body shell is required. Despite some pieces being salvageable, there has been considerable damage. The car should never be driven again. However, salvaged pieces can be used in other vehicles that go on roads. 

Category S (Structurally Damaged but Repairable) 

This might involve a twisted or bent chassis or a collapsed crumple zone during a collision. A professional repair is required because Category S damage goes beyond mere cosmetic issues. Until the repair is complete, driving won't be safe. 

Category N (Not Structurally Damaged, Repairable) 

For vehicles that haven't suffered structural damage, the problem may be merely cosmetic or an electric issue. However, don't assume these vehicles can be driven. Non-structural issues can affect the brakes, steering, or other safety-related components. 

What happens if your car is written off while paying finance? 

If your car is written off while you are still paying finance, the outcome can depend on the type of finance agreement you have. The two main types are HP and PCP. 

Firstly, you should contact your lender and inform them as soon as possible. They’ll be able to give you your personalised options. 

Generally, if you have a hire purchase (HP) agreement in which you own the vehicle from the start of the finance term, the insurance payout will go to you. So, unfortunately, you will be responsible for paying off any outstanding finance. 

With a personal contract purchase (PCP) agreement, you don’t own the car until the end of the finance term. In this case, the vehicle will typically be returned to the financing institution.

However, you will still be responsible for making the monthly finance payments until the end of the agreement. Any payout from the insurance company will be used to pay off the outstanding finance.

​​If your car is written off while you are still paying finance, you must go through your insurance company to cover the cost of repairs. You may be able to dispute the value of the write-off. Or convince the insurer that the value of the car is worth repairing. 

If successful, this can mean paying for repairs yourself. Alternatively, you can buy the car back and repair it. Other options include clearing the outstanding balance on your finance agreement or purchasing a new car with the insurance money.

If my car is written off what happens to my insurance? 

If your car is written off, your insurance policy will still be in effect. You will also still need to pay any remaining premium.

However, the policy will be adjusted to reflect the fact that your car is no longer driveable. If you have comprehensive coverage, your insurance company will pay out the value of the vehicle minus any policy excess. 

Do you still need to make monthly finance payments if your car is written off? 

You must still make any remaining monthly finance payments even if your car is written off. 

You must do this until the finance agreement is settled. It is essential to review the terms of your finance agreement to understand your obligations in this situation. 

What should you do once your car is written off? 

If your car is written off, you should contact your insurance company to begin the claim process. They will provide you with instructions on how to proceed.

Afterwards, you should inform the finance company about the write-off and follow their process. You may also wish to consider purchasing a replacement vehicle. You can do this by continuing with the finance or lease agreement or purchasing a new car outright. 

Generally speaking, whether your car is a Category S or Category N write-off, you have one of two options:

Can I scrap my car with outstanding finance? 

If you have outstanding finances on your car, you must pay off the remaining balance before you can scrap the vehicle. 

This is because the lender (such as a bank or financing company) is still interested in the car. The interest will need to be paid off before the car can be sold or scrapped. 

If you scrap the car without paying off the outstanding finance, the lender may take legal action against you. This is to recover the remaining balance. It's essential to check your loan agreement. 

What if my car is damaged but not written off? 

If your car is damaged but not written off, you have a few options for what to do next: 

Car written off on finance - The bottom line

Understanding your finance agreement is vital when a car on finance is written off. Review your policy, contact your insurance, and then contact the finance agency. This way, you’ve notified all agencies and can navigate the situation effectively.

Hopefully, we’ve ended your “car on finance written off, not my fault” search. If you need help covering car repair 

s zero-interest credit on car repairs is a great way to spread payments into manageable lumps. 

To get started, enter your reg and postcode to find out where your nearest participating Bumper car repair finance garage is.

Car On Finance Written Off But It's Not Your Fault?

You may have heard of AdBlue if you've owned or driven a diesel car since 2015 or an HGV since 2009. But do you know why it's added to a diesel vehicle? Don't worry if the answer is no. That's why we're here to help. 

In this blog, we'll discuss what AdBlue is, what it is used for, what it's made from, the typical AdBlue injector replacement cost in the UK, and whether your car needs AdBlue. No stone will be left unturned! Scroll down to become an expert ASAP. 

AdBlue is a liquid that reduces harmful emissions in diesel cars.

 It is stored in a separate tank, similar to the fuel tank, and requires filling, either by the driver or as part of a maintenance service. 

It’s actually called Diesel Exhaust Fluid (or DEF) as AdBlue is a brand name.

AdBlue is needed because it reduces nitrogen oxides (NOx) from a car’s exhaust pipe. 

The Euro emissions regulations are updated every few years to improve the air quality around Europe. In 2015, the newest regulation, Euro 6, came into effect. 

This new set of regulations came with more stringent rules on the harmful emissions diesel-engined cars are allowed to emit, particularly NOx. This is a factor in clear air zones worldwide, including London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ). 

AdBlue reduces the level of these pollutants by acting as a catalyst inside the SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) system to ensure as much Nox is burned off and transformed into harmless water and oxygen. 

AdBlue is a liquid that consists predominantly of water and urea in roughly a 70/30 mix. Other additives and chemicals are added to stabilise and colour the fluid. 

No. AdBlue is not made from pigs’ urine – this is a common myth. 

The urea added to make the product is entirely synthetic. 

Whilst urea is present in urine from all animals, humans and pigs included, no animal by-products are used in making AdBlue. 

The main reason is that the SCR system is extremely sensitive to impurities. The extra compounds found in urine would cause many issues with your car's exhaust system. 

How much does the AdBlue injector replacement cost in the UK?

An AdBlue injector replacement cost in the UK costs between £120 to £160.

However, this cost can be affected by how many fuel injectors your car needs and what type of car you have. The cost can also vary from country to country. So, make sure you're looking at prices for the right country. 

The SCR system in diesel cars was introduced to reduce the emission of Nox pollutants. It does this by combining an exhaust fluid, with the stream of hot exhaust gases inside a catalytic converter. 

AdBlue is one of the most common DEFs (Diesel Exhaust Fluids) and is fed from a separate tank, usually stored near the diesel tank, to be injected into the exhaust. 

When operating properly, an SCR system (Selective Catalytic Reduction) combined with an 

 system can reduce harmful Nox emissions by up to 

If you run out of AdBlue, the engine’s performance and power will be limited to reduce emissions. 

Cars that require the addition of AdBlue do so because their SCR systems cannot function without it. Any diesel car made after 2015 is allowed to exhaust a certain level of Nox pollution. 

Many cars, therefore, will go either into a reduced power mode, also known as a limp home mode or refuse to start together if no AdBlue is present. 

That is why keeping a small bottle in your car and other essentials is a good idea, just in case you’re caught short. 

Cars use AdBlue at different rates. Most need to travel several thousand miles to use an AdBlue tank. Some can even travel up to 10,000 miles before running out. 

In contrast to a common myth, AdFuel doesn’t burn extra fuel. Your fuel usage will remain the same as normal, even when using this product. 

What happens if you put diesel in an AdBlue tank? 

Fuel will be injected into the exhaust catalyst system, and your car will be damaged. 

This is a costly mistake, as diesel Exhaust Fuels are specifically designed to be used in a separate system from regular diesel fuel. The AdBlue should not enter the engine under any circumstances. 

AdBlue tank filler caps are often located in the fuel filler door. The filler hole is too small to allow diesel to be put in, but an AdBlue bottle could be put into the diesel tank.

If you accidentally put AdBlue in your diesel tank, call your emergency roadside assistance as soon as possible, and don’t drive the car more than absolutely necessary. 

A small amount of AdBlue could probably be diluted into the fuel to cause no issue, but it’s best to get a professional opinion in your particular situation. 

How often do you need to fill up AdBlue? 

You only need to buy and refill your AdBlue once yearly for the average car travelling 9-10,000 miles a year. 

Although different cars use different amounts of AdBlue, a typical tank will hold 15 litres of fluid and should last around 9,000 miles. 

If you’re worried about your AdBlue levels and aren’t sure what to do, you can easily take your car for an 

 where they will perform all the basic checks and look after your levels. 

Yes, you can fill your car with AdBlue yourself. Two main systems on vehicles are fitted with AdBlue: user-fillable and service-filled. 

To fill it yourself, you must use the separate filler cap for AdBlue, which is usually located next to the main diesel filler, in the boot, or sometimes in the car bonnet. 

Some other cars have a hidden filling system, usually under the boot carpet. These systems are designed to be filled by the service centre at your regular service intervals. 

Your car will show an alert on the dashboard display or system screen if it needs an AdBlue refill. 

If you’re unsure of which system your car uses or are borrowing or renting a car and the owner didn’t tell you whether to add in AdBlue, there are several key things to look out for: 

You can reset an AdBlue warning alert by refilling the AdBlue tank. Once complete, the alert should disappear. If it doesn’t, drive for a few miles to allow the system to reset. 

If the warning doesn’t disappear after 10 miles, there might be an issue with the AdBlue sensors. Your vehicle’s manual should have more information about this. But if not, you should schedule an appointment with a mechanic. 

Most diesel cars that meet Euro 6 standards need AdBlue. However, some of them rely on alternative systems to reduce NOx emissions. 

You can figure out if your car uses AdBlue by looking for the word “blue” or the letters “SCR” on your car’s manual. For example, Fords have an EcoBlue badge, Citroen diesels are named BlueHDi, and Volkwagons are called TDI SCR. 

If you can’t see Blue or SCR in the car’s information, check your fuel filler car for an AdBlue filler. 

Still trying to figure it out? Reach out to your dealer or manufacturer for a clear answer. 

No. Petrol cars don’t use AdBlue. This formula is only designed to reduce diesel emissions. 

Nope! AdBlue is not flammable or toxic and doesn’t harm the environment. 

That being said, you should still avoid touching it as it can irritate your skin. If spilt, dilute it with water and mop or wipe it up. You should clear AdBlue as soon as possible as it can be corrosive to some metals and plastics. 

Using AdBlue is a normal part of life as a diesel driver. However, if you’re new to diesel vehicles, it can be a little confusing. Hopefully, this guide has familiarized you with what AdBlue is and how it works. Save this page so you don’t lose any information! 

Spread the cost of car repairs into interest-free instalments with 1000s of trusted repairers. 

has been writing about cars for over seven years and writing for Bumper for over two, blending his passion for automobiles with a talent for storytelling.

AdBlue: Why does my car need it? 

Cars are complex and can cause large bills out of seemingly nowhere. But you can bypass high costs and avoid legal trouble by regularly inspecting your vehicle and running basic maintenance checks.

We've compiled a complete car maintenance checklist to make your life easier and to help you discover little-known checks your driving instructor may have missed!

These checks will help you meet UK laws, keep your car healthy, and improve your overall driving experience! Ready? Let's get started.

Without further ado, here’s the basic car maintenance checklist all drivers should own. Bookmark this page ASAP so you don’t lose these insider tips.

At a glance: Basic car maintenance checklist

Here’s an overview for those who want the major tips in seconds. 

Now, scroll on for our expert-approved info! 

First on the car maintenance checklist is tyre checks. 

Your tyres are arguably the most safety-critical part of your car, and ensuring they’re in good condition can pay dividends. Tyres are a 

. Finding faults early can help plan out the most cost-effective or convenient replacements, but most drivers don’t remember to do this!

For more info on these points check out our tyre article 

An engine is made with extremely tight tolerances, with metal components effectively rubbing together at great speed. Oil is vital to aid in lubrication and avoid wear and premature failure by checking the: 

Our article on which oil your car needs is 

For obvious reasons, your brakes are essential and are another common failure point on MOTs. Brakes are worn every time you use them. If you drive often, extra checks might be in order.

Many local garages offer free brake checks, stating the thickness level of your pads and discs. Take these readings away and check your car's manual, as some garages may try to sell you something you don't need. 

For more on how your brakes work, our article is 

Engines get hot and need the correct level of good quality coolant to 

. Whilst a coolant flush and replenishment is better left to service time, you can regularly check: 

Split the cost of service and repairs into interest-free monthly repayments at 1000s of trusted service partners. 

Number 5: Ensure air filters are replaced when required

Another car maintenance checklist must-check is your air filters.

As the engine combines outside air sucked in through a filter with petrol or diesel to make power. The incoming air is filtered to stop things such as leaves, dust, insects and other debris from entering the engine.

The filter will stop all these things from entering, but they then clog the filter. This reduces engine performance and can cause various other symptoms, such as bad fuel economy and trouble starting.

We humans need air too, but when we're in our cars' sealed chamber, using 

 or heating, all of the air we breathe passes through the cabin filter.

Often located under the glovebox area, the cabin filter is very similar to the engine's air filter, except it stops us from breathing in nasty debris. One of its significant benefits is filtering out pollen.

So if your heater is blowing strange-smelling air, or you've not had your car serviced for a long time, check the cabin/pollen filter and change it if you don't know when it was last done. 

 You should also ensure the air con functions well. If you can get the right temperature, head to the garage for a professional check.

Not having sufficient screen wash fluid in your car can be grounds for receiving a £100 fine and three points on your licence if caught. So, this is a crucial basic car maintenance checklist point. 

It’s easy to top up and advisable to carry a spare few litres in your car. This way, you'll avoid being caught short — especially in winter.

Joseph Law

Bumper Content Writer

2023 Guide to the Best Car Finance Deals

Can a Garage Keep My Car For Nonpayment?

Car On Finance Written Off But It's Not Your Fault?

AdBlue: Why does my car need it?

Top 23 Car Maintenance Tips

How Car Loan Refinancing Works

What Happens if I Break Down Abroad?

How tall is the combined depth of the potholes on UK roads?