Joseph Law

Bumper Content Writer

Joseph Law | Author

Isobel Coughlan

Content Writer

Isobel Coughlan | Author

Alastair Shephard

Alastair Shephard | Author

With many people changing their cars every 2-3 years, getting the best deal on a car can save some serious cash. 

In this article, we’ll discuss the cheapest way to buy a new car and the best places to look. So, what are you waiting for? Start reading now to secure your next deal!

Cheapest way to buy a car - the top 9 strategies 

From cash transactions to buying at the right time, these are the cheapest ways to get a car in the UK. 

If you can afford to, buying a car with cash is always the most cost-effective option. It can avoid the downsides of the above finance options and work out considerably cheaper, but there are still points to consider. 

The finance vs cash decision is something that can take quite a bit of deliberation. Whilst financing can allow you to purchase a more expensive car without needing to outlay a large chunk of cash, it can end up costing significantly more in interest. 

Cars grow older and out of fashion and their prices drop significantly. This might not be the best option if you’re looking for a new, shiny car. However, it's a great way to get a good deal if you’re not fussed about brand names or car age.

Financing a car isn’t always the cheapest option, but it can be if you secure a favourable deal. 

To decide, first familiarise yourself with the different types of finance available including 

Hire Purchase (HP), Personal Contract Purchase (PCP)

, Bank Loans or Personal Contract Hire (PCH). 

Once you’re in the loop, you can start shopping for low-cost car finance. Look for deals with a low overall total cost rather than low monthly payment. To find a low total cost, you need to assess the length of the loan, the amount borrowed, and the interest.

Your dream car might not match your budget, so don’t be fixated on a certain brand or model.

Instead, assess your daily needs, look for cars that tick these practical boxes and explore brands you wouldn’t usually consider. You might be surprised at the prices you find! An open mind is key when looking for cheap cars.

Setting a budget is paramount when car shopping. But don’t be tempted to go slightly above or discard the budget altogether! 

Of course, there are some situations where you’ll need a bit of wiggle room. However, remind yourself why the budget is there. It’s to protect your finances and guide you to a car that’s right for you.

The used car market is one of the best ways to secure an affordable car. Prices for used cars are much lower than their newer counterparts, and they’re often just as high-quality. This is because car prices depreciate over time.

Used cars can be found online and at specialised dealerships. Look for certified pre-owned cars, which come with warranties and can offer extra peace of mind.

Sometimes, buying directly from a private seller can be much cheaper than buying from a dealership. However, you must check the car’s history and get it inspected by a garage before you confirm the sale. This way, you can be sure the car is safe and up to current standards.

Online auto marketplaces are a great way to compare the best deals in one place and make quick comparisons. Autotrader, Kazoo, and eBay Motors are popular websites for UK buyers.

Did you know that dealers sometimes offer discounts and sales at the end of each month or quarter? That’s right. Since they need to meet targets, they often decrease the prices at the last minute.

Similarly, brands sometimes offer year-end sales, a strategy where you can buy last year’s model at a lower price. This happens just before the new models go on sale and it’s a technique dealers use to clear their inventory, offering you significant savings.

Since the internet, there are more ways to buy a car than ever. If you’re patient, willing to take a risk and have the knowledge (or a knowledgeable friend) on car faults, Facebook Marketplace and eBay can yield the best bargains. 

Here are some FAQs about the best places to buy cheap cars:

Is it best to buy a second-hand car privately or from a dealer? 

Generally, buying privately can get you more for your money, but with a private sale (from a non-business), you get no warranty or refunds. Sold as seen means you must find out if anything is wrong with the car before buying. 

Car dealers exist for all price points. The likes of 

 offer a wide range of nearly new cars, all with finance available. 

Car purchases from a business are covered under a specific section of the Consumer Rights Act, meaning if something goes wrong within a specific time period, you can get the garage to fix, replace or refund the car. 

Buying from a dealer typically costs 10-25% more than from private sellers. 

online auction place, eBay has been the place for bargain hunters to pick up all kinds of items since its creation. Buying cars on eBay is certainly not out of the ordinary, with a specific site set up to do so. 

The benefits of buying through eBay, are found if you are patient. Whilst they are less common than they used to be, many people still run auctions on cars starting at very low prices. 

As well as a well-respected auto magazine, Autotrader has a long history of including car adverts, nowadays their website is still one of the most visited by those searching for vehicles to buy.

Adverts tend to be better listed than those on the marketplaces, this is because the adverts cost upwards of £20 list, meaning whether private or business, the seller takes more care over the description and photos. 

Since Facebook launched its marketplace a few years ago it’s become one of the most populated places to buy and sell online. There are some great bargains to be found, as there is so much competition on the platform.

When using these kinds of marketplaces - Gumtree included - it’s advisable to exercise caution as there are often various scam listings, we advise to never send money without seeing the car, even a deposit, and make sure you take care when viewing cars. 

The cheapest way of buying a car - the takeaway

The most economical way to buy a car can change depending on your circumstances. However, the strategies and places on this list should give you plenty of avenues to explore. 

Bookmark this page for your convenience, ensuring you always have the cheapest way to get a new car at your fingertips!

Once you’ve bought your new car, repairs and maintenance are inevitable, with 

, we can help spread the cost into interest-free instalments. Find your nearest 

What is the cheapest way to finance a car?

PCP and HP are the best ways to buy a new car with finance, but which one is better will depend on the interest rate offered. The various finance deals exist to allow those with different circumstances to pick one that best suits their needs.

With HP, as the name suggests, you are paying monthly towards the cost of the car, after an initial deposit. Until all payments have been made, you do not own the car - hence 

 Purchase. When the last payment is made, the car is legally yours.

Unlike PCP, there is not a large payment to be made at the end, but there may be a small transfer of ownership fee.

What is PCP? (Personal Contract Purchase) 

Another common way of getting hold of a new car is PCP, a monthly payment is made (often with a deposit at the start). At the end of the contract period (usually 4-5 years) a 'balloon' payment is required to purchase the car.

Whilst the name suggests the car is purchased, this is not a requirement of the contract, as you can return the car at the end of the term, if you do not wish to or cannot afford to pay the balloon payment.

Personal contract hire is very similar to leasing, in that you can pay a small rental fee to begin the deal, and then a moderate monthly payment for the duration of the contract.

At the end, the car is returned to the financier, and there are no more fees to pay (apart from any damage or mileage outside the terms stipulated).

PCP can be a great option if you want to drive a brand-new car, but don’t want to own it, as the monthly fees are constant during the contract period.

Banks will lend money for large purchases such as cars at reasonably good interest rates, especially when compared to most finance deals like HP or PCP. 

Once the loan is acquired you buy the car outright as if you are paying with cash. This means no finance contract with the dealership/trader. If your credit score allows and you wish to own the car outright, this can be a good way to go. 

Many car loans are ‘secured’ against the car meaning the bank will seize the vehicle as a way to get their money back if you don’t pay. 

Downsides of using a bank loan to buy a car 

If you are buying a brand-new car, you should consider the fact that it’s likely to lose half its value in the first three years. If you are set on a brand new car, and you don’t want to consider leasing or PCP, try to avoid certain makes and models to reduce the hit on deprecation.

The best cars for depreciation are listed on the Money Saving Expert’s website 

, with MINI, Audi and Volkswagen taking the top places.

In some instances, the depreciation over the first three years may be more than the cost of leasing, so make sure to do your research.

What is the most cost-effective way to buy a car?

If you can afford to, the cheapest way to buy a car is with cash, 

as you won't pay any interest on the money you've borrowed. 

If you’d rather not get finance and cannot afford a new car, there are some great second-hand cars available for all budgets.

 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.

Most Cost Effective Ways To Buy A Car

Formas más rentables de comprar un coche

Die kostengünstigsten Wege, ein Auto zu kaufen

While using a car regularly causes wear and tear on the engine,

, and other components, leaving a car unused without starting it can cause problems in itself. 

That’s right. Leaving a car unused can result in damage. 

If you stop driving your car for an extended period, you should be aware of the best practices to keep it safe. In this guide, we’ll examine how long you can leave a car without starting it and how to start a car that’s been sitting idle for months. 

What happens to your car if you don't use it? 

Wondering what happens if you don’t drive your car for six months? You’re not the only one. Here’s what to expect after storing a vehicle. 

Leaving a car to sit can cause damage and require the replacement of certain parts, such as: 

Rubber perishes with time and exposure to sunlight, even when not used. This is accelerated by the 

 having low pressure from a slow puncture or not being inflated regularly. 

If the tyres lose all their pressure, the sidewalls can crack, and the tyres develop a ‘flat spot’ in a matter of weeks, rendering the tyre too damaged to be used. 

Hoses are used in various systems in modern cars, including 

. All rubber hoses deteriorate faster when not used, meaning leaks can develop in various places after a few months. 

 and engine mount bushes are made of rubber, these also deteriorate faster when sat in the same position for a long time. 

Various systems like the alarm, immobiliser and even some 

 functions still operate even when the car is not in use. This is known as a parasitic draw and is impossible to avoid completely. Without frequent use of the car, it can deplete the battery. 

How long can you leave a car without starting it? 

You should start your car’s engine at least once a week and let it run for half an hour.

It would be ideal to drive the car for a short journey, too, as this would help keep the battery charged. This is a must if you’re not driving your car every day. 

How to keep the battery healthy in an unused car - three key steps

There are a few things you can do to stop the battery from being damaged from lack of use, with the correct steps a battery can be kept unused for years. 

Current draws from the car's electrical system, and temperature changes both affect the battery's health. Removing the battery from the car and keeping it inside, in a reasonably stable environment keeps the battery from deteriorating. 

Make sure to charge the battery fully before removing it, either by taking the car on a long drive or charging it using a 

Most battery chargers have a trickle charge function. This keeps the battery topped up with a small amount of current constantly, preventing the battery fluids from crystallising and diminishing the battery's capacity. 

If you don't have a garage or the ability to get power to the vehicle where it's parked solar-powered trickle chargers can maintain a battery purely from solar power. 

 and temperatures can affect a car battery’s health. So, store the car in a cool and dry place like a garage. This protects the vehicle against temperature fluctuations and saves you money on damage. 

If you allow your car battery to become fully discharged for too long or too many times, it will no longer have the same capacity as before and may need replacing soon. 

When a car battery discharges, the liquids solidify into crystals inside the battery. When the battery is charged again, the crystals are dissolved, and the liquid enables the voltage potential to be restored, restoring the power in the cells. 

The problem comes when the battery is fully discharged too many times or for a long time. The crystals build up excessively and cannot be effectively liquidated, which severely limits the capacity of the battery. 

Different time periods can affect the car battery differently. Here’s a rundown on common concerns. 

What happens to a car if unused for 2 weeks?

Modern cars should be okay left unused for two weeks.

It’s not enough time for the tyres, other rubber components, 

Before parking, top up the tyre pressures and the battery charge—even just by taking the car on a 

. Check that no interior lights or other electrical components are left on. 

What happens to a car if unused for a month?

30 days of inactivity for a car could cause some issues, especially for older cars. 

The most likely issue is a dead battery. This can be mitigated by either disconnecting and removing the battery or using a trickle charger, as described previously. 

What happens to a car if unused for 6 months? 

The battery will almost certainly be flat and unable to recharge.

Six months is quite a long time to leave a car unused. It is also likely that one or more of the tyres will have deflated. If a tyre has deflated, it will most likely need to be replaced, as the sidewall will have been stressed excessively at one point, causing cracking. 

Any fuel left in the car’s tank will likely have deteriorated to the point where the car will not run properly using it. 

What happens to a car if unused for a year or more? 

Even more issues occur after a year, such as rubber perishing.

This may present itself in small leaks on 

, vacuum or air conditioning hoses, and creaking/knocking suspension. 

To fix a car that has been left for over a year, it would probably need new tyres, some new suspension bushes, a new battery and a substantial inspection from a mechanic. 

Starting a car that has been sitting for 6 months

If you need to start a car that’s been idle for six months or more, there are some extra checks you need to make for your safety. These include: 

An overall service is always good if a car has been in storage. 

How to store a car for a long time - The conclusion

Leaving your car for long periods isn’t advised, but sometimes, it has to happen. Ensure you store your car properly and run the engine when possible to keep it healthy. Finally, check if the car is healthy before driving it again. Double-checking is key here! 

Split the cost of repairs, parts, and services into monthly payments at no extra cost. Choose from 1000s of participating garages and dealerships. 

How Long Can You Leave A Car Without Starting It?

¿Cuánto Tiempo Puedes Dejar un Coche Sin Arrancarlo?

Wie lange kann man ein Auto stehen lassen, ohne es zu starten?

Everything seems to be getting more expensive, and motoring expenses are no different. 

With the estimated cost for 2023 being over £3,000, the average car running costs will soon make up an even larger portion of modern life's costs. Energy bills can be reduced by lowering your central heating temperature and food bills by eating out less, yet car running costs seem to be immovable. 

Luckily, there are some ways we can save money on cars. Today, we’ll explain how to reduce car running costs with easy and actionable tips. 

Do you know the average running costs for a car in the UK? The answers might surprise you. 

 shows that the average UK driver spends £2,500 a year on car costs. Let’s have a look at the breakdown below. 

Factors that affect the average running costs 

The average car costs above give you a good insight into what UK drivers are paying. But these figures aren’t set in stone. There are plenty of factors that can impact these numbers. 

For example, the age and make of your car can easily swing the numbers. Older cars may need more servicing, and some cars may have higher taxes. Likewise, some drivers will have higher insurance premiums than others. 

If you want to stay ahead of expenses, it’s a good idea to forecast your annual car running costs. Alongside looking at averages, you can work out your individual expenses from previous payments. 

Here are a few steps you can take to plan your future car running costs: 

Yes! Alongside setting a budget for your average running costs, you should try to build an emergency fund for unexpected car expenses. 

This isn’t possible for everyone. However, having some funds set aside can take the pressure off your finances in an emergency situation. Financial gurus suggest having around three months of expenses saved up for a trusty emergency fund. 

If you don’t have cash saved up and face an unexpected bill, don’t worry. Companies like Bumper are here to help you split the cost without taking out an expensive 

Split the cost of your bill into monthly payments. 

Shopping around and doing your research before purchasing a car can make a big difference to your yearly expenses. Here’s how to reduce the average car running costs. 

 and are not thinking of or in a position to change it, then this one is difficult. The only way to reduce your vehicle’s excise duty is to convert it to an ‘alternative fuel’ such as LPG. 

This isn’t feasible for most people, as the conversion costs over £1,500 in most cases, but if you intend to keep your car for a long time, and it’s particularly thirsty, it might be worth considering. 

If you receive PIP, you may be eligible for a road tax reduction. So be sure to check out the .gov guide 

If you’re in the market for a new car, though, check sites like 

 to find cars sorted by the lowest tax band. The other advantage is that those types of cars usually get better MPG, too.

 is often the largest one-off bill when running a car. The average premium hovers around the £450 a year mark, but this drastically increases if you're under 25, have any driving convictions, or are in a job deemed risky to the industry. 

or intentionally deceive about details such as who drives the car, your job, the car's modifications, and where you live. This offense will cause many more issues down the road - including criminal charges and fines - always be honest with the insurance company. 

That said, there are a few legitimate ways to help reduce your premiums, such as: 

Cars are complex machines with lots of moving parts and complex systems. Because of this, they need regular maintenance and sometimes repairs. Alongside your 

, these can contribute to a significant chunk of the overall cost of running a car. 

 is an annual inspection of roadworthiness but does not include servicing. For more information on what an MOT contains, check out our guide 

One way to help with car repair costs is to check your car regularly. Annual service is the ideal time for this to be done. The mechanic can refresh the various fluids and check for excess wear and damage, allowing you to plan your repairs in advance. 

Preventative maintenance can also reduce the likelihood of being stranded at the side of the road and costly towing/recovery fees. 

to learn more about the benefits of regular servicing or to see what's generally included in a service. 

If you have a major service or repair coming up and you are worried about being able to cover the bill, Bumper's zero-interest 

 could be ideal for you. It allows you to split the cost into easy-to-manage monthly instalments at 1000s of garages and dealerships nationwide. 

Fuel prices fluctuate along with the economy and global 

, and recent increases have been attributed to some of them due to the war in Ukraine. However, the cause of the price increase isn't the biggest issue for most. The strain on their wallet is. 

Increasing your car's efficiency may not appear to have much effect, but it can have a significant impact over a year of driving. We've detailed some great ways to increase your economy below: 

It may seem obvious, but it’s easy to not realise how much using your car for short journeys can amount to, especially considering its effect on your vehicle. 

are designed to work best at an ‘operating temperature’ of approximately 90 degrees Celsius. Short journeys will not get the engine up to temperature, and as a result, it will return worse fuel economy than normal. 

Simply adjusting your driving style is the easiest way to 

, and it can have a much bigger impact than you might think. 

One way to reduce fuel consumption is to look further ahead. Acceleration is the enemy of 

, so any time you can avoid coming to a complete stop, you will save fuel. 

Prime examples are when a car in front is slowing to turn. Pre-empting the stoppage, increasing the gap to the car, and slowing down gradually allows you to retain more of your car's momentum. 

The heavier the object, the more energy it takes to move it. This applies to cars, too. It’s part of the reason 

 get worse fuel economy than light, compact cars. 

If you’re carrying around extra weight in your vehicle, that will affect your fuel consumption. Things like extra water bottles, tools, and other stuff all take effort to haul around. 

Spend half an hour sorting your car out and save money! 

Tyres play a huge role in how your car drives, affecting braking, steering, and fuel economy. Think back to how much harder it is to ride a bicycle with a 

. Now imagine that but on a car weighing well over 1,000kg. 

Check your handbook for the optimum pressures. They depend on how much weight you’ll be carrying and must be adjusted to ensure braking and road grip are unaffected. 

A significant amount of the energy required to propel your car along is used to overcome the vehicle's aerodynamic drag. However, this is not directly proportional to speed; the faster you go, the more energy is needed. 

In real terms, this equates to a worse MPG figure the faster you go. For example, travelling at 60mph can save up to 

compared to travelling at 70mph. In most cases, this will barely impact your journey time at all. 

Cooling down the air inside your car takes quite a bit of energy. The air conditioning system is driven directly from the engine. Naturally, this will sap an amount of power from the engine, not used for propulsion. 

It's estimated that using your car's air conditioning can reduce the MPG by 

, saving you money. If you can't do without your air conditioning, then at least make sure it is as efficient as possible by getting an 

Differing engine types have weaknesses and strengths. For example, diesel engines are inefficient in cities, while 

Google Maps route planner allows you to select your engine type. The best route will be selected based on where your car will be most efficient. 

Eco-friendly routing is found within the app’s settings, and more information can be found 

For more information on fuel consumption, check out our

, which also helps identify the possible causes of poor fuel consumption. 

Working out a budget that covers the average car running costs and unexpected repairs can feel impossible. However, with 

’s services, you can split the stress of surprise repairs into manageable monthly payments, allowing you to cover your car’s usual costs without making any sacrifices. 

 with Bumper. Choose from 1000s of reliable garages and dealerships nationwide. 

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.

The Average Car Running Costs & How To Budget Them

When buying a car the last thing you want to be dealing with are mechanical faults. Unfortunately, there are some occasions where this might occur. You'll want to know where you stand if something goes wrong. 

In this article, we will explain your rights if you acquired a damaged car on finance and how to remedy the matter. 

What Should I Do if I Bought a Faulty Car on Finance? 

If you have a loan for a new or used car and you uncover an issue with the vehicle and you are certain that you did not cause the problem. Go over your auto finance agreement as a first step, to find out about the terms and conditions and how much coverage is offered. 

Following that, you must contact the car credit provider and describe the problem, whether it is an engine problem or something else. You have the right to make a complaint, however, you must explain to the car dealer how you detected the flaw. 

Advice

Most Cost Effective Ways To Buy A Car

How Long Can You Leave A Car Without Starting It?

The Average Car Running Costs & How To Budget Them

What to Do If Your Car Is Faulty On Finance

The 17 Best First Cars For UK Drivers (2026)

How Much Does A Driveshaft Replacement Cost?

Car Engine Blown While On Finance

How Much Does A Replacement Coil Spring Cost? UK Guide