Annabelle Clarke

PR Manager

Annabelle Clarke | Author

Eduardo Rodrigues

Content Writer

Claudia Tuñón

Isobel Coughlan

Joseph Law

Bumper Content Writer

Alastair Shephard

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 

On average, a ball joint replacement costs £90 in the UK.

Replacing worn-out ball joints is essential for keeping your ride smooth and safe, but the cost can be higher than expected.

In this ball joint replacement cost guide, we’ll break down the process and help you make a smart, budget-friendly decision.

How much to replace a ball joint in the UK?

The average ball joint replacement in the UK costs £90, but prices typically sit between £75 and £180, depending on your car and how many joints need replacing.

Labour is a big part of the bill, especially if specialist tools or skills are needed. Extra parts like bolts or gaskets can also add up. Let’s take a closer look at prices and the factors that affect them.

Cars known for ball joint wear (and cost guide)

Some cars are more prone to ball joint wear than others, and when they go, the repair bill can vary. 

Here's a quick look at models known for frequent issues and what you can expect to pay to put things right.

Ball joint replacement cost guide by car make 

Can’t see your vehicle in the table above? We’ve listed the average ball joint replacement costs per popular manufacturer below.

How location affects ball joint replacement cost

Did you know your location can also affect your ball joint replacement costs? Mechanics in London and other big cities tend to charge more than those in smaller towns. 

How long does it take to replace a ball joint? 

The time required to change a ball joint can vary depending on how much work needs to be done and the mechanic's skill. 

The average lifespan of a ball joint is between

If driven in rough conditions or poorly maintained, your car’s ball joints may wear out faster. Different vehicles have varying lifespans, so regular maintenance checks are essential to keep ball joints working well and extend their life.

How much should it cost to get a ball joint replaced?

There’s no one price for every ball joint replacement. Several key factors influence the potential cost, and these include:

If you can’t pay the cost in one go, you can consider Bumper's 

Ball joints connect the control arm or steering knuckle to the wheel hub, acting like a shoulder joint to allow smooth suspension and steering movement.

Upper ball joints help absorb turning forces and maintain alignment. Lower ball joints serve as pivot points and may carry the vehicle’s weight or simply guide movement, depending on the suspension setup.

Ball joints often cause loud clunking noises when driving over bumps or turning due to metal rubbing on metal from wear or looseness. 

But that’s not the only sign to look out for. A bad ball joint can cause several issues, including:

If you notice any of these, get your car checked promptly to avoid costly repairs. Many worn ball joints are caught during routine MOTs or service visits.

Front ball joints usually wear out first because they handle the stress of steering and manoeuvring. 

There are two main types: metal, which is more durable and expensive, and rubber, which is cheaper but wears out faster, especially under tough conditions like off-roading or rough terrain.

Driving with failing ball joints is dangerous and can cause steering issues, uneven tyre wear, and loss of control. It may also be illegal in some areas. 

If you must drive, stay within speed limits, avoid highways, and watch for pulling or vibrations. Address the problem promptly to keep yourself and others safe on the road.

What happens during a ball joint replacement? 

Most ball joint replacements follow the same process. Here are the main steps:

If replacing all four ball joints is too costly, start by fixing only the faulty ones to save money and time.

However, if all need replacement, it’s best to do it promptly to avoid further damage.

Replacing them one at a time can help spread costs, but the priority is to address the issue before more damage occurs.

Ball joint replacement can be costly, but it’s worth it.

These components are key to safe steering and handling. Replacing worn joints early helps prevent further damage and keeps your car driving smoothly, safely, and as it should.

Replacing your car’s ball joints can be a bit pricey, but it’s key for keeping you safe and steering smoothly. 

Keep an eye out for signs of wear so you can fix problems early before they turn into bigger and more expensive issues.

Need to cover a surprise ball join replacement cost?

, you can split the cost of repairs into monthly payments at no extra cost. 

Apply online for up to £5,000 and choose from 1,000s of trusted repairers. 

How Much Does a Ball Joint Replacement Cost? (UK Guide)

¿Cuál es el precio de cambiar una rótula de suspensión?

Wegweiser und Kosten zum Austausch der Kugelgelenke

MOT and servicing – they often come up at the same time, especially when it’s time for your annual garage visit. But they’re not the same thing, and knowing the difference can save you money, time, and stress. Let’s break it all down: what an MOT involves, what a car service includes, and why both are essential for keeping your car road-ready. 

An MOT is a mandatory annual test that checks whether your car meets the minimum safety and environmental standards set by the Ministry of Transport. It’s a legal requirement for vehicles over three years old in the UK.

If your vehicle doesn’t pass its MOT test, you can’t legally drive it, and you could be fined up to £1,000 for doing so. MOTs are all about road safety and making sure your vehicle isn’t emitting more pollution than allowed by emissions standards.

Did you know? Nearly 10 million cars failed their MOTs in 2024 – 

An MOT checks for everything that affects a car’s safety, legality, and emissions, including:

A car service is a routine check-up that keeps your vehicle in good condition. Unlike an MOT, a service isn’t required by law, though skipping it can lead to bigger (more expensive) problems later on. 

There are different types of service, depending on your service schedule and mileage. Here’s a breakdown of what’s usually included:

These service items help maintain your car’s condition, boost reliability, and keep your car aligned with manufacturer standards. Skipping them can reduce your fuel efficiency and increase the chance of breakdowns.

MOT vs service: What’s the actual difference?

 from Bumper splits the cost of MOT and service work into manageable 0% interest instalments. 

 at one of our 5000+ partnered garages to keep your car in good condition without breaking the bank.

Yes, you do need to keep on top of all MOTs and servicing because: 

Even if your MOT passes, you might still need a service to stay ahead of wear and tear. And if you only service your car but skip the MOT, you risk driving a car that isn’t roadworthy.

If you’re unsure when you should book your next MOT or service, here’s a quick guide: 

If possible, book them together. Not only does this save time, but it can also get you a better deal on each.

Stay road-ready and stress-free with Bumper’s car repair finance

Need an MOT and service but dreading the bill? With Bumper, you can split the 

 into handy, interest-free payments. Whether it’s your annual service, MOT, or an unexpected repair, our 

 helps you stay in control and on the road. Join thousands of drivers and take the sting out of your car upkeep. 

An MOT test usually takes around 45–60 minutes if no repairs are needed. A car service can take 1–3 hours, depending on whether it’s an interim, full, or major service. If carried out together, allow half a day to complete both, especially if issues are found.

 for cars. A service varies depending on the type:

Booking both together often saves money compared to separate visits.

Yes. Electric cars still require an MOT after three years, just like petrol or diesel cars, to ensure safety and roadworthiness. While EVs don’t need oil changes or exhaust checks, they do need servicing for brakes, tyres, suspension, battery health, and software updates to keep them running safely and efficiently.

The difference between MOT and service

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? 

When a starter motor fails, it can be a costly repair. But before you say yes to a deal, make sure you understand the standard UK costs and what to expect from the service. It's always a good idea to know before you go! 

In this blog post, we'll tell you the average cost of a starter motor replacement in the UK and provide tips on extending your starter motor's life. Scroll down to become an expert on starter motor repair now. 

Starter motor costs in the UK - The rundown

 starter motor in the UK can range from £150-£400

 depending on the make and model of the car. 

Before we jump into FAQs and information about starter motor repairs, we’ll cover the common costs per vehicle brand to help you budget for your repair. It is important to note that there may be additional costs, such as labour fees or parts fees, depending on the garage you select. 

Average starter motor replacement cost by car model

Here are the average costs based on the most popular vehicle brands in the UK. . 

If you're worried about an expensive car repair bill, then Bumper could help. Split the cost with 

Average starter motor replacement cost by UK location

Starter motor repair costs in the UK vary depending on where you live. This is due to labour costs, parts and materials availability, and service demand. 

Below you’ll find averages per UK region. 

Starter motors power the combustion engine. They are like the electric motors that turn your engine on when you 

The starter motor requires a lot of torque to turn the engine at such fast speeds, pulling 

and air into the cylinders to compress them simultaneously. 

The starter is found on the driver's side of the engine. Typically, it's just beneath the left bank of cylinders. 

How do you know if your starter motor has gone?

There are a few key signs your starter motor has gone. 

If your car won't start and you hear a clicking sound when trying to turn it on, the most likely cause of this is a dead starter motor. 

, you might smell something burning from under the hood. This is typically caused by an electrical short in the starter motor, which can be due to wear and tear over time. 

Here’s a complete list of signs your starter motor has broken: 

Replacing the starter motor will usually solve these issues, but it comes at a cost, so make sure you know how much it may cost before committing to any repairs. 

Common starter motor problems are caused by age and faulty parts. Here’s a quick overview of other possible causes: 

If you suspect your vehicle has any of these issues, consult a garage for professional advice. 

average lifespan of a starter motor is around 5 years or 50,000 miles

. However, this can vary depending on how 

 your car is and how much wear and tear your starter motor experiences. 

Can you extend your starter motor’s life?

Yes, you can and should check and maintain your starter motor. This keeps you safe while on the road and protects your finances from surprise repair costs. 

To extend the life of your starter motor, you can: 

How long does it take a mechanic to replace a starter motor?

to replace a starter motor. This time may differ depending on the garage and your car model. 

Various car components, such as the battery, alternator, and engine cover, must be disassembled to access the starter motor. This process can take some time, depending on how difficult it is to remove each component from its place. 

Once all of these parts have been removed, a mechanic or experienced DIYer should be able to locate and replace the faulty starter motor with relative ease. It is important that any new parts are fitted correctly in order for them to work properly and not cause further damage down the line. 

Once the old starter motor has been removed, the new starter motor needs to be connected to the car’s wiring system and secured. 

After replacement, it is recommended that an expert mechanic thoroughly check all other surrounding components just in case anything else has been affected during the repair. 

Is it safe to drive with a faulty starter motor?

Once a vehicle is running, you don't need your starter motor. So, if it has become faulty while driving, there shouldn't be any immediate danger. However, when you come to a stop, it becomes a problem. 

If the starter motor is not working correctly, restarting your car will be difficult as starting requires more power than regular operation. 

We strongly advise against parking your car facing down a hill and trying to bump-start it each time you need to use it. A repair or replacement of the faulty starter motor should always be considered over attempting this kind of workaround solution. 

Replacing a starter motor can be expensive, but with 

, you can extend its life and reduce the need for costly repairs. If you think your starter motor may have gone, it is essential to get it checked out by a professional as soon as possible to avoid further damage to your car. 

Repairing a starter motor in the UK - Final thoughts

Researching potential car repairs is no one’s idea of a good time, but we hope this blog has made your starter motor repair easier to understand. Consider shopping around for different rates before settling on one garage, and make sure your vehicle is 100% road-safe before you drive. 

Here at Bumper, we know a hefty car repair bill for a starter motor is probably the last thing you want to spend your money on, but essential parts such as these are crucial for you and your family’s safety. 

Look after your car and your bank balance by splitting the cost of repairs into monthly instalments, interest-free. Apply for 

Join the Bumper community and get access to the best care for you and your car. Choose a dependable dealership and split your repair bill into monthly chunks. 

How Much Does A Starter Motor Replacement Cost?

¿Cuánto cuesta sustituir un motor de arranque?

Wie viel kostet ein neuer Anlasser?

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. 

2023 Guide to the Best Car Finance Deals

How Much Does a Ball Joint Replacement Cost? (UK Guide)

The difference between MOT and service

Can a Garage Keep My Car For Nonpayment?

How Much Does A Starter Motor Replacement Cost?

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

Fostering a Positive and Supportive Workplace: Bumper Achieves A Great Place to Work Certification™

AdBlue: Why does my car need it?