Car Loans

Buying a new or used vehicle can be expensive business and it isn't always practical to outlay a big lump sum of your hard earned cash in order to secure the best possible deal from a dealership.

Take a look at our car loan FAQs below to understand more about these types of loan and find out how they can help you to get a great deal on your next vehicle purchase.

What Is A Car Loan?

A car loan is any form of financing which is used to facilitate the purchase of a new or used vehicle from a dealership. In spite of the name, they can be used to help purchase anything from a new car or motorcycle to a used van, caravan or motorhome.

Is A Car Loan The Same As A Personal Loan?

Yes, in some instances. Car finance comes in many different forms, however the most popular types on offer in the UK are through personal loans and hire purchase agreements. As with a traditional personal loan, funds are lent to you over a fixed number of months or years and you'll own the car outright from day one.

What Is A Hire Purchase Agreement?

With a hire purchase agreement, the lender purchases the car or vehicle on your behalf and spreads the total cost out into affordable monthly repayments. Once the hire purchase agreement has ended, you will then own the car outright.

How Old Do I Have To Be To Get Car Finance?

Under UK law, credit is only available to those aged 18 years old and above. There is no legal requirement for you to have a driving licence in order to obtain car finance, but you'll need a good credit score if this is the case.

Can I Get Car Finance If I'm Unemployed?

Yes, although you'll need to prove to the lender that you're able to comfortably make your repayments. Whether you've taken early retirement, source your income through investments, or have a large amount of savings tucked away, there are plenty of opportunities to still get accepted for car finance even if you're unemployed.

Can I Have Multiple Car Loans At The Same Time?

Yes. As when taking on any personal loan, you'll need to meet the eligibility and qualification requirements set out by each provider. This may include passing credit checks as well as being able to provide evidence that the combined repayments are affordable.

Will My Poor Credit History Stop Me From Getting A Car Loan?

No, however you're likely to pay higher rates of interest due to the additional risks involved to the lender. If you've been refused a car loan before, you'll be pleased to hear that Very Merry Loans works with a number of reputable lenders who specialise in helping customers with a less than perfect credit history.

Can I Purchase My Car From Any Dealer?

Yes, however there are some circumstances whereby you'll need to make your purchase from a dealer accredited by your lender. Remember that it's always recommended that you use a reputable car dealer when making your vehicle purchase in order to help better protect yourself as a consumer.

Can I Sell My Car Whilst The Loan Is Still In Place?

Yes. The first thing you must do is to contact your lender and find out exactly how much you'll need to pay to settle the outstanding balance. This will include any early repayment and administration fees, as well as any remaining capital and interest.

Am I Eligible For A Car Loan?

All car loans offered within the UK bring their own set of eligibility criteria. Very Merry Loans works with a huge number of mainstream and independent lenders, helping to give you the best possible chance of finding a provider suitable for your loan amount, credit rating, loan term and more.

How Long Will It Take For My Application To Be Approved?

Once your application has been submitted online, your chosen lender will make a full and thorough assessment of your loan needs and personal financial circumstances. The time this takes can vary depending on the lender and the complexity of your application, but many providers can turnaround a decision within just a few working days.

What Is The Difference Between A Car Loan And A Logbook Loan?

Car loans are used to finance the purchase or cars and other vehicles whereas a logbook loan uses your existing vehicle as security to get access to finance. When taking out a standard car loan to make a purchase, you'll own the vehicle outright. If using a logbook loan to secure funds, the ownership of your vehicle will be transferred to the lender until it has been repaid.

Can Car Loans Be Used To Purchase Other Types Of Vehicle?

Yes. A car loan can be used to purchase almost any type of road vehicle including cars, vans, caravans, motorhomes, horse boxes and trailers. You'll need to give as much information as possible about the purchase you expect to make when applying for car loans.

What Is Dealer Finance?

If purchasing directly from a dealership, you'll often be given the chance to take them up on their own financing arrangements, however they usually come at a significantly higher rate than those that can be found by shopping around online at sites such as Very Merry Loans. Dealerships will typically be sole tied to just one financing company, meaning that they're unable to compare rates and offer you the most competitive deal for your circumstances.

Should I Use Secured Or Unsecured Car Finance?

There's no one size fits all when it comes to taking on car loans so you'll need to carefully research the different interest rates and eligibility criteria, along with your own financial circumstances, when making this decision. A secured loan will usually come with a lower rate of interest and higher chance of acceptance, whereas an unsecured loan won't require you to use any assets as collateral in exchange for less favourable terms.