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Useful next calculations
Rates & sources
Illustrative HP-style and PCP-style amortisation using the cash price, deposit, APR, term, fees and optional final payment entered. It is not a lender quote or an affordability decision.
| Band / figure | Rate |
|---|---|
| HP-style payment | full financed balance repaid over term |
| PCP-style payment | optional final payment deferred to term end |
| Mileage / condition / early settlement | not modelled |
Source: MoneyHelper — how to buy a car — check the linked guidance and any live quote before acting.
When to use this calculator
- When you need a fast estimate before making a bigger decision.
- When you want to compare a few scenarios using the same assumptions.
- When you need a clearer starting point before using a detailed quote or formal document.
- When you want to sanity-check a figure you have seen elsewhere.
A realistic UK planning example
Use these sample inputs as a quick scenario test, then change one variable at a time to compare outcomes.
| Input | Value |
|---|---|
| Car Cash Price (£) | £0.30 |
| Deposit (£) | £50,000 |
| APR (%) | 5% |
| Term (Years) | 5 years |
After entering these figures, review hp-style monthly, hp-style total to own and pcp-style monthly together rather than in isolation. Then rerun the tool with one input adjusted.
How to read your results
HP-style Monthly
The figure produced by this output for the inputs you entered. Change one variable at a time if you want to see what drives it.
HP-style Total to Own
The headline outcome of this calculation. It is most useful when read alongside the supporting metrics rather than in isolation.
PCP-style Monthly
The figure produced by this output for the inputs you entered. Change one variable at a time if you want to see what drives it.
PCP Optional Final Payment
The figure produced by this output for the inputs you entered. Change one variable at a time if you want to see what drives it.
PCP Total to Own
The headline outcome of this calculation. It is most useful when read alongside the supporting metrics rather than in isolation.
Method & assumptionsAuthoritative sources
This calculator compares two generic fixed-rate amortisation assumptions using the figures you enter. The HP-style calculation repays the whole financed balance over the term. The PCP-style calculation defers the optional final payment until the end; it shows the total if you choose to make that payment and own the car. It is not a lender quote, eligibility decision or recommendation.
The tool adds the finance fees you enter to the balance and caps the optional final payment at that balance. It does not model option-to-purchase fees, mileage or vehicle-condition charges, insurance, servicing, part exchange, early settlement or any lender-specific contract terms. MoneyHelper explains that PCP has a deposit, monthly payments and an optional large final payment to own the car; the FCA also notes that mileage and condition can affect the return option. Check the agreement's APR, total amount payable, final payment, mileage and condition terms before committing.
Official references
Common mistakes
- !Using optimistic assumptions without testing a more cautious scenario.
- !Comparing outputs from different tools without checking that the inputs match.
- !Treating the result as a final quote instead of a planning estimate.
- !Rounding inputs too aggressively.
What to do next
- Try at least one more scenario so you can compare a realistic range.
- Use the related calculators below to cross-check the decision from another angle.
- Write down the key outputs from your best scenarios before you decide.
- If the result surprises you, change one input at a time to isolate the driver.
Frequently asked
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