PCP perfection: The best way to get a automotive you actually need for £100 per week

Greater than 30 years since Ford launched the UK’s first private contract buy scheme, PCPs are right this moment the main type of new automotive motor finance amongst personal patrons. 

Inexpensive (you fund solely a portion of the automotive’s checklist worth), versatile (on the finish of the compensation time period, you’ll be able to part-exchange the automotive for a brand new one, pay the stability to purchase the automotive or return it) and broadly obtainable (just about each vendor affords them), a PCP kicks all different types of private new-car finance into contact. 

Think about sweeteners akin to low-rate finance and producer deposit contributions (dc) and it is a no contest.

In fact, a PCP comes with strings, akin to situation and mileage penalties, however except you are handing the automotive again to the vendor on the finish of the time period and strolling away, they’re hardly ever imposed. 

As a substitute, most individuals both part-exchange their automotive or promote it to a dealer who pays off the finance in addition to returning them some additional money – what the commerce calls fairness.

In fact, sensible heads would say the smarter factor nonetheless is to purchase almost new and keep away from costly new automotive depreciation. Maybe, besides that, due to the producer finance affords some are bundled with, a brand new automotive on a PCP may very well be higher worth – and nearly definitely so for those who can chisel a reduction or a free servicing package deal. 

In any case, the most recent model-year all the time brings helpful enhancements or upgrades that make a automotive extra satisfying to run.

The intelligent factor a few PCP is how good it’s at decreasing any dialog about automotive shopping for to 1 factor: the month-to-month compensation. We have targeted on what £400 monthly (or £100 per week, for those who like) – the worth of the typical compensation – will get you. All of the offers are based mostly on driving 10,000 miles per 12 months. 

In contrast with an analogous train that we carried out nearly 10 years in the past, what’s hanging is how way more deposit is required to reach on the identical month-to-month compensation of £400. Blame the rise in automotive costs for that, plus costly variants together with hybrids and electrical vehicles.

Is handing over a giant deposit to scale back the month-to-month invoice a smart concept? Placing a considerable amount of laborious money right into a automotive that may solely depreciate is not actually a sensible transfer, particularly when it is one you’ll by no means personal with out paying much more. 

Worse nonetheless, you’ll have nothing left on your subsequent deposit, which, in relation to PCPs, is the secret.

Convertibles

Mazda MX-5

Moderately reasonably priced deposits, one in every of them boosted by a deposit contribution, plus low-rate finance are a function of this trio of soft-tops. The draw back is that each one the offers are four-year phrases, which implies you are in them for the lengthy haul. Pray for good climate…

In recent times, the Mazda MX-5‘s worth has gone by its personal cloth roof. We have plumped for the zippier 2.0-litre model in mid-spec Unique-Line trim, which has perforated leather-based seats and dynamic stability management with a observe mode that dials the DSC again.

Even with a deposit of £4500, it is nonetheless £402 monthly over 4 years, however at the least the APR is low.

Mazda MX-5 Unique: Deposit £4500. APR 2.9%. Month-to-month fee 46 x £402

Mini Cooper S

Hear that? It is the Mini gross sales exec crowing in regards to the decrease £2500 deposit on the Cooper S Convertible in entry-level Basic trim. If you wish to spend much less, the detuned 2.0-litre that powers the Cooper C produces 161bhp, which is not far off the output of the earlier S mannequin.

Whichever model you select, each are nicely outfitted. The hood is electrically powered, too, and will be partially raised on the again to extend boot house for those who want it.

Mini Cooper S Basic Convertible: Deposit £2500. APR 4.9%. Month-to-month fee 47 x £399

Fiat 500e

The Fiat 500e is underneath stress from its new rivals within the small EV sector, so it isn’t shocking that it is alone right here in being provided with a deposit contribution, albeit price a modest £250, plus 0% finance. 

In contrast with the 24kWh battery you get in lesser hard-top variations, the 500e Cabrio has a 42kWh battery that may be rapid-charged to 80% in half-hour. It has an official vary of 199 miles, though throughout its highway check, Autocar squeezed simply 142 miles out of it. Because of its 117bhp electrical motor, the Fiat can hit 62mph from relaxation in 8.0sec.

Fiat 500 Cabrio: Deposit £2000 + £250dc. APR 0%. Month-to-month fee 47 x £400

Crossovers & SUVs

Hyundai Ioniq 5

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is a robust contender within the household EV class. We like its totally different seems, SUV practicality, configurable powertrain and rapid-charging capacity.

To hit our notional £400 month-to-month funds, the Ioniq 5 Advance 63kWh requires a meaty £7700 buyer deposit, equal to 19% of the automotive’s complete money worth, however Hyundai chips in an extra £2000 and asks zilch for the mortgage.

The finance time period is 36 months. Or you would think about its sister automotive, the Kia EV6 63kWh Air. The identical £7700 deposit however this time a contribution from Kia of solely £1000 plus a 3.9% APR brings the month-to-month fee to £409.

Hyundai Ioniq 5 63kWh Advance: Deposit £7700 + £2000dc. APR 0%. Month-to-month fee 36 x £397

Lexus NX

To have a Lexus NX 350h City in your driveway for £400 monthly requires a bigger deposit a not inconsiderable £12,560, equal, to twenty-eight% of the automotive’s complete money worth. By the tip of the finance time period, the stability to pay is equal to 45% of the automotive’s new worth.

That stability to pay determine ought to all the time be a sensible reflection of the automotive’s future price; inflating it unrealistically brings down the month-to-month funds however on the expense of future fairness.

Lexus NX 350H City: Deposit £12,560. APR 4.9%. Month-to-month fee 40 x £400

Ford Puma

Because the pioneer of the PCP within the UK, it is becoming there ought to be a Ford on this choice. Being a comparatively low cost automotive, the mild-hybrid Ford Puma ST-Line requires a modest £4000 deposit to hit our £400 monthly goal.

Ford thinks the automotive could have misplaced 60% of its worth over the three-year time period; within the used market, this fee of depreciation is among the the reason why we named the mannequin Britain’s best-value used automotive.

Ford Puma 1.0 ST-Line: Deposit £4000. APR 1.9%. Month-to-month fee 36 x £401

Superminis

Renault 5

The Renault 5 remains to be basking in plaudits, so a deposit contribution of simply £500 comes as little shock. Add the shopper deposit of £2676 and this trendy EV is available in at £401 monthly over 4 years. It is a great-looking small automotive that is additionally roomy.

Our selection has the 148bhp motor that may propel it from 0-62mph in 7.9sec, and it has the bigger 52kWh Consolation Vary battery with an official vary of 252 miles.

Renault 5 E-Tech Iconic: Deposit £2676 + £500dc. APR 5.9%. Month-to-month fee 47 x £401

Peugeot 208

For those who’re cash-poor however can afford £400 in month-to-month funds, the Peugeot 208 GT Hybrid 145 is price a glance. Peugeot is shovelling £4400 into the deal as a deposit contribution, that means you could have solely to seek out £750 to get behind the wheel of 1 for the subsequent 4 years. And with a future worth of £11,000, it might make a lovely purchase for a member of the family when the finance time period is up.

The present 208 options 3D digital devices and a widescreen sat-nav; our selection is fast and able to electric-only operating for brief distances.

Peugeot 208 Hybrid 145 GT: Deposit £750 + £4400dc. APR 6.9% APR. Month-to-month fee 47 x £400

Audi A1

Desire one thing extra premium? Boosted by a £900 contribution from Audi, for a similar £750 deposit and four-year time period you would have an A1 Sportback 30 TFSI S Tronic. The Audi A1 is the premium supermini selection, with solely the Volkswagen Polo to fret it.

By the way, with a deposit of £1000 plus a contribution from VW of £1900, a Polo 1.0 TSI 115PS R-Line DSG additionally is available in at £400 a month over 48 months. It is higher worth, however the Audi feels that bit extra particular due to its extra spectacular construct high quality and a quiet, well-controlled trip.

Audi A1 30 TFSI Sport S Tronic: Deposit £750 + £900dc. APR 8.95%. Month-to-month fee 47 x £397

Coupés

Mercedes CLA

With out even asking, we got a £3500 low cost on a Mercedes-Benz CLA 250e AMG Line Govt by our native agent. With a £7750 deposit, it helped deliver the month-to-month funds to £402 over 4 years. It is powered by a 1.3-litre turbo petrol engine however paired with an electrical motor, so there is a mixed 215bhp on faucet.

There’s loads of house within the entrance cabin, however the rear is appropriate just for nippers.

Mercedes-Benz CLA 250:. Deposit £7750. APR 2.9%. Month-to-month fee 47 x £402

BMW 4 Collection

BMW could also be providing a reduction of £893 (what it calls a ‘gross sales provide’), however to get to £400 monthly over 4 years, clients need to stump up a £14,193 deposit. The 420i Coupé is a properly rounded machine: sporty, roomy and surprisingly sensible. You probably have any cash left, add the optionally available adaptive suspension.

BMW 4 Collection 420i M Sport Coupe: Deposit: £14,193. APR 5.9%. Month-to-month fee 47 x £400

Skoda Enyaq

The BMW X6 of 2008 was the primary coupé-SUV. It raised eyebrows on the time, however ahead to right this moment and the idea thrives within the type of electrical coupé-crossovers whose numbers run nicely into double figures. Amongst them is the Skoda Enyaq Coupé.

Our selection, the 85 Version, is costlier than the common Enyaq however higher outfitted and, regardless of its sloping roof, simply as roomy. Because of Skoda’s 0% finance provide and your meaty £11,000 deposit, you’ll be able to have one for £399 a month over three years. An alternate deal has Skoda charging 6.9% APR however contributing an extra £2750. We had been tempted till we realised that to hit our £400 goal would require a bigger deposit of £11,500 and a fee time period of 4 years.

For those who had been contemplating shopping for it on the finish of the time period, the excellent news is that the optionally available last fee can be £2237 much less (£19,012 versus £21,249).

Skoda Enyaq 85 Coupe: Deposit £11,000. APR 0%. Month-to-month fee 35 x £399

Sizzling hatches

Volkswagen Golf GTI

In PCP phrases, this class is notable for the beneficiant deposit contributions which are obtainable. For instance, VW is contributing £3000 to its deal on the Volkswagen Golf GTI.

Add your personal £8307 deposit and the archetypal sizzling hatchback will be yours for £400 monthly over 4 years. The APR is 7.9%. All of it provides as much as a pile of debt, however, given the mannequin’s reputation on the used automotive market, you must finish the time period with some first rate fairness.

This present Mk8.5 GTI is not fairly as rounded as one of the best generations that got here earlier than it, amongst them its instant predecessor, however it’s nonetheless terrific enjoyable and essentially the most full sizzling hatch you should buy.

Volkswagen Golf GTI: Deposit £8307 + £3000dc. APR 7.9%. Month-to-month fee 47 x £400

Honda Civic Kind R

Honda is providing a £2500 deposit contribution on the Honda Civic Kind R, and the gesture helps take the sting out of the additional £15,000 deposit you’ll have to discover to simply scrape underneath our £400 monthly goal determine.

Blame the mannequin’s £51,905 on-the-road worth, however then give attention to what the Kind R offers again: specifically, essentially the most involving sizzling hatch expertise this aspect of a Toyota GR Yaris, which is smaller and fewer sensible. As a aspect word, the vendor who quoted us additionally included a five-year service plan price £800.

Honda Civic Kind R: Deposit £15,000 + £2500dc. APR 6.9%. Month-to-month fee 37 x £390

Cupra Born VZ

If the Civic Kind R seems costly, then what of the £44,820 Cupra Born VZ, an EV with considerably fewer of the normal sizzling hatch elements? In reality, the ‘veloz’ model of the Born is as sizzling a hatch as any – and that is official, with the mannequin rating only one place behind the Mercedes-AMG A45 in an Autocar round-up of one of the best of the breed.

Equally satisfying is that Cupra will chip in a PCP deposit contribution price a minimum of £7000. Not solely that, however the APR can also be an inexpensive 4.9%. It is how, with a buyer deposit of £8000, it is potential to have one for £401 monthly over the subsequent 4 years.

Cupra Born VZ: Deposit £8000 + £7000dc. APR 4.9%. Month-to-month fee 35 x £401

Costs appropriate as of thirteenth August 2025