Hire Purchase

HIRE PURCHASE

Everything you need to know about Hire Purchase

HIRE PURCHASE EXPLAINED

So, you’ve decided that you want to get a new vehicle and you know that at the end of your agreement you want to own it? Hire Purchase might be just what you’ve been looking for.

A Hire Purchase (HP) is actually considered a finance agreement, not a lease in the traditional sense. The main difference between HP and something like a Contract Hire lease, for example, would be that at the end of the contract you own the vehicle outright.

In layman’s terms, a HP agreement involves making fixed monthly payments for between 2 and 5 years. Once the final payment has been made, the vehicle is yours. Think of it more like a loan you’re paying back, rather than renting a car for that time period.

THE PROS OF HIRE PURCHASE

  • At the end of the agreement the car is yours outright
  • It’s a fixed rate loan which will remain unaffected by fluctuating interest rates
  • Interest rate charges tend to be low as you’re taking the vehicle at the end of the contract
  • You can reduce monthly costs with the addition of a ‘balloon payment’ (a larger sum at the end of the contract to pay off the rest of the finance)
  • The deposit is often “optional” or can be chosen by you
  • There are no mileage restrictions
  • If you’ve got the cash to pay the final amount then the contract can be settled early (there may be a rebate of the interest, made under the Consumer Credit Act 1974)

THE CONS OF HIRE PURCHASE

  • Monthly payments tend to be higher than on a lease
  • The Finance House will still, technically, own the vehicle until the final payment is made
  • Insurance needs to be fully comprehensive and until the final purchase is made and you own the vehicle outright, it’ll be slightly more expensive (similar to a lease)

HOW IS A HIRE PURCHASE PRICE DETERMINED?

Hire Purchase is calculated by taking the full price of the vehicle, then deducting any deposit you decide you would like to pay and any balloon payment decided on. The remaining cost is then split into the number of months the contract will last for (usually between 24 or 60 months). This total is then your monthly payment.

GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Please note you will not own the vehicle outright until all payments are made.

If you default on your finance payments, then the vehicle may be repossessed by the finance provider.

You must be 18 years or older to apply for finance.

Finance is not guaranteed, and any finance application is subject to a credit check and individual circumstances.

If you require any further information please do not hesitate to contact us.

The finance provider will have their own Terms and Conditions, please contact them directly for further information.

CONFUSED ABOUT HIRE PURCHASE?

If you need more information we can help. Download our Ultimate Guide to Vehicle Leasing.

See our Privacy Policy and Terms.