Car finance should be compared as a whole—not reduced to one monthly payment.

Why we built it

Most car-finance conversations start with a monthly payment. That number matters, but it does not tell you how much cash is required today, how much interest you pay, whether a large final payment is waiting at the end or whether you own anything when the agreement finishes.

This tool brings those questions together. It separates money paid from estimated financial cost, shows when payments occur and explains the trade-off behind the recommendation.

What the calculator does

• Compares one car across five payment methods.
• Uses your price, expected future car value, payment limits and finance assumptions.
• Includes the PCP final payment and fees when comparing like for like.
• Includes estimated finance and unpaid final fees when an agreement continues beyond your comparison period.
• Shows the cheapest overall method separately from the best method within limits you mark as firm.

What it does not do

We do not provide vehicle valuations, finance offers, credit decisions or personalised financial advice. Illustrative rates are starting points only. Before making a commitment, replace them with a written quotation and check the lender’s total amount payable, fees, early-settlement rules and return conditions.

How the comparison is calculated

Each method is assessed over the same period. The calculator adds upfront payments, monthly payments, fees and any final payment. For methods where you keep the car, it then deducts the expected value of the car and includes estimated finance or final fees still outstanding at the end of the comparison period.

The rating also reflects the payment limits and ownership preference you enter. It is a comparison score—not an affordability assessment, credit decision or promise that finance will be available.

Contact

Questions, corrections or feedback can be sent to contact@howshouldibuymycar.com.