Knowing your PCP will save money; hints at the shape of things to come

Published on 20 February, 2019

It seems many of us don't know much about what is, and is not, included in our car-finance deal.

Overview

No matter how often we are asked to check, it seems many of us don't know much about what is, and is not, included in our car-finance deal.

Latest evidence of that comes from new research by the Europcar Mobility Group.

Of those who previously used car finance, only 53pc said they fully understood the terms and conditions of the deal for which they'd signed.

The research says: "There also seems to be confusion about what is - and isn't - included in a car finance deal."

As you can imagine the details and major tenets of a Personal Contract Purchase plan (PCP) seem to reflect a lot of uncertainty.

Almost a quarter of motorists (23pc) think breakdown cover is included, while nearly 1-in-5 believe servicing is part of a PCP.

That may or may not be the case depending on specific deals.

The long-term financial commitment of a PCP was also misunderstood.

Almost a quarter (23pc) were not sure if they could take ownership at the end of a PCP without making a further payment.

I admit the whole area can be mighty confusing, but it can pay well to spend some time to be sure of the major elements.

There is a lot of money involved and you're the one most likely to pay the price of not knowing.

* It's fair to say there are more hints coming our way about the shape and direction of imminent models than you'd get in the weeks before the Budget.

Here are three of the more recent:

* Volkswagen's new performance T-Roc R concept (below) will go into production some time after being shown at Geneva next month.

No word yet on prices, arrival dates, but we won't have too long to wait I'm told. Doesn't it look great?

* Audi's Q4 e-tron concept which will also be showcased at Geneva.

The brand is showcasing the compact SUV study with electric drive.

They say (they always do) the concept "provides a glimpse of the next stage of Audi electric mobility".

They expect it to debut in full production form late next year or early 2021.

* And SKODA will show its next move towards electric mobility at Geneva with its VISION iV concept (above).

The 4dr crossover coupé will be their first based on the Modular Electric Drive Kit (MEB).

* It is reported that Land Rover's Discovery SVX concept car will not make production as originally planned.