Car Finance Calculator

*Please note that if you proceed with your quote, a hard credit check will be performed, which may affect your credit score.

Representative example: borrowing £6,500 over 5 years with a representative APR of 19.9%, an annual interest rate of 19.9% (Fixed) and a deposit of £0.00, the amount payable would be £166.07 per month, with a total cost of credit of £3,464.37 and a total amount payable of £9,964.37. We compare multiple lenders to help find the best rate available from our panel and offer you the best deal you're eligible for. We earn a fixed or percentage-based commission on the finance agreement, which will not affect your interest rate or total repayment amount. The full commission details will be provided in the commission disclosure document before proceeding with the finance agreement.

How does the car finance calculator work?

Our car finance calculator takes into account factors such as interest rates, credit scores, and your budget to provide you with a personalised estimate. Simply enter your desired loan amount and repayment term, and we’ll show you the estimated monthly payments based on UK credit scores (excellent, good, fair, or bad).

​​Explaining credit scores and the car finance calculator

Your credit score is like a report card for lenders. It helps them assess how likely you are to repay a car loan on time. Lenders use different scoring systems, and various aspects of your financial history contribute to your overall score. The higher your score, the more reliable you appear, which can increase your chances of securing favourable terms on car finance.

  • Excellent – extensive credit history, no past due payments, no outstanding convictions, and no credit denials.
  • Good – no or very few missed payments, few loan denials, but not always offered the lowest interest rate.
  • Fair – if credit history has missed payments or exceeded the credit limit. The lowest rates are not always offered, and there were also credit denials.
  • Poor – if past loans were received at high interest or high collateral, missed payments in the past.
  • Bad – many missed payments or past financial difficulties, such as bankruptcy

How do I use the car finance calculator?

Getting a car loan estimate at Smooth Car Finance is easy. Simply enter your desired loan amount, loan term, and credit score. 

Our calculator will estimate your interest rate, total loan cost, number of payments, and monthly payment amount. At Smooth Car Finance, we're committed to finding eligible financing options for everyone.

Keep in mind that the actual amount might differ depending on your details, car choice, interest rates, and chosen lender.

What do I need to apply for car financing?

To apply for car finance, we only need a few details:

  • Full name
  • Driving license
  • Employment details
  • Residential status and address
  • Mobile number and email address

You have to be between 18 and 75 years old, be a UK resident for at least 12 months, and receive a monthly income of at least £1,000.

How to find the perfect car finance deal

Choosing the right car finance deal goes beyond picking a car—it’s about finding the right fit for your lifestyle and budget. Here are the two main options:

  • Hire Purchase (HP): Think of it as renting with an option to own. HP allows you to own the car after the final payment (known as the "option to purchase"). While the monthly payments may be higher, HP often offers more flexibility in terms of mileage.
  • Personal Contract Purchase (PCP): With lower monthly payments, you don’t automatically own the car at the end. You can choose to return it, make a ballon payment to keep it, or use the remaining value as a down payment on a new car.

Can I use the finance calculator if I have bad credit?

Even with bad credit, you can use our car finance calculator to get a rough estimate of your monthly payments. Just enter "bad credit" and the loan amount and term you’re interested in, and we’ll generate an estimate for you within seconds.

Can I get a car loan with bad credit?

Bad credit doesn’t always mean you can’t get a car loan. We understand that financial difficulties happen, and that’s why we work with lenders who specialise in financing for all credit situations. Use our loan calculator to see what your monthly payments might look like.

Affordable car payments: How much can I afford?

Your monthly car payment depends on several factors:

  • Your budget: How much you can comfortably afford will determine the car you can choose and your down payment.
  • Your down payment: A larger down payment can lower your monthly payments, but we also offer zero-deposit options.
  • The car: The price of the car you want will directly impact your monthly payment.
  • Loan term length: A longer loan term means lower monthly payments but higher total costs over time.

Remember to also factor in ongoing expenses:

  • Insurance
  • Tax
  • Fuel costs
  • Maintenance and repairs

Why should I use Smooth Car Finance?

At Smooth Car Finance, we believe a car should do more than just get you from A to B—it should make your life easier. Whether you need a reliable ride for the school run, a spacious car for family outings, or a vehicle you're proud to drive, we’re here to help.

Whether you have good credit, bad credit, are self-employed, or have been declined elsewhere—we consider all circumstances. We aim to help you find the best deal suited to your financial situation with our trusted lenders.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about car finance rates and options.

How does the car finance calculator work?

Our car finance calculator helps you estimate your monthly payments based on factors like your credit score, loan amount, and repayment term. Simply enter your desired loan amount and term, and we’ll show you an estimated monthly payment and total cost of the loan, tailored to your credit profile.

How does my credit score affect my car finance application?

Your credit score helps lenders determine the terms of your car finance, such as the interest rate. A higher credit score can increase your chances of securing better rates, while a lower score may result in higher interest rates or limited finance options. However, we work with a range of lenders with the aim to offer finance options for all credit types.

Can I change my car or finance terms during the agreement?

Once you’ve entered into a finance agreement, the terms are typically fixed. However, if your circumstances change, it's best to speak with your finance provider to discuss possible options. Some providers may allow you to refinance or swap vehicles under certain conditions, depending on the agreement type.

What documents do I need to apply for car finance?

To apply for car finance, you’ll need to provide your full name, driving license, employment details, residential status, and contact information. You must be a UK resident, aged between 18 and 75, and have a monthly income of at least £1,000.

Can I use the car finance calculator if I have bad credit?

Yes, you can still use our car finance calculator even if you have bad credit. By entering "bad credit" and the loan details you're interested in, the calculator will provide an estimated monthly payment based on your circumstances.

Still have questions?

At Smooth Car Finance, we aim to make securing your dream car easy. Our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way, helping you find the best financing deal available.