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PCP vs HP calculator

Put the same car into a PCP and a hire purchase deal and see the difference — monthly payments, the total cost if you keep the car, and what you'd pay if you hand it back.

The deals you're comparing

Also called the Guaranteed Minimum Future Value (GMFV). It's shown on any PCP quote.

PCP mileage (optional)

Only matters if you hand the car back at the end. Take the excess charge from your quote — it varies between deals.

Not sure how many miles you do? Work it out here.

Hire purchase (HP)

Monthly payment

£342.39

Total amount payable

£17,935

Total interest

£2,935

You own the car after the last payment.

PCP

Monthly payment

£240.22

Total if you keep it

£19,031

Total if you hand it back

£13,031

Includes a £6,000 final payment if you keep the car.

What this means

PCP is £102.18 a month cheaper over 48 months.

If you want to keep the car: HP works out £1,096 cheaper overall, because PCP charges interest on the balloon for the whole term.

If you'd hand it back: PCP costs £13,031 and you walk away with no car. HP costs £17,935 and you own a car you can keep or sell — so the real difference depends on what the car is worth by then.

An illustrative estimate using the figures you've entered — not a quote, a loan offer or financial advice. Real deals may include fees (such as an option-to-purchase fee) and your APR depends on your circumstances. Always compare the total amount payable on the actual quotes before signing.

Find a car in your budget

How to read the results

Monthly payment is what most adverts lead with, but it's the least useful number for comparing deals. PCP will almost always look cheaper per month because part of the price is pushed into the final payment.

Total if you keep it is the fairest comparison if you want to own the car: every payment plus the deposit, and for PCP the balloon too.

Total if you hand it back is what PCP costs if you return the car at the end — including any excess mileage. You won't own anything, so weigh it against HP, where you're left with a car you can keep or sell.

For a full explanation of both types of finance, your legal rights and what to check before signing, read our car finance guide. To estimate a single deal, use the car finance calculator, or set a realistic budget with the affordability calculator.

Frequently asked questions