Car Finance - Your impartial guide

Buying a car is the second biggest purchase most people will ever make. Choosing the right type of car finance is as important as getting the right make and model.

The Finance and Leasing Association (FLA) is the trade association for the motor finance industry. In 2011, FLA members completed £72.8 billion of new business. This included £19.8 billion of motor finance with around 65% of all private new car sales in the UK financed by FLA members. It is estimated that 45-50% of all private new cars will be sold via 'SAF Approved' dealerships in 2012, meaning that hundreds of thousands of car buyers will benefit from improved standards.

Although some car finance plans may seem complex, a little time studying them will help explain the key benefits and help you get a better deal. The FLA has provided this online guide to car finance to help you make the right choice on the best finance product for you - whether you are interested in hire purchase, car leasing or straight forward car loans.

This website explains the products sold in car dealerships, advises you on questions to ask when visiting a showroom and will guide you to the best product to meet your needs. You can also download a selection of helpful guides. Use the above menus to navigate the site.

The online SAF Approved dealer directory enables you to search for your nearest SAF Approved dealer. All you have to do is enter your postcode and/or a key search term into the directory and the contact details of the ten nearest SAF Approved dealers will be displayed, along with a Google map of their locations.

Considering dealer finance for your next car purchase?

The FLA has introduced an initiative to make finding specialist advice on car finance easier. Seeking out a Specialist Automotive Finance (SAF) Approved dealer will give you reassurance that you are speaking to an automotive finance specialist. When buying your next car at the dealership look out for the SAF logo: