FRN 954552 Est. 2014 1,247+ Applications Bad Credit Specialists

Bad Credit Car Finance

Your past doesn't define your future. Get car finance with CCJs, defaults, IVAs, bankruptcy or missed payments. We search our panel of 30+ specialist UK lenders to find options that fit your circumstances. Subject to status and affordability.

Check My Eligibility →

Soft search only  ·  No obligation  ·  FCA FRN 954552

Representative 19.9% APR · Rates from 8.9% APR · North West Car Group is an authorised credit broker, not a lender. Credit subject to status and affordability. If you choose to proceed, the lender will conduct a hard search.

Bad Credit Car Finance Calculator

Calculate your estimated monthly payments for bad credit car finance

Estimate Your Monthly Payment
£12,000
£2,000£30,000
£2,400
£0 (No deposit)£12,000
48 months
12 months60 months
29.9%
8.9% APR60% APR
Monthly Payment £345.10

Total Interest£6,964.77
Total Payable£18,964.77
Get Your Quote Now

Rates from 8.9% APR. Representative 19.9% APR.

Bad Credit Note: Bad credit customers may receive higher rates (typically 25%–60% APR) depending on credit history. This is an estimate only — your actual rate depends on the lender's individual affordability and risk assessment.

Representative Example

FCA Required Disclosure
Amount of credit £8,495.00
Monthly payment £250.39
Total repayable £12,018.72
Term 48 months
Interest rate 19.9%
Representative APR 19.9%

Representative example: borrowing £8,495 over 4 years at a representative APR of 19.9%, with a £500 deposit, monthly repayments would be £250.39. The total cost of credit is £3,523.72 and the total amount payable is £12,018.72. Rates may differ as they are dependent on individual circumstances.

Important Information

Commission Disclosure

We act as a credit broker, not a lender. We may receive a commission from lenders for introducing you, which may vary by lender and product. The commission does not affect the amount you pay. You may request details of the exact commission amount we will receive at any time before you proceed.

Credit subject to status. You must be 18 or over and a UK resident.

APR rates vary from 8.9% APR to 60% APR depending on your credit profile, deposit amount, and chosen term length. The representative APR shown may not be the rate you receive.

Loan terms available from 12 to 84 months. Longer terms mean lower monthly payments but more interest paid overall.

Regulatory Information

FCA Authorised:

Kirkham Part Exchange Centre Limited trading as North West Car Group is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Our FCA registration number is 954552 — you can verify our authorisation on the FCA Register.

Consumer Credit Act:

All credit agreements are regulated under the Consumer Credit Act 1974. You have statutory rights including a 14-day cooling-off period on the finance agreement. Note: this does not apply to the vehicle purchase.

Data Protection:

Your data is processed in accordance with UK GDPR and our Privacy Policy. Credit searches may be performed as part of your application — a soft search at quotation stage, and a hard search only if you proceed.

Complaints:

If you have a complaint, please contact us directly on 01772 971422 or enquiries@bad-credit-car.finance. If unresolved, you can refer your complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service.

Credit Risk Warning

Warning: Late repayment can cause you serious money problems. For help, go to moneyhelper.org.uk.

Missed payments: Missing payments may affect your credit score and ability to obtain credit in the future. Additional charges may apply for late or missed payments. Your vehicle may be repossessed if you do not keep up payments on your finance agreement.

Your Consumer Credit Act Rights

Right to settle early (Section 94 CCA 1974): You have the right to repay your credit agreement early at any time. You are entitled to a statutory rebate on future interest charges when you settle early.

Section 75 protection: If you use a credit agreement to purchase goods or services costing between £100 and £30,000, you may have equal liability rights against the creditor if the goods or services are faulty or not delivered.

Right to a copy of your agreement: You have the right to request a copy of your credit agreement at any time. We will provide this within the statutory timeframe.

14-day cooling-off period: You have 14 days from the date of the credit agreement to withdraw from it without penalty. Note: this right applies to the finance agreement only and does not apply to the vehicle purchase contract.

Types We Consider

We work with specialist lenders who consider all credit histories

CCJs & Defaults

  • County Court Judgments (satisfied or unsatisfied)
  • Payment defaults on credit accounts
  • Multiple CCJs considered

Bankruptcy & IVA

  • Discharged bankruptcy (12+ months ago)
  • Active or completed IVA
  • Debt Relief Orders (DRO)

Arrears & Missed Payments

  • Late or missed payment history
  • Rent or mortgage arrears
  • Previous repossessions

No Credit History

  • First-time car buyers
  • Thin or limited credit file
  • Young drivers (18+)

How Bad Credit Car Finance Works

Getting approved in 4 simple steps — even with poor credit history

1

Soft Credit Check

Complete our short online application. We run a soft search to check your eligibility — invisible to other lenders, and with no impact on your credit score at application stage. A hard search only happens if you proceed with a formal offer.

2

Match With Lenders

We match your profile against our panel of 30+ specialist UK lenders, including those who routinely consider CCJs, IVAs, defaults and adverse credit histories the high street turns away.

3

Get a Decision

Most applications receive a decision within the hour. You'll see clear figures: monthly payment, term, total payable. No surprises, no jargon, no obligation to proceed.

4

Choose Your Car

Pick from our current stock at Kirkham — or use a part-exchange against yours. Sign your agreement, drive away, and start rebuilding your credit with every on-time payment.

UK Credit Score Ranges Explained

Understanding credit scores and what they mean for car finance approval

Excellent (721–999 Experian)

Access to the best rates from 8.9% APR. Wide choice of lenders, low or zero deposit possible.

Good (561–720 Experian)

Competitive rates available. Good approval chances. Standard finance terms typically offered.

Fair (381–560 Experian)

Finance available but higher APR likely (25–35%). Specialist lenders recommended. A 15–20% deposit helps.

Poor (281–380 Experian)

Bad credit specialists only. APR typically 35–50%. A larger deposit (20%+) significantly improves approval chances. We help with this every day.

Very Poor (0–280 Experian)

Specialist sub-prime lenders. APR typically 45–60%. Larger deposit required. Individual assessment is crucial — and this is exactly what we specialise in.

Good News for Bad Credit Applicants

Your credit score is just one factor. Our specialist lenders also consider your current income, employment stability, deposit amount, and ability to repay. We've helped customers with scores well below 300 get approved. Don't let a low score stop you from applying.

10 Tips to Improve Your Bad Credit Approval Chances

Simple steps to maximise your chances of getting approved for car finance

The following tips are for general information only and do not constitute financial advice. For advice tailored to your circumstances, please speak to an independent financial adviser.

1
Provide a Larger Deposit

Aim for 20% or more. This reduces lender risk and can secure better rates.

2
Register on Electoral Roll

Being on the electoral roll at your current address is crucial for credit checks.

3
Show Stable Employment

3+ months in your current job improves approval. Provide payslips and an employment letter.

4
Choose a Realistic Budget

Monthly payments should be under 25% of your take-home income for affordability.

5
Avoid Multiple Applications

Multiple credit applications lower your score. Use our soft search first — only a hard search if you proceed.

6
Check Your Credit Report

Fix any errors on Experian, Equifax or TransUnion before applying. Errors are more common than you'd think.

7
Satisfy Outstanding CCJs

Paying off CCJs shows responsibility. Satisfied CCJs are viewed more favourably by lenders.

8
Reduce Existing Debts

A lower debt-to-income ratio improves affordability assessment significantly.

9
Choose Older Used Cars

3–7 year-old cars are easier to finance with bad credit than brand-new vehicles.

10
Be Honest & Accurate

Provide accurate information. Dishonesty leads to an instant decline and may affect future applications.

HP vs PCP for Bad Credit Customers

Which finance type is best for bad credit applications?

Feature Hire Purchase (HP) Personal Contract Purchase (PCP)
Bad Credit Availability Widely available⚠️ Limited — better credit needed
Monthly PaymentsHigher but predictableLower (but balloon payment due)
Ownership Own the car at the end automaticallyPay balloon or return car
Approval Odds (Bad Credit) Better for poor creditLower for bad credit
Mileage Limits None Yes (usually 6–12k/year)
Credit Building Excellent for rebuildingGood if payments maintained
Typical APR RangeFrom 8.9% APR · Representative 19.9% APR · Bad credit typically 25–60%
Best For Bad Credit? YES — RecommendedOnly if recent payment history is good

Our Recommendation for Bad Credit

Hire Purchase (HP) is usually the best choice for bad credit customers because: (1) it's more widely available from specialist lenders, (2) there's no balloon payment risk at the end, (3) the approval process is simpler, (4) on-time payments build your credit history effectively, and (5) you own the car outright at the end of the agreement. PCP may be available if you have recent good payment history despite past credit issues.

Why Choose North West Car Group for Bad Credit?

Specialist bad credit car finance experts you can trust

1000+
Bad Credit Customers Helped
1hr
Typical Decision Time
30+
Specialist Lenders

Ready to Get Approved for Bad Credit Car Finance?

Don't let bad credit stop you. We search our panel of specialist lenders who consider applicants that other providers decline.

Check My Eligibility →

Rates from 8.9% APR. Representative 19.9% APR. Subject to status and affordability.

Cars Available on Bad Credit Finance

Each vehicle has its own finance page — choose a car, then apply.

MERCEDES-BENZ A-CLASS 1.3 A200 Sport (Executive) Hatchback 5dr Petrol 7G-DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (163 ps) ***DRIVE AWAY TODAY*** NATIONWIDE PARTS & LABOUR WARRANTY INCLUDED + 12 MONTHS AA BREAKDOWN FREE LOW RATE FINANCE AVAILABLE INSTANT DECISION

MERCEDES-BENZ A-CLASS 1.3 A200 Sport (Executive) Hatchback 5dr Petrol 7G-DCT Euro 6 (s/s) (163 ps) ***DRIVE AWAY TODAY*** NATIONWIDE PARTS & LABOUR WARRANTY INCLUDED + 12 MONTHS AA BREAKDOWN FREE LOW RATE FINANCE AVAILABLE INSTANT DECISION

29,500 miles Petrol RED
£14,500
from £425/mo*
View Finance Options →
AUDI A3 1.6 TDI Sport Saloon 4dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (110 ps) ***DRIVE AWAY TODAY*** NATIONWIDE PARTS & LABOUR WARRANTY INCLUDED + 12 MONTHS AA BREAKDOWN FREE FINANCE AVAILABLE LOW RATES 1 HOUR DECISION

AUDI A3 1.6 TDI Sport Saloon 4dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (110 ps) ***DRIVE AWAY TODAY*** NATIONWIDE PARTS & LABOUR WARRANTY INCLUDED + 12 MONTHS AA BREAKDOWN FREE FINANCE AVAILABLE LOW RATES 1 HOUR DECISION

52,238 miles Diesel RED
£10,000
from £289/mo*
View Finance Options →
VOLKSWAGEN POLO 1.0 TSI GPF SE Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (95 ps)***DRIVE AWAY TODAY*** NATIONWIDE PARTS & LABOUR WARRANTY INCLUDED + 12 MONTHS AA BREAKDOWN FREE FINANCE AVAILABLE LOW RATES INSTANT DECISION

VOLKSWAGEN POLO 1.0 TSI GPF SE Hatchback 5dr Petrol DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (95 ps)***DRIVE AWAY TODAY*** NATIONWIDE PARTS & LABOUR WARRANTY INCLUDED + 12 MONTHS AA BREAKDOWN FREE FINANCE AVAILABLE LOW RATES INSTANT DECISION

58,938 miles Petrol Silver
£11,000
from £319/mo*
View Finance Options →
SEAT ATECA 1.0 TSI Ecomotive SE SUV 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (115 ps) NATIONWIDE PARTS & LABOUR WARRANTY INCLUDED + 12 MONTHS AA BREAKDOWN FREE FINANCE AVAILABLE LOW RATES 1 HOUR DECISION

SEAT ATECA 1.0 TSI Ecomotive SE SUV 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (115 ps) NATIONWIDE PARTS & LABOUR WARRANTY INCLUDED + 12 MONTHS AA BREAKDOWN FREE FINANCE AVAILABLE LOW RATES 1 HOUR DECISION

47,073 miles Petrol GREEN
£10,000
from £289/mo*
View Finance Options →
FORD FOCUS 1.5 EcoBlue Zetec Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (95 ps) ***DRIVE AWAY TODAY*** NATIONWIDE PARTS & LABOUR WARRANTY INCLUDED + 12 MONTHS AA BREAKDOWN FREE FINANCE AVAILABLE LOW RATES 1 HOUR DECISION

FORD FOCUS 1.5 EcoBlue Zetec Estate 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (95 ps) ***DRIVE AWAY TODAY*** NATIONWIDE PARTS & LABOUR WARRANTY INCLUDED + 12 MONTHS AA BREAKDOWN FREE FINANCE AVAILABLE LOW RATES 1 HOUR DECISION

44,303 miles Diesel BLACK
£9,500
from £273/mo*
View Finance Options →
VOLKSWAGEN T-ROC 1.0 TSI GPF S SUV 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (115 ps) ***DRIVE AWAY TODAY*** NATIONWIDE PARTS & LABOUR WARRANTY INCLUDED + 12 MONTHS AA BREAKDOWN FREE FINANCE AVAILABLE LOW RATES INSTANT DECISION

VOLKSWAGEN T-ROC 1.0 TSI GPF S SUV 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (115 ps) ***DRIVE AWAY TODAY*** NATIONWIDE PARTS & LABOUR WARRANTY INCLUDED + 12 MONTHS AA BREAKDOWN FREE FINANCE AVAILABLE LOW RATES INSTANT DECISION

80,714 miles Petrol GREY
£10,000
from £289/mo*
View Finance Options →

*Illustrative monthly based on Representative 19.9% APR. Subject to status. Full Representative example above.

Common Questions About Bad Credit Car Finance

Got questions about credit scores, CCJs, defaults or IVAs? Here are the most common questions we're asked.

What credit score do I need for bad credit car finance?

There's no fixed minimum credit score. Our specialist lenders look at your overall situation — income, employment, address history, deposit — rather than just the number on your file. Customers with very low scores are routinely approved when affordability passes.

How does a CCJ affect my chances of getting car finance?

A CCJ doesn't automatically prevent car finance. Lenders consider its age, whether it's been satisfied, the value, and your current affordability. Both satisfied and unsatisfied CCJs are routinely accepted by our specialist panel.

Will car finance help me build or rebuild my credit score?

Yes — provided you make every payment on time. Hire Purchase agreements are reported to credit bureaux, so consistent on-time payments demonstrate responsible borrowing and gradually improve your score across Experian, Equifax and TransUnion.

Can I get no deposit car finance with bad credit?

Zero deposit options are available on some vehicles, depending on the lender, the car's value, and your individual affordability. Where £0 deposit isn't possible, low-deposit options or using a part-exchange as a deposit contribution are usually available.

Does a soft credit check affect my credit score?

No. A soft search is invisible to other lenders and doesn't affect your credit score. A hard credit check is only performed at the point you accept a formal finance offer.

Do you offer guaranteed car finance?

No responsible broker or lender can offer guaranteed car finance — all applications must pass FCA-required affordability and credit checks. What we offer is a wider panel of specialist lenders than the high street and a genuine individual review of your situation.

Popular Car Brands on Finance

Bad credit considered across all major manufacturers — drive what you actually want