Buying a Car on Finance This September? What to Research Before You Start Shopping

Every September, thousands of people across the UK visit dealerships to buy a new car as the latest registration plate is introduced. It's one of the busiest times of the year for the motor industry, with new vehicle launches, manufacturer offers and increased interest from buyers.

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In This Post

• Why August can be a useful time to research a September car purchase
• How to decide which type of vehicle suits your requirements
• How to set a budget that includes finance and running costs
• The differences between PCP, HP and personal loans
• What to check on your credit report before applying
• How to research vehicle reliability, insurance and servicing costs
• How to estimate the market value of your current vehicle
• Why dealerships may be busier during September
• Which questions to ask before signing a finance agreement
• How to prepare using an August car buying checklist

At Mis-sold Expert, we speak to people every day who have questions about previous car finance agreements and whether they may have been affected by historic motor finance commission arrangements. One thing we've learned is that people who understand how car finance works are often better placed to make informed decisions.

While our role is to help people understand their rights in relation to previous car finance agreements, we also believe it's just as important to understand how finance works before you sign your next agreement.

If you're thinking about buying a car on finance this September, starting your research in August gives you more time to compare your options before dealerships become busier. Planning ahead can help you compare vehicles, understand your finance choices, set a realistic budget and avoid making rushed decisions.

The smartest car purchases often begin long before you step into a showroom.

Why August Is a Good Time to Start Your Research

September marks the arrival of the latest UK registration plate, making it one of the busiest periods in the car buying calendar.

Manufacturers introduce new offers, dealerships receive fresh stock and many buyers begin comparing the latest vehicles.

If you wait until September to start researching, you may find yourself making important financial decisions in a busy showroom with limited time to compare your options.

Starting in August gives you time to:

• Compare different makes and models
• Learn about the different types of car finance
• Work out what you can comfortably afford
• Research vehicle reliability
• Check your credit report
• Find out what your current car is worth
• Prepare questions before visiting a dealership

By the time September arrives, you'll have a much clearer idea of what you're looking for and which options suit your needs.

Decide What You Actually Need

It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of a brand new registration plate, but the right car for someone else may not be the right car for you.

Before looking at finance offers or monthly payments, think about how you'll actually use the vehicle.

Ask yourself:

• How many miles do you drive each year?
• Will it mainly be used for commuting?
• Do you need extra luggage or passenger space?
• Would a hybrid or electric vehicle suit the journeys you make?
• Is fuel efficiency more important than performance?

Answering these questions first makes it much easier to narrow down your choices later.

Set a Budget That Covers More Than the Monthly Payment

One of the biggest mistakes people make is looking only at the advertised monthly payment.

The total cost of owning a car includes much more than the finance agreement.

Before you start shopping, think about the monthly cost of:

• Finance repayments
• Insurance
• Fuel or charging
• Vehicle Excise Duty, also known as road tax
• Servicing
• Maintenance
• Tyres
• Repairs that aren't covered by your warranty

Including these costs in your budget can help you choose a car that's affordable throughout the time you own it.

Understand Your Car Finance Options

If you're planning to buy a car on finance, it's worth understanding how the main types of agreements work before visiting a dealership.

Personal Contract Purchase

Personal Contract Purchase, often called PCP, is one of the most common ways to finance a car.

You usually pay a deposit, followed by fixed monthly payments over an agreed period. At the end of the agreement, you normally have three choices. You can return the car, pay an optional final payment to own it or, if the agreement allows, use any remaining value towards another vehicle.

Before choosing PCP, it's worth understanding:

• Mileage limits
• Possible charges if you exceed those limits
• The optional final payment
• Your choices at the end of the agreement

Hire Purchase

With Hire Purchase, often called HP, you usually pay a deposit followed by fixed monthly payments.

Unlike PCP, there is normally no large final payment. Once you've made all the payments under the agreement, ownership of the vehicle usually transfers to you.

Personal Loans

Some people also compare dealership finance with a personal loan from their bank or another lender.

Comparing these options can help you understand the interest rate, the total amount you'll repay and which option best suits your circumstances.

Check Your Credit Before Applying

If you expect to apply for finance, August is a good time to check your credit report.

Doing this early gives you the opportunity to:

• Correct any inaccurate information
• Update outdated details
• See whether there are any issues that could affect your application

Some lenders also offer eligibility checkers that allow you to see whether you're likely to qualify without affecting your credit score.

Research More Than Just the Car

Once you've shortlisted a few vehicles, spend some time looking beyond how they look or what features they offer.

Useful things to compare include:

• Reliability ratings
• Fuel economy
• Insurance groups
• Safety features
• Warranty cover
• Typical servicing costs
• Owner reviews
• Common problems reported by owners

A car that appears good value today could cost more to run over the years.

Find Out What Your Current Car Is Worth

If you're planning to part exchange your current vehicle, it's worth finding out its market value before visiting a dealership.

Knowing roughly what your car is worth gives you a better understanding of any part exchange offer and helps you decide whether selling privately is another option to consider.

Why Is September So Busy?

A new registration plate is introduced every year on 1 September.

Many people wait until then because they want the latest registration or are interested in the newest vehicle releases.

As a result, September often brings:

• More people visiting dealerships
• New manufacturer offers
• Increased demand for popular models
• Greater competition for available stock

Doing your research beforehand means you'll be better prepared and less likely to feel rushed when making your decision.

Questions to Ask Before You Sign

Preparing a few questions in advance can help you understand the agreement before making a decision.

Consider asking:

• Which finance options are available?
• What is the total amount I'll repay over the agreement?
• What APR applies?
• Are there any additional fees or charges?
• What happens at the end of the agreement?
• Are there any manufacturer offers currently available?
• Can I compare different finance options?
• Is this finance agreement regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority?
• Can I take the paperwork away to read before deciding?

Taking time to understand the agreement before signing can help you make an informed decision.

August Car Buying Checklist

Before September arrives, try to:

✓ Decide which type of vehicle best suits individual requirements.

✓ Set a realistic budget that includes all running costs.

✓ Compare different car finance options.

✓ Check a credit report.

✓ Research reliability and running costs.

✓ Research the current vehicle's market value.

✓ Shortlist two or three suitable vehicles.

✓ Prepare questions to ask the dealership.

Final Thoughts

Buying a car on finance is an important financial decision, so taking time to understand the available options before signing an agreement can help buyers make informed decisions.

Researching finance options before September provides more time to compare agreements, understand the overall costs and decide which option best suits individual circumstances.

At Mis-sold Expert, we're committed to helping people understand how motor finance works and what questions to ask. We also support people who may have been affected by historic motor finance commission arrangements by helping them understand their rights and the information available to them.

Whether reviewing a previous finance agreement or preparing to buy another vehicle, taking time to understand how car finance works can help people make informed decisions.

After all, the best financial decisions are rarely rushed. They're researched.

Mis-sold Expert

Mis-sold Expert provides information to help people understand motor finance and their consumer rights. The information in this article is for general guidance only and should not be considered legal or financial advice. Independent advice may be appropriate where individual circumstances require specific guidance.

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Helpful resources

• Car Finance Claims: Complete UK Consumer Guide (2026)
• How Car Finance Really Works in the UK | Mis-sold Expert
• Understanding Mis-sold PCP Car Finance | Mis-sold Expert
• How The Car Finance Compensation Process Works - Mis-sold Expert
• Key Facts Worth Knowing

Disclaimer

This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial or professional advice. Information is based on our understanding of UK motor finance practices at the time of publication and may change. Reading this article does not create a client relationship with Mis-sold Expert. If you require advice about your own circumstances, you should seek independent professional guidance.