What does a bigger deposit actually save me?
Five deposit levels for the same car — see monthly payment, interest and total cost side by side. Move the sliders to update everything live.
| Deposit | APR | Monthly | Total interest | Total payable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| £0Baseline | 10.9% | £390 | £5,428 | £23,428 |
| £900 | 10.9% | £371 | £5,157 | £23,157 |
| £1,800 | 10.9% | £351 | £4,885 | £22,885 |
| £3,600 | 12.9% | £327 | £5,214 | £23,214 |
| £5,400 | 12.9% | £286 | £4,563 | £22,563 |
Illustrative only — not a personalised quote. Your actual rate depends on lender, credit profile and vehicle. WeCarFinance is FCA regulated.
Frequently asked
How much deposit should I put down?
There's no single right answer, but 10–20% of the car's price is a common sweet spot. It reduces total interest, often unlocks a better APR tier, and shows lenders commitment. Below 10% you can still get approved; above 30% the returns start to diminish.
Does a bigger deposit really change my APR?
Sometimes, yes. Smaller amounts financed can fall into a lower-rate tier with some lenders, and lenders view a bigger deposit as lower risk. It's not guaranteed — but on our tool you can see the indicative APR shift as your deposit grows.
Can I use my current car as a deposit?
Yes — the trade-in value (part-exchange) counts as deposit. Once the dealer or broker has valued your car, that figure comes off the amount financed exactly the same as cash.
What if I have no deposit at all?
Zero-deposit finance is widely available on both HP and PCP. You'll pay more each month and more interest overall, but for many people that's still the right call — keeping cash for insurance, first tank of fuel and running costs.