Focus: monthly finance cost
For UK families watching the budget, the Ford Focus has long been the sensible hatchback choice - and its finance numbers keep that reputation intact. With a price of £26,495, hire purchase at 9.9% APR over 48 months and a 10% deposit of £2,649.50 works out at £603.64 a month, making the total amount payable £31,624.22. Fixed payments make monthly budgeting easy, although you will still need to cover insurance, maintenance and road tax on top.
The Focus is widely available on both HP and PCP in Britain. PCP deals often quote a lower monthly payment because part of the car's value is pushed into an optional final payment, whereas HP divides the whole balance - plus interest - evenly across the term so the car becomes yours at the end. At roughly £604 a month on HP, the Focus undercuts many rivals while offering genuine family-car space.
Total payable: £31,624.06 · Interest: £5,129.06
Your monthly payment is not set in stone, because the term you choose moves it in either direction. Stretching this Focus deal from 48 to 60 months would shave a useful amount off the £603.64 monthly figure, which can help if cash flow is tight - but you would pay interest for an extra year, so the total cost rises. A bigger deposit works the other way without the interest penalty: it simply reduces what you borrow.
Choosing between HP and PCP comes down to your plans. HP is ideal if you intend to keep the Focus long after the final payment, since ownership transfers automatically. PCP fits drivers who like changing cars every few years, with lower monthlies and a decision to make at the end. Verdict: sensible numbers for a sensible car - just remember the real APR offered to you depends on your credit status.