Puma: monthly finance cost
The Ford Puma is one of Britain's best-selling crossovers, blending supermini running costs with the raised driving position buyers love. Priced at £25,980, hire purchase with a 10% deposit of £2,598 at 9.9% APR over 48 months costs £591.91 a month, with a total amount payable of £31,009.68. Payments never vary, which simplifies the monthly budget - insurance, servicing and road tax remain separate.
Puma PCP offers are everywhere in the UK, usually advertising lower monthly figures than HP by deferring a guaranteed future value into an optional final payment. HP is the plainer deal: at about £592 a month the full price plus interest is spread evenly, there are no mileage limits to track, and the car is yours outright when the 48 payments are complete.
Total payable: £31,009.47 · Interest: £5,029.47
Try the bigger-deposit what-if: lifting the deposit from £2,598 to £5,000 takes more than £2,400 off the financed amount, which reduces the £591.91 monthly payment and the interest paid over the term. Extending to 60 months would also cut the £591.91 monthly figure, but you would carry the debt - and its interest - for an extra year.
HP or PCP for the Puma? HP suits buyers who see the Puma as a long-term family car and want clean ownership. PCP suits those drawn by lower monthlies and the option to step into the next model in a few years. Verdict: mainstream money for a mainstream British favourite - though the APR you are offered will depend on your credit status.