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Used convertibles UK: Find out which used soft-tops you are eligible for this summer, from Mazdas to Mercs.
Used convertibles UK: Find out which used soft-tops you are eligible for this summer, from Mazdas to Mercs.

Scottish Sun

time2 days ago

  • Automotive
  • Scottish Sun

Used convertibles UK: Find out which used soft-tops you are eligible for this summer, from Mazdas to Mercs.

sun seeker Used convertibles UK: Find out which used soft-tops you are eligible for this summer, from Mazdas to Mercs. Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SUN'S out, funs out – it's time to make that dream of a convertible car a reality. While car experts will tell you spring is the perfect time to bag a convertible car bargain, you can still find great deals in summer. 12 Sellers in a crowded market are still itching for the cash and can often reduce costs to make a deal. No cash? No worries. Buyers can get a boost with Sun Motors Finance, an affordable and accessible way to access cash to buy a new car. We're working with some of the UK's best lenders to provide every driver with access to the low-cost credit they need to pick up a dream car. PCP Representative Example - Total Cash Price £6995 Deposit £2000 Amount of Credit £4995 47 Monthly Payments £95.09 Total Amount Payable £8834.23 Fixed Rate of Interest 6.715% Optional Final Payment £2365 Duration of Agreement 48 Months Annual Mileage Limit 10,000 Miles APR (Representative) 12.9% There's no waiting, either. You'll get an instant decision on eligibility and affordability in just 60 seconds. Whatever the season, when you're buying a convertible, you'll want to do some research to find the right make, model, and specification before parting with your pounds. In this guide, we're going to explain why spring and summer are the best time to buy a convertible car. Sun Motors experts have also selected their top 5 used convertibles for sale today, including two-seater and four-seater convertibles and super sporty models. It's top-down and shades on for our round-up of the best used convertible cars in the UK today for you to ponder ahead of the heatwave. Why is spring and summer a good time to buy a used car? March (and spring in general) is the best time to buy a used convertible car. Why? The age-old rules of supply and demand. The market for convertible cars hibernates during the winter, as drivers and dealers forget the sun and focus on surviving wind, rain, ice, and snow. Convertibles are designed for fair weather. By March, we've banished the winter blues, and things are beginning to heat up – including the market for convertibles. As we head into summer, market forces take over. As demand for convertible cars increases (reaching a peak during the summer), dealers can respond by putting up their prices. 2025 is breaking records for car sales, with more buyers, sellers, and motors on the market. That's good because competition encourages sellers to price competitively and provides buyers with the power to bag a bargain. Sellers don't want stock hanging around, and convertibles are harder to sell than a standard saloon, for example, as the market is smaller. Basically, while spring is probably the best time to buy a convertible, competition in the market and the pressure to make a profit mean you'll still be able to strike a good deal on a used convertible in summer. Stuck for cash? Spread the payments for your summer convertible Convertible cars, as you'll see from the list below, aren't exactly cheap, but there is a way you can get your dream car. Sun Motors offers car buyers a straightforward and simple way to finance a new car. The easy-to-use affordability calculator provides a guideline on the amount you can borrow, including interest rates and monthly repayments. That means you can have complete confidence that you can afford a car before falling in love with it. Even better, you don't need to worry about any searches damaging your credit rating. Our finance partner will only do a soft check. 12 The finance checker aligns your budget to your dream car, so there is no disappointment when sourcing which car you can afford. It's worth checking even if you've been previously denied credit. We work with a specialist lender who may consider applications from those with a bad credit rating. Give it a try, you've got nothing to lose. What is a convertible car? A convertible car is a car that can be driven without a roof. Most convertibles will have a roof that can be secured in place, converting it back into a car with a roof. (Hence the name.) On the market, you'll find two types of convertibles: soft tops and hard tops. What is the difference between soft-top and hard-top convertibles? Soft tops have a roof (made from canvas, cloth, vinyl, or another material) that can fold up or down. Hard-top convertibles have a solid roof that folds down. 12 This 2015 Audi TT is a great example of a hard-top convertible and is available on Sun Motors for £12,995 with finance options available. Model: Audi TT There are advantages and disadvantages of each. Soft top convertibles can be cheaper to buy and often easier to maintain. On the other hand, soft roofs are more likely to degrade over time, are easier to damage, and won't be as warm as a hard top. Hard tops are more durable, warmer (because of greater insulation), and more secure. However, they can be more expensive to buy, maintain, and fix if they break. Benefits of a convertible car There's really only one reason you'd buy a convertible car, and that's because you want to experience the fun and freedom of driving without a roof. If you haven't tried it before, you should. Convertible cars are often sportier and more stylish than their hard-top cousins. Drive a convertible, and you're making a statement. (Especially if you forget to put the roof up and it rains.) Convertible cars are more expensive, but they can hold their value better, too. Find Your Next Car by What You Can Actually Afford Sun Motors has created the UK's First Finance-First Marketplace *Finance Powered by DSG Finance who are a Credit Broker Not A Lender. Representative 12.9%. Your rate may differ depending on individual circumstances You can check in less than 60 seconds if you are eligible for financing, and then search for your dream used car within your monthly budget. Here's how... Soft credit check , with no impact on your score , with no impact on your score 60-second decision , get a real finance decision in less than a minute , get a real finance decision in less than a minute Instant match , only see cars that fit your real budget , only see cars that fit your real budget AI-powered help, get tailored advice, suggestions, and instant answers from an AI advisor called Theo Find out what you can afford in just 60 seconds here. Top 5 used convertible cars for sale Here is Sun Motors' choice of the five best used-convertibles for sale in the UK today. Mazda MX-5 12 This 2017 model is currently available on Sun Motors for just £252 a month. Model: Mazda MX-5 Affordable, reliable and the world's best-selling roadster. You knew it would be the Mazda MX-5, didn't you? Since its launch in 1989, the MX-5 has become a firm favourite, with the latest model still getting rave reviews. An abundance of MX-5s on the market keeps prices low. Insurance and maintenance costs won't break the bank – especially when compared to some of the other brands on our list (we're looking at you, Mercedes). Check out the WhatCar? guide on potential problems for your Mazda MX-5. (And always check the roof!) Shop around for the best deals, like this low-mileage 2016 SKYACTIV-G Sportmodel at less than £275 per month. Audi TT Convertible 12 Model: Audi TT Another best-selling classic, the Audi TT convertible, is no longer in production, which makes us sad. It's slightly bigger than the Mazda MX-5 and is highly reliable, says WhatCar?. Common problems include water leaks, faulty roof mechanisms, and issues with the interior trim. Sporty models like S and RS could have been driven hard, and damage to panels, paintwork, and alloys could all be expensive to fix. Find a good Audi TT convertible and you'll get years of stress-free motoring in a modern classic. Check out this almost spotless 10-year-old AUDI TT Coupe 2.0 TDI ultra Sport in impressive (and easy to keep clean) gun metal grey. MINI convertible 12 Model: Mini Cooper S Class The MINI convertible is small but strangely spacious, with enough room for four people, says Autoexpress. While you're not going to be running around with a rugby team, the MINI convertible is a practical, fun and attractive car. We like the 2016 model with its bullet-proof, BMW-approved, 3-cylinder 1.5-litre engine. It's fast enough for country lanes and forgiving for stop-start city driving. You'll often pay a premium for the MINI badge, but they retain value well, so buy with confidence. Our choice? The market for MINIs is vibrant, so it's hard to select one, but we like this box-fresh 2025 Mini Cooper S Class. Mercedes SLK 12 Model: Mercedes SLK The Mercedes SLK is sharper, faster, and more comfortable than many of the other convertibles here. It's a great grand tourer, capable of taking you, a passenger and a few small cases pretty much anywhere you want to go. Pick up an SLK55, and you'll reach 60mph in 4.6 seconds. Ouch. The hardtop roof goes up and down with German precision. Check everything is working, as replacements can be very costly. One thing to mention is that automatics are standard here, while manual cars are rare. Car reviewers seem to favour the SLK 200, which is a great car. Used SLKs are affordable, like this 2016 AMG for a pint under £300 per-month. BMW Z4 12 This 2015 BMW Z4 Convertible has just 69.000 miles and is available on Sun Motors for £10,995 with financing options available. Model: BMW Z4 The BMW Z4 Roadster features a unique long bonnet design with an awesome BMW grill. Modern models are monsters, but we prefer the older – and more affordable – 2013-2017 Z4s. Why? They look great, perform well, and feature a reliable metal folding roof. Find one with a full-service history, and it's a good buy (especially when you see rising prices for older Z3s.) The BMW Z4 is a classic two-seat, big engine, small boot roadster, and we love it for that. It doesn't take long to find bargain BMWs out there. We like this 2015 M-Sport model. Best 4-seater convertible cars Need to carry you, your partner and the kids? Get a four-door convertible. Here are a couple of our favourites: The Mercedes C Class isn't particularly roomy, but you'll get four in at a push. And they will all want to get into this superbly-specced 2018 Mercedes C220 AMG Line D Auto. 12 Model: Mercedes-Benz C-Class Another shout-out for the Germans, the BMW 4 Series Convertible is our second-favourite four-door convertible. Current models are all well and good, but we love the classic BMW grill on this sub-£10k BMW 4 Series 2.0 420i SE Euro 6. Best sports car convertibles Here are a couple of our favourite all-out sports convertibles: The Porsche Boxster is a fast and cool mid-engine sports car that's incredible to drive. 12 Model: Porsche Boxster Our choice on the market today is this immaculate 2016 Boxster with a high-powered 3.4-litre engine. 12 Model: Elise Convertible The Lotus Elise is a small, lightweight, and blisteringly fast British-designed sports car. This canary yellow 2016 Lotus Elise convertible is all kinds of crazy, in a good way. Convertible car buying FAQs Here, we answer some common questions convertible car buyers have. What to look out for when buying a used convertible When buying a used convertible, you'll want to ensure that the roof itself is clean, the mechanism functions correctly (basically, that it goes up and down as it should), and there are no splits, tears, or damage. Ask the seller about the age of the roof (if it's a soft top) and if the roof has been repaired or replaced. If you're considering buying a soft-top convertible, get on a stool, chair, or stepladder and check over the whole roof of the car. Tears and splits can (and sometimes are) covered with tape, which can be impossible to spot unless you get up close. If you're happy that the roof goes up and down as it should and isn't damaged, then you can check all the other essentials, including condition, damage, service history, MOT records, mileage, etc. How to clean a convertible roof If you have a hardtop roof, you can clean it in the same way you would clean the rest of your car. Soft-top convertible roofs should be cleaned using a specialist cleaning product. These will help to remove any first and stains (including corrosive substances like bird poo) but won't dry out the material, which could cause it to become brittle and split or break. Take your time, follow the instructions, and you'll be fine. Always check for water ingress into the car after washing your convertible. Early warning enables immediate action! How to look after a convertible Convertible cars should be serviced and maintained in the same way you would any other car. If your car has a soft roof, you should regularly clean it (see above) and apply a protectant. This guide from detailing experts Autoglym is a good place to start. Over time, the soft top covering can wear out or dry out, leaving it susceptible to rips, tears, and other damage. You can protect it by storing it in a garage or under a cover, especially during the worst of the winter weather. Any soft-top convertible car left exposed to the elements for too long will become damaged. How does pre-approved car finance work? The best thing about Sun Motors' pre-approved car finance is that you can check how much you can borrow before you fall in love with a new convertible car. How? The magic of the Sun Motors system is that it runs a soft credit check. The result is a realistic monthly budget with no impact on your credit score. Armed with this, you can start the fun part: finding a new convertible car. 12 How long does car finance approval take? It's very, very fast. In most cases, you'll get a pre-approval decision within 60 seconds. When you find a car you like, you can go through the final approvals process on the same day. Decision in 60 seconds, finance in a day, and a new dream car on its way. Motor Genius Group Ltd t/a Sun Motors is an Appointed Representative (FRN 960504) of The Compliance Guys Ltd who is authorised and regulated by the FCA (FRN 941360). We are a credit broker not a lender. We work with a select group of lenders and will receive commission. The full details of how the commission arrangements work will be provided before you proceed with any arrangement. Finance subject to status and income. Terms and Conditions apply. The advice we provide is not impartial due to our commercial relationships with lenders. ICO number [ZB640135].

Misinformation-laden website almost convinces Alberta town to abandon climate program
Misinformation-laden website almost convinces Alberta town to abandon climate program

National Observer

time2 days ago

  • Politics
  • National Observer

Misinformation-laden website almost convinces Alberta town to abandon climate program

Patrick Wilson, a councillor in Cochrane, Alta., let a website he'd found do the talking for him. "This website I'm quoting from, I don't know a whole lot about," he told council on Monday night. "But I just thought their words were better than mine." Wilson used those borrowed words to introduce a motion that would make Cochrane the first Alberta municipality to withdraw from Partners for Climate Protection, a national net-zero framework the town had been part of for over two decades. The website Wilson was quoting is part of a troubling trend in local politics. It belongs to KICLEI (Kicking International Council out of Local Environmental Initiatives) – a group using an AI chatbot to craft talking points aimed at persuading local politicians to abandon net-zero programs. The chatbot is instructed to emphasize 'local decision-making' and 'non-partisan civic engagement,' while downplaying emissions targets and international cooperation. KICLEI is not a reliable source of climate information, according to scientists at NASA, the US National Centre for Atmospheric Research and the University of Melbourne, who told Canada's National Observer that the group has spread misinformation about their research. Yet its messaging came within a whisker of spurring policy change in Cochrane. Only a last minute intervention by Mayor Genung halted the town's exit from the PCP program until a review by an environmental task force. KICLEI was founded in 2023 by former Freedom Convoy activist Maggie Hope Braun. Its campaign in Cochrane began in February 2025, when local resident Ron Voss presented a letter from KICLEI to the council that described Alberta as a "net carbon sink" and warned that the Partners for Climate Protection program imposes "unnecessary costs and external controls." 'This website I'm quoting from, I don't know a whole lot about… but I just thought their words were better than mine.'— Alberta councillor, citing a wedsite with an AI chatbot pushing towns to quit net-zero programs These arguments are not new. They echo conspiracy theories popularized by the US Tea Party that claim that the climate crisis was invented by the UN to establish a "one world government" and erode private property rights. In 2010, dozens of US municipalities left the international sustainability network ICLEI because it promoted UN agendas. The same network ICLEI now administers the Partners for Climate Protection program with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, making it a natural target for a Canadian revival of the US movement. Canada's National Observer 's recent investigation found that KICLEI is explicitly importing US Tea Party tactics into Canada. In August 2023, its founder Maggie Hope Braun told councillors in Douro-Dummer, Ontario that they were enabling "an act of treason" by allowing the creation of "UN city states." However, the group has since moderated its language, with the help of its AI chatbot. When Wilson brought forward his motion, he acknowledged receiving an email warning councillors not to 'abandon their net-zero commitments to carefully crafted conspiracy theories" – quoting our investigation. But Wilson pushed back, arguing that the council should take a role in approving any "externally-driven" initiatives. He expressed his 'shock and surprise' that Cochrane had been a member of the climate protection program since 2004. Wilson's reasoning resonated widely. At least three other councillors supported the motion to leave the program, with Councillor Marni Fedeyko reassured by staff that they could always rejoin later, after a pending local election, if needed. The motion seemed certain to succeed until, at the last minute, Mayor Genung raised concerns about potential 'ripple effects' on environmental progress in other municipalities. He also warned that Cochrane could lose access to grants from the Federation of Municipalities' Green Municipal Fund, which are available to members of the program. The final decision was postponed until September, when the town's environmental task force will report back on Genung's concerns. As Genung suspects, the stakes of this decision may ripple far beyond Cochrane. So far, Thorold, Ontario is the only municipality that KICLEI has convinced to leave the Partners for Climate Protection program and it is frequently used as an example to legitimize the campaign. KICLEI is a "very small group, trying to make a case that it is a national movement," said Fenwick McKelvey, an expert in Information and Communication Technology Policy at Carleton University. McKelvey is skeptical that many elected officials will be persuaded by KICLEI's AI-powered campaign. 'It's going to come across as bullshit,' he said. Yet, at least one man disagrees. In a recent council meeting, Councillor Wilson waxed poetic, saying that KICLEI expresses his concerns 'much better and more eloquently than I could.'

MK Party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela releases lab results amid drug use claims from Floyd Shivambu
MK Party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela releases lab results amid drug use claims from Floyd Shivambu

IOL News

time4 days ago

  • Politics
  • IOL News

MK Party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela releases lab results amid drug use claims from Floyd Shivambu

MK Party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela denies drug allegations with medical proof. Image: Itumeleng English / Independent Newspapers The uMkhonto weSizwe Party's national spokesperson, Nhlamulo Ndhlela, has released medical test results which appear to confirm he is free from drugs and alcohol. This follows public allegations by former Secretary-General Floyd Shivambu that he was a user of the substances. Shivambu recently accused Ndhlela of being "a liar, takes drugs, and is always under the influence of alcohol." In response, Ndhlela has categorically denied the claims and refuted the claims by publishing drug and alcohol screening results on his official X account. The test results, issued by certified medical facility Lancet Laboratories, confirm he tested negative for the following substances: Alcohol, Cannabis (THC), Cocaine, Amphetamines (including methamphetamine), Opiates (including heroin, codeine, morphine), Benzodiazepines, Barbiturates, Methadone, Methaqualone and Phencyclidine (PCP). However, IOL reached out to Lancet Laboratories, who said that they could neither deny nor confirm the results. Meanwhile, Shivambu says thousands of people have applied to be volunteers in his National Consultation Team (NCT). "The people come from different political parties, the ANC, DA, EFF and a substantial number from MK Party. It is very senior leaders who occupy various position in government who have pledged solidarity," he told the SABC. Shivambu claimed that Jacob Zuma offered him the leadership position in the party, but he denied. "In the initial discussions when I joined there were discussions by President Zuma that I must be the President of the party which I rejected. I said that would be inappropriate because I had tremendous respect of his leadership." However, speaking to the national broadcaster, Ndhlela accused Shivambu of being arrogant. He dismissed Shivambu's claims of R7 million being siphoned from the party monthly. "Umkhonto WeSizwe is a strong party. It is the fastest growing political party in this country. We are bound to have alien tendencies that are not cultural to the party. This is the case with what we are finding ourselves in from now. He has never raised the issue of the R7 million within the party," Ndhlela claimed. Ndhlela has also formally demanded a public apology and retraction from Shivambu within 48 hours, threatening legal action if the demand is not met. "Our client, Nhlamulo Ndhlela, has been subjected to a vicious campaign of lies and character assassination," his lawyers said in a statement. The legal team outlined specific demands, including a public retraction on Shivambu's X account, pinned for seven days, and an unconditional apology. "Social media cannot be a lawless space where individuals are slandered without consequence. We are preparing to issue summons to identified perpetrators and will seek substantial damages." The lawyers also called on Shivambu to contact eNCA to broadcast a correction, with failure to comply risking further legal action. IOL Politics Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel.

Drivers could receive up to £4,000** refund due to car finance scandal with 31.7 million eligible to claim
Drivers could receive up to £4,000** refund due to car finance scandal with 31.7 million eligible to claim

Scottish Sun

time4 days ago

  • Automotive
  • Scottish Sun

Drivers could receive up to £4,000** refund due to car finance scandal with 31.7 million eligible to claim

*If you click on a link in this article, we will earn affiliate revenue. Money for nothing Drivers could receive up to £4,000** refund due to car finance scandal with 31.7 million eligible to claim HAVE you heard about the car finance scandal? For nearly 20 years, drivers with PCP and HP agreements were being charged higher interest rates, potentially costing them thousands of pounds. Advertisement 1 The scandal has affected millions Credit: getty The missold car finance scandal could cause one of the largest compensation payouts in UK banking history. An estimated 31.7 million drivers could be eligible to claim a refund. Could you? Learn why the car finance mis-selling scandal is serious and why you need to submit your claim to secure a potential payout. Advertisement What is the car finance scandal? In 2021, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) discovered that car dealers were earning extra commission on PCP and HP finance agreements by setting higher interest rates. The bottom line is that they earned more cash if loans were more expensive. It turns out that the practice, known as Discretionary Commission Arrangements (DCAs), had been ongoing since 2007. Fast forward to today, and any PCP or HP agreement signed between 2007 and the end of January 2021 could have been mis-sold. Advertisement During this period, an estimated 31.7 million PCP and HP finance deals were agreed. That's about 99% of total car finance agreements. All of these drivers could be eligible for mis-sold finance compensation, which is why banks and lenders have set aside billions of pounds to deal with claims. Who is eligible for a refund? Potentially anyone who bought a car, motorbike, or van with a PCP or HP finance agreement between 2007 and January 28, 2021, when the practice was banned, could be eligible for a payout. You can even make a claim if you have previously been denied compensation. Advertisement Check if you could claim for mis-sold car finance below How much could drivers receive? The car finance mis-selling scandal is a serious problem for banks and lenders. Drivers could be eligible for up to £4,000* for each PCP or HP agreement they took out, say My Claim Group. Data they have gathered shows that the average person could make two claims, with compensation of roughly £2,000 per claim**. Advertisement The £2,000** figure reflects the £1,100 overcharge for every £10,000 financed (estimated by the FCA) plus 8% simple interest. Had more than two agreements? There are no limits on the number of claims that you can make as long as you're eligible. How to check your eligibility for a car finance scandal claim Not all car finance agreements were mis-sold. To find out if you're eligible, you'll need to find details of your HP and PCP car finance agreements and communicate directly with the lender. Advertisement Don't worry if you can't remember who arranged your loan agreement or provided the finance, there's another way to claim compensation. Claims management firms like My Claim Group can manage the whole process for you, including identifying eligible finance agreements, contacting your lender, and passing you onto a solicitor firm that could secure your compensation. The solicitor firm will take a fee from the settlement to cover the cost of the service of up to 36%, including VAT*. How does it work? Let's walk you through each step below. Advertisement Check if you could claim for mis-sold car finance below My Claim Group: Steps to make your claim Claiming car finance mis-selling compensation is simple with My Claim Group. To register, you'll need to provide some personal information and details of your current and previous addresses. Once you've signed up, My Claim Group will be able to access your credit history and identify any car finance agreements that may have been mis-sold and confirm your eligibility for. Advertisement If you've got more than one agreement, they'll be able to help you find them for the law firm to submit multiple claims on your behalf. With my Claim Groups trusted solicitor partners, you'll receive regular notifications about the status of your claim and the potential likelihood of a payout. It's a simple, quick and easy way to secure compensation for car finance mis-selling. Advertisement Car finance mis-selling FAQs Get some answers to common car finance mis-selling questions. What happens after you submit your claim? Lenders are currently dealing with thousands – and potentially millions – of claims, so you'll need to be patient. Due to the high volume of claims, the FCA has given lenders until 4 December 2025 to begin communicating with claimants. If you've claimed with My Claim Group, you'll receive regular notifications about the status of your claim and the potential likelihood of a payout. Advertisement How long does the process take from application to payout? We can't tell you exactly how long it will be until you receive a payout (see above). What's important is that you get a claim in today. The sooner you lodge your claim, the sooner you could receive a payout. Tips for protecting yourself in future If you've been caught out by the car finance mis-selling scandal, it wasn't your fault. While all current PCP and HP agreements will be sold legally, here are some tips to ensure you get the best deal on any finance agreement. Advertisement Take some time to learn about the different types of finance agreements (car loans, PCP, HP, etc.), including their benefits and drawbacks Understand how to compare the costs (including APR) of any finance agreement Always ask about any add-ons or additional fees you're being charged Trust your instincts and be prepared to walk away if you feel you're being pressured to sign Check the small print for any added extras that could increase costs Ask for a copy of the credit agreement so you can see what you're signing Finance agreements have a 14-day cooling off period, so don't worry if you get second thoughts, there's time to change Check if you could claim for mis-sold car finance below

Drivers could receive up to £4,000** refund due to car finance scandal with 31.7 million eligible to claim
Drivers could receive up to £4,000** refund due to car finance scandal with 31.7 million eligible to claim

The Sun

time4 days ago

  • Automotive
  • The Sun

Drivers could receive up to £4,000** refund due to car finance scandal with 31.7 million eligible to claim

HAVE you heard about the car finance scandal? For nearly 20 years, drivers with PCP and HP agreements were being charged higher interest rates, potentially costing them thousands of pounds. 1 The missold car finance scandal could cause one of the largest compensation payouts in UK banking history. An estimated 31.7 million drivers could be eligible to claim a refund. Could you? Learn why the car finance mis-selling scandal is serious and why you need to submit your claim to secure a potential payout. What is the car finance scandal? In 2021, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) discovered that car dealers were earning extra commission on PCP and HP finance agreements by setting higher interest rates. The bottom line is that they earned more cash if loans were more expensive. It turns out that the practice, known as Discretionary Commission Arrangements (DCAs), had been ongoing since 2007. Fast forward to today, and any PCP or HP agreement signed between 2007 and the end of January 2021 could have been mis-sold. During this period, an estimated 31.7 million PCP and HP finance deals were agreed. That's about 99% of total car finance agreements. All of these drivers could be eligible for mis-sold finance compensation, which is why banks and lenders have set aside billions of pounds to deal with claims. Who is eligible for a refund? Potentially anyone who bought a car, motorbike, or van with a PCP or HP finance agreement between 2007 and January 28, 2021, when the practice was banned, could be eligible for a payout. You can even make a claim if you have previously been denied compensation. My Claim Group How much could drivers receive? The car finance mis-selling scandal is a serious problem for banks and lenders. Drivers could be eligible for up to £4,000* for each PCP or HP agreement they took out, say My Claim Group. Data they have gathered shows that the average person could make two claims, with compensation of roughly £2,000 per claim**. The £2,000** figure reflects the £1,100 overcharge for every £10,000 financed (estimated by the FCA) plus 8% simple interest. Had more than two agreements? There are no limits on the number of claims that you can make as long as you're eligible. How to check your eligibility for a car finance scandal claim Not all car finance agreements were mis-sold. To find out if you're eligible, you'll need to find details of your HP and PCP car finance agreements and communicate directly with the lender. Don't worry if you can't remember who arranged your loan agreement or provided the finance, there's another way to claim compensation. Claims management firms like My Claim Group can manage the whole process for you, including identifying eligible finance agreements, contacting your lender, and passing you onto a solicitor firm that could secure your compensation. The solicitor firm will take a fee from the settlement to cover the cost of the service of up to 36%, including VAT*. How does it work? Let's walk you through each step below. My Claim Group My Claim Group: Steps to make your claim Claiming car finance mis-selling compensation is simple with My Claim Group. To register, you'll need to provide some personal information and details of your current and previous addresses. Once you've signed up, My Claim Group will be able to access your credit history and identify any car finance agreements that may have been mis-sold and confirm your eligibility for. If you've got more than one agreement, they'll be able to help you find them for the law firm to submit multiple claims on your behalf. With my Claim Groups trusted solicitor partners, you'll receive regular notifications about the status of your claim and the potential likelihood of a payout. It's a simple, quick and easy way to secure compensation for car finance mis-selling. Car finance mis-selling FAQs Get some answers to common car finance mis-selling questions. What happens after you submit your claim? Lenders are currently dealing with thousands – and potentially millions – o f claims, so you'll need to be patient. Due to the high volume of claims, the FCA has given lenders until 4 December 2025 to begin communicating with claimants. If you've claimed with My Claim Group, you'll receive regular notifications about the status of your claim and the potential likelihood of a payout. How long does the process take from application to payout? We can't tell you exactly how long it will be until you receive a payout (see above). What's important is that you get a claim in today. The sooner you lodge your claim, the sooner you could receive a payout. Tips for protecting yourself in future If you've been caught out by the car finance mis-selling scandal, it wasn't your fault. While all current PCP and HP agreements will be sold legally, here are some tips to ensure you get the best deal on any finance agreement. Take some time to learn about the different types of finance agreements (car loans, PCP, HP, etc.), including their benefits and drawbacks Understand how to compare the costs (including APR) of any finance agreement Always ask about any add-ons or additional fees you're being charged Trust your instincts and be prepared to walk away if you feel you're being pressured to sign Check the small print for any added extras that could increase costs Ask for a copy of the credit agreement so you can see what you're signing Finance agreements have a 14-day cooling off period, so don't worry if you get second thoughts, there's time to change My Claim Group My Claim Group is a trading name of the Claims Protection Agency Ltd, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA No. 836470). *My Claim Group will undertake a free check at no cost to you on your behalf to assess if you may have a vehicle finance claim. *** If you proceed, our panel solicitors work on a no win, no fee basis (subject to exclusions, for full details click on: Solicitor fees are up to 36% inc VAT. We receive a fee after a successful payout or a referral fee from your solicitor and this does not affect the compensation you will receive. You do not need to use a claims management company to make a claim; you can do this yourself for free by contacting the car dealership or finance provider and if that is not successful you can complain to the Financial Ombudsman Service. **See link for the FCA reference, solicitor fee tables & average valuations:

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