EyeOnKey terms A–Z
Quick definitions in plain English. Meanings and rules can vary by country and provider.
- APR
- The yearly cost of the finance, including interest and some fees.
- Balloon payment (GFV payment)
- The final lump sum due on a PCP to own the car. It is based on the guaranteed future value.
- Deposit
- The upfront payment you make towards the car.
- Excess mileage charge
- A per-mile fee for exceeding the agreed limit.
- Gap insurance
- Cover for the difference between what you owe and what the car is worth if it is written off.
- Guaranteed future value (GFV)
- The value the finance company expects the car to have at the end of the agreement.
- Hire purchase (HP)
- You pay in instalments and own the car once the final payment is made.
- Mileage allowance
- The distance you can drive each year without extra charges.
- Negative equity
- When you owe more on the finance than the car is worth.
- Part exchange (trade-in)
- Using your current car's value to reduce the price of the next one.
- Personal contract hire (leasing)
- You rent the car for a set period and hand it back at the end. You never own it.
- Personal contract purchase (PCP)
- Lower monthly payments with a large final payment if you want to keep the car.
- Personal loan
- Money borrowed to buy a car outright; you own it from the start.
- Total amount payable
- The full amount you pay back over the agreement, including interest and fees.
- Voluntary termination
- In some countries, a right to end a hire purchase or PCP early once a share of the price is paid.
Core terms to understand before you sign
A finance agreement is the contract that records what you borrow, the repayment schedule, and any conditions such as mileage limits or end-of-term options. The deposit is any upfront payment that reduces the amount financed, which can lower monthly instalments. Interest rate describes the cost of borrowing as a percentage, while an APR-style figure attempts to show the annual cost including some fees; different presentations can make comparisons clearer or more confusing, so ask for a breakdown of charges and the total amount payable.
Settlement figure is the total required to clear the agreement at a particular time, including outstanding capital and any agreed charges; you can request it to check options for early repayment. Equity describes whether your vehicle’s market value is higher or lower than the remaining balance: positive equity means the car is worth more than you owe, negative equity means the reverse. Residual value and large final payments (sometimes called balloon payments or the minimum future value) are used in some contracts to set lower monthly payments but alter end-of-term choices.
Common contract types and how they differ
Hire purchase and conditional sale arrangements typically involve a deposit followed by fixed monthly payments, with ownership transferring once the balance is settled. Personal contract options such as purchase-style agreements often use an estimated end-of-term value to reduce monthly sums and offer choices at the end: pay a final amount to keep the vehicle, return it, or trade it in. Long-term rental-style contracts allow use for a set period and mileage but generally do not include an option to purchase at term end.
Leasing or dealer-arranged finance can seem convenient because they bundle several steps, but comparing independent offers can highlight different rates and fees. Advertised headline rates may represent a portion of applicants rather than every buyer; focus on the specific rate and charges quoted to you. Incentives like dealer deposit contributions or trade-in allowances can change the economics of a deal, so review how any contribution affects the total financed amount and monthly cost.
Costs, protections, and practical next steps
Beyond interest, agreements can include arranged fees such as set-up charges, administration fees, excess mileage or wear-and-tear charges, and potential early settlement fees. These costs can affect the total you pay and the value of options at the end of a contract. Reading the schedule of payments and asking for an itemised example of total cost over the term helps compare alternatives on a like-for-like basis and highlights where extra charges may apply.
When comparing offers, consider the total amount payable, mileage and condition limits, flexibility to end or transfer the agreement, and how ownership or equity will work for your plans. Keep records of quotes and correspondence, request settlement figures if you are thinking about changing a deal, and review insurance and maintenance responsibilities. If terms or implications are unclear, consider seeking independent guidance to understand trade-offs between monthly cost, ownership, and flexibility.