Car Finance Options Explained…
Posted on: 21st Jun 2018
Finding the right car that’s suitable for you is an exciting experience but deciding how to pay for your new car can be a challenge as there are various options to choose from, some of which not everyone fully understands. Below we will explain the most popular forms of payment options, to help you decide which one is right for you.
Personal Contract Purchase (PCP)
Personal Contract Purchase is where you pay an initial deposit followed by a series of monthly payments. At the end of your contract you have three options of what to do with the car:
1. Hand it back to the dealer, as long as it is in good condition.
2. If you want to buy it outright, you pay the final payment, also known as the balloon payment.
3. If your car is worth more than the Guaranteed Future Value (GFV) then you can use that equity towards a deposit on a new car.
Please be aware that if you go over your agreed annual mileage, an additional cost will be required when your contract ends. This also applies to any major bumps/scrape beyond the usual wear and tear. It is important to thoroughly read through your contract as all terms & conditions are outlined.
Hire Purchase (HP)
Similar to PCP, you’ll pay a deposit and monthly payments over an agreed time, however you’re paying off the entire value of the car not the depreciation of the car. Unlike a PCP agreement, there will be no terms and conditions in relation to annual mileage and wear and tear, as at the end of the agreement, you will own the car.
Personal Contract Hire (PCH)
If you do not want to buy the car at the end of a contract period, nor are you looking to change your car during your agreement, then a Personal Contract Hire would be the best choice as it is essentially a long-term rental. Once the agreement ends, you will not own the car and it will be returned to the dealer. Charges will still apply if you go over your agreed annual mileage and if there is any damage on the car.
Personal Bank Loan
With a personal bank loan you can personally arrange to either take out the full amount of the purchase price of the car, or a certain amount if you are shortfall if you want to pay cash. The positives of this option is that you will own the car outright from the start, and you don’t need to worry about limiting your annual mileage or returning the car after so many years.
With all of the above options you need to consider if you can afford the monthly payments/cost before signing the contract. If you would like more information, do not hesitate to contact our Centres across the North East.
MOT Changes 2018
Posted on: 19th May 2018
As of 20th May 2018, the MOT test has undergone some of the most significant changes of its near 60-year history. Some of the changes include new defect categories, stricter rules for Diesel car emissions and some cars over 40-year-old will be exempt from the MOT test. The main changes which you need to know about are explained below.
Driving Test Changes In December 2017
Posted on: 4th Dec 2017
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) have confirmed that from today (Monday 4th December), changes to the driving test are now in effect.
Winter Driving Questions Unveiled: Part 1
Posted on: 15th Nov 2017
With the cold winter days fast approaching and the dark nights now here, driving can be a daunting experience. Whether you’re driving to work, the shops or travelling to a relative’s home for Christmas ensuring your car is in full working condition is essential. Sometimes though, we forget some of the rules of the road during the colder months;...
Richard Hardie Staff Race To The Finish Line At The Great North Run 2017
Posted on: 13th Sep 2017
Last weekend (Sunday 10th September) some of our fitness fanatic staff completed the Great North Run, which is the largest half marathon in the UK with over 57,000 runners participating each year! Do you want to find out how our team got on? Read their inspiring stories below…
A Guide To The Fiat 124 Spider
Posted on: 4th Sep 2017
We take a look at the sporty and stunning Fiat 124 Spider!
Richard Hardie Ready For The New 67 September Plate Change
Posted on: 30th Aug 2017
Take a look at our top picks for new cars as we get ready for the September 67 plate change!
A Guide To Child Seat Laws
Posted on: 28th Aug 2017
Check out our handy guide on the new child seat laws and everything you need to know about choosing the correct seat for your child.
Richard Hardie Celebrates The Fiat 500 Turning 60 with the Fiat 500 Anniversario Limited Edition!
Posted on: 15th Aug 2017
The Fiat 500 is an iconic model, easily recognised across the world. Described as the World’s first city car, there have been more than six million Fiat 500 models sold worldwide since it first rolled off the production line 60 years ago.
A Look Into The Future Of Driving Safety And Technology
Posted on: 26th Jul 2017
Take a look at the latest technology to reduce phone use behind the wheel.
Richard Hardie Welcomes The Updated Fiat 500L To Showrooms
Posted on: 22nd Jul 2017
Check out the details for the updated Fiat 500L!
Drivers Urged to Slow Down After New Speeding Fines are Introduced
Posted on: 22nd May 2017
We take a look at the new speeding fines and what it could mean if you get caught.
Valentine’s Day Road Trip Ideas
Posted on: 13th Feb 2017
Looking for something extra special to do this Valentine’s Day? How about a road trip? The UK has some wonderful places, especially around the North East. Here we share with you those places and how to make your Valentine’s Day that little more special.
Five Reasons to Buy the Fiat 500
Posted on: 31st Jan 2017
The Fiat 500 is a recognisable car across Britain’s roads. Its unique shape and style make it stand out from the crowd. We love it, and here we’ve listed our top five reasons why you should buy a new Fiat 500.
Top Tips On De-Icing Your Car
Posted on: 23rd Jan 2017
Don't get stressed out trying to de-ice your car, follow our top tips!
Richard Hardie Raise over £378 for Save the Children
Posted on: 30th Dec 2016
On Friday 16th December 2016 our Richard Hardie Centres in Ashington, Durham, Newcastle, Silverlink and Sunderland, flaunted their Christmas Jumpers to raise money for Save the Children. We had a great day playing various fundraising games and in all we raised £379.72 between our five Centres in the North East!
Winter Driving Tips
Posted on: 22nd Dec 2016
Here are our top winter driving tips to get you and your car through the next few months.
Richard Hardie Set to Drive up Turnover After Acquiring Newcastle Centre
Posted on: 19th Oct 2016
Richard Hardie, recognised as the region’s largest Peugeot, Fiat and Abarth dealer, has opened on Scotswood Road, in a move which will see the Company increase turnover by 25% and create a number of job opportunities.
Available Now: The New Fiat 124 Spider and Abarth 124 Spider
Posted on: 21st Sep 2016
Taking Your Car Abroad
Posted on: 22nd Aug 2016
Our top tips on how to prepare for your European driving holiday.
Richard Hardie Durham to Complete Demanding Two Day Coast 2 Coast Challenge
Posted on: 14th Aug 2016
Some of the team at our Durham branch are embarking on a gruelling two day challenge later this month to support and raise money for excellent charities close to their hearts. The team are doing the Coast 2 Coast starting at Whitehaven on the 26th August and finishing the challenge at Sunderland on the 28th August 2016.
Richard Hardie Unveils New Fiat And Abarth Centre
Posted on: 10th Aug 2016
Family-owned Richard Hardie has chosen to invest heavily in its Wearside centre, in order to increase customer offerings and create more job opportunities in the area.
Abarth and Fiat Anniversary
Posted on: 28th Jul 2016
The end of this month will see the 44th anniversary since Fiat and Abarth merged.
New Fiat Qubo ready to roll into showrooms later this year
Posted on: 25th Jul 2016
If you’re looking for something big enough to carry the whole family, without taking up all the space in the driveway then the Fiat Qubo could be just what you’re looking for.
Keeping Yourself Cool Over Summer (and your car!)
Posted on: 20th Jul 2016
With the hottest day of the year sneaking up on the UK, Richard Hardie have put together some tips to help you and your car stay cool this summer.
The World’s Smallest Yacht Coming Soon To Richard Hardie!
Posted on: 3rd Jul 2016
Introducing the Fiat 500 Riva, designed in collaboration with maritime icon Riva!
Chris Moody Celebrates 25 Years at Richard Hardie
Posted on: 30th Jun 2016
Chris Moody celebrates 25 Years with the company on 1st July 2016. Chris originally started as an YTS apprentice for 2 years at the Chester le Street branch and then became employed on the 1st July 1991. Since then Chris has had many promotions from then and became Group Parts Manager in 2001.
Prices & specifications for the handsome new Fiat Tipo Hatchback & Station Wagon announced
Posted on: 24th May 2016
Meet the sleek yet spacious Fiat Tipo family
Is Your Car Ready For Summer?
Posted on: 26th Apr 2016
Our cars take a bit of a beating over the cooler months. Follow our tips to ensure your car is ready for long summer drives!
The Award Winning FIAT 500 Becomes Increasingly Popular
Posted on: 14th Apr 2016
The FIAT 500 has continued to grow in popularity after The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) reveal the most popular vehicles during March registrations.
All-New Fiat Tipo Revealed at Geneva Motor Show 2016
Posted on: 18th Mar 2016
The new Tipo will be available in the UK later this year in both hatchback and estate versions!
Richard Hardie Raises £127 for Text Santa 2015!
Posted on: 24th Dec 2015
Last week we raised £127 between our Sunderland and Durham dealerships for Text Santa!
New Fiat 124 Spider Unveiled!
Posted on: 20th Nov 2015
It’s back! A new Fiat 124 Spider was just unveiled at the 2015 LA Auto Show and it looks fantastic.
Fiat 500 Icon Reloaded Movie Wallpaper
Posted on: 12th Oct 2015
The Icon Reloaded launch brought with it a series of iconic movie features that Richard Hardie developed into poster and wallpaper for your desktop, tablet, laptop or smartphone or even your website.
The Oddballs Fiat 500 by Richard Hardie
Posted on: 24th Sep 2015
This week a brand new Fiat 500 Lounge was handed over to The Oddballs Foundation to help raise awareness of the charity and its great cause. Enter our competition to have the chance to win some prizes!
The Brand New Fiat 500 Has Been Revealed
Posted on: 21st Sep 2015
UPDATE: Fiat has officially confirmed all rumours after a long and hard wait!
The Fiat 500 Combines New Design with Familiar Feeling
Posted on: 21st Sep 2015
A closer look at the New Fiat 500 Lounge; the small iconic hatchback of the decade!
Top Tips for Choosing the Right Fiat 500 Model for your Lifestyle and Budget
Posted on: 20th Sep 2015
If you’ve recently decided to purchase a new Fiat 500, the next decision you’ll be faced with is....
The New Fiat 500 The Icon Re-loaded Has Arrived!
Posted on: 14th Sep 2015
The brand-new Fiat 500 the Icon Re-loaded is finally here! Take a look at the 500's cutting-edge features, retro looks and fun personality.
The Fiat 500 Family
Posted on: 3rd Sep 2015
500X grabs Xtra attention with new customisable options from Mopar
Posted on: 23rd Aug 2015
Want to add some bling to your Fiat 500X?
Important MOT Checks
Posted on: 16th Jul 2015
Our guide to the important checks involved in an MOT.
Fiat Panda - Practical and Affordable
Posted on: 1st Jul 2015
It’s time to celebrate the Fiat Panda. First launched 35 years ago, the car moved into its second incarnation in 2004.
Fiat-Chrysler Agrees Football League Deal
Posted on: 10th Jun 2015
The Football League play-off finals last month marked the start of a new official car partnership between Fiat-Chrysler and the Football League.
Fiat Aegea Debuts At Istanbul Motor Show
Posted on: 9th Jun 2015
The Italian Fiat Aegea debuted at last months Istanbul Motor Show, where it sported an elegant bold design with strong sculpted lines...
New Fiat Crossover Has The X Factor
Posted on: 13th May 2015
If you're looking for a new addition for the family you've come to the right place...
Our Top Car Accessories
Posted on: 25th Mar 2015
Today’s car market is full of interesting, quirky accessories.....
Peugeot and Fiat Reveal Impressive Line-up at Geneva Motor Show
Posted on: 20th Mar 2015
The 2015 Geneva Motor Show is a much anticipated event for car lovers around the globe and is the perfect opportunity for large car brands to show off their exciting new concept car designs and upcoming models.
New Fiat Teaser Advert Features A-List Celebrities
Posted on: 27th Feb 2015
The anticipation during the build up to the release of the new Fiat advert is high after the cast were spotted filming on the streets of New York.
Register your interest in the new Fiat 500X today!
Posted on: 23rd Jan 2015
Launching April 2015
The Power Of X (#thepowerofX) with Dynamo & Fiat 500X
Posted on: 10th Dec 2014
New Fiat 500X announcing: The Power Of X (#thepowerofX) with Dynamo & Fiat.
Fiat 500X - a little more revealed
Posted on: 22nd Sep 2014
Due to be unveiled at October's Paris Motor Show, the Fiat 500X crossover, is strictly under wraps but you can see a sneak preview of this latest member of the Fiat 500 family.
Fiat 500 takes on ALS Bucket challenge
Posted on: 15th Sep 2014
On behalf of all the family of Fiat, 500 is the one to take the ice bucket challenge to support the ALS research.
The New Fiat 500X
Posted on: 15th Sep 2014
Currently under wraps but due to be unveiled at October's Paris Motor Show, see a sneak preview of the Fiat 500X crossover, latest member of the Fiat 500 family.
The New Fiat Panda Cross - A Car Like No Other
Posted on: 31st Aug 2014
Being able to offer something truly unique in the increasingly competitive SUV segment is no small achievement but in the FIAT Panda Cross that's exactly what you get - a car like no other! The new FIAT Panda Cross combines the genuine capabilities of a proper off-road vehicle with the efficiency and practicality of a versatile city car.
Save Money With Superb 64-Plate Deals on Fiat & Abarth
Posted on: 25th Aug 2014
The new autumn 2014 registration plate change arrives on 1st September, and drivers can benefit from great bargains on the latest Fiat models at Richard Hardie.
FIAT 500 range revised for 2014
Posted on: 26th May 2014
The latest updates, including the new range-topping FIAT 500 Cult model, a new TwinAir 105hp engine and new colours, upholsteries and wheels go on sale in the UK.
Big star, small car! Clint Eastwood in his FIAT500
Posted on: 25th May 2014
He can afford any car on this earth but forget a Lamborghini, the only Italian motor Clint Eastwood wants is a Fiat. The 83-year-old mega star arrived on set in Venice, California, in the Fiat 500 Hatchback.
New Photo facilities at our centralised Used Car Preparation facility
Posted on: 27th Apr 2014
To further improve the quality and presentation of our used cars we’ve recently established a dedicated photography area within our centralised used car preparation area.
New Beats Edition of the Popular FIAT 500L
Posted on: 27th Apr 2014
New Beats Edition™ of the Popular FIAT 500L
The FIAT 500L range goes from strength to strength in 2014 with the announcement of a new special edition - the FIAT 500L Beats EditionTM.
Fiat unveils Panda 4x4 Antarctica edition
Posted on: 27th Apr 2014
Fiat is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Fiat Panda by releasing a special edition 4x4 Antarctica.
The car is denoted by its white paintjob and black roof, along with 15-inch diamond-finish alloy wheels, special badges and orange detailing.
