Articles

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Car Maintenance: 10 Essential Steps to Keep Your Vehicle Running Smoothly

Oodle Articles

Keeping your car in roadworthy condition requires regular maintenance, but the good news is that it doesn’t have to be complicated. Routine care can help you avoid costly repairs, prolong your car's lifespan and protect its long-term value. Plus, a well-maintained vehicle offers peace of mind every time you hit the road.

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What is a Car Warranty? Everything You Need to Know

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Buying a car, whether brand new or used, is one of the biggest purchases most of us will ever make. That’s why protecting that investment is essential. One of the most common (and most misunderstood) protections is a car warranty.

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Should I Service My Car Before Selling It?

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Thinking of selling your car? Getting it serviced beforehand can make it more attractive to buyers and even increase the price you get for it – but not in every case. Whether or not to service depends on who you’re selling to, the condition of your car, and on how much you hope to sell it for. If you’re looking for some clear advice to help you make the right choice, this article is for you.

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Electric Vehicle Charging on the Road: How to Power Your Electric Car While Travelling

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Electric vehicles (EVs) are transforming how we approach driving, offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional petrol cars. With their growing popularity, understanding public EV charging has never been more crucial, especially for long-distance trips. Proper planning ensures EVs deliver a smooth, reliable travel experience, even on extended journeys. If you're considering an EV, you may also want to explore Electric Cars on Finance for an in-depth look at financing options.

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What Is a Pre-Registered Car?

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If you’re shopping for a car but want great value, a pre-registered car might just be your perfect match. These nearly new vehicles are often more affordable than brand-new ones and are ready to drive away immediately. But what exactly is a pre-registered car, and are they the right choice for you? Here, we’ll explain everything you need to know, from their benefits and drawbacks, to car finance options and when to find the best deals.

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What are your rights when buying a used car?

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When it comes to buying a used car, it’s really important to understand your rights. Whether you’re buying from a dealer or a private seller, knowing what you are legally entitled to (and what you’re not) can help you avoid problems and buy with confidence

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How long should I finance my car for?

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Car finance can be a great way to spread the cost of owning a vehicle. But one of the most important decisions you’ll make is how long your finance agreement should last. In this guide, we break down exactly how different loan lengths will impact: the amount you’ll pay back each month, how much interest you’ll pay overall, and how the age of your car makes a difference. Read on to find out how to make the right choice for you.

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How to test drive a used car: a comprehensive checklist

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Taking a car out for a test drive, be it used or new, can be a thrill. But if you’re buying second-hand, you’ll need to be especially thorough in your checks. Knowing what to look for could save you a lot of money (and stress) down the line, so whether you’re eyeing up a reliable runaround or a sporty hatchback, use our checklist to help you test drive a used car like a pro.

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What documents should I get when buying a used car?

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Buying a used car can be a smart way to save money. However, to avoid nasty surprises down the road, make sure you’ve got the right paperwork in place before you hand over your cash. In this guide, we walk you through the essential documents you’ll need to receive, supply – and check – to ensure a smooth, stress-free purchase.

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Charging your electric vehicle at home

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Thinking of installing an electric vehicle (EV) charger at home? Read on for everything you need to know about the costs involved, how they’re set up, the benefits they offer and the grants available to make charging your electric car at home easy and affordable.

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How do private licence plates work?

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Private plates – also known as personalised or cherished plates – are a popular way of making your car stand out from the crowd and adding personality to your vehicle. Read on for everything you need to know about private number plates, from buying and assigning one, to understanding the rules around transfers, legal requirements and how they work on financed and second-hand cars.

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When is the Best Time to Buy a Car?

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When purchasing a car, new or used, timing can make a surprisingly big difference. Car prices fluctuate throughout the year - inflation, supply and demand, and even the great British weather can all have an impact on market conditions. Understanding when is the best time to buy a car can help you make significant savings and ensure you get the best deal possible. In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about market trends, seasonal patterns, and other factors that influence car prices.

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How much will my credit score go up when added to the electoral roll?

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Find out how joining the electoral register can boost your credit score and improve your chances of car finance approval, even with a limited credit history.

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Can pensioners get car finance?

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Can pensioners get car finance in the UK? Discover how retirement income, credit score, and age impact car finance eligibility, plus tips to make your application stronger.

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What is conditional sale (CS) finance?

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Conditional sale (CS) finance is another option to consider when it comes to buying a car. Here we’ll explore the details of CS finance and look at how it compares to other car financing agreements.

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What credit score do I need for car finance?

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Discover the credit score you need for car finance and how it affects approval, rates, and loan terms.

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Why was my car finance approved then declined?

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Trying to understand why you were initially approved for car finance and then declined? Explore the financing process, common reasons and next steps.

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Can you put private plates on a financed car?

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Personalized plates are more popular than ever, but if your car is financed, you’ll need permission from your provider first.

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Excess Mileage Charges Explained

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In this guide, we break down what excess mileage charges are, how they're calculated, and offer tips on how to avoid them.

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Car Finance: What Does ‘Approved in Principle’ Mean?

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When applying for car finance, the words ‘approved in principle’, or AIP, will come up – but what does this mean?

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Can You Modify a Financed Car? Rules & Restrictions

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Planning to modify a financed car? Learn the dos and don’ts to avoid potential issues in this quick guide.

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Understanding the Essential Criteria for Secured Loans

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Considering a secured loan? Learn the essentials and what lenders look for to make an informed decision in this quick guide.

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Can You Have Two Cars on Finance?

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Considering financing two cars? Explore key factors to know before applying for a second car loan in this helpful guide.

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Can You Swap Finance from One Car to Another?

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Unfortunately, the short answer is no, but don’t worry – there are still options available if you want to change your financed car. Let’s explore why finance agreements are specific to a single vehicle and what you can do if you’re looking to make a switch.

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Can You Get Car Finance with a Provisional Licence?

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Getting car finance can feel daunting at times, especially if you’re still on a provisional licence. You might be wondering if it's possible to secure a loan before you’ve passed your driving test. The good news? Yes, you can! 

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How to Finance a Used Car: Everything You Need to Know

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Looking to finance a used car? You’re in the right place. Used cars are a great choice for getting more bang for your buck, and with the right finance option, they’re more accessible than ever. No matter if it’s your first car or you’re ready for an upgrade, knowing how to finance a used car can make a world of difference. 

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Can I Get Car Finance with No Credit History?

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You’re ready to get your own car – whether to make the commute easier, for weekend trips, or just to have a bit more freedom. But when you haven’t got a credit history, car finance can seem a bit out of reach. So, can you get car finance with no credit history?  Here’s the thing: even without a credit record, car finance is still possible. It might take a bit more research, and there’s no guarantee, but there are options out there. In this guide, we’ll break down what lenders look for and the steps you can take to help you secure finance, even if you’re starting from scratch.

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Do I Own My Car If It’s on Finance?

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Buying a car is undoubtedly exciting, but the finance side of things can be a little confusing at times. One of the more common questions we often hear is: ‘Do I own my car if it’s on finance?’, so let’s clear things up.

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Will a Car Loan Hurt My Credit Score?

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When you take out a car loan, or any loan, this gets reported to credit agencies and the loan appears on your credit report, where it will stay for several years. How you manage your loan payments will affect your credit score and your credit history positively or negatively.

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Crashed a Financed Car? Here’s What to Do Next

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Crashing your car is stressful enough, but it can feel even more complicated if the car is financed. If you find yourself in this situation, it’s important to know what steps to take next. This guide will walk you through what to do if you crash a financed car.

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Stolen Car on Finance: What Now?

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The only thing worse than having a car stolen, is having a car on finance stolen. If you’re still paying it off, it can feel like adding insult to injury. Thankfully car theft is rare, but it does happen. If it happens to you, try not to panic, there are things you can do to make the whole experience easier to deal with. Grab yourself a cuppa and read on.

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How Car Finance Affects Mortgage Applications

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If you’re thinking of applying for a mortgage, you might be wondering if car finance has any effect on your chances of being successful. Any new application for credit will result in a review of your existing commitments and payment history. Let's look at the detail.

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Can Students Get Car Finance? Eligibility & Options

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Getting a car is a dream for many young people, and for students, it can change their lives. But is it possible for students to get car finance?

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What Is a Settlement Figure in Car Finance?

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If you have a car finance agreement and you want to end it early, the settlement figure is the amount of money you need to pay to close the loan.

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Can Someone Else Drive My Financed Car?

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Providing that the other person has a full clean driving licence and that the appropriate insurance is in place, then yes – another person can drive your financed car. Read on for the must-know rules.

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What Checks Are Done for Car Finance Approval?

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When you apply for car finance, the finance company will run some checks on you. Here’s everything you need to know about what you can expect.

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Does Car Finance Affect Your Credit Score?

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Keeping your financial well-being in check will undoubtedly mean questions along the way. This article explores the impact that taking out car finance has on your credit score.

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Is It Hard to Get Car Finance? Breaking Down the Process

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Ever wondered about car finance but worry that it is hard to get? We’ve got you covered. Gain practical insights and useful tips to help you on your way to car finance success.

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What Is a Bad Credit Score? Navigating Your Finances

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Discover what defines a bad credit score. Get an understanding of the detail so you can make better financial decisions and understand credit challenges.

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What Documents Do I Need for a Secured Loan?

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Ready to apply for a secured loan? Make sure you’re up to speed with everything you’ll need for a hassle-free car finance application.

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Can Car Finance Be Transferred to Someone Else?

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If your circumstances change, you might wonder if it’s possible to transfer your car finance to another party. Here, we assess your options.

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Why Car Finance Applications Get Refused

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Navigating car finance can be challenging, especially when faced with application refusal. Here we explore common pitfalls in the application process and gain insights into how to confidently overcome obstacles on your journey to approval.