Approved Car Finance Review

Overall Rating

Staff Very friendly, They explain how finance works, all payments on time are reported to boost credit score, Picked me up from the train station.

Some of the sales team seem to almost force people into a sale (my chap was great throughout), Lots of waiting about (Take a newspaper!)

First of all, on the phone the person from Approved Car Finance who dealt with me was Fantastic. He was very understanding and explained everything I would need.
I needed a car for that day because I had had an accident in the banger I drove. Once he guaranteed me finance, he asked me to come to the premises in Kent so we could sort out how much I could get (money wise), and what sort of car I was interested in (They even offered to reimburse my train ticket).

Once there I met with the guy who I dealt with on the phone and he was extremely professional and looked the part. I will say that other members of the team who were dealing with one specific customer were going for a very hard approach and if it was me in his shoes i would have walked out.

Once down to business he explained my credit situation, which turned out not to be too bad and we discussed what kind of car I would like. My preference was a small car, under 1.4L with and 4/5 doors (all for insurance reasons).
I will admit it was at least two hours in before I saw any cars but the ones in the Kent showroom were in rather good condition. The mid sized cars looked very nice, and were within my budget, but I needed a small car!
I was shown 3 cars, all of which I liked and decided to test drive an 05 reg Kia Picanto Se. I liked the car, it had all round electric windows, electric mirrors, CD player, and AC. The screen prices are irrelevant, if they show you a car, and its outside what they said was your budget, it will come down drastically!
I ended up £1000 under budget, with no deposit, and all the warranty, and GAP thrown in. Warranty includes breakdown cover too, so recovery is not a problem anywhere!

Members' Comments onBrylcreem's Review

• abc123car on 18th Sep 2006

  Hi.
  What does the interest rate range from, how long can the finance be taken over and do you have any tips for anyone thinking of buying a car from them.
  Thanks

• grahamfo2002 on 12th Aug 2008

  I have an appointment on Friday at the same branch you got your car. Now, seeing as your review's a few years old, I was wondering what your thoughts were about the car you purchased. From other reviews of ACF, it seems like it's going to be a "hit or miss" for me come Friday. The guy I spoke to in Finance (and the guy before him) were very friendly, but I guess that doesn't say much....I still have to deal with a salesperson. How did you find negotiating the APR? On their website, their APR is showing at 44.9%. Do you know if this is negotiable, i.e. higher deposit, lower monthly, lower APR? I don't mind paying a higher APR so long as the monthly payment is doable with my income. I'm starting to worry since I've read the horrible reviews about ACF, so am hoping to get some encouragement, I suppose. Thanks.