How Much Car Can You Really Get for £100 a Week on PCP? Real-World Answers for UK Drivers
Is PCP Still the Smartest Way to Drive a New Car in 2025?
If you’ve ever wandered into a dealership and found yourself fixating on the monthly payment rather than the sticker price, you’re not alone. Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) has become the go-to way for private buyers in the UK to get behind the wheel of a new car. In fact, according to the Finance & Leasing Association, over 80% of new cars bought by private individuals are now financed this way.
But is PCP still the best deal out there, especially with car prices climbing and electric vehicles (EVs) entering the mainstream? The answer, as with most things in life, is: it depends. PCPs are attractive because you’re only funding a portion of the car’s price, giving you affordable monthly payments and flexibility at the end of the term. You can hand the car back, pay the balloon payment to own it, or roll any equity into your next deal.
Manufacturers sweeten the pot with low interest rates and deposit contributions, making it even more tempting. But there are strings attached—think mileage limits and condition clauses. In reality, most people either part-exchange or sell their car at the end, often walking away with some equity for their next deposit.
The catch? Deposits are getting bigger. Compared to a decade ago, you’ll need to put down more cash up front to keep those monthly payments at the magic £400 mark. Blame rising car prices and the growing popularity of hybrids and EVs.
What’s the Real Cost of a £100-Per-Week PCP Deal?
Let’s break it down. For £400 a month (or £100 a week), you can drive away in a surprisingly wide range of cars—from sporty convertibles to practical crossovers, superminis, and even some hot hatches. All the deals we’ll look at are based on 10,000 miles per year, which is pretty standard for UK drivers.
But here’s the rub: to hit that £400 monthly payment, you’ll often need a chunky deposit. In some cases, manufacturers help out with deposit contributions, but you’ll still need to budget for a significant upfront payment. And while putting down more cash can lower your monthly bill, it’s not always the smartest move—especially if you’re not planning to keep the car at the end.
Let’s take a closer look at what your £100-a-week budget can actually buy in today’s market.
Which Convertibles Can You Afford for £400 a Month?
Mazda MX-5: The Icon That Keeps on Giving
The Mazda MX-5 remains a favourite for those who want a bit of wind-in-the-hair fun. The 2.0-litre Exclusive-Line comes with leather seats and a sporty track mode. Even with a £4,500 deposit, you’re looking at £402 per month over four years at a low 2.9% APR. Not cheap, but you’re paying for driving joy.
Mini Cooper S Convertible: Style and Substance
If you’re after something a bit more playful, the Mini Cooper S Classic Convertible is worth a look. With a lower £2,500 deposit and a 4.9% APR, you’ll pay £399 a month for 47 months. The electric hood and clever boot space tricks make it practical as well as fun.
Fiat 500e Cabrio: Open-Top Electric Motoring
The Fiat 500e Cabrio brings zero-emissions driving to the convertible crowd. Thanks to a £250 deposit contribution and 0% finance, you can get behind the wheel for £400 a month with a £2,000 deposit. The 42kWh battery promises up to 199 miles of range, though real-world figures are closer to 142 miles.
Are Crossovers and SUVs Within Reach on a PCP Budget?
Hyundai Ioniq 5: Family-Friendly EV with Style
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 stands out with its futuristic design and practical interior. To get the 63kWh Advance model for £397 a month, you’ll need a hefty £7,700 deposit—but Hyundai chips in another £2,000 and offers 0% APR over three years. If you prefer the Kia EV6, expect a similar deposit but a slightly higher monthly payment.
Lexus NX: Premium Hybrid, Premium Deposit
Craving luxury? The Lexus NX 350h Urban can be yours for £400 a month, but the deposit is a wallet-busting £12,560. That’s 28% of the car’s price upfront. The balance to pay at the end is set to reflect the car’s future value, which helps protect your equity.
Ford Puma: The Value Champion
The Ford Puma ST-Line, a mild-hybrid crossover, requires a more manageable £4,000 deposit and a low 1.9% APR. Monthly payments come in at £401 over three years. Ford’s predicted depreciation rate is high, but the Puma’s popularity on the used market means you could end up with some equity.
What Superminis Can You Drive for £100 a Week?
Renault 5 E-Tech: Retro Looks, Modern Power
The new Renault 5 E-Tech Iconic is turning heads with its blend of style and substance. With a £2,676 deposit and a £500 contribution from Renault, you’ll pay £401 a month over four years at 5.9% APR. The 52kWh battery offers a claimed 252-mile range, and the 148bhp motor delivers lively performance.
Peugeot 208 Hybrid GT: Big Value, Small Deposit
Peugeot is offering a generous £4,400 deposit contribution on the 208 Hybrid 145 GT. That means you only need to find £750 to get started, with monthly payments of £400 over 47 months at 6.9% APR. The car’s 3D digital instruments and electric-only running for short trips make it a tech-savvy choice.
Audi A1: Premium Badge, Manageable Payments
If you want something a bit more upmarket, the Audi A1 30 TFSI Sport S Tronic is available for £397 a month with a £750 deposit and a £900 contribution from Audi. The 8.95% APR is on the higher side, but the A1’s build quality and refinement make it a compelling option.
Can You Really Get a Coupé for £400 a Month?
Mercedes CLA 250e: Executive Style, Plug-In Power
The Mercedes-Benz CLA 250e AMG Line Executive is surprisingly attainable, thanks to a £3,500 discount and a £7,750 deposit. Monthly payments are £402 over four years at 2.9% APR. The plug-in hybrid powertrain offers a blend of performance and efficiency, though rear-seat space is tight.
BMW 4 Series: Sporty and Practical
BMW’s 420i M Sport Coupé is another option, but you’ll need to put down a whopping £14,193 deposit to hit the £400 monthly target. The 5.9% APR is reasonable, and the car’s blend of sportiness and practicality makes it a solid all-rounder.
Skoda Enyaq Coupé: The Electric SUV-Coupé
The Skoda Enyaq 85 Edition brings electric power to the coupé-SUV segment. With a £11,000 deposit and 0% APR, you’re looking at £399 a month over 35 months. Skoda’s alternative deal with a higher APR and deposit contribution is worth considering if you want to spread the cost over a longer term.
Are Hot Hatches Still Affordable on PCP?
Volkswagen Golf GTI: The Classic Hot Hatch
The Golf GTI remains the benchmark for hot hatches. With a £8,307 deposit and a £3,000 contribution from VW, you’ll pay £400 a month over four years at 7.9% APR. The latest Mk8.5 isn’t quite as sharp as previous generations, but it’s still a blast to drive and holds its value well.
Honda Civic Type R: Performance Comes at a Price
The Civic Type R is pricier, with a £15,000 deposit (offset by a £2,500 contribution from Honda) and monthly payments of £390 over 37 months at 6.9% APR. The driving experience is second to none, and Honda’s five-year service plan adds extra value.
Cupra Born VZ: The Electric Hot Hatch
The Cupra Born VZ is proof that EVs can be exciting. With a £8,000 deposit and a massive £7,000 contribution from Cupra, you’ll pay £401 a month over 35 months at 4.9% APR. It’s a compelling alternative to traditional hot hatches, especially for city drivers.
What Should You Watch Out For with PCP Deals?
It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of a low monthly payment, but there are a few things to keep in mind:
– Large deposits can leave you short for your next car. Try to balance upfront costs with future flexibility.
– Manufacturer deposit contributions can make a big difference—always ask what’s available.
– Watch the APR. Even a small difference can add up over the term.
– Consider the car’s predicted future value. A realistic balloon payment protects your equity.
– Don’t forget about mileage limits and condition clauses, especially if you plan to hand the car back.
Is It Better to Buy Nearly New or Stick with PCP on a New Car?
Conventional wisdom says buying nearly new avoids the steepest depreciation. But with manufacturer incentives and low-rate finance, a new car on PCP can sometimes be better value—especially if you negotiate a discount or free servicing. Plus, the latest models often come with tech and safety upgrades that make them more enjoyable to own.
The Bottom Line