Representative Example:

Loan Amount Repayment Term APR Monthly Instalment Total Interest to Pay Total amount repayable
€20,000 5 years (60 Months) 6.1% €386.06 €3,163.57 €23,163.57

*(The figures shown are for illustrative purposes only. Borrow only what you need and can comfortably afford to repay.)

Car finance makes buying a vehicle manageable by spreading the cost of a car into fixed monthly instalments. GoBigBucks provides direct finance, ensuring faster decisions with zero broker fees.

Our car finance calculator gives you an estimated monthly repayment before you apply.

Your Summary
Monthly Repayment
Repayable term
Fixed APR Rate
Total Repayment

The figure shown in the calculator is an estimate, not the final rate. Your actual offer depends on your credit record and monthly income.

If you choose a longer term, it will lower the monthly payment but increase the total interest paid. APR and total loan cost are the two important figures alongside monthly repayment. They can all illustrate the actual loan cost over the full term.

*Warning: If you do not keep up your repayments, you may lose your vehicle or affect your credit rating.

What is car finance and how does it work?

Car finance is a borrowing option secured against the vehicle you are purchasing. You repay the loan in fixed monthly instalments, usually over a term ranging between 1 and 7 years.

To finance a car, there are 3 primary structures used:

Type Car Owner Deposit Needed What will happen in the end?
Hire Purchase (HP) You, after clearing the final payment Optional You own the car
Personal Contract Plan (PCP) The finance company, until final payment Optional Pay balloon, return car, or trade in
Personal Loan You, immediately Optional Car is only yours

Hire Purchase or a personal loan suits those individuals who want full ownership of the car with no balloon payment. In contrast, a Personal Contract Plan benefits buyers who often change their cars.

Who can apply for car finance?

Most people can qualify, provided they can prove their affordability to repay the loan according to the given schedule.

We consider:

  • Employed applicants, using recent payslips
  • Self-employed applicants, using accounts or bank statements
  • Applicants with a pension or benefit income
  • Applicants with a less-than-perfect credit history

We assess each application on its own merits, not against a single fixed criterion.

How to apply for car finance online?

You can apply with minimal documentation and no need to visit our branch. Unlock your phone or open your computer to follow our easy loan process from anywhere in Ireland.

Here are the steps to follow:

  • Get an estimate using our calculator.
  • Apply online in a few minutes with your details and the car you want.
  • Get your answer, along with a representative example showing exactly what you'd pay.

We instantly review your loan application and allow for quick loan approval. We release the funds directly to the dealer or seller. You collect your vehicle once the transaction clears. It is usually done within a day or two of final approval.

There is no obligation to accept any offer once you see your representative example. It is there to help you decide, not to force you.

What Documents Do I Need to Apply?

  • Proof of identity (passport or driving licence)
  • Proof of address (current utility bill or bank statement)
  • Evidence of income (payslips, accounts, or benefit statement)
  • Details of the car (price, mileage, seller)

Having these documents ready before you start speeds up your decision considerably.

smart-car-finance

Is 0% car finance available in Ireland?

Realistically, it is available but in limited numbers. It is generally bound to particular new models, shorter durations, or a larger-than-average deposit.

A genuine 0% rate is very rare across the Irish market, especially outside those manufacturer promotions. GoBigBucks emphasises transparent and competitive rates instead.

The rate you receive in the loan quote is the final, not the headline rate. Most borrowers find it easy to meet the price.

If you see a dealer offer looking effective, ask what has been excluded from this. Generally, higher deposits, shorter terms, or specific modifications are the conditions attached to headline 0% finance advertisements.

How to compare car finance deals?

While doing car finance comparison, you should not look only at the monthly repayment alone. Instead, you need to look for multiple factors. These include:

  • Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
  • Total amount repayable over the life of the loan
  • Early repayment charges or not
  • How much the deposit is required
  • Flexibility of the finance term

GoBigBucks displays all these figures upfront in your loan quote. Still, you can compare offers before committing to anything.

car-finance-deal

How does used car finance work?

It works in the same manner as a new car loan. This means rates are generally higher, considering the vehicle's depreciation.

We finance used cars from approved dealers and private sales. However, your vehicle should meet our criteria:

  • Fit under the set age and mileage limit
  • Clear ownership with no hidden outstanding balance
  • Eligible to drive on the road with a valid NCT if applicable

If you are buying the used car privately, you should get an independent history check beforehand. It helps you confirm mileage, accident history, and whether any finance is still pending on the vehicle.

Can you get car finance for an electric vehicle in Ireland?

Yes, we can finance electric and hybrid vehicles, as we do for petrol or diesel cars. There will be the same requirements for the online application, documentation, and how the rates are fixed.

Currently, you can take advantage of Irish government incentives if you want to buy an EV that matches your budget:

  • Up to €3,500 off a new battery electric car through the SEAI purchase grant
  • Up to €5,000 in VRT relief on eligible new BEVs
  • A separate €300 grant toward a home charger installation

Remember, these grants are for new battery electric cars only. They are not for used EVs or plug-in hybrids. The dealer deducts the grant and VRT relief before your loan amount is finalised. This means you are financing a smaller figure initially.

Some people also look for a green loan, which is specially marketed for electric or low-emissions vehicles.

Note: SEAI grant and VRT figures mentioned above are accurate as of August 2026. However, they change periodically. Please keep visiting our loan page regularly to get the updated figures.

How to find the best car finance deals?

The best deals are not those advertised with a single rate for every borrower. It is not the cheapest one.

Your actual finance rate depends on:

  • Your credit history
  • Your monthly income and outgoings
  • Deposit size
  • Car value and age

We assess each application individually. A good credit history or a larger deposit can bring cheaper finance deal than for those with low credit profiles.

Can I get car finance with bad credit?

Yes, car finance in Ireland with bad credit options are available with us. We consider your current income and affordability. It makes your credit history just a part of the loan process.

A missed payment years ago has less impact than what you are earning and spending nowadays.

While reviewing the application, we generally look at:

  • Your current income and regular spending
  • Any missed payments in the past, but only recent ones
  • Whether the monthly repayment fits conveniently into your budget

We explain everything while offering bad credit car finance. You are never left with any confusion about why a decision was made. If you want to know more about our facilities for those with low credit scores, explore our bad credit loan options.

Do I need a deposit initially?

Not necessarily. No deposit car finance is available where your income backs the monthly repayment. It means your income can spread the full purchase cost across your instalments instead.

The deal may have a slightly higher monthly payment and total cost than putting money down upfront.

You need to ask us whether adding a small deposit later would lower your remaining repayments. We consider your request and try hard to make the best arrangement.

Can self-employed people get car finance?

Yes, we offer car finance for self-employed applicants. We review their applications using whichever documents given below illustrating their actual earnings:

  • Recent business accounts
  • Tax returns (Form 11 / Notice of Assessment)
  • Several months of business bank statements

The requirement for expected income may vary among contractors, sole traders and small business owners. This will be reflected in the assessment, not the other way around.

Can unemployed people get car finance in Ireland?

It can be complicated, but not impossible at all. We can consider car finance for non-standard income or benefit applicants. Your regular income can also be counted.

Most of the time, these loans for unemployed do not need a person as your guarantor. You can apply independently if your part-time income or benefit earnings are capable of repaying the loan.

However, a guarantor with stable income can make your application stronger. This helps where your own income is not capable of meeting our usual criteria.

Is there such a thing as "guaranteed approval"?

No. We are the responsible lender and do not promise approval before reviewing your circumstances.

Many people search for car finance with bad credit on guaranteed approval, and it is common. Similarly, some look for no credit check even with no deposit. You should know that a lender skipping credit checks is not a responsible one.

Instead of false promises, we can assure our borrowers with:

  • A fast and soft credit assessment
  • Honest communication about your real loan approval chances
  • Genuine efforts to offer affordable loans for you

Why choose GoBigBucks to get the best offer?

The most significant benefit of our services is that we lend directly. Only one communication is required from application to approval, with no third-party involvement.

It reflects the following:

  • Direct lending: Your loan cost does not involve a broker fee.
  • Fast decisions: Most applications receive the initial acceptance within a few minutes.
  • Flexibility in lending terms: We consider applications individually, such as for new or used cars, self-employed or unemployed, and good or bad credit scores.
  • Transparent loan rates: We clearly show APR, total cost and any fees if included, before you submit the application.
  • No obligation to accept any offer: We do not pressurise you to accept any of our offers. You are independent in making your loan decision.

We built GoBigBucks around getting you a straight answer and genuine financial support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a car loan similar to a personal loan?

Can an 18-year-old get car finance in Ireland?

What is a balloon payment on car finance?

How does my credit score affect my loan rate?

How much time does the application take?

Can I pay off my vehicle finance early?

Will applying for car finance affect my credit score?