Articles

What credit score do I need for a personal loan?

Oodle Articles

22 Jul 2024

There’s no such thing as a minimum credit score that will guarantee you credit. But it’s certainly true that the better your credit score, the better your chances of being approved for a loan. Read on to find out how to get there.

What shouldn't you use a personal loan for?

Oodle Articles

18 Jul 2024

You can use your personal loan for various personal expenses. However, you can’t and shouldn’t just do whatever you want with it. There are certain restrictions and limitations. Knowing these limitations will helps you stay on the right side of the law and avoid financial trouble so let’s find out the kinds of things you shouldn’t be relying on a personal loan for.

Can I get car finance without a guarantor?

Oodle Articles

10 Jul 2024

If you’re thinking about financing a car, you may have heard about guarantors. A guarantor is someone who agrees to pay a borrower’s debt if they fail to meet their payments. But should you get car finance with or without one?

Do I own my car if it's on finance?

Oodle Articles

10 Jul 2024

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.

Will a car loan hurt my credit score?

Oodle Articles

5 Jul 2024

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.

Crashed financed car: next steps

Oodle Articles

28 Jun 2024

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.

Stolen car on finance: what now?

Oodle Articles

28 Jun 2024

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.

How car finance affects mortgages

Oodle Articles

28 Jun 2024

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.

Can students get car finance?

Oodle Articles

4 Jun 2024

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?

How much finance is left on my car?

Oodle Articles

31 May 2024

Unsure of your remaining car finance? Don’t worry – our guide explores the ways you can find out how much car is finance left on your car.

What is a settlement figure?

Oodle Articles

30 May 2024

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.

How long does it take to apply for a secured loan?

Oodle Articles

10 May 2024

Gain a clearer understanding of what’s involved, and the time it takes, to access a secured loan.

Can someone else drive my financed car?

Oodle Articles

7 May 2024

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.

Graphic showing an ID card with a person's image and a green checkmark indicating approval.
Graphic showing an ID card with a person's image and a green checkmark indicating approval.
Graphic showing an ID card with a person's image and a green checkmark indicating approval.

What checks are done when you make a car finance application?

Oodle Articles

18 Apr 2024

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.

Cartoon image of blue car, with a website image showing a credit score rating.
Cartoon image of blue car, with a website image showing a credit score rating.
Cartoon image of blue car, with a website image showing a credit score rating.

How does car finance impact your credit score?

Oodle Articles

18 Apr 2024

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.

Graphic of approved Oodle check with key and green tick next to it.
Graphic of approved Oodle check with key and green tick next to it.
Graphic of approved Oodle check with key and green tick next to it.

Is it hard to get car finance? Breaking down the process

Oodle Articles

26 Mar 2024

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.

Screenshot of credit reference agencies and what they consider a Poor, Fair, Good and Excellent credit score.
Screenshot of credit reference agencies and what they consider a Poor, Fair, Good and Excellent credit score.
Screenshot of credit reference agencies and what they consider a Poor, Fair, Good and Excellent credit score.

Navigating finances: what is a 'bad' credit score?

Oodle Articles

25 Mar 2024

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

What documents do I need for a secured loan?

Oodle Articles

15 Mar 2024

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.

Drawing of floating yellow key, beneath which is an upturned palm.
Drawing of floating yellow key, beneath which is an upturned palm.
Drawing of floating yellow key, beneath which is an upturned palm.

Can car finance be transferred to someone else?

Oodle Articles

5 Mar 2024

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

Section of a table with the headings "Secured Loan", "Unsecured Loan" and "Characteristic".
Section of a table with the headings "Secured Loan", "Unsecured Loan" and "Characteristic".
Section of a table with the headings "Secured Loan", "Unsecured Loan" and "Characteristic".

Banking choices: secured vs unsecured loans

Oodle Articles

4 Mar 2024

Ever wondered why banks lean towards secured or unsecured loans? Let's dive into the world of loans, exploring the details behind their choices.

Cartoon image of a blue car with a 'For Sale' sign placed next to it.
Cartoon image of a blue car with a 'For Sale' sign placed next to it.
Cartoon image of a blue car with a 'For Sale' sign placed next to it.

How much is a car on finance in the UK? Unveiling costs

Oodle Articles

27 Feb 2024

Demystify the costs of car finance in the UK with our comprehensive guide. Here, we uncover exactly how much car finance will cost you, giving you essential insights for informed decision-making.

Illustration of orange car above a hand.
Illustration of orange car above a hand.
Illustration of orange car above a hand.

Parental guide - Can I finance a car for my daughter?

Financial Tips

26 Feb 2024

Starting the exciting, but daunting prospect of financing a car for your daughter? Here we look at the options and help you get a better understanding of car finance, allowing you to make informed decisions and support her automotive dreams.

Refusal illustration
Refusal illustration
Refusal illustration

Exploring the reasons why car finance gets refused

Oodle Articles

20 Feb 2024

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.

Disadvantages
Disadvantages
Disadvantages

Understanding the downsides to financing a car

Oodle Articles

18 Feb 2024

Ready to dive into the nitty-gritty of car financing? Our guide, 'Understanding the downsides to financing a car', spills the beans on what to watch out for, so you can cruise through the process with confidence. Let's break it down!

V5C logbook
V5C logbook
V5C logbook

What is a V5C?

Oodle Articles

12 Feb 2024

Buying a car with finance can be thrilling, but questions about ownership can quickly put the brakes on your excitement. Worry not! Here we unpick the sometimes-confusing world of V5C names and car finance, clarifying who’s legally responsible and offering safe routes for the road ahead.

Drawing of a blue car with a sticky note saying "Car buying trends".
Drawing of a blue car with a sticky note saying "Car buying trends".
Drawing of a blue car with a sticky note saying "Car buying trends".

Car buying trends in the automotive industry: ones to watch

Oodle Articles

14 Dec 2023

As the UK motor industry recovers from the pandemic, we explore the trends that could shape the future of the sector, for manufacturers, dealers and customers alike.

Photo of Phillip Willams, Co-founder & Director of Oodle.
Photo of Phillip Willams, Co-founder & Director of Oodle.
Photo of Phillip Willams, Co-founder & Director of Oodle.

Testing times ahead – but motor trade’s legendary resilience will see it through

Oodle Articles

6 Dec 2023

Phillip Williams, Co-Founder and Director of Oodle Car Finance, predicts a bumpy road for the first six months – but a brighter outlook for the second half of the year. The automotive industry has always been a remarkably resilient trade and we’ve seen this in abundance in 2023. Despite the cost of living crisis and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, both sales and prices have held up.

Green drawing of a tyre with a tick next to it.
Green drawing of a tyre with a tick next to it.
Green drawing of a tyre with a tick next to it.

How to look after your car when you're not using it

Oodle Articles

28 Nov 2023

From time to time, you may not need to use your car. This could be due to illness, because you’re away, you’re trying to save money on fuel, or simply down to bad weather. Whatever the reason, the last thing you want is for your car to conk out while it’s not being used. Read on to find out how to keep your car in good shape if you won’t be driving it for a while.

Cartoon of blue car with snow falling on it.
Cartoon of blue car with snow falling on it.
Cartoon of blue car with snow falling on it.

Winter maintenance

Vehicle Care

4 Sept 2023

As winter finally begins to bite, now is the time to make sure that both you and your car are as well prepared as possible for the colder months ahead.

Oodle Car Finance's set up at Automotive Management’s session discussing the top 5 steps to success for independent used car dealers.
Oodle Car Finance's set up at Automotive Management’s session discussing the top 5 steps to success for independent used car dealers.
Oodle Car Finance's set up at Automotive Management’s session discussing the top 5 steps to success for independent used car dealers.

5 steps to success for independent dealers

Supporting Business

10 Nov 2022

We were delighted to sponsor Automotive Management’s latest live event November 10th 2022 that included a lively IDMA panel session discussing the top 5 steps to success for independent used car dealers. Phil Williams joined Umesh Samani, Jim Reid and Stuart Saunders to unpick the key challenges facing the industry and examine how independents can position themselves for success.

dealership
dealership
dealership

Today, it's all about the experience - and not just online.

Oodle Articles

8 Apr 2022

White goods, TVs, stereos and other big household purchases were once considered important enough to warrant a visit to a store

Grey car suspended in mid air, waiting to be serviced.
Grey car suspended in mid air, waiting to be serviced.
Grey car suspended in mid air, waiting to be serviced.

Your next MOT or service

Vehicle Care

15 Mar 2022

Most independent garages (and those attached to dealerships) and MOT Centres’ remained open during lockdown

Designer
Designer
Designer

The road to recovery

Oodle Articles

28 Feb 2022

If you are currently in a payment break, we will contact you around 20 days before your next payment is due. There is no need to contact us before then.

Build navigation
Build navigation
Build navigation

Car dealerships in England re-open

Top Tips

6 Feb 2022

When will local dealerships be opening post-covid?

Freelancer
Freelancer
Freelancer

Breaking down during Covid-19

Vehicle Care

12 Jan 2022

As restrictions around the Coronavirus begin to ease, more people will be venturing out in the vehicles and for some, especially whereby their cars have been stationary for a while, this is when faults and anomalies become more apparent.

A woman cleaning her car with a sponge.
A woman cleaning her car with a sponge.
A woman cleaning her car with a sponge.

Cleaning your vehicle with household products

Vehicle Care

31 May 2020

What household products can I use to clean my vehicle?

A car button labeled 'engine start stop'.
A car button labeled 'engine start stop'.
A car button labeled 'engine start stop'.

Starting your vehicle when not in use

Vehicle Care

7 Apr 2020

Should I turn my vehicle on if I am not using it frequently?

Car brake and suspension repair in progress.
Car brake and suspension repair in progress.
Car brake and suspension repair in progress.

Will my brakes seize if they're not in use?

Vehicle Care

6 Apr 2020

I’m not using my vehicle frequently, will my vehicle brakes begin to seize up?

Screen saying "Oodle Car Finance" as they received 14th position award.
Screen saying "Oodle Car Finance" as they received 14th position award.
Screen saying "Oodle Car Finance" as they received 14th position award.

Oodle Car Finance makes "Sunday Times 100 Best Mid Companies to Work for"

Oodle Articles

25 Feb 2020

Extraordinary levels of employee engagement cited by judges

Severn Stars blue logo, with a netball and star within the logo.
Severn Stars blue logo, with a netball and star within the logo.
Severn Stars blue logo, with a netball and star within the logo.

Oodle Car Finance sponsors Severn Stars

Sponsorship

19 Feb 2020

With the start of the new year comes a new opportunity for Oodle, and we’re excited to announce that we will be sponsoring Gloucestershire and Worcestershire professional netball team Severn Stars for the upcoming season!

James Gornall stood in front of a BTCC sign.
James Gornall stood in front of a BTCC sign.
James Gornall stood in front of a BTCC sign.

James Gornall completes trade price cars racing line-up

Sponsorship

18 Feb 2020

Trade Price Cars Racing can today confirm that reigning MINI Challenge champion James Gornall will complete its driver line-up for the 2020 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship season.

Bobby Thompson stood with an orange helmet.
Bobby Thompson stood with an orange helmet.
Bobby Thompson stood with an orange helmet.

Bobby Thompson joins trade price cars racing for 2020

Sponsorship

18 Feb 2020

Trade Price Cars Racing is pleased to announce the signing of rising star Bobby Thompson for the 2020 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship season.

A person looking at cars on an electronic tablet in a coffee shop.
A person looking at cars on an electronic tablet in a coffee shop.
A person looking at cars on an electronic tablet in a coffee shop.

Car buying - will "click and deliver" be the new way in?

Oodle Articles

28 Oct 2019

The road ahead for car buying

A woman on a couch with a tablet showing a green car.
A woman on a couch with a tablet showing a green car.
A woman on a couch with a tablet showing a green car.

The Future of Car Buying

Oodle Articles

28 Oct 2019

What will we be driving in the next 10 years? Diesel? Electric? Hybrid? Hydrogen?