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The vast majority of new cars these days are bought on finance deals, with some estimates putting the figure at over 90 per cent in the UK. And thanks to this ability to pay for vehicles in monthly installments, all manner of great cars are available at affordable prices.
If you’ve got some money stashed away and a budget of £350 per month for a new set of wheels, the world really is your oyster. You could get yourself anything from an efficient supermini - such as the hybrid Toyota Yaris - to a blazing hot hatch like the Honda Civic Type R.
As you’d expect, there are plenty of SUVs you could get your hands on too. A seven-seater like the SEAT Tarraco can be acquired in this price range, as can the extremely impressive, fully electric Kia e-Niro.
There are loads of bargains out there, and to help you on your way we’ve trawled the net for the best Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) offers on our favourite vehicles right now. They should give you a flavour of what you can expect to get for this kind of money.
Keep scrolling to read about the best new cars for under £350 per month…
• Toyota Yaris - £323 per month
• Audi Q3 - £329 per month
• Honda Civic Type R - £339 per month
• Kia e-Niro - £340 per month
• SEAT Tarraco - £347 per month
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Model: Toyota Yaris 1.5 Hybrid Launch Edition
List price: £24,005
Deposit: £2,500 (£0 contribution)
Monthly payments: £323.86
Number of payments: 35
APR: 0 per cent
Optional final payment: £10,170
Total to pay by customer if returning: £13,835
Total to pay by customer if buying: £24,005
The Toyota Yaris is the Auto Express Affordable Car of the Year for 2020, beating off stiff competition from the likes of the Honda Jazz. There are plenty of reasons why the Yaris prevails: it’s remarkably efficient, achieving up to 68.9mpg thanks to its hybrid tech; it’s very nifty thanks to its 1.5-litre turbocharged engine, and it’s stylish too.
If you’re sticking to a budget, you get quite a lot of kit for your money: Design trim comes with an eight-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, climate control, LED headlights, a reversing camera and a suite of automatic driver safety aids. Launch Edition trim adds a few luxury items into the mix.
All of these strengths are worth overlooking the noisy CVT gearbox and firm suspension for, as is the 0 per cent APR currently on offer.
Check the latest prices for used Toyota Yaris models on our sister site BuyaCar...
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Model: Audi Q3 Sport
List price: £32,860
Deposit: £5,543.34 (£3,500 contribution)
Monthly payments: £329
Number of payments: 47
APR: 6.22 per cent
Optional final payment: £12,832.60
Total to pay by customer if returning: £21,006.34
Total to pay by customer if buying: £33,848.94
The Audi Q3 is a very hard vehicle to fault if you’re in the market for a premium, compact SUV. Not only does it feel smart and sophisticated (all models come with Audi’s Virtual Cockpit digital dashboard), it also ticks all of the practicality boxes that could be so easily forgotten on a car like this.
You’ll have no trouble fitting kids or teenagers into the rear seats (six-foot adults might be a push on a long journey) as the bench slides backwards and forwards to suit your needs. The boot measures anywhere between 530 and 675 litres depending on where you lock in the seats, more than enough for a pair of suitcases and more.
There are a variety of petrol and diesel engines in the line-up, producing 148-227bhp, while there’s the option of four-wheel drive and a choice between a six-speed manual or seven-speed auto gearbox.
Check the latest prices for used Audi Q3 models on our sister site BuyaCar...
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Model: Honda Civic Type R GT
List price: £34,820
Deposit: £9,601.55 (£0 contribution)
Monthly payments: £339
Number of payments: 37
APR: 5.77 per cent
Optional final payment: £16,775.40
Total to pay by customer if returning: £21,805.55
Total to pay by customer if buying: £38,580.95
The Honda Civic Type R has been around in its current form for a while now, picking up our Hot Hatch of the Year award in consecutive years despite some intense competition from the Ford Focus ST and the Mercedes-AMG A 45 S. That’s how good the Type R is.
So what makes it so special? First there’s the 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, which packs 316bhp and a mighty 400Nm of torque for 0-62mph in 5.8 seconds. Then there’s the dampers, suspension and brakes - updated in 2020 - that make the Type R one of the most balanced yet brutal hot hatches on the market. The manual gearbox is a joy too.
Don’t be fooled into thinking that this is a track car without the roll cage though, as the Type is genuinely usable day-to-day with comfortable Recaro seats and a 420-litre boot. And it only ditches this personality when you put your foot down.
Check the latest prices for used Honda Civic models on our sister site BuyaCar...
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Model: Kia e-Niro ‘2’
List price: £32,595
Deposit: £6,000 (£0 contribution)
Monthly payments: £340.65
Number of payments: 37
APR: 4.9 per cent
Optional final payment: £14,131.69
Total to pay by customer if returning: £18,263.40
Total to pay by customer if buying: £32,395.09
The Kia e-Niro is without question one of the best electric cars on sale right now. It features a 64kWh battery that delivers up to 282 miles of range on a single charge, which is more than you get from several more expensive cars in this class. The electric motor is capable of 201bhp and as a result acceleration is impressive, hitting 0-62mph in 7.5 seconds.
The e-Niro is no sports car of course, with strong performance only adding to the excellent levels of practicality. Passenger space is plentiful inside, and while the interior doesn’t feel plush, you get leather upholstery as standard, along with heated seats, adaptive cruise control and much more.
If you’re worried about running costs then an electric car is definitely the way to go: charging the e-Niro at home should cost no more than £10, potentially even less if you make use of cheaper overnight tariffs. No other petrol or diesel car comes close when it comes to fuel cost per mile.
Check the latest prices for used Kia Niro models on our sister site BuyaCar...
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Model: SEAT Tarraco 2.0 TDI 150 SE
List price: £31,005
Deposit: £5,000 (£2,500 contribution)
Monthly payments: £347.05
Number of payments: 47
APR: 5.65 per cent
Optional final payment: £11,721.70
Total to pay by customer if returning: £23,811.35
Total to pay by customer if buying: £35,533.05
The SEAT Tarraco is the Auto Express Large SUV of the Year 2020. It’s based on the same VW Group platform that forms the basis of the Skoda Kodiaq, but the SEAT comes out on top as it offers a better blend of practicality and driving pleasure.
As it sits 20mm lower than the Kodiaq, the Tarraco performs better in corners and - as much as a seven-seater can - delivers more enjoyment behind the wheel. Meanwhile, there’s a whopping 700 litres of space in the boot, or 230 once the third row of seats has been erected.
We’d recommend the 2.0-litre diesel as the engine of choice: it’s 340Nm of torque gives better pulling power when the car’s loaded up with passengers and luggage, and on paper it should return a respectable 47.1-52.3mpg. SE trim has all the equipment you really need, with three-zone climate control, parking sensors, a 10.25-inch digital dash, an eight-inch touchscreen and smartphone connectivity.
Check the latest prices for used SEAT Tarraco models on our sister site BuyaCar...
On the hunt for more car deals? Check out our full round-up of the best car deals on offer right now!
Continue reading...
If you’ve got some money stashed away and a budget of £350 per month for a new set of wheels, the world really is your oyster. You could get yourself anything from an efficient supermini - such as the hybrid Toyota Yaris - to a blazing hot hatch like the Honda Civic Type R.
- SEE MORE Best new car deals 2020
As you’d expect, there are plenty of SUVs you could get your hands on too. A seven-seater like the SEAT Tarraco can be acquired in this price range, as can the extremely impressive, fully electric Kia e-Niro.
There are loads of bargains out there, and to help you on your way we’ve trawled the net for the best Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) offers on our favourite vehicles right now. They should give you a flavour of what you can expect to get for this kind of money.
Keep scrolling to read about the best new cars for under £350 per month…
Best new cars for under £350 per month
• Toyota Yaris - £323 per month
• Audi Q3 - £329 per month
• Honda Civic Type R - £339 per month
• Kia e-Niro - £340 per month
• SEAT Tarraco - £347 per month
Toyota Yaris - £323 per month
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Model: Toyota Yaris 1.5 Hybrid Launch Edition
List price: £24,005
Deposit: £2,500 (£0 contribution)
Monthly payments: £323.86
Number of payments: 35
APR: 0 per cent
Optional final payment: £10,170
Total to pay by customer if returning: £13,835
Total to pay by customer if buying: £24,005
The Toyota Yaris is the Auto Express Affordable Car of the Year for 2020, beating off stiff competition from the likes of the Honda Jazz. There are plenty of reasons why the Yaris prevails: it’s remarkably efficient, achieving up to 68.9mpg thanks to its hybrid tech; it’s very nifty thanks to its 1.5-litre turbocharged engine, and it’s stylish too.
If you’re sticking to a budget, you get quite a lot of kit for your money: Design trim comes with an eight-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, climate control, LED headlights, a reversing camera and a suite of automatic driver safety aids. Launch Edition trim adds a few luxury items into the mix.
All of these strengths are worth overlooking the noisy CVT gearbox and firm suspension for, as is the 0 per cent APR currently on offer.
Check the latest prices for used Toyota Yaris models on our sister site BuyaCar...
Audi Q3 - £329 per month
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Model: Audi Q3 Sport
List price: £32,860
Deposit: £5,543.34 (£3,500 contribution)
Monthly payments: £329
Number of payments: 47
APR: 6.22 per cent
Optional final payment: £12,832.60
Total to pay by customer if returning: £21,006.34
Total to pay by customer if buying: £33,848.94
The Audi Q3 is a very hard vehicle to fault if you’re in the market for a premium, compact SUV. Not only does it feel smart and sophisticated (all models come with Audi’s Virtual Cockpit digital dashboard), it also ticks all of the practicality boxes that could be so easily forgotten on a car like this.
You’ll have no trouble fitting kids or teenagers into the rear seats (six-foot adults might be a push on a long journey) as the bench slides backwards and forwards to suit your needs. The boot measures anywhere between 530 and 675 litres depending on where you lock in the seats, more than enough for a pair of suitcases and more.
There are a variety of petrol and diesel engines in the line-up, producing 148-227bhp, while there’s the option of four-wheel drive and a choice between a six-speed manual or seven-speed auto gearbox.
Check the latest prices for used Audi Q3 models on our sister site BuyaCar...
Honda Civic Type R - £339 per month
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Model: Honda Civic Type R GT
List price: £34,820
Deposit: £9,601.55 (£0 contribution)
Monthly payments: £339
Number of payments: 37
APR: 5.77 per cent
Optional final payment: £16,775.40
Total to pay by customer if returning: £21,805.55
Total to pay by customer if buying: £38,580.95
The Honda Civic Type R has been around in its current form for a while now, picking up our Hot Hatch of the Year award in consecutive years despite some intense competition from the Ford Focus ST and the Mercedes-AMG A 45 S. That’s how good the Type R is.
So what makes it so special? First there’s the 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, which packs 316bhp and a mighty 400Nm of torque for 0-62mph in 5.8 seconds. Then there’s the dampers, suspension and brakes - updated in 2020 - that make the Type R one of the most balanced yet brutal hot hatches on the market. The manual gearbox is a joy too.
Don’t be fooled into thinking that this is a track car without the roll cage though, as the Type is genuinely usable day-to-day with comfortable Recaro seats and a 420-litre boot. And it only ditches this personality when you put your foot down.
Check the latest prices for used Honda Civic models on our sister site BuyaCar...
Kia e-Niro - £340 per month
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Model: Kia e-Niro ‘2’
List price: £32,595
Deposit: £6,000 (£0 contribution)
Monthly payments: £340.65
Number of payments: 37
APR: 4.9 per cent
Optional final payment: £14,131.69
Total to pay by customer if returning: £18,263.40
Total to pay by customer if buying: £32,395.09
The Kia e-Niro is without question one of the best electric cars on sale right now. It features a 64kWh battery that delivers up to 282 miles of range on a single charge, which is more than you get from several more expensive cars in this class. The electric motor is capable of 201bhp and as a result acceleration is impressive, hitting 0-62mph in 7.5 seconds.
The e-Niro is no sports car of course, with strong performance only adding to the excellent levels of practicality. Passenger space is plentiful inside, and while the interior doesn’t feel plush, you get leather upholstery as standard, along with heated seats, adaptive cruise control and much more.
If you’re worried about running costs then an electric car is definitely the way to go: charging the e-Niro at home should cost no more than £10, potentially even less if you make use of cheaper overnight tariffs. No other petrol or diesel car comes close when it comes to fuel cost per mile.
Check the latest prices for used Kia Niro models on our sister site BuyaCar...
SEAT Tarraco - £347 per month
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Model: SEAT Tarraco 2.0 TDI 150 SE
List price: £31,005
Deposit: £5,000 (£2,500 contribution)
Monthly payments: £347.05
Number of payments: 47
APR: 5.65 per cent
Optional final payment: £11,721.70
Total to pay by customer if returning: £23,811.35
Total to pay by customer if buying: £35,533.05
The SEAT Tarraco is the Auto Express Large SUV of the Year 2020. It’s based on the same VW Group platform that forms the basis of the Skoda Kodiaq, but the SEAT comes out on top as it offers a better blend of practicality and driving pleasure.
As it sits 20mm lower than the Kodiaq, the Tarraco performs better in corners and - as much as a seven-seater can - delivers more enjoyment behind the wheel. Meanwhile, there’s a whopping 700 litres of space in the boot, or 230 once the third row of seats has been erected.
We’d recommend the 2.0-litre diesel as the engine of choice: it’s 340Nm of torque gives better pulling power when the car’s loaded up with passengers and luggage, and on paper it should return a respectable 47.1-52.3mpg. SE trim has all the equipment you really need, with three-zone climate control, parking sensors, a 10.25-inch digital dash, an eight-inch touchscreen and smartphone connectivity.
Check the latest prices for used SEAT Tarraco models on our sister site BuyaCar...
More of the best new car deals
- Best cars for under £150 a month
- Best cars for under £200 a month
- Best cars for under £250 a month
- Best cars for under £300 a month
- Best cars for under £350 a month
- Best cars for under £400 a month
- Best cars for under £500 a month
On the hunt for more car deals? Check out our full round-up of the best car deals on offer right now!
Continue reading...