Can I claim mis-selling if I used a personal loan instead of car finance to buy the vehicle?

No, using a personal loan to buy a car doesn't qualify for mis-selling claims related to car finance. Mis-selling typically applies to situations where a car finance agreement wasn't explained correctly or was unsuitable for your circumstances.

Here's why using a personal loan wouldn't be considered mis-selling:

• Different Loan Types: Car finance is a secured loan, meaning the car itself acts as security for the debt. Personal loans are unsecured, so they don't require collateral.
• Focus of Mis-selling: Mis-selling claims in car finance usually focus on the lender not properly explaining the terms, affordability checks not being thorough, or pushing you towards a specific type of car finance that wasn't in your best interest.

If you feel you were mis-sold car finance, you should consider these points:

• Focus on the Car Finance Agreement: Look for instances where the agreement details were unclear, the affordability checks weren't conducted correctly, or the product wasn't suitable for your needs.
• Seek Guidance: Several organisations in the UK can help with car finance mis-selling claims. These include the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) and Citizens Advice.

Remember:

• Mis-selling claims focus on the car finance agreement itself, not the type of loan you used to purchase the vehicle.

For further information on car finance mis-selling and how to make a claim, you can visit the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) website or contact the Citizens Advice Bureau.