Aston Martin Car Finance Mis-Selling - FCA Investigation

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Aston Martin Car Finance Mis-Selling - FCA Investigation

Last updated: 26 July 2026

Aston Martin cars are renowned for their luxury and performance, making them a dream for many car enthusiasts. During the period from 6 April 2007 to 1 November 2024, Aston Martin vehicles were commonly sold on Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) and Hire Purchase (HP) finance agreements through various lenders. However, these finance arrangements have come under scrutiny due to the Financial Conduct Authority's (FCA) investigation into motor finance mis-selling practices.

How Aston Martin Cars Were Financed

Aston Martin cars are often financed through a variety of reputable lenders including Black Horse, Barclays Partner Finance, Close Brothers Motor Finance, MotoNovo Finance, and Santander Consumer Finance. These financing options typically include PCP agreements, which allow customers to pay for their car over an extended period with the option to either return the vehicle at the end or purchase it outright. Hire Purchase (HP) is another popular choice, offering full ownership of the vehicle after all payments have been made. Typical terms for these finance agreements vary but often include a deposit equivalent to 10-25% of the car's value and monthly repayments spread over periods ranging from two to five years. These terms can be tailored to suit individual financial situations, making luxury vehicles like Aston Martins accessible to more customers.

The FCA Motor Finance Investigation

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) launched an investigation into motor finance mis-selling practices between 6 April 2007 and 1 November 2024. This investigation uncovered that many car dealerships used discretionary commission arrangements to generate additional income when selling vehicles on finance agreements. The FCA found that these practices may have resulted in customers being overcharged, leading to an estimated 12.1 million eligible agreements (FCA estimate) with a total value of £7.5 billion (FCA estimate). On average, each customer could be eligible for a refund of around £829 (FCA estimate).

How to Check Your Agreement If it falls within the specified period from 6 April 2007 to 1 November 2024 and involved a discretionary commission arrangement, there may be grounds for complaint.

You can check with your lender directly to see if your agreement is impacted by this investigation. Common lenders such as Black Horse, Barclays Partner Finance, Close Brothers Motor Finance, MotoNovo Finance, and Santander Consumer Finance have processes in place to handle these inquiries. Look for any unusual charges or fees that were not clearly explained at the time of signing your finance contract.

How to Complain Directly to Your Lender for Free

If you believe your Aston Martin finance agreement has been affected by the FCA's findings, it is important to know that you do not need a claims management company. You can complain directly to your lender for free and request a review of your case. Common lenders such as Black Horse, Barclays Partner Finance, Close Brothers Motor Finance, MotoNovo Finance, and Santander Consumer Finance all have customer service teams dedicated to handling complaints related to the FCA investigation. To initiate the process: 1. Contact your finance provider via phone or email. 2. Provide them with detailed information about your agreement and any concerns you may have. 3. Request a formal review of your case based on the FCA's findings. 4. Follow up if necessary, but remember that handling complaints is part of their standard operating procedures.

Sources and References

Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). "Motor Finance Investigation." 2024.
Office for National Statistics (ONS) Census 2021.
Close Brothers Motor Finance. Customer Service Department.
Santander Consumer Finance. Complaint Handling Procedures.
Barclays Partner Finance. Discretionary Commission Arrangements Review Process.
Black Horse. Regulatory Compliance Update.
MotoNovo Finance. Financial Conduct Authority Investigation Response Team.
FCA Compensation: FCA Scheme Figures

The FCA confirmed on 30 March 2026 that 12.1 million motor finance agreements are covered by the FCA redress scheme. The FCA-estimated scheme average of £829 per eligible agreement per agreement, with a total of £7.5 billion set aside for consumers. The scheme covers PCP and HP agreements entered into between 6 April 2007 and 1 November 2024.

Two separate schemes apply: post-2014 agreements (implement by 30 June 2026) and pre-2014 agreements (implement by 31 August 2026). The final deadline to complain is 31 August 2027. You can complain to your lender directly for free. You do not need a claims management company.

Aston Martin MOT Pass Rate - 2024 Data

Across 20,273 MOT tests in 2024, Aston Martin vehicles have an overall pass rate of 93.4%. This is above the national average of 79.6%. DVSA data covers 19 Aston Martin models with sufficient test volume.

Overall pass rate: 93.4%
Total MOT tests (2024): 20,273
Models with data: 19
National average: 79.6%

Best Aston Martin models for MOT pass rate

Aston Martin Dbs: 96.0% pass rate (1,437 tests)
Aston Martin Db11: 95.7% pass rate (2,253 tests)
Aston Martin Vantage: 94.6% pass rate (4,090 tests)
Aston Martin Vanquish: 94.2% pass rate (1,415 tests)
Aston Martin V8 Vantage: 92.7% pass rate (2,773 tests)

Aston Martin models with lowest MOT pass rate

Aston Martin Vanquish: 94.2% pass rate (1,415 tests)
Aston Martin V8 Vantage: 92.7% pass rate (2,773 tests)
Aston Martin Db9: 92.2% pass rate (3,761 tests)
Aston Martin Rapide: 92.2% pass rate (824 tests)
Aston Martin Db7: 88.2% pass rate (1,828 tests)

Aston Martin MOT Reliability Trend (2022-2024)

Aston Martin has been getting more reliable, improving from 92.6% in 2022 to 93.4% in 2024 (+0.8 percentage points).

2022: 92.6% pass rate (22,114 tests)
2023: 92.7% pass rate (22,686 tests)
2024: 93.4% pass rate (20,273 tests)

Based on 65,073 MOT tests across three years (DVSA open data).

Data source: DVSA anonymised MOT test results 2024, Open Government Licence v3.0.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I suspect my Aston Martin finance agreement was mis-sold to me?

If you believe your Aston Martin finance agreement may have been mis-sold, you can start by reviewing the terms and conditions of the agreement. If you find discrepancies or unsuitable terms for your needs, consider contacting Aston Martin directly or your lender's customer service department to discuss any concerns. You can also seek independent legal advice if necessary.

Is it common for car dealerships like Aston Martin to mis-sell motor finance agreements?

According to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), an estimated 12.1 million eligible agreements (FCA, March 2026) potentially mis-sold in the UK from April 2007 to November 2024. While this includes various makes and models, it highlights a broader issue within the car financing industry. Dealerships like Aston Martin may be involved if their practices did not adhere to FCA guidelines at the time of sale.

How can I complain about an unfair Aston Martin finance agreement?

If you believe your Aston Martin finance agreement is unfair or unsuitable, you have several options. Start by contacting the lender directly for free to discuss your concerns and request any necessary adjustments or compensation. You do not need a claims management company to assist with this process.

What are my rights if I feel Aston Martin pressured me into signing up for finance?

Under UK consumer law, you have the right to be treated fairly and without undue pressure when entering into financial agreements. If you feel that Aston Martin or any other lender has applied unfair practices such as high-pressure sales tactics, it is within your rights to challenge this. Contacting the Financial Ombudsman Service for further guidance might also be advisable.

Important: MLJ.org.uk is an independent information resource. We are not a claims management company, solicitor, law firm, or financial adviser. We do not process claims, take fees, or provide advice. Where the law gives you a right to complain or claim directly (to a lender, council, FOS, court, or regulator), you can do so without paying a third party. MLJ.org.uk is operated by Copious Ltd, registered in England and Wales, company number 11437826.