The Mazda CX-80 was commonly sold on Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) and Hire Purchase (HP) finance agreements during the Financial Conduct Authority's (FCA) investigation period from 6 April 2007 to 1 November 2024. This investigation uncovered significant issues with discretionary commission arrangements that affected millions of consumers across the UK.
How the Mazda CX-80 was Typically Financed
Mazda CX-80s were often financed through PCP and HP agreements, typically ranging from £15,000 to £30,000. Common finance providers for this model included Black Horse, Barclays Partner Finance, Close Brothers Motor Finance, MotoNovo Finance, and Santander Consumer Finance.
PCP terms usually lasted between 36 to 48 months, with a balloon payment at the end of the agreement that represented a significant portion of the car's value. This arrangement allowed customers to drive away in a new CX-80 while paying manageable monthly instalments and planning for an optional final payment or return.
The FCA Motor Finance Investigation
The FCA's investigation into motor finance uncovered widespread issues with discretionary commission arrangements, particularly those involving 'lender-paid introducers'. During the investigation period, it was found that 12.1 million eligible agreements (FCA, March 2026), leading to a total of £7.5 billion (FCA, March 2026) in mis-sold commissions (FCA estimate). The average amount per agreement was estimated at around £829 (FCA estimate).
These discretionary commission arrangements often resulted in customers paying higher finance charges than necessary without their knowledge or consent.
How to Check Your Agreement Key indicators include:
- Relevant Dates: Agreements made between 6 April 2007 and 1 November 2024.
- DCA Reference: Look for "Discretionary Commission Arrangement" or "DCA." This term indicates that the agreement may have been influenced by a discretionary commission arrangement.
If your finance contract mentions any of these elements, it is likely affected by the FCA's findings. You should carefully examine all terms and conditions to understand how these arrangements might have impacted your financing costs.
You do not need a claims management company to handle your complaint regarding your Mazda CX-80 finance agreement. Common lenders such as Black Horse, Barclays Partner Finance, Close Brothers Motor Finance, MotoNovo Finance, and Santander Consumer Finance have their own internal processes for handling complaints.
To initiate the process:
- Identify Your Lender: Determine which financial institution provided your Mazda CX-80 finance.
- Review Documentation: Gather all relevant contract documents and any correspondence with your lender.
- Contact Your Lender Directly: Reach out to the customer service department of your lending provider to discuss potential issues related to discretionary commission arrangements.
You can complain directly to your lender for free without incurring additional fees or costs associated with third-party services. This approach allows you to address any concerns promptly and receive a fair resolution based on the FCA's findings.
Sources and References
- Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) estimates of affected agreements, total mis-sold commissions, and average amounts per agreement.
- Ongoing information from the FOS regarding motor finance complaints and resolutions.