Loan management
How to manage a short-term loan
Setting up autopay, making overpayments, changing your repayment date, and getting the most from your loan without extra cost.
5 min read → Vehicle emergency
Emergency car
repair finance
A car breakdown or failed MOT can bring your life to a halt. Cash Train covers the repair bill with a short-term loan you repay in fixed monthly instalments.
Apply now →Unregulated lender • Apply online — decision in minutes
Typical repair costs
What does a car repair actually cost?
MOT failure repair
£100–£600
Common MOT fails: brakes, tyres, lights, exhausts, windscreen chips. Cost varies heavily by fault severity.
Clutch replacement
£450–£850
One of the most common larger repairs. Labour-intensive — most of the cost is workshop time, not parts.
Timing belt
£400–£750
Critical service item. Skipping it risks catastrophic engine failure. Worth doing properly when due.
Engine work
£800–£3,500
Head gasket, timing chain, or major component failures. These are the bills that can exceed a car's value.
Cost estimates are approximate market averages. Actual garage quotes will vary by vehicle make, region, and workshop rates.
Choosing the right loan
Which tier fits your repair bill?
Quick
£100–£500
1–3 months
MOT advisory work, tyres, brake pads, minor electrical faults. Back on the road quickly.
Apply now →Flex
£500–£2,000
3–12 months
Clutch, timing belt, gearbox service. Spread the cost without touching your savings.
Apply now →Plus
£2,000–£5,000
6–24 months
Major engine work, significant structural repair. Spread over 6–24 months at a manageable monthly rate.
Apply now →One application covers any amount in our range. We'll pair you with the right tier for your situation.
Before you pay
Getting the repair right
Get a written quote
Always get a full written quote before authorising any work. Good garages provide itemised parts and labour costs — refuse vague estimates.
Get a second opinion on big jobs
For anything over £500, a second quote takes 30 minutes and can save hundreds. Independent specialists often undercut main dealers significantly.
Check warranty cover
Some repairs are covered under manufacturer warranty, extended warranty, or car insurance (accidental damage). Check before paying out of pocket.
Know when to walk away
If the repair cost approaches or exceeds the car's market value, a loan to repair may not be the right call. Check the vehicle's book value first.
Common questions
Car repair loan FAQs
Your loan is paid directly into your bank account. You then pay the garage however they accept payment — bank transfer, card, or cash. The money is yours to use.
If the garage finds additional issues mid-repair, contact us. At launch you may be able to request a top-up (subject to affordability and outstanding balance).
It depends. If you have a 0% credit card with enough headroom and can clear it before the 0% period ends, that's usually cheaper. If not, a fixed-term loan with known monthly payments can be easier to budget.
most decisions take under 2 minutes. Approved and signed, funds typically arrive the same day.
Car off the road? We’re almost here.
Apply online now and get a fast decision — fixed monthly payments, no hidden fees.
Apply now →Indicative rates only. Subject to status and individual affordability assessment. 18+ UK residents only.