Annabelle Clarke

PR Manager

Annabelle Clarke | Author

Eduardo Rodrigues

Content Writer

Claudia Tuñón

Isobel Coughlan

Joseph Law

Bumper Content Writer

Alastair Shephard

We’re excited to announce that Best4 has been named our winner of Partner of the Month for April 2024!

Part of the Autoguard group, Best4 Warranty is a top-rated warranty provider, dedicated to providing drivers with peace of mind, helping prepare for the unexpected. Since 2022, Best4 has utilised Bumper’s pay-monthly option to offer their customers more payment flexibility with their products.

The Camberley-based team just had their best month ever, with more happy customers driving away with warranties split into manageable monthly payments than ever before. With fantastic reviews on Trustpilot, Best4 presents a stellar 4.9-star rating. 

The team have received extremely positive feedback with their customer service, with one customer sharing “Great customer service! Lara Norris was really helpful and couldn’t do more to help!” Another added, “Excellent professional service from Shaneil, very detailed and thorough.”

A previous Best4 customer who used Bumper through Best4 Warranty stated, “Took out a 3-year warranty for my Citroen and the finance was handled by Bumper. It was easy to set up, giving me peace of mind with my new car.”

We extend a huge congratulations to Callum and the entire Best4 team for an outstanding month!

Best4 awarded partner of the month

When you look outside, you can probably only see regular cars. Maybe you’ll spot a few luxury or high-performance vehicles, but you won’t see anything too out of the ordinary.

We’re all guilty of a little car modification. Phone holders, new speakers, and air fresheners can make driving more comfortable. And why not? It’s fun to drive something unique. 

But what about when people take it too far? From banana cars and snow ploughs to the it's-so-bad-it-should-be-illegal, some people take modifications to the next level. Scroll down to see a round-up of the strangest cars ever. 

It looks like this owner took their love for Liam Neeson to the next level. Introducing Liam Nissan, the first contender for the weirdest car in the world prize! Would you show your support for your favourite celebrity like this?

The banana car is a strong contender for one of the craziest cars ever. Unlike some other entries on this list, the banana mobile has a unique shape and an ultra-cool convertible style. It’s like something straight out of a cartoon!

We’re not sure when you’d need a snow plough on the front of a caravan. But we guess it’s always nice to have the option. This older caravan has seen better days, but its snow plough modification puts it in the running for one of the strangest cars in the world.

It looks like Doctor Who’s broken down again. This pick-up truck seems to have a Tardis onboard. Don’t look too closely, though. It’ll ruin the optical illusion!

Have you ever seen a big car with minuscule wheels? Well, now you have! This is one of the craziest cars in the world, for sure. Don’t ask us why, but this has the same energy as a T-Rex, and we’re here for it.

Good news everyone, with the Planet Express car, you can now make deliveries powered by an internal combustion engine along a pre-constructed pathway designed for vehicular traffic in the third dimension. If you’re a Futurama fan, you’ll be impressed. If not, keep scrolling! 

The next car on our craziest cars ever list has made the 7th spot due to its special design. Like a mullet, it’s business in the front and kooky design in the back. Alternatively, you could say it’s like a child’s drawing of a car has come to life. Either way, it’s strange!

At first glance, this sleek car looks like something out of a sci-fi film. With a smooth aesthetic and an alien-green hue, we’re curious as to where it came from. Let’s hope the driver comes in peace!

Motorhomes are already unique cars, but this one’s unique shape takes the biscuit. It also cements it on the 

strangest cars ever list. Congratulations to the driver!

Meet the driving home for Christmas final boss. You can’t question this driver’s festive spirit! However, you will curse them if you get stuck behind this bright monstrosity on the motorway. Sunglasses, anyone?

A car bed might sound like a dream for road trips, but this one actually looks like a hotel you’d leave a 1-star review at. With no protection from the elements, no comfortable pillows or bed sheets, and no privacy, we won’t be checking in here. However, we will be placing this on the weirdest cars in the world list!

Have you seen a grass-covered car before? Well, now you have! We don’t know if this car is as eco as it looks, but we love the green theme. It might not be the craziest car ever, but it’s definitely one that would make you double-take!

Next on the strange car list is the Post-it car. Underneath these neon office supplies lies a Jaguar. But you wouldn’t have been able to tell from first glance! This isn’t one to drive on a windy day.

Ever wished you could drive a car on tarmac 

 water? The Amphicar Model 770 could be your dream match. This model has four wheels, two propellers, and a watertight design. Sadly, only 3,878 were manufactured, and they're no longer in supply.

We’re ending the list of strangest cars in the world with the famous General Motors Firebird. This aviation-inspired car is powered by a large gas turbine engine — just like a real fighter jet. However, the cars were so unstable (due to the high power) that they were rarely tested or driven. 

There are almost too many strange cars to choose from. However, we think the banana car is pretty wacky. Do you agree? Or has another car on the list caught your attention?

The ultimate list of strangest cars - Final thoughts

Hopefully, the list of strange cars has given you something to giggle about at work. Who knows? Perhaps it even inspired you to modify your car so you can make the craziest cars in the world list. If we’ve missed any iconic cars, send them our way!

 is here to help you split the cost of car repairs and services. 

Search for a reliable garage in your area by entering your registration and postcode with 

15 of the Strangest Cars in the World

Car finance is a great tool for getting a modern, safe, and 

 without the massive expense of buying it outright. However, as with any finance agreement, you should always be aware of all the terms and conditions, balloon payments in particular are one of the most important things to be aware of. 

In this blog, we’ll discuss balloon payments in-depth, including whether or not it makes sense to pay them and potential benefits. 

Most commonly offered on PCP (personal contract purchase) 

, balloon payments are the last one-off payment that allows you to purchase and own the car. They are calculated at the start of the contract, based on the car's predicted value at the end of the finance term. 

Balloon payments are optional, and many choose to either allow the deal to end, exchange the car for a newer one, or take out a new PCP deal on the same car. 

What is Personal Contract Purchase? (PCP) 

To fully explain what a balloon payment is, it helps to fully understand 

. Personal Contract Purchase is the most commonly used finance option in the UK. It allows the customer to drive a new or used car for a lower monthly payment than through HP (hire purchase) but without the upfront cost. 

PCP allows the purchasing of the vehicle at the end of the finance term, by paying the balloon payment, at which point the car ownership would pass to the customer. 

For more information about PCP vs HP, check out 

Balloon payments are an estimation of the car's value at the end of the finance term; different finance providers use different methods of calculating the balloon payment. 

Your monthly payments are then adjusted to accommodate this final value, including the interest you pay to borrow the money. 

If you’re already in a PCP finance agreement you can choose to pay the balloon or not, if you don’t wish to pay the balloon many finance providers will offer another finance term for the same vehicle. Bare in mind that the rates for this may not be as competitive as with a new deal, as you are already locked in. 

If you haven’t yet taken out car finance, and would rather pay more per month instead of paying a balloon, consider 

 agreements instead. These have higher monthly payments, but you own the car - with no balloon - at the end of the term. 

Before signing up to a finance agreement, make sure you are fully aware of the costs and payments required from you. The best way to check these is to read the documentation fully, but to help understand that documentation, the below example should help. 

In this example, the financier estimates the value of the car to be £6,520 at the end of the 48 month/4 year term, this means that the total paid in order to own the car is 

. To hand the car back the amount paid would be 

If you like your car and have the cash to hand, it may be best to pay the balloon and own the car. However, If you don’t mind paying a monthly payment or want a newer car, handing the car back and finding a new finance deal is always an option. 

Still Don’t Know Whether to Pay the Balloon Payment? 

Paying the balloon can be a good or bad financial decision, regardless of your thoughts on the car itself. 

 can almost be described as a fixed-term lease, with the option to buy at the end, the caveat being that the final cost is estimated at the start of the finance term. 

If you are indifferent to the car, and purely want to make the best financial decision, look up your vehicle on something like Autotrader for a comparable price. If your balloon is significantly more than comparable values, it’s probably not worth paying. 

Conversely, if your balloon is lower than market value, as may be the case if your 

 started before the current spike in the used car market, buying may make more financial sense. 

Unfortunately, you cannot change the balloon payment once it has been agreed between you and the finance company. Even upping your monthly payments cannot decrease the final value settlement, as the car value will still be the same. 

If you are thinking of taking out a finance agreement, increasing the 

 can decrease the balloon payment, as the car will theoretically be worth less if it has more miles on it. This only makes sense if you intend to do those miles, as your monthly payments will increase slightly. 

Benefits and Drawbacks of a Balloon Payment 

Compared to finance methods that do not feature a balloon payment, such as HP or leasing, balloon payments offer some distinct advantages: 

These benefits are possible with leasing or HP, but they cost more per month for the entire finance term. 

Depending on your circumstances, another kind of finance method may be better, these are a few of the downsides to balloon payments: 

Balloon Payments Vs Other Types of Financing 

 is the only type of finance arrangement that typically includes a balloon payment. Depending on your intentions there are other financing options that may suit you better. 

Hire purchase agreements can be considered similar to buy now pay later credit schemes, whereby you pay off the total amount for the car - plus interest - in monthly instalments over a period of time. 

The monthly payments are typically higher on hire purchase deals, as there is no balloon, but it can make managing your finances easier in the long run. 

HP is perfect for those looking to buy a car and own it past the end of the finance period, if you can make the monthly payments you will own the car at the end of the term. 

Leasing a car is the same as renting a car, just over a longer predefined period of time, these can often range from 2 to 6 years. With leasing you will never - and usually don't have the opportunity to - own the car. There is no balloon payment with car leasing. 

The monthly payments on a lease are typically of a similar cost to 

, but leasing is generally only offered on new cars, so if you’re considering a vehicle a few years old, leasing is likely to be the most expensive option. 

If you do not intend to own the car, and want a brand new one, leasing can be a more straightforward process over PCP, and often works out cheaper. As with PCP there are strict guidelines on vehicle damage, servicing and mileage limits, though. 

Personal financing - Bank loan or Credit card 

In addition to the financing options given by a dealer or seller, there are some options to help cover the costs of buying a vehicle. The most popular of these options is a personal loan. Many banks and credit unions offer unsecured financing for buying cars. 

The interest rate on a personal loan is often better than on PCP or contract hire, but you will have to make sure you can afford the payments, as the interest rates on late payments can be substantially higher. 

 option is a credit card. Quite a few card providers offer zero-interest credit cards for a set period, often up to 20 months. You will need a reasonable credit score to qualify, and find a car dealership that accepts credit cards. 

If you are worried about your end of finance fee, but you have only recently entered your finance period, there are a few things you could do to alleviate the stress. 

Calculate how much your car will be worth at the end of the deal, and if the balloon is worth paying. Even if you can afford the final payment, it may not be the best option to take, especially if the car is worth less than the balloon amount. 

If you can, put money aside for the balloon payment in advance, some banks offer regular saver accounts that give better interest rates on regular saving, meaning your savings will grow faster than in a regular current account. 

What To Do If You Can't Afford The Balloon Payment 

If you are approaching the end of your PCP finance deal, you will have the choice to pay the balloon or not, if you cannot afford the balloon payment you can hand the car back to the finance company. 

Another option is to take out a further finance deal on the same car, many finance providers will allow this, either as a 

 again or a HP agreement. This can let you keep your car without having to pay the large balloon payment. 

Be aware that handing the car back will result in it being inspected for damage, and the odometer checked, as almost all PCP deals have a limit on mileage per year. 

Balloon payments are usually included in PCP finance deals, and are calculated based on the value of the car at the end of the finance term. If paid you will then own the car, but returning the car without paying is also an option. 

To know whether to pay a balloon payment or not you should look at comparable prices on the used car market for your cars make and model. Also take into account how much you like the car, its reliability over the term and what you would replace it with. 

Regardless of whether your car is financed or owned, it makes sense to spread the cost of car repairs with zero-interest financing from Bumper. Search for your

 has been writing about cars for over seven years and writing for Bumper for over two, blending his passion for automobiles with a talent for storytelling.

Joseph has written about engineering and cars for Autozilla, Komaspec, and several engineering manufacturers. When he's not writing or tinkering with one of his five cars, Joseph dreams of owning an Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale.

What Is A Balloon Payment On A Car? 

Private plates have been around since the early days of motoring in the UK, and roughly 400,000 are sold every year. There are many reasons drivers opt for a personalised plate, but one consideration is whether you are even allowed to change the registration plate if your car is on finance or lease. 

With around 20-30% of new cars being leased, we’ve put together this guide to help you, covering the legalities, process, and costs. 

Regular number plates are assigned to a car when first registered, they follow one of the 4 set styles, depending on the vehicle's year of manufacture. Private number plates make use of this to allow the driver to personalise their vehicle. 

Private number plates can be used to display various things, the most common uses are names or variations of, initials, birth years or even sports teams. Many private plates are bought by companies to add brand identity to their signwritten cars or vans. 

Number plate styles change every so often, usually because the format has run out of variations for displaying the registration year. Below are the four types of plate format. 

The most commonly used for private plates, these were used before registration plates started to include the year, in 1963. Because there is no need for conveying a year, they can be as short as two characters. 

Plate “F1” is one example of this, and was last sold for over £440,000 in, but we’d guess it worth even more now. 

In 1963 number plates started using the last character to display the registration year. A designated a 1963 car, B a 1964, and so on. The format used three letters, then 2, 3, or 4 characters, with the last one always being a letter. 

1983 saw the DVLA run out of suffix-style letters to use, so a new system was introduced, the prefix style used a letter again to designate year, but it was at the start of the registration number. 

Like suffix plates, some letters such as Q are not used as they are reserved for specialty registrations. 

Since 2001, we have been using the numbers at the end of the first block of seven to show registration age. The first used was 01, for example, “LG01 HCP”. This was the first format to split the year into two allocations, with “51” being used after the 1st September. 

The latest number plate allocations for 20204 are “24” - registered between March and September, and 74 - registered after September.

One of the biggest factors to consider when buying personalised registration plates is if it is allowed on your car. Registration numbers with dates have to be the correct year or older than your car. In other words, you cannot make your car appear newer with a personalised plate. 

Further to that, allowing the general public to control what their number plate says without rules or restrictions would be a recipe for disaster, so the DVLA bans number plates if they deem them to “cause offence, embarrassment or are in poor taste”. 

Examples include plates that spell profanity or religious/political references.

Can You Put a Private Plate on a Lease Car? 

Yes, there is no legal restriction on putting a private plate on a leased car, but you will need permission from the finance company. 

Many leasing companies have no problem adding a private plate, but they often charge an admin fee to do so. 

We’ve summarised the process of how to get a private number plate, but always read the DVLA guidelines thoroughly before making a change, also remember to notify your insurance company. 

How to Add a Private Number Plate to Your Leased Car 

The process of adding a private plate to a lease car is slightly different, as you cannot apply to the DVLA directly, you will need to do it through the leasing company. 

Factors to Consider When Putting a Private Plate on a Leased Car 

What Happens to the Private Plate at the End of the Lease? 

To retain the number plate, you will need to instruct the leasing company in advance of the end of the lease term. As the registered owner of the car, the leasing company will need to send the appropriate forms to the DVLA to have the plate transferred. 

What are the cost implications of getting a private plate? 

The personalised plates start at around £250, with fees and transfer costs, expect that to rise to over £300. To remove the private plate, you must either transfer it to another vehicle, or put it on what's known as ‘retention’ 

The DVLA charges £80 to put a registration number on retention. 

 is another consideration, most insurers will not charge a higher premium, but some will charge an admin fee to swap it mid-term. 

Can I put a private plate on a company car? 

Yes, but your employer will be the deciding factor here, generally speaking, business lease companies are just as willing to apply for personalised plates, but your company may not allow it. 

If you are self-employed with a leased car or van, there are no restrictions other than those imposed by the leasing company. 

Should I get a personalised plate on my company van? 

Private or personalised registration plates are a common sight on company vehicles. They can add to the vehicle’s brand identity and appear more professional. Just make sure it doesn't spell anything unprofessional or embarrassing! 

Can I put a private plate on a second-hand car? 

Of course! There are no limitations that apply because you bought the vehicle 

. In some cases, such as the plate being relevant to the car’s make or model, they can increase the resale value of the vehicle. 

Can I keep my normal number plate when I sell my car? 

If your car’s original registration number is of significant importance to you, for instance the last three letters are your initials, or it holds sentimental value, it is possible to have a replacement registration put on, and you can transfer or put-on-retention the original plate. 

There are rules around this, so check the 

Can I find who owns a personalised number plate? 

If you’ve seen a car on the road with a number plate you would like to own, either private or of standard format, it is possible to g

et the driver to transfer and then sell this plate to you. 

However, if you do not know who owns the number plate, the DVLA will not pass on any information to help you buy it. They will only cooperate with such requests in the event of an accident, crime etc. 

Private Plates on Lease Cars - Final Thoughts 

So there we have it, the low down on adding a private plate on your leased car or van. The key takeaways to be aware of are that you do not automatically have the right to change the plate on your lease car, but most leasing companies will be obliged if you ask. 

For more information, we suggest contacting your lease provider, as they are likely to have a procedure for their customers to follow. To make sure you don’t end up with a fine or extra fees to pay, read through the DVLA website on private plate purchase and application. 

has been writing about cars for over seven years and writing for Bumper for over two, blending his passion for automobiles with a talent for storytelling.

Can You Put A Private Number Plate On A Lease Car? 

Congratulations to Drive Vauxhall Bury St Edmunds for being named Dealership of the Month. 

Drive Vauxhall Bury St Edmunds use Bumper’s PayLater to split their customers’ aftersales invoices into interest-free monthly payments and PayNow for customers to make instant, digital payments from their device. 

Having joined the network in 2015, the team at Drive have gone from strength to strength using Bumper’s digital payment methods to improve customer satisfaction and retention. 

Flexible payment options have proved to be popular with Drive customers. One said, “So straightforward to use. It's a big help with budgeting and makes the difference between having all the work done at the same time, rather than postponing some, which is less than ideal. No interest charged either.” 

With a near-perfect 4.3 out of 5 stars, customers have also praised the staff at the site. One driver said, “It was so straight forward, the service advisor, Stephen Eboma, helped us as we are elderly. He kept us in tea and coffees in the waiting area while they fixed the car. 

“We are on a pension so splitting the payments was perfect for us like Stephen explained. We would recommend Bumper and Drive Vauxhall Bury St Edmunds to everyone.” 

Part of the site’s success can be attributed to the team’s streamlined process. Drive Vauxhall Bury St Edmunds use the Bumper and CDK integration enabling Bumper applications to be completed within their DMS. 

Congratulations to Harry, Stephen, Sam, and the whole team at Drive Vauxhall Bury St Edmunds for winning this award! 

Drive Vauxhall Bury St Edmunds celebrated as Dealership of the Month 

Leasing remains a popular financing method for driving a new car, with around 30% of new cars on the roads in the UK being on lease. If you’re thinking of getting a car on a lease, make sure you’re fully informed on what happens when the lease term comes to an end. 

To avoid incurring unexpected fees and costs, we’ll be discussing everything from what your options are at the end of a lease, what you need to do when returning your car and what to do if you don’t want to hand the car back. 

, is a long-term hire plan, usually only offered on new cars. It offers a reasonably cheap way to run a new car, with less hassle than buying and selling every three years. 

Leases are typically offered between 3-5 years, and as standard don't include the option to buy the car built in. 

What Can You Do At The End Of A Car Lease 

After you have driven and enjoyed your car for the 3-5-year lease period, there are a few steps you need to take to end the lease, these vary depending on the lease provider so make sure to check with your leasing company in plenty of time. 

However, you might be surprised to hear that handing the car back isn’t your only option come the end of your lease period, many leasing companies will allow you to extend your lease period or even buy the car from them. 

When it comes to knowing what to do and how to return a leased car, the option most people take is to simply hand the car back as agreed. This allows you to source a different car, via lease, finance, or purchasing. This option is the best if you want to change your car for something different. 

When returning a lease car there are often checks made by the finance company for damage, mileage etc. We discuss these in more detail later in this blog. 

What is Acceptable Damage for a Lease Car? 

The BVRLA sets out the guidelines for what is and is not acceptable “wear and tear” for a car on a lease or finance agreement. This document will be available through your lease provider, if not you may have to purchase it on the 

Small scuffs and scratches are acceptable, as long as they are under 25mm. The amount and extent of the damage should be in line with the age and 

 of the car, e.g. an old car with 100,000+ miles can have more damage than a newer model. 

Any trim or mouldings should be intact and not damaged, as should any wheel trims. Alloys are also only permitted to have scuffs under 25mm, but no serious curbing or damage. 

Tyres should have more than the legal limit of 

, and no tears, or rips of damage to the sidewalls. 

Seats and upholstery should be free of any major tears or rips, with only minor scuffs permissible. Any trim such as around the armrests, glove box etc should be free of scuffs. 

Minor scuffs to the steering wheel and gear knob are considered reasonable, depending on the age and mileage of the vehicle. 

The car should run and drive as it did when new, there should be no noticeable clunks, noises, or defects from the suspension, 

, or steering. Again, any minor defects the car does have should be appropriate to its age, although it should be able to pass an 

approved partners, and pay monthly with zero-percent interest financing

All lease terms include an inspection near the end of the leasing period, this is to make sure the car is in good working order, without any damage other than those listed above. If the car is deemed to have defects larger than wear and tear, you may be charged a fee. 

The fee schedule will be outlined in the lease documents, so make sure to do a thorough checkover of the car before booking an inspection, to save having to pay higher fees through the lease company. 

Most leasing companies will contact you within one to two months of your lease ending to book the inspection, so three to four months from the end of the lease is a good time to start inspecting the car. 

After the inspection has been completed, the car will need to be collected. You may need to budget some time off work for this, as you will need to be present. Collections are generally arranged up to 10 days beforehand. 

Yes, even if you agreed to a set period when starting your lease, most providers will allow this to be extended if you contact them before the lease is due to end. 

In some cases extending the lease period can reduce your monthly payments, so make sure to get in touch with your lease provider as soon as you can. 

This may be a good option for those that enjoy the car they have, and don’t want to have to exchange it for a new one. Look into the costs closely though, as new lease deals may be available that mean you can get a brand new car for the same amount as your extension costs per month. 

Can You Buy Your Car At The End Of A Lease? 

Some lease companies offer the option to buy the car outright. This can avoid the hassle of having to find and buy an unknown vehicle, as well as arranging for the lease car to be collected. 

The lease company will still want to do an inspection of the car, though. Buying the car is not likely to save you any costs you might expect to incur due to unrepaired damage. In fact, the lease company will probably charge you for this, and then still demand top money for the sale of the car. 

If you are yet to take out a lease, but think that buying a car at the end sounds like something you may want to do, then 

If you do want to buy your lease car when the term comes to an end, there are some pros and cons to consider before buying. 

When buying any car, there are always risks involved, these mainly revolve around how the previous owner/driver has kept it, fortunately, you know the previous driver! Assuming you have looked after the car and had it maintained properly, it is less of a risk than buying an unknown car from a dealer forecourt. 

However, some lease providers don’t want the hassle of selling a car to a member of the public, many simply auction off their old stock when the leases expire, as this doesn’t come with nearly as many consumer rights considerations. 

This means they may well want higher than market value to sell it to you, so make sure to check for comparable prices online before committing to buy. 

How to Save Money When Ending a Car Lease 

Now we’ve discussed the multiple options available to you when ending a car lease agreement, you may be thinking about which is the best decision for you 

. This depends on the individual circumstances, but we’ve put together some examples and our advice below. 

In this instance, your lease provider may well charge more than the going rate for repairs or touch-ups, so to save yourself some money, we would advise getting the car repaired by a professional before booking your end-of-lease inspection. 

You should read through your lease agreement, as some lenders require their car be repaired at an approved garage, otherwise, you may end up responsible for #

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