Car finance debt

Lolly237

Hi there wondering if anyone can me please. Due to unforeseen circumstances this year iv managed to get behind in payments for my car. I contacted the company Citroen finance to make them aware if my situation but they were most unhelpful and told me there was nothing they could do. As it was between paying my rent or my car I obviously had to pay the rent to keep a roof over mine and my little ones head. I'm about 4 payments behind iv been paying it periodically when I can throughout the year. I'm finally starting to get on top of things and have paid 2 consecutive payments one of my original payment (£141) and last one a bit more of £220 however the other day I got a call from a recovery company who told me I had to pay £460 upfront as in today! Then a further £250 every month or they'll get a court order to repossess my car! Iv only got another 6 months finance on the car I really can't hand it back iv been paying it religiously for over 4 years! The £460 upfront payment is for the debt agency fees! Can anyone tell me if I don't pay this and accept their debt management arrangement and continue making payments of £220 to Citroen direct can they still obtain a court order to take my car? If I pay £220 until the end of april this will cover all finance and arrears without going out with the original finance agreement timescale. I'm terrified I'll lose my car.
Ps I live in scotland.

simeyb

Crikey this is a complicated one that others more qualified than me should be able to help with. I assume as the loan was with Citroen Finance then it is a hire purchase contract? If so, I don't think that this late on in the contract that a debt company could repossess it - its something like once you've paid 2/3rds but I could be wrong. As for the debt company wanting £460 in fees, that is scandalous. However, that a debt recovery company has got this indicates that the relationship with Citroen has broken down - I would review your original contract for the car in detail so that you know what your rights are, especially in connection with repossession.

Make sure all your dealings now with Citroen and the debt company are in writing. If you can, establish a repayment plan that you can afford and try and agree it with them. This is likely though to be a black mark on your credit file I'm afraid.

Others will be on here with I am sure more accurate advice, but def have a look at your contract so you can tell the debt company that they can't legally take your car - they are bullies - don't believe their threats and insist they stop harassing you by calling you and communicate only in writing.

harveybobbles

If there isn't long left to run. have you asked what the settlement would be? then could you get a loan to pay the finance off, then sell the car to repay the loan, free up some cash and buy a cheaper car.