DAF Finance offers promotional rates on new trucks from 4.8% APR - often the cheapest available for a new DAF purchase through an authorised dealer. But for used vehicles, mixed fleets, adverse credit, or any non-DAF brand, independent lenders accessed via a broker will almost always deliver better terms.
What Is DAF Finance?
DAF Finance is the captive finance arm of DAF Trucks, the Dutch commercial vehicle manufacturer owned by PACCAR Inc. In the UK, DAF Finance is operated by De Lage Landen (DLL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Rabobank, one of the largest banks in the Netherlands and globally prominent in food, agriculture and commercial finance.
As a captive finance product, DAF Finance serves one primary commercial purpose: to support DAF vehicle sales by offering buyers subsidised finance that makes a new DAF truck more attractive than alternatives. DAF Trucks subsidises the interest rate - often absorbing 0.5–1% of the rate cost - to stimulate sales volumes. This is the same model used by car manufacturers' finance arms and is well-established in the commercial vehicle market.
DAF Finance Rates - October 2026
| Product | Rate From (APR) | Available On | Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|
| New DAF - Hire Purchase | 5.2% | New DAF vehicles only | Via authorised DAF dealer |
| New DAF - Finance Lease | 4.8% | New DAF vehicles only | Promotional period; balloon applies |
| Used DAF | N/A | Not available | No used vehicle product |
| Non-DAF brands | N/A | Not available | DAF-only captive product |
| Adverse credit | N/A | Not available | Standard credit only |
The promotional 4.8% finance lease rate is available at certain times of year - typically aligned with DAF's sales incentive periods and quarterly targets. The standard (non-promotional) DAF Finance rate runs slightly higher. A broker can confirm whether a promotional period is active at the time of your enquiry.
Independent HGV Finance Rates via DBF Panel - October 2026
| Scenario | Lender | Rate From (APR) | Restriction |
|---|---|---|---|
| New DAF via panel | Close Brothers / Aldermore | 5.9% | None - any dealer or private sale |
| Used DAF (under 5 years) | Close Brothers | 6.5% | None |
| Used DAF (5–10 years) | Aldermore | 7.2% | None |
| New Mercedes / Volvo / MAN | Close Brothers / Novuna | 5.9–6.4% | None - any make |
| Mixed fleet (DAF + others) | Close Brothers | From 5.9% | Single facility, any mix |
Head-to-Head: New DAF Purchase
DAF Finance (DLL)
4.8%
Finance lease APR (promotional)
- Subsidised rate - often cheapest available
- Arranged at the dealership
- Quick process via DAF dealer
- No independent comparison possible
- DAF vehicles only
- No used, no non-DAF, no adverse
Independent via DBF
5.9%
Hire purchase APR from (new HGV)
- Any make, any dealer, private sale or auction
- Adverse credit and sole traders considered
- Compare 4+ lenders simultaneously
- Mixed fleet in one facility
- Used vehicles funded
- Broker negotiation on rate
Scenario Guide: Which Route Wins?
| Your Situation | DAF Finance | Independent via Broker | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| New DAF, clean credit, DAF dealer | 4.8–5.2% (promo) | 5.9% | DAF Finance often wins - but get a broker quote first |
| New DAF, outside promotional period | ~5.5% (standard) | 5.9% - similar | Independent can be competitive - compare both |
| Used DAF truck | Not available | From 6.5% (Close Brothers) | Independent only option |
| Mixed fleet (DAF + Volvo + Mercedes) | DAF only | Single facility, any mix | Independent is the only practical route |
| Adverse credit / CCJ history | Standard credit only | Close Brothers / Aldermore consider | Independent only option |
| Sole trader, 12–18 months trading | Not typically accepted | Aldermore from 12 months | Independent only option |
| Refinancing existing DAF fleet | Not available | Sale and HP-back available | Independent only option |
Why Use a Broker Even When DAF Finance Looks Attractive?
When the DAF promotional rate is active, it is often genuinely the cheapest option for a new truck purchase through the dealer. There are still good reasons to get an independent quote before committing to the dealer's finance:
- The promotional rate may not apply to you. DAF Finance operates standard credit assessment. If you have any adverse marks, a newer business, or a complex structure, the rate on offer at the dealership may be higher than the promotional headline.
- Terms and conditions vary. Finance lease balloon values, early repayment charges, and permitted usage conditions can differ significantly between captive and independent products. A broker explains these differences before you sign.
- Your fleet will grow. If you plan to add non-DAF vehicles or used trucks, starting with a panel lender relationship now means your existing finance partner can accommodate future additions without renegotiation.
- Negotiating leverage. Arriving at the dealership with a competing quote from an independent lender gives you negotiating leverage on both the vehicle price and the finance rate.