PCP is easier to secure (especially for a 20 year old who's had a maximum 2 years credit history), but interest differences can be quite significant. If you're buying a nearly new £22k car at 10% APR, you'll pay about £5k in interest over 3 years. you could be paying a third of that with a low APR % loan.
Personally, for differences in APR VWFS give you for new vs nearly new and the fact you get deposit contribution and better scope for discount, i'd go new rather than go one year old. There'll be nowt in monthlies between a brand new GTI got for £24.5k at 6% APR vs a year old one for £22k with 10% APR.
