FAQs

Q) Can I get 100% funding to buy a car?

The maximum amount of loan that you can avail to buy a car will vary from lender to lender. Most banks offer financing up to 90% of the on-road price of the car but there are some banks such as HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, etc., that offers financing for up to 100% of the car’s on-road price.

Q) Can I pre-pay the entire loan amount? What are the conditions involved?

Yes, you can prepay the entire car loan and save on vital interest payments in the future. However, most banks will allow the pre-payment option after you have chalked off 6 months on your loan tenure. Plus, you will be expected to pay a small fee as pre-payment penalty that will be dependent on the leftover loan amount.

Q) What car models are financed by the standard car loan in India?

Unless otherwise specified, almost all small to medium sized cars, Commercial Vehical Loan, Sports Utility Vehicles (SUV) and Multi Utility Vehicles (MUV) come under the purview of car loans available in India. However, as mentioned, refer to the loan brochure for exceptions to this rule.

Q) When applying for the car loan, do I need a guarantor/ security?

Almost all car loan products available in India are secured loans, with the procured vehicle itself acting as the customary security. Most lenders in India will not insist upon any guarantors; however, if your annual income does not match up to the expected requirement, then you may be expected to sign-up a co-applicant and/or guarantor.

Q) What are the commonly available car loan repayment tenures?

Repayment tenures usually range from 12 months to 84 months (1-7 years).

Q) What kind of a credit score do you need to buy a car?

Just like with most loans, a high credit score above 750 is ideal. But you can still apply for a loan if your credit score is above 600. Remember, if your score is too low, your application may be rejected.

Q) Will my credit score affect the interest rate?

Yes. Some banks will offer lower interest rates to applicants with high credit scores. Likewise, borrowers with low credit scores will have to bear higher interest rates.

Q) What is the minimum credit score I need to get a car loan?

When you apply for a car loan, lenders will look for a credit score of at least 750. Below this score, lenders may be reluctant to lend to you as it indicates your low repayment capacity. Some banks may offer you a car loan despite your low credit score but they may charge a higher interest rate.

Q) Should I take a car loan from the car dealership or bank?

Before you apply for any car loan, ensure that you explore all the options available. Once you explore, you will get an idea about the benefits offered by various lenders on their car loans. Compare the benefits offered and pick a lender that fits your requirements. Whether it is a bank or a car dealership, pick the one that offers better interest rates.

Q) Do banks offer finance for used cars?

Yes. Many top lenders such as SBI, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, etc., offer loans to buy used cars. These lenders offer car loans for up to 85% of the car’s value provided that the car is not more than 5 years old. Used car loans can be repaid in a maximum of 7 years.

Q) What will lenders look for when I apply for a car loan?

One of the most important factors that lenders consider before offering you a car loan is your credit score. As stated above, a credit score of above 750 can fetch you lower interest rates and other benefits. The other factors that lenders look for when you apply for a car loan are your employment status, residence and job stability, income, debt-to-income ratio, etc.

Q) What is the lowest EMI that I need to pay for a car loan?

The amount of EMI (equated monthly instalments) that you will be paying towards your car loan will depend on the interest rate, loan amount, and the repayment tenure you choose. You can calculate the EMI by using the EMI Calculator tool available on the BankBazaar website. For example, let us suppose that you avail a car loan of Rs.1 lakh at an interest rate of 12% for a tenure of 5 years. Using the tool, we calculated the EMI and found it to be Rs.2,224.

Q) How much down payment do I need to make to buy a car?

Making a higher down payment will mean that you will need to avail a lower loan amount to buy a car. When you avail a lower loan amount, there are chances that banks or lenders may offer you a car loan at lower interest rates. This is simply because if the loan amount is lower, the repayment will be quicker. So, though there is no hard and fast rule to how much down payment you should make, a higher down payment will ensure that your debt liability is lesser.

Q) Can I get a lower interest rate if I have a good credit score?

If your credit score is above 750, you can negotiate with the banks to offer you a car loan at a lower interest rate. Many lenders will let you negotiate on the interest rates since your high credit score is an indication of your high repayment capacity. Some lenders may also offer you a waiver on the processing fee if you have a good credit score.