Planning to take a car loan? Evaluate offers from dealers thoroughly

Lending partners at times charge a higher interest rate to pass on hefty commissions to dealers

• When purchasing a car, many buyers go for the lender that has a partnership with the dealer. This should be avoided
• These lenders charge a higher interest rate, which allows them to offer a hefty commission to the dealer
• Compare rates online before you finalise the lender
• Sometimes, a dealer may offer a discount on the car value if you take a loan from its partner lender. Sometimes, a manufacturer may tie up with a lender and offer discounts to push up sales. Again, compare your total interest outgo in this case with other lenders
• When evaluating an auto loan, check whether the lender is giving a loan based on the 'ex-showroom' or the 'on-road' price. Typically, lenders offer 95-100 per cent financing on the ex-showroom price
• In any loan, it's advisable to make as much down payment as possible. A higher contribution from the borrower reduces the need to take a huge loan. This will allow him to opt for either a lower equated monthly instalment or a lower tenure
• A car is a depreciating asset. Taking a bigger loan may not be the best thing to do. Try your best to go for a shorter-period loan. Shorter the tenure, lower is the interest outgo
• Interest rate and tenure are not the only two factors to consider. Also, take a look at the processing fee and other charges, such as those that the lender will levy on prepayment, foreclosure and documentation
• Private lenders may charge an advance EMI, that is, they will deduct an EMI and then sanction the loan. Avoid such loan structures as they work out to be more expensive