Market benchmark: Car Loan
Current rates by bank
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Check My Rate → See CIBIL Impact →Car loans in India are one of the most common forms of secured lending, yet most borrowers accept the first rate offered without question. Unlike home loans, car loan rates are not directly linked to the RBI repo rate — banks set them based on your credit profile, the car model, age of vehicle, and your relationship with the bank.
For new cars, a rate between 8.5% and 11% is generally fair in 2026. PSU banks like SBI and Bank of Baroda tend to offer lower rates (8.85%–10%), while private banks cluster around 9%–13%. Manufacturer finance companies like Maruti Finance and Hyundai Finance often run promotional rates on specific models — sometimes as low as 7.99% — but these come with prepayment restrictions. If you are being quoted above 14% for a new car with a CIBIL score above 700, that is a red flag.
Used car loans always carry higher interest rates than new car loans, typically 2%–5% more. This is because used cars depreciate faster and carry higher risk for the lender. Banks are also stricter about the age of the vehicle — most banks will not finance cars older than 5–7 years, and some cap the loan tenure based on the car's age. NBFCs like Mahindra Finance specialize in used car loans but charge 12%–20%.
Your salary account relationship is your strongest negotiating card. If your salary is credited to HDFC, SBI or ICICI, approach them first — existing customers consistently get 0.5%–1.5% lower rates. Also compare manufacturer finance on the day of purchase — dealers can often arrange promotional rates from the auto finance arm that are not available through direct bank applications. Always get quotes from at least 3 lenders before signing.
Most car loans run 3–7 years. A longer tenure means lower EMI but significantly more total interest paid. For a ₹8 lakh car loan at 9.5%, the difference between a 5-year and 7-year tenure is over ₹60,000 in extra interest. The general rule is: keep the EMI below 15% of your monthly take-home pay and choose the shortest tenure you can comfortably afford.
Yes, but expect rates of 14%–18% from NBFCs. Banks typically require 700+ for standard rates. Improving your CIBIL score before applying can save you lakhs over a 5-year tenure.
Promotional manufacturer rates can be lower, but check for prepayment restrictions and whether the total cost including processing fees is actually lower. Always compare the total amount payable, not just the EMI.
Yes. After 6–12 EMIs, most banks allow prepayment with a 2%–4% charge on the outstanding amount. SBI allows free prepayment after 6 months. Factor this into your decision if you plan to close early.