Which bank gives the cheapest car loan in India in 2026?+
SBI offers the lowest advertised car loan rate at 8.70% for prime salaried borrowers, followed by HDFC at 8.90% and ICICI at 8.95%. Final rate depends on CIBIL score, car model, and any ongoing manufacturer tie-ups.
Is a bank car loan cheaper than dealer financing?+
Yes, in almost every case. Dealer or in-house NBFC financing often looks attractive with flat-rate teasers, but the effective APR is usually 2-5 percentage points higher than a direct bank car loan. Always negotiate using the bank rate as a benchmark.
How much down payment is required for a car loan?+
Most banks finance 80-90% of the on-road price. A 10-20% down payment from your own funds is standard. Some lenders offer 100% on-road financing for select models, but this usually comes with a higher interest rate.
Can I prepay a car loan without charges?+
Floating-rate car loans from most public and private banks have zero foreclosure charges for individual borrowers. Fixed-rate loans and NBFC-funded loans may charge 3-5% of the outstanding principal.