5 Tips for saving on your four-wheeler loan

Many people aspire to buy a four-wheeler of their choice and take their families on trips. They aim to choose the one with all the desired features, specifications, and amenities without compromising comfort. With so many car brands present in the market, you can always apply for a loan offering the best car loan interest rate. Many banks and non-banking financial companies offer car buyers loans to buy the desired car model.

While it feels lovely to own a vehicle, you can rely on lenders and banks to fulfil this expectation. They offer an vehicle loan to all applicants who follow the eligibility criteria and submit the required documents. Here are some tips on saving on the loan:

Know your credit score: When you plan to buy a vehicle, the first thing you can do is to enquire about your credit score before you apply for a loan. If the score is high, you stand a good chance of loan approval, and you can avail of favourable terms and conditions. If you know that you have a low score, then wait to improve it before applying for the loan.

If you have a good score, the lender might agree to a lower car loan rate of interest. Even a half or one per cent reduction in the interest rate on your loan can save you lots of money in repayments over the entire loan period.

Focus on total cost than EMIs: When you weigh various loan offers, a low monthly EMI might seem the best choice. You might pay a higher interest rate over a longer period, making the monthly payment lower and including more in interest payments. When you decide on a four-wheeler loan (or any loan for that matter), check the total cost, i.e., the principal and total interest combined over the tenure. Choose the scheme with the lowest total price.

Make higher down payments: If you made an initial higher down payment, your repayment burden lowers, and you end up saving a significant amount on the car loan interest rates paid over a period. If possible, save systematically to set aside money for the down payment.

Pay for add-ons: Buying accessories only increases the price and vehicle loan interest rate. It also drives up dealer margins which may lead to lesser savings. If you plan to buy any accessories, you should pay for them from your pocket rather than adding them to the car’s price. If it is a part of the car’s cost, you will pay interest on your purchases for years to come.Research well: Finally, shop around for the lowest car loan interest rate before buying a car and applying for a loan. Be prepared with an updated credit score and market interest rates. It will enable you to negotiate better loan terms with the lender and save money.

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