How do car loans work

Get a complete guide on car loans, including how they work, car loan terms to know, how to qualify, and how to apply with Bajaj Finance.
How do car loans work
3 min
29-February-2024

When you plan to buy a car, a loan can make the purchase easier to manage. A car loan is designed to help you fund a vehicle without paying the full cost upfront. In this article, we explain how car loans work, the common terms you should know, and what can help you qualify.

If you want to plan your purchase without guesswork, it helps to know your loan position early. You can check your pre-approved new car loan offer to see whether you already have an offer and what it may cover. This can help you shortlist cars that fit your budget more confidently.

What is a car loan?

A car loan is an amount you borrow from a lender to buy a four-wheeler of your choice. Once your application is approved, the lender provides the approved loan amount, and you repay it over a fixed period with interest.

You can take a car loan for a new car or a used car. Many buyers first decide their budget, then compare models that match their needs. When you know the loan amount you may qualify for, it becomes easier to shortlist the right car and plan the down payment, if required. This keeps the purchase practical and reduces financial pressure later.

How does a car loan work?

When you apply for a car loan, the lender checks details such as your credit score, income, and other financial information. This helps the lender assess repayment capacity and decide the loan terms.

If your application is approved, the lender offers a loan amount and an interest rate. These terms depend on factors such as the vehicle you plan to buy and your overall credit profile. The interest rate may also vary based on the loan tenure and other checks done by the lender.

If you do not have standard income proof, some lenders may still consider your application through alternate routes, such as adding a co-applicant or co-signer. The exact process depends on the lender’s policy and the profile being assessed.

Car loan terms to understand

Before you apply for a car loan, it helps to understand a few common terms used in the loan process.

  • Principal: This is the total amount you borrow from the lender. In some cases, lenders may fund up to 100% of the car’s value, depending on eligibility and the vehicle selected.
  • Interest rate: This is the percentage charged on the principal for the loan tenure. Since the interest rate affects your total repayment, it is useful to review car loan interest rates before you choose your loan plan.
  • Repayment tenure: This is the time you get to repay the loan. A longer tenure may reduce the EMI but can increase the total interest paid over time. A shorter tenure may increase the EMI but reduce overall interest cost.
  • EMIs: EMI stands for equated monthly instalment. This is the fixed amount you pay each month towards the loan repayment. You can estimate your monthly instalment using a tool like the car loan EMI calculator to choose a repayment plan that fits your monthly budget.

Additional read: Documents required for a car loan

How to qualify for a car loan

To qualify for a car loan, you need to meet the lender’s eligibility criteria. The application process is usually simple. You fill in basic details, share car-related information, and submit documents for verification. Once the application is submitted, the lender may reach out to guide you through the next steps.

A healthy credit record can support better loan offers. It can also help you get clearer repayment terms and reduce the chance of delays during approval.

Bajaj Finance offers both new car finance and used car loans. You can apply online by sharing a few basic details. Competitive rates and flexible repayment options can make the monthly plan easier to manage. If you want to plan your purchase more confidently, it helps to check your borrowing range once before you move ahead. Check your new car loan eligibility and find out how much you can borrow.

Why choose Bajaj Mall for your car purchase

If you are comparing cars and trying to keep your EMI comfortable, it helps to start with a clear shortlist. Bajaj Mall makes this simpler by letting you browse models online, compare variants, and check key details in one place. It saves time and helps you make a more informed choice without visiting multiple dealerships.

Once you finalise your preferred car, financing can be completed smoothly with the Bajaj Finserv New Car Loan. It offers:

  • Up to 100% financing of the on-road price
  • Competitive interest rates
  • Flexible repayment tenures
  • Quick approval and minimal documentation

You can also plan your monthly instalments using the car loan EMI calculator, which helps you choose an EMI that fits your budget and keep room for other monthly expenses.

With Bajaj Mall, comparing and booking your preferred car becomes more straightforward, while the Bajaj Finserv New Car Loan supports a smoother purchase journey. If you want to move ahead without delays, you can check your pre-approved new car loan offer and take the next step when you are ready.

Know more about car loans

Disclaimer

1. Bajaj Finance Limited (“BFL”) is a Non-Banking Finance Company (NBFC) and Prepaid Payment Instrument Issuer offering financial services viz., loans, deposits, Bajaj Pay Wallet, Bajaj Pay UPI, bill payments and third-party wealth management products. The details mentioned in the respective product/ service document shall prevail in case of any inconsistency with respect to the information referring to BFL products and services on this page.

2. All other information, such as, the images, facts, statistics etc. (“information”) that are in addition to the details mentioned in the BFL’s product/ service document and which are being displayed on this page only depicts the summary of the information sourced from the public domain. The said information is neither owned by BFL nor it is to the exclusive knowledge of BFL. There may be inadvertent inaccuracies or typographical errors or delays in updating the said information. Hence, users are advised to independently exercise diligence by verifying complete information, including by consulting experts, if any. Users shall be the sole owner of the decision taken, if any, about suitability of the same.
For customer support, call Personal Loan IVR: 7757 000 000