Choice 1: Go for the maximum loan amount offered by the bank
Banks usually offer a maximum loan of up to 80% to 90% of the ex-showroom price. So let’s assume that we will need to make a down payment of Rs. 2 lakhs and the bank finances the rest. The interest rates offered varies from bank to bank, but for our example let’s assume an interest rate of 9%. The EMI on 8 lakhs for 5 years is Rs. 16,607 and your total out go over the 5 years would be Rs. 996,401.
Now assuming that you will invest the remaining 8 lakhs in a Mutual Fund which gives an annual return of 12%, at the end of 5 years you will have Rs. 1,409,873.
Total money left with you = Rs. 1,409,873 – Rs. 996,401 = Rs. 413,472
Choice 2: Pay the full amount by cash
Let us assume that you will invest Rs. 16, 607 every month for 5 years in a mutual fund that gives 12% annualized return. You will have Rs. 1,369,851 at the end of 5 years.
Total money left with you = Rs. 1,369,851 – Rs. 800, 000 = Rs. 569,851
As you can see from the two scenarios, you the difference in the two approaches is close to 37%. This difference will only increase if the car loan interest rate is more than 9%.