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Your ₹20 Lakhs Dream Car Needs a Plan, Not Just a Booking Amount

By Suraj Singh February 23, 2026 6 min read
SIP for Car vs Car Loan: Plan Your ₹20 Lakh Dream Car Smartly

Have you ever walked into a showroom, admired a ₹20 lakhs car, and thought, I just need to arrange the booking amount? It feels manageable at the moment. A few lakhs upfront, the rest through EMIs, and the car is yours.

But here is the real question. Are you planning the car, or just planning the booking?

A ₹20 lakhs dream car deserves more than excitement. It deserves a financial strategy. This is where a SIP for cars can completely change the way you approach your goal.

Instead of relying on a large loan and committing to years of EMIs, you can use a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) to build your car fund gradually and efficiently. Let us understand how.

What is a SIP for Car?

A SIP for car is a structured way to save for your dream vehicle by investing a fixed amount regularly in mutual funds. Rather than accumulating money randomly, you invest monthly with a clear target in mind.

The goal is simple:

  • Decide the cost of your car
  • Fix a timeline
  • Invest consistently
  • Allow compounding to grow your money

This approach reduces dependency on car loans and gives you greater financial control.

How Does SIP for Car Work?

Here is a simplified breakdown of how a SIP for car works:

  • Choose Your Goal Amount: In this case, ₹20 lakhs.
  • Decide the Timeline: For our example, 10 years.
  • Estimate Expected Returns: Assumed at 15 percent annually.
  • Calculate Monthly Investment: Using a SIP calculator.
  • Invest Regularly: Through auto debit every month.
  • Monitor Progress: Review annually to stay on track.
  • Withdraw When Ready: Use the accumulated corpus to buy your car.

Using a SIP Calculator for Your ₹20 Lakhs Dream Car

SIP Calculator helps estimate how much you need to invest monthly to reach your target. Let us look at the calculation used for a ₹20 lakhs dream car.

SIP Plan Used in the Calculation

Investment Detail Value
Monthly SIP Amount ₹7,200
Expected Annual Return 15%
Investment Duration 10 Years
Total Invested Amount ₹8,64,000
Estimated Returns ₹11,42,332
Total Corpus After 10 Years ₹20,06,332

(Note: The following calculation is purely illustrative. Mutual fund returns are market-linked and not guaranteed. Actual outcomes may vary.)

Step 1: Small Monthly Discipline

You invest ₹7,200 every month. That is approximately ₹240 per day. Over 10 years, your total contribution becomes:

₹7,200 × 12 × 10 = ₹8,64,000

This ₹8.64 lakhs is the actual amount you invest from your pocket. Instead of committing to a car EMI later, you prepare in advance.

Step 2: The Power of Compounding

At an assumed 15 percent annual return, your money grows over time. Each monthly investment earns returns. Those returns start generating further returns. This is compounding.

The result:

  • Total invested: ₹8.64 lakhs
  • Wealth created through returns: ₹11.42 lakhs
  • Final corpus: ₹20.06 lakhs

More than half of your dream car value is created through market growth, not just savings. This is the true advantage of a SIP for car planning.

Step 3: Loan Versus SIP Approach

Comparison Parameter Car Loan (9.3% for 10 yrs) SIP for 10 Years (15% Returns)
Goal Buy car immediately Build corpus before purchase
Car Cost / Target ₹20,00,000 ₹20,00,000 (target amount)
Monthly Outflow ₹25,661 EMI ₹7,200 SIP
Total Amount Paid / Invested ₹30,79,321 ₹8,64,000
Interest Paid vs. Investment Gains ₹10,79,321 (paid to bank) ₹11,42,332 (estimated growth)
Final Outcome Car owned, ₹30.79L paid ₹20.06L accumulated
Ownership Timing Immediate After 10 years
Financial Flexibility Fixed EMI obligation SIP can be paused or adjusted
Liquidity During Tenure Limited (loan obligation) Investment can be redeemed
Suitability Urgent requirement Planned future purchase
← Swipe horizontally to compare Loan vs. SIP →

Why a SIP for Car Makes Sense

  • Disciplined Investing: Regular monthly investment builds consistency.
  • Compounding Power: Returns generate additional returns over time.
  • Affordable Contributions: ₹7,200 per month is manageable compared to a large EMI.
  • Flexibility: You can increase or decrease SIP amount if needed.
  • Reduced Loan Dependence: Lower financial burden in the future.

Key Points to Consider Before Starting a SIP for Car

Before you begin your SIP for car, consider the following:

  • Set a clear target of ₹20 lakhs.
  • Match the SIP duration with your purchase timeline.
  • Use a SIP calculator to estimate required monthly investment.
  • Choose mutual funds aligned with your risk profile.
  • Review performance annually.
  • Understand taxation on mutual fund gains.
  • Maintain a separate emergency fund.
  • Avoid reacting emotionally to short term market fluctuations.

For goals under five years, consider lower risk funds. For longer horizons like 10 years, equity oriented funds may be suitable depending on your risk appetite.

Conclusion

A ₹20 lakhs dream car is not just about affordability today. It is about preparation, patience, and discipline.

A SIP for car allows you to invest small amounts regularly, benefit from compounding, and gradually build your car fund without financial strain. By using a SIP calculator, setting a clear timeline, and investing consistently, you can achieve your car buying goal in a structured way.

Start early. Stay consistent. Let compounding do the heavy lifting.

Your dream car does not just need horsepower.

It needs a plan.

 

Disclaimer: Investment in securities market is subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing. This content is purely for information purpose only and in no way is to be considered as an advice or recommendation. The securities are quoted as an example and not as a recommendation. Investors are requested to do their own due diligence before investing.

SEBI Reg No.: Broking – INZ000240532, Research Analyst – INH000020086, Depository Participant – IN-DP-416-2019, Depository Participant Number: CDSL – 12088800, NSE (90165), BSE (6707), MCX (57525), NCDEX (1315), MSEI (85300).

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FAQs

Is it better to invest through SIP or take a car loan for a ₹20 lakhs car?
+
If you need the car immediately, a loan helps you buy now but increases the total cost to ₹30.79 lakhs over 10 years. A SIP works better if you can wait, as investing ₹7,200 monthly may help you build ₹20 lakhs with lower overall outflow.
How much SIP is required to buy a ₹20 lakhs car in 10 years?
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To accumulate ₹20 lakhs in 10 years at an assumed 15% annual return, you would need to invest around ₹7,200 per month. This totals ₹8.64 lakhs invested and an estimated corpus of about ₹20 lakhs.
How much extra do I pay on a ₹20 lakhs car loan for 10 years?
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At 9.3% interest for 10 years, the EMI would be ₹25,661 per month. You end up paying ₹10.79 lakhs as interest, taking the total repayment to ₹30.79 lakhs.
Is SIP for a car purchase risky?
+
SIP returns are market-linked and not guaranteed, so short-term fluctuations can affect outcomes. However, a 10-year horizon and periodic review can help manage volatility.

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