Try both if you are unsure - ask your bank what's the best deal they could do for the particular purchase you have in mind, then meet with a broker to see if they can beat that offer. Meeting with a broker won't cost you anything as they are paid by the lender that you ultimately decide to go with (if any). A broker may also come up with different ways to structure your loan that may protect your interests better in the long run (eg part fixed and part variable). Whichever option you go with, make sure you check that the documents you ultimately receive from the lender match the numbers that you discussed in the initial meeting.