A car purchase is not solely a financial decision but also a personal accomplishment and a statement of your lifestyle, and for a few, it’s an emotional experience. It’s easy to get caught by flashy ads or feature packages that are luxurious, or the tempting discount offered by the dealer. There’s more that meets the eye, and savvy buyers realize purchasing a vehicle is about making smart choices that are in line with your heart as well as your brain.
1. Establish Your Budget
Let’s first determine what you’re able to afford.
The truth is, it’s not only the price tag. The process of budgeting for a car purchase includes down payment, equal monthly installments from a mortgage, tax, as well as insurance, registration, and fuel costs. Financial advisors advise that your expenses for car purchases should not exceed 15 percent of your income, including the cost of loan installments and running expenses.
2. Clearly State Your Needs
Don’t dream of convertibles or the 4×4 SUV with muscle until you first stop and think about the following issues:
- Do you prefer to drive either in the town or on the freeway?
- Does the vehicle serve as a daily commute, weekend excursions, or for family vacations?
- How many people do you normally transport?
- Do you require more storage space in your boot for your golf bags or pushchairs of your kids?
It is important to define your use patterns as well as space requirements, and your driving needs will guide you to the correct segment and body type.
3. Select the Correct Fuel Type: Electric, CNG, Diesel, or Petrol?
Efficiency in fuel consumption is possibly the most important factor to consider in the car-buying process.
- Petrol cars are relatively cheap to buy and perfect for driving in cities with shorter runs.
- Diesel cars are less expensive for those with high mileage; however, they cost more for maintenance and taxes.
- CNG cars are very economical for urban driving; however could lack the boot space and power.
- Electric vehicles (EVs) will be the norm in the coming years, with low operating costs; however, you will need to include charging points as well as higher prices for purchase.
4. Body Type Is Important: SUV, Sedan, or Hatchback?
There’s no one size that will fit all when it comes to cars.
- Small, agile, and perfect for urban commutes as well as parking.
- Sedans are a great choice for a luxurious atmosphere with cabin space and comfort for long distances.
- SUVs and Crossovers are a great choice for the power, presence on the road, and the ability to adapt to different roads and families.
Select the body type that is a good fit for the way you live, and not just your wish list.
5. Transmission and Engine
Selecting the appropriate dimension of the engine (cc) and the transmission (manual and auto) will have a major impact on your driving experience and fuel efficiency.
- Manuals are more flexible and efficient with mileage; however, they come at the expense of more work being completed while driving.
- Automated systems (CVT AMT, DCT, CVT) are becoming popular due to their simplicity, especially in busy city traffic.
Think about your commute route, the traffic pattern, and your own comfort when driving to help you make this decision.
6. Choose Your Safety Features
When roads are in doubt, the safety of drivers is no longer a choice. It’s a necessity.
Make sure you pick the basics, which include
- Airbags with two or more
- ABS that includes EBD (Anti-lock Brake System equipped with electronic Brake force distribution)
- ESP (Electronic Stability Program)
- ISOFIX Points for Child Seats
- Cameras and sensors for parking in the rear
Also, a review of your NCAP safety ratings for the vehicle you are planning to purchase. Safety isn’t a place to compromise on, so keep that in mind.
7. Value at Resale
Your car could be your favorite and pride today, but soon you’ll need to upgrade. This is where you can benefit from resales.
- Maruti Suzuki, Toyota, and Honda automobiles have a selling value because of the brand’s image, the reliability of the service network, as well as dependability.
- Check the depreciation rates and demand for the models you have selected before you sign on the dotted line.
8. Take a Test Drive
Whatever YouTube reviews you view during a marathon viewing session, nothing beats an actual test drive.
Test the
- Response of the steering and handling
- Noise levels and ride comfort
- Safety and ergonomics of driving
- Performance on various terrains (if feasible)
- Bring your family members along on the test drive to ensure you can ensure that the car meets the requirements for comfort and convenience.
9. Total Ownership Cost
Most often, it is not considered. Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) is comprised of:
- Costs for fuel
- Service and maintenance expenses are incurred on regular on a regular basis
- Insurance premium
- Depreciation
- Cost of repair in the long run
Sometimes, a higher-priced automobile to purchase can prove to be more affordable over the long run because it requires less maintenance and also has higher gas mileage.
10. Investigate and Compare Models
You now have information about your car right at your fingertips. Spend some time reading:
- Official brochures and websites
- Owner and expert reviews
- Comparison websites that compare features side-by-side
- Forums online to discuss real-life problems and to offer compliments
The more you understand, the more you are aware, the better you’ll do in the car dealership.
Bonus Advice
In most cases, when you are looking at your vehicle, be sure to research financing options and insurance.
- Find out about auto loans, look for pre-approved quotes, and compare rates of interest rates.
- Always obtain multiple insurance quotes to find the lowest cost and coverage.
- Find additional benefits such as extended warranties or service packs.
Easily buy your next vehicle with Indus Motors
Are you looking for a simple and transparent customer-centric way to purchase a car?
Indus Motor Company Private Limited (Indus Motors) is the best choice for your Partner in India. With a track record of over thirty years, Indus Motors ranks as India’s best Maruti Dealer and also manufactures a Maruti vehicle every 15 minutes. From choosing a model color, financing assistance, to real-time vehicle updates and service at the door, Indus Motors simplifies your whole experience from the showroom to your home.
