Friends, family, influencers, advisors, no matter whom you talk to for your new car, everyone will have their opinion but ultimately, it's you who has to make a decision. And you have to be smart enough in choosing a car as per your needs as you will be driving it.
In a nutshell, it's you who has to understand the process
and the crucial aspects before you step into a showroom or buy car online so
that you shop as an informed buyer.
Let's run you through the key aspects you should know before
buying a new car.
1. Hatchback or SUV
Once you realise that you need a car for your family, you
have to ascertain its type. Whether hatchback is sufficient or you need a
7-seater MPV to carry more passengers.
For people who do frequent off-road drives or stay in
interior regions where the roads aren't the smoothest, an SUV with high ground
clearance should fit their bill.
Analyse your needs carefully because while the idea of
having more seating space is exciting, your parking lot may have a problem
accommodating a bigger car or the narrow roads of your city may make you
nervous while driving.
2. Diesel vs Petrol
After you have finalised a particular make and model, the
next important thing to decide is the fuel.
While the major confusion is between diesel and petrol,
there are options of CNG, LPG and electric as well. For diesel and petrol, your
daily running is a vital consideration.
Earlier, the major decision enabler was the huge difference
between the costs of both fuels. However, now the price difference has reduced
significantly to a stage where diesel isn't a lucrative option anymore.
Although the diesel car gives more miles per litre compared
to a petrol one, the cost of buying a diesel car is significantly more than a
petrol-powered one.
So daily running should be taken into consideration before
opting for any one. If your running is more than 2,000 kilometres monthly,
diesel is a good choice else petrol is a better option.
The other options of CNG, LPG and electric offer amazing
fuel efficiency (range per kilometre for electric). However, the limited
network of filling stations/recharge stations is a big barrier with these
vehicles.
3. Mileage
With the soaring fuel prices, choosing a fuel efficient car
is always a wise decision. Whether buying for family or yourself, this
attribute always scores high with most buyers.
While petrol cars offer decent mileage, diesel cars are more
fuel economic. CNG and LPG are very economic compared to traditionally fuelled
cars.
Moreover, if you drive short distances daily, the electric
is the best of all the options available. Their running cost is low and
maintenance cost is also very limited.
4. Resale value
The major reason why first time buyers or informed buyers go
for established brands like Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai or Toyota is that cars from
these companies have a strong resale value compared to other brands.
Since their value depreciates with time and on average, they
get replaced every 5-7 years. So, when you go out in the used market to sell
your vehicle, it should command a good value which can help you fuel the
expense of your next vehicle.
Once you decide the type of vehicle, look for online reviews
and classified sites to get an idea of the resale value of a car after a
certain period.
5. Safety features
While the government has enforced some mandatory safety
equipment in every car such as ABS with EBD, reverse parking sensors and dual
airbags, you should give preference to a variant that gets maximum safety
features.
The extra premium for protective features might seem to be
an expensive affair at the moment but the safety net that they give back is
priceless.
6. Service network
If you got hooked to a new car from a relatively new brand,
you should ensure that the brand has an established service network in your
city before you decide to go for it.
The reason for the success and failure of many cars in the
country heavily relies on the brand's service network across the country.
7. Maintenance/cost of spare parts
The car you have chosen may have great fuel efficiency, but
the overall higher maintenance cost can ruin your driving fun. You should opt
for a car whose spare parts are readily available and cost less.
Also, check the complementary warranty period with your
chosen car. Sometimes car brands offer a warranty for a particular set of years
along with unlimited kilometres, which hints at the long life of its engine.
8. Car insurance
After buying a car, the dealer straight away presents you a
bill, which includes the car insurance too. However, you need to be vigilant
about such tactics. Do your research about car insurance online.
Don't get confused in third party and comprehensive
insurances. For a new car, you should always go for a comprehensive coverage.
Zero depreciation insurance is one nice way to keep your car secured.
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