Listed below are some tips for buying a new car that can greatly influence whether you end up with your dream vehicle or a car you regret possessing.
1. Choose the Car Based on Your Purpose for Purchasing it
A car buyer can have several reasons for purchasing the vehicle.
- Some may require a vehicle for commuting that will let them drive to work every day.
- Others may be looking for a family car that allows all members of the family to travel together easily.
When you determine the significant characteristics of your perfect car, choosing a vehicle becomes simpler. For instance, if storage is a priority, only look at vehicles that offer ample space and not the ones that come with a smaller boot capacity.
2. Start Researching
Once you know what features you want, researching is the next integral step in determining your ideal car.
- Look for vehicles from various brands that satisfy your requirements. If you want an SUV, look for reputed companies that produce cars in that category. Determine around five or six potential choices online.
- Apart from understanding what features the car include, assess what each vehicle lacks.
- Write down the pros and cons of each model to streamline the process.
- Do not forget to go through the user reviews for a car online. They can be useful indicators of whether the vehicle performs as advertised.
Do not hurry with this research part. Spare ample time to understand the intricacies of the cars.
3. Determine the Total On-Road Cost of the Car
When your research is complete, you will be in a better position to judge the budgetary requirement to purchase a vehicle suitable for you.
Most websites list the on-road price for a vehicle. This price includes an extensive list of costs, including -
- Lifetime road tax payment,
- Mandatory insurance charges,
- State registration charges, and
- Dealer handling charges.
However, this does not reflect the true expense of the vehicle. You must also account for additional expenses, including maintenance costs.
Pricier high-end cars have higher upkeep costs. Therefore, it is crucial that you choose according to your spending power.
Don’t overspend on a car, because maintaining it can bleed your finances dry. Instead, pick a vehicle you can afford to manage for five to ten years after purchase.
4. Visit a Dealership and Request a Test Drive
Online research is well and good, but to understand the true worth of a vehicle, you need to approach a dealership selling that particular model. Speak with the sales personnel there to assess whether your preferred model provides impressive on-road performance.
Further, do not forget to undertake a test drive. Focus on how the car operates, along with its brake capacity. As a driver, you would understand whether a particular vehicle is right for your needs and driving style during such test drives.
Another aspect you must check is the performance of the engine during test drives. Without proper functionality in the engines, the other features of the vehicle will hardly be enough to compensate for it.
5. Check for Available Discounts and Offers During Festivals or Special Sales
During certain festivals and promotional activities under the company, buyers may receive attractive discounts on cars. After you have shortlisted the car, inquire about available discounts on its price. If the dealer is unwilling to disclose information related to such discounts, you can instead search for the same online.
In India, Diwali is the prime time during which most companies offer discounts and offers on various car models.
One of the best tips for buying a new car - availing offers and discounts can, in some cases, lead to attractive price cuts.
6. Check for the Perfect Insurance Provider
There are a few factors you must remember about a car insurance policy:
- According to the Motor Vehicles Act 1988, it is mandatory for car owners to purchase a third-party liability car insurance for their vehicle. Failure to do so can attract hefty traffic fines amounting up to Rs. 2000 or Rs. 4000 for repeat offenders.
- While availing third-party car insurance is mandatory, comprehensive insurance plans, on the other hand, offer better all-round coverage. That is why it is best to avail a comprehensive insurance policy for a new car.
- Avail the insurance policy from online insurance from Digit. We offer their policies at an affordable premium and allows you to save on the usually expensive comprehensive insurance policies.
It is also crucial to learn about the features and benefits of each plan and insurance provider before purchasing a policy.
