10 Things to Remember Before You Purchase A New Car

Purchasing a car is not only a financial move; it's a personal achievement, a lifestyle declaration, and, for some, an emotional experience. It's simple to get caught up in flashy advertisements, upscale feature packages, or that alluring discount from the dealer. But there is more than meets the eye, and intelligent consumers realize that buying a car is all about making the right choices that make sense with your heart as much as your head.

1. Set Your Budget

First, let's establish how much you can afford.

And no, it's not just the tag price. Budgeting for a car purchase entails down payments, equated monthly installments of a loan, taxes, insurance, registration, fuel, and maintenance charges. Financial advisors recommend that your car expenses should not exceed 15-20% of your net income, inclusive of the loan installment and running costs.

2. Be Clear About Your Needs

Do not dream about convertibles or the muscle-bound 4x4 SUV until you stop first and consider the following questions:

• Do you drive primarily in the city or on the highway?
• Is the vehicle for daily morning commutes, weekend trips, or family holidays?
• How many individuals do you typically transport?
• Do you need added boot space for your golf bags or the pushchairs of your children?

Defining your usage patterns, space needs, and driving requirements will take you to the right body type and segment.

3. Choose the Right Fuel Type—Petrol, Diesel, CNG, or Electric?

Fuel efficiency is perhaps the most significant factor in car-buying decisions.

• Petrol vehicles are comparatively inexpensive to purchase and are ideal for intra-city driving with short runs.
• Diesel cars are cheaper for people with high mileage but cost more in servicing and tax.
• CNG cars are really affordable for urban driving but possibly will lack boot space and power.
• Electric cars (EVs) are the future with low running costs, but you must add charging points and higher purchase prices.

4. Body Type Matters—Hatchback, Sedan, or SUV?

It's not one size fits all when it comes to cars.

• Hatchbacks are small, nimble, and ideal for urban commutes and parking.
• Sedans provide a luxury ambiance, added cabin room, and long-distance comfort.
• SUVs and Crossovers provide power, on-road presence, and versatility for different roads and larger families.

Choose the body style that fits your lifestyle, not your wish list.

5. Engine and Transmission

Choosing the right engine size (cc) and transmission (manual or auto) has a big impact on driving enjoyment as much as fuel economy.

• Manuals are more agile and mileage-efficient, but at the cost of more work getting done on the road.
• Automatics (CVT, AMT, DCT) are getting popular for their ease, especially in congested city traffic.

Think about your office-to-home commuting routes, traffic patterns, and personal ease while driving to make this choice.

6. Select Safety Features

When the roads are uncertain, safety is no longer an option; it's necessary.

Select the essentials, including

• Two or more airbags
• ABS with EBD (Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brake-force Distribution)
• ESP (Electronic Stability Program)
• ISOFIX points for child seats
• Rear parking sensors and cameras

Also, have a look at the NCAP safety ratings of the car model you want to buy. Safety is not a spot to compromise, remember.

7. Resale Value

Your car might be your joy and pride now, but very soon you will want to upgrade. That is where resale value comes into play.

• Maruti Suzuki, Toyota, and Honda cars hold their resale value due to the brand image, service network, and dependability.
• Verify depreciation rates and market demand of your shortlisted models before signing on the dotted line.

8. Test Drive

Regardless of how many YouTube reviews you watch in a binge-viewing session, nothing compares to a personal test drive.

Test the

• Handling and steering response
• Ride comfort and noise levels
• Visibility and driving ergonomics
• Performance on different terrains (if possible)
• Bring your family along on the test drive so that the car meets all their comfort and convenience requirements.

9. Total Cost of Ownership

Usually overlooked, Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) includes:

• Fuel expenses
• Maintenance and service expenses on a regular basis
• Insurance premium
• Depreciation
• Repair cost over time

Occasionally, a more expensive car to buy will prove to be cheaper in the long term due to the fact that it needs less maintenance and has better gas mileage.

10. Research and Compare Models

Now you have car information at your fingertips. Take your time on:

• Official websites and brochures
• Expert and owner reviews
• Comparison sites to compare features side by side
• Online forums to discuss actual-life issues and compliments

The more you know, the greater that you will perform at the dealership.

Bonus Tips

Oftentimes, when looking at the vehicle, don't forget to look into financing and insurance.

• Check out auto loans, shop around for pre-approved quotes, and compare interest rates.
• Always get multiple insurance quotes in order to get the best price and coverage.
• Look for extra benefits like extended warranties and service packs.

Purchase Your Next Vehicle the Convenient Way with Indus Motors

Looking for a hassle-free, transparent, and customer-focused car-buying experience?

Indus Motor Company Private Limited (Indus Motors) is your best partner in India. With a legacy of over three decades, Indus Motors is India's Best Maruti Dealer and manufactures one Maruti car every 15 minutes. From model choice, color selection, and finance assistance to live vehicle updates and doorstep service assistance, Indus Motors simplifies your entire experience from showroom to home.

Checkout our the nearest Indus Motors Showroom.

Feel free to contact us for your queries.

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