Car buying guide India

When you think of car buying guide a lot of questions will come to your mind. which brand/model, gasoline or diesel, manual or automatic, and other factors to consider when choosing a car buying guide. Even more difficult to choose a car is the sheer variety of options on the market as if these confusions weren’t enough. If you find yourself in a situation like this, all you need to make the best decision is a comprehensive car buying guide.

How to buy a car?

The first thing that pops into mind is which modal, there are endless models available in the market and if you are buying a car for the first time then it will be going more difficult for you. A detailed car buying guide can be a helping friend in this situation. 

Before choosing a vehicle, one should consider their needs and make an informed decision. You can find viable options by doing extensive research on the type you want to purchase with the help of a car buying guide India.

Tips for buying a new car

1. Purpose and usage

Two key questions must be addressed before you start your research on the kind of car you want to purchase. What is the use of the car, and why was it purchased?

• Is it for long drives or just regular city commuting? What is the purpose behind the purchase?

• How many people do you expect to travel with you so that you can select a vehicle with the desired number of seats?

The usage is the next query to be addressed after the purpose has been established. What route will you take the car? Is it off-road, on city streets, or on highways? Your decision will change based on your intended use. For instance, if you plan to travel through a busy city, a hatchback car would be a sensible option.

2. Questions to ask yourself before buying a car

Few questions you should ask yourself before going to buy a car

What driving experience do you have? Your driving history is very important when selecting a new vehicle. If you have driving experience, you might choose sedans or SUVs. It is best to stick with a hatchback if you are a new driver because they are simple to operate.

Where do you drive? If you are driving in a major city where there is a lot of traffic, a hatchback would be the best option. An SUV would make a lot of sense if you love to travel and want to drive off-road. Knowing your driving environment is crucial before selecting a vehicle.

What features are you looking for in a new car? Know exactly what features you want in a new vehicle. Power windows, an automatic transmission, an automatic air conditioner, or cutting-edge safety features? Selecting the right car will be easier if you filter the vehicles according to the features you require.

3. Cost

It’s better to set a budget for your car purchase before you start your car-buying research. Decide on the price you are willing to pay for your new car, in other words. Remember to always take into account the vehicle’s on-road price because it represents the total cost of the vehicle, including RTO-related costs. The budget you choose will make it simpler to narrow down your list of potential vehicles.

4. Online research

Once you are clear with the budget and the requirements. When you are certain of your needs and your spending limit, do extensive research on the kind of car you want to purchase. You can easily find expert car reviews and ownership reviews online thanks to the abundance of new car-related websites. Additionally, you can read educational materials or watch videos about the vehicle of your choice. You should be able to choose a car with the help of thorough research.

5. Automatic or manual?

When buying a new car, transmission is a key deciding factor. A part of the car that directly affects the driving experience is the gearbox. Therefore, everything depends on your level of driving expertise and the terrain you are driving on. If you intend to drive the vehicle in urban areas or are a first-time car buyer, an automatic gearbox should be your top option. A manual gearbox should be suitable for you if you have a lot of driving experience and want to drive like the old days.

6. Petrol, diesel, or CNG?

Your budget will determine which fuel you use. Typically, diesel vehicles are more expensive than those with gasoline engines. The same holds true for the cost of maintenance. Additionally, gasoline engines are less powerful than diesel ones. Consequently, you can choose a petrol engine-powered car if you’re not looking for a car that will set the roads on fire. On the other hand, diesel should be your best choice if you decide to purchase an SUV or a full-size sedan.

CNG fuel would be ideal if you require a hatchback vehicle for your regular city commutes. Compared to gasoline or diesel, CNG fuel offers superior fuel efficiency and lower operating costs.

7. Test drive

The most important thing to remember when purchasing a car is not to rely solely on the specifications listed on paper. Instead, go for a test drive to get a sense of the car. Take a test drive in each of the vehicles you selected, if necessary. You can get a clear idea of the handling, build quality, engine sophistication, and features of the car during a test drive. Therefore, never make a decision about a car before going for a test drive.

8. Look for discount offers

During special occasions like festivals or national holidays, automakers and dealers create promotional offers. Plan accordingly when making your purchase to take advantage of the discounts. Additionally, keep an eye out for dealer-level discounts and pick the store that has the best deal to offer. The money you save from discounts can be used to purchase functional auto accessories.

9. Exchanging or selling your old car?

Exchange it at the dealership if you already own a car and want to sell your used vehicle before purchasing a new one. It spares you the trouble of trying to sell your old car. However, keep in mind that a dealer might offer a lower price for your used vehicle. So, before deciding to sell or trade in your old car, do some online and offline research.

10. Review and buy

Reviewing the dealer’s price quote is the last step after choosing the car and the dealership and arranging the financing. See if you can find a better deal at other dealerships. If not, go ahead and buy the vehicle. Search for additional car-buying options, such as online car sales through ACKO Drive, to find tempting discount deals.

Make sure the dealer does not add unnecessary fees to your purchase, such as service fees. Additionally, the dealer should handle registration and deliver the vehicle with a temporary/permanent registration number.

Choosing the type of car

Reasons you should choose the type of the car

I. Reasons to buy a hatchback

• A hatchback’s small size makes it the best vehicle to use when traveling on congested roads.

• Thanks to its straightforward controls, a hatchback car makes sense for beginning drivers.

• With a large boot, it is the perfect vehicle for a family of four.

• Low cost of maintenance.

• In this segment, there are many affordable vehicles to choose from, and even high-end hatchbacks are more affordable than larger vehicles.

• A hatchback has better fuel economy because of its low curb weight and compact engine size.

II. Reasons to buy a sedan

• It has a spacious interior and supportive seats.

• Provides a wonderful driving experience because of its larger engines and better available transmissions.

• Superior handling is the result of the aerodynamic design.

• It offers more boot space, making it perfect for long drives.

• If you have the money to spend, you can also choose a luxury sedan.

III. Reasons to buy a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV)

• More passenger capacity than a hatchback or sedan thanks to the spacious cabin.

• Ideal for off-road or driving in hilly terrain.

• In an SUV, the driver’s seat is much higher, providing an ideal view of the road ahead.

• It has larger engines that produce plenty of power and torque.

What to check before buying a new car from a dealer?

Here few things you should keep in check before buying a Car  

Negotiate the price: Before going to buy a car directly do some homework and take the idea of the market price of the car so, if the dealer coats the higher price then you can negotiate the price.

Check for maintenance offers: Annual maintenance offers are typically included with new cars from dealerships and OEMs. Before finalizing the deal, be sure to inquire with the dealer about such offers. Offers for maintenance can significantly reduce the cost of car maintenance. As a result, maintaining the car won’t break the bank.

Check warranty details: Before making a payment, find out the car’s warranty details. Additionally, see if the vehicle is covered by any extended warranty packages. If so, getting an extended warranty is preferable.

After-sales and service: The after-sales and service is one of the most important factors to look into before choosing a car dealership. To fix any problems with the car after you buy it, you must return to the same dealership or service facility. Therefore, it’s critical to pick a dealership that has a broad service network and provides excellent after-sales service.

Free accessories: Typically, car dealerships include a few accessories with your new vehicle at no additional cost. Therefore, if the dealer is giving away any accessories, be sure to ask. Typically, auto dealers give away free extras like wheel covers, floor mats, registration plates, and seat covers.

Where to buy your new car?

The traditional offline car dealership is the first thing that comes to most people’s minds when they consider purchasing a new car. You should visit a physical car dealership if you need a new vehicle. However, you must first visit several dealerships, haggle over the price of the car to get the best deal, and then reserve the car. The story doesn’t end there. You may have to wait several months to receive the car if it’s a popular model.

What if you could buy a new car while relaxing in your home? It seems too good to be true, doesn’t it? Yes, there are several online sites where you can compare the prices of different cars without going out. These online sites provide the greatest savings, and you can get delivery on a priority basis, which is much fast.

Tips to buy car insurance

As previously mentioned, car insurance is required in India, and the dealer may help you insulate the car when you purchase a new one. However, depending solely on the dealer for your auto insurance may result in overcharging. Therefore, do some research on auto insurance and choose a company that provides better coverage at a reasonable price. Few suggestions to help you select the best auto insurance policy for your new car.

• Compare a car insurance plan provided by the different companies.
• Choose an insurer that charges a minimal premium for the most comprehensive coverage.
• For extensive coverage, choose a comprehensive auto insurance policy.
• Choose a company that offers cashless claims and has a sizable network of affiliate garages.
• Get the accessories for your car that you need to buy.

Frequently Asked Question