A Complete Guide to Buying a New Car

Buying a car is always a new experience. You need to do a lot of groundwork and that is not easy. To make your experience a happy one, here is a complete guide to help you choose just the right car.

Attention to Choice

Your personal choice is something you should not ignore. Start by listing the qualities you like about a certain make (Honda, Suzuki, Ford, etc.) and the features that you like in certain models (sedan, hatchback, SUV, hybrid, etc.). Keep this list in mind when making your pick.

Attention to Need

Pay attention to your needs to understand what will work for you best. For example, if your house is on a narrow lane and there is hardly any parking space, an SUV may not be the right choice for you. Use the following checklist to understand your needs better.

• What is your purpose for buying the car?

  Do you plan to use it simply to drive to work? Or do you want a family car to use on weekends or drive long-distance for trips? A sedan is a good choice if you just need it for the commute. But go for a sturdy SUV if you plan to drive outstation a lot. When buying a family car, space and stability should be your top priorities.

• ###What is your budget?

  When setting a budget, make sure to include a buffer for insurance and sundry costs. You should visit car insurance comparison sites to compare policy covers from various insurance providers to get the clear idea of your car insurance cost. If you plan to upgrade to a better music system or improvise on the car accessories, those costs will add up as well.

• ###What are your expectations in terms of mileage?

  Most Indians are concerned about mileage. With advances in technology, many models will fit your mileage expectations. But if fuel economy is your prime focus, you might have to look beyond the cars you already have in mind.

• ###Where will you drive or park the car?

  Your location and the area available for parking will determine the type of car you buy. For example, if you do not have a large and safe parking space or the condition of roads in your area is poor, buying a trophy car would not serve the purpose.

• ###What load will the car carry?

  Sometimes, the car may be used to transport goods. For example, a businessman might use the car to send goods to the factory. Here, the car’s capacity and load-carrying capability become important.

• ###What are the technological advancements?

  Auto manufacturers are offering great features on their new models. From backup cameras for shaky parkers to in-car Wi-Fi and temperature control, they have it all. If you want these features, you might have to pay a premium price.

Now that you have a clear picture of which car suits your needs and preferences, let us look at the paperwork required.

Driver's License

Buying a new car is pointless if you do not have a driver’s license or if your license has expired. So, start by getting a learner’s license from your nearest Road Transport Authority. You can get a permanent one later.

The Dealer

Perform some research on the dealers in your neighbourhood. This can help you negotiate the best price as well as get discounts and even free accessories. Check with neighbours and friends for their views on dealers in your area. Remember, choosing the right dealer is of prime importance. Make sure to compare the advantages and disadvantages of different dealers before you commit.

Insurance, Finance, and Registration

Your dealer is the one-stop shop for all paperwork. Most dealers will guide you on your motor insurance options, from basic third party liability cover to own damage cover. They can also offer you good finance options at low interest rates and with minimum down payment. The dealer also handles the registration documents to give you a temporary number for your car.

Test Drive

It is important that you do a test drive before buying the car. If you do not have a license yet, ask a friend to drive the car or request the dealer to provide a professional driver to take you on a test drive.

Follow these steps before you buy a vehicle and you could soon be the proud owner of a new car that meets your needs and preferences.

Also Read: Get Best Deals On Car Insurance in India