Best Car Buying Guide - India

 

In loads of online guides on car, often the important things are missed here's the following in a concise way:-

• 1. Always buy your first car as 2nd hand, from Maruti or a reliable brand. A 15+ year old Alto will be the best bet for cheap price, no headaches, extensive mechanic availability, low service and spare costs. Other alternatives are Wagon R, Alto K10. But car price should be less than 1 lac, always ensure that Lifetime Tax (LTT) is paid, RTO is same or close. Always take a car mechanic with you for evaluating the vehicle for accidents, rusting and mechanical condition. When after a few years, you resell it for a new car, then you get decent resale value and exchange bonus - matching your initial investment. This you can think of as your experimental car to gain domain knowledge for next new car.

  2. Now coming to your choice of type of car for your final car:-

     • Hatchback - mostly usage in city traffic, small lanes

     • Sedan - for long road trips vacations, highway lanes

     • SUV - for large family and off-roading in river banks and hilly areas

  3. Car Safety - only go for 4 and 5 star NCAP rated cars with dual airbags or more. If in budget, buy 2nd hand car of the above safety rating requirements. Human life is more important that mileage and features.

  4. Reliability of cars - Maruti and Mercedes cars last 30+ years. So your brand choice should focus on your needs of long term possession or frequent switches. Car being not an asset but a liability, from economy perspective, it is recommended to stick to a car for at least 15 years and go for life time tax.

  5. If thinking of buying a 2nd hand car - Tata, Hyundai, Maruti and Mercedes are safe options. Ensure that whatever model you buy, should be in abundance on road and also is currently active.

  6. Buy cars around Diwali or Christmas for best deals. Hop across multiple dealers and wait a week before final commitment. You can buy car insurance from 3rd party vendor (even online). Pay just the ex-showroom price (save discount) + RTO registration and tax to the dealer. Rest all are optional like handling charges, accessories - do not pay those.

  7. Service center of the car should be near by. Build rapport with drivers to locate local good mechanics. For cosmetic changes, it is better to do those after market. But any mechanical and electrical sensor stuff - always stick to service center irrespective of higher bill. Check up you car every 6 months. 

     
     

     As of now electric cars are not suitable for long drives. So stick to petrol cars if using personally or with diesel for commercial use.