Planning to buy a new car? Well, if you are reading this, we can consider that you are planning to get one. Buying a car can be an investment in multiple ways, be it financially, be it time, or be it emotionally.
A person spends a lot to buy that one device that sticks by in all their ups and downs while on a ride. Definitely, it becomes difficult to choose when you have thousands of options, and you have to choose just one out of all that is going to be with you for years.
Checklists to consider before buying a new car
Here are a few things you need to keep an eye on before buying a car and bringing it with you home.
1. Fixed Budget
The only obstacle that can come your way to buying your dream can be nothing else but money. So your prime decision is to understand how much you are willing to spend on your vehicle.
In showrooms, they definitely put up prices that will look tempting and pull you towards them but make sure to keep in mind that there are two prime factors that shoot up the prices, insurance and RTO. Handling changes can be considered as another additional cost charged by lots of companies.
2. Type of fuel- CNG, Diesel, Petrol, or EV)
Once you set up the budget, you need to select the fuel type of the vehicle. You, being the buyer, will always have the choice to select any one of the fuels, be it CNG, Diesel, Petrol, or an electric vehicle. If you travel more than 30 km every day, CNG could be a good choice, and feasible, and the maintenance is at power.
Diesel is anyways on the verge of extinction, thanks to electric vehicles. EVs can be very pocket friendly and helps to save lots of money in the long run.
3. Body type
When it comes to purchasing a car, body type is a crucial consideration. There are various types of cars available, each with its unique features and functions.
1. Hatchbacks
Compact and luxurious, it solves your parking issues
Hatchbacks are similar to sedans, but they have a rear cargo area that opens with the rear hatch. They are smaller than sedans but are versatile and practical, making them perfect for city driving.
2. Sedan
Elegant, Luxurious, long-wheelbase, spacious
Sedans are the most common type of car and are ideal for everyday use. They have four doors and a three-box design consisting of a hood, passenger cabin, and trunk. Sedans are spacious enough to accommodate five passengers comfortably and come in different sizes, from compact to full-size.
3. SUV
Can travel Anywhere, heavy vehicle, offroading, spacious, luxurious
SUVs are designed for off-road use and have high ground clearance. They are larger than sedans and have a higher seating position, making them ideal for long drives. SUVs are popular among families and can accommodate up to seven passengers with ample cargo space.
4. Coupes
Coupes are two-door cars with a sporty and sleek design. They are designed for high performance and speed, making them popular among car enthusiasts. They are not practical for families but are ideal for those who want a stylish and fast car.
5. Convertibles
Convertibles are two-door cars with retractable roofs that can be opened or closed depending on the weather. They are perfect for leisurely drives and provide a unique driving experience. However, they are not practical for everyday use due to their limited space and high cost.
6. Crossovers
Crossovers are a combination of SUVs and sedans with unibody construction that provides a comfortable ride and better fuel efficiency. They have a higher ground clearance than sedans and come with optional all-wheel drive, making them ideal for city driving and occasional off-road use.
6. Minivans
Minivans are designed for families and have enough space to accommodate up to eight passengers comfortably. They have sliding doors for easy entry and exit and come with features like rear-seat entertainment systems and ample cargo space.
When selecting a car, it’s important to consider the body type that fits your lifestyle and needs. Whether you prioritize speed, space, practicality, or luxury, there is a car body type that can suit your preferences.
4. Engine
What should one consider while looking at the engine of the car? How are we supposed to compare, and what is best? We get two options, Bhp and Torque. Bhp comes to be a small-capacity engine, whereas torque is a big-displacement engine. What should one prefer? One should go for Bhp!
According to very simple math, we can assure you that the smaller the engine, the better the mileage of the vehicle will be.
5. Transmission
Transmission is nothing but the “gear” we use. It can either be manual or automatic. This will solely depend on the choice and availability of the transmission in the market. You can go whichever suits you.
6. Ownership cost
Once you buy your car, your expenses do not end there; rather, they start there. It can be tough to decide and buy a car, but the real stress can begin once you become the owner, and now you have to maintain the vehicle. The registration cost, insurance money, fuel charges, parking charges everywhere you go, maintenance changes (car wash, repairing, etc), all of it can cost loads to you.
7. The Resale Value
Reselling your old car is a smart move when you buy a new car, and most of us indulge in the activity. So before buying the car, analyze the market and keep a check for the value if you would get a good price for it or not. For instance, in India, Toyotas and Maruti Suzukis have excellent reselling prices. The sad truth here is that the reselling value of the car is somewhere dependent on the name of the manufacturer.
8. Test drive
The last thing after you shortlist a car is to take a short test drive. You need to check if you are able to handle the car in a good way and if the car is slick or sharp. If the car is your first automatic transmission, definitely take a test drive and see if things are going well or not. You need to make sure that the car fits you and you fit the car. Understand all the features of the interior and make sure you don’t miss the base variant.
Conclusion
After rigorous research, here are some points you should always check before you buy a car. You should understand your needs and your budget and then check all the above points to make a wise choice. You always know what you want; buying a car can be tough but make sure you do justice to it. Most importantly, be yourself, and love yourself!
