Buying a car is one of the most crucial decisions that we make. From looking for the right design, model, and features to choosing the right accessories that make a car the perfect fit for you and your family- there are numerous factors that come into play. Which is the best car in the market? What is the best time to buy a new car? What are the car accessories I need? What type of car insurance do I need? These are just a few questions that pop up in the mind of every car-buyer. And we are hoping to answer all these questions and much more in this article, which is your perfect guide to buying a car in India.
Which car should I buy?
The first set of homework that any car-buyer has to do is deciding the type of car they want to buy. While there is no hard and fast rule that can help us make this decision, there are a simple set of questions that you can ask to find the most suitable fit. From the size of the car that you need to the frequency of usage of the vehicle, there are certain factors that determine the type of car you would want to buy.
While the idea of ‘bigger is better’ can serve the purpose for some, based on your budget, the size of your family, and the ease of driving, a sedan or hatchback makes the most sense for a 4-person family! If you are someone who enjoys travelling through rough terrains and are big on long road-trips, an SUV will make more sense for you.
Why pay attention to the resale value of the car?
There are two universal facts about buying a car that everyone needs to remember. First, cars are known to be depreciating assets and second, they are bound to be upgraded in a few years. Taking these two factors into consideration, choosing a brand that is known to have a good resale value is the smart way to go forward. While there is no concrete way of knowing the exact resale value of a car, researching the average resale value of the brands you are considering will help you reach a consensus.
What safety features does my car need?
Another crucial determining factor while choosing any car has to be the safety features that it boasts of. While the Indian government has been making the safety norms more stringent for two-wheelers and four-wheelers alike, there are multiple factors that you need to double-check. By October 2019, all cars will be mandatorily required to have dual airbags, ABS, and reverse parking sensors, as part of standard equipment. Make sure you check for additional safety features like Electronic Stability Control (helps apply brakes on individual wheels and maintain better control), Autonomous Emergency Braking and Steering, among others.
Which Car Insurance Should I buy?
This is one of the most crucial choices that we make while buying a car, which not only protects our purchase but also helps us stay secure on the road. While having car insurance is compulsory, consumers often have a tough time differentiating between the car insurance covers that are available. Should one choose a basic Third Party Insurance or go for a Comprehensive Car Insurance? Is nil depreciation an important addition to your insurance plan? These are just some of the questions that we often contemplate.
To simplify things, the most sensible choice for a new car has to be a comprehensive car insurance which offers add-ons to cover the depreciation value of your car, offers a consumables cover (for consumable items such as nuts and bolts, screws, washers, grease, lubricants, clips, AC gas, bearings, distilled water, engine oil, oil filter, fuel filter and brake oil, etc.), in addition to providing the basic third party liability cover.
However, in addition to this, there are multiple other add-on features that ensure that your car insurance does everything from rewarding a no-claims year to EMI protection for the vehicle, which covers the financial impacts of an accident. Choosing additional covers like an Engine Cover, Daily Allowance Benefit (covers the travel allowance for the timeline when your car is being repaired at the garage), etc. ensures the safety and security of your car in all circumstances.
Diesel or Petrol fuelled car
The debate around the better fuel for your car has been never-ending. While there was once a significant difference between the fuel prices of diesel and petrol, it has now reduced significantly to a mere Rs 10 gap. However, the cost of a diesel-powered engine is comparatively higher. This is the reason that most experts suggest people to opt for petrol-powered cars for light-usage vehicles while frequent users are encouraged to opt for the diesel versions!
These are just some of the significant choices and decisions that every car-buyer needs to make. In addition to this, there are always endless options and possibilities of revamping the car’s interior, adding acoustic sound systems, etc; that most people would like to tailor according to their preferences!
[“source=economictimes.indiatimes”]
