Bringing a brand-new car home is a dream of many millennials. Now that the ultimate day has come when you have decided to buy a new car, let ACKODrive guide you. This post compiles insights from the ACKODrive website, which partners with distributors and dealers to offer the best car deals. Let’s learn the key aspects before you buy a new car.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Buy a New Car
It is not surprising that a car is not just an expensive investment but a dream of many. Thus, attention to detail and adequate planning lead to the right decision. That is why this post helps you smoothly proceed with your steps.
How Much You Can Afford
Your budget is the first step towards finding your dream car. Therefore, you have to look at the initial cost of the vehicle as well as other costs associated with it, such as:
- Registration costs
- Fuel costs
- Car servicing and more
You must consider your earning ability (income) to determine whether the chosen car matches your desires.
Which Car Body Type Do You Need
Are you an SUV enthusiast who wants to buy a car for family trips? Or you plan to shift from fuel or diesel to electric to contribute to Mother Nature. You need to decide on that first. Considering the type of cars that ACKO Drive offers, here are a few choices:
SUVs
SUVs are known as tall-bodied cars with plenty of passenger and cargo space. Their height offers improved visibility. Popular cars include the Mahindra Scorpio-N, Kia Sonet, and more.
Hatchbacks
Are you planning to buy a compact and affordable car? Hatchbacks are worth considering. These cars offer easy access to the cargo space and are suitable for city driving due to their compactness. The most prominent brands that offer hatchbacks include Tata, Toyota, Maruti, and more.
Sedans
Next comes sedans, which are all-rounders in fuel economy and comfort. They are four-door cars with a separate trunk compartment. Compared to hatchbacks, sedans have more passenger space. Exclusive brands that offer sedans include affordable ones like the Maruti Dzire and Honda Amaze (to mention a few). The fact that resonates with the buyers is the affordable price. For example, the Honda Amaze price appeals to most Indian buyers as it offers a blend of value, elegant exterior and good performance.
Differences between Base and Top Models
Car brands offer premium models alongside base variants. Neglecting the models and trim levels available for each car is a blunder. Each car has affordable models and top variants.
So, consider the specifications of the higher variants if you prioritise luxury and comfort. The base models also have various features on offer if you prioritise safety and affordability.
Specifications to Consider
Select cars based on the attributes such as fuel type, safety, power, and interiors.
Fuel prices in India fluctuate, so fuel efficiency is the main priority when choosing a new car. Be doubly sure to select those with high mileage ratings associated with them. This can greatly affect your running costs throughout the car’s life cycle.
Taking into account your and your passenger’s safety is a must. Therefore, you cannot neglect to check the selected model’s safety features. Some features your car’s higher model should include ISOFIX child seat anchors, Hill Start Assist, and six airbags. Look for a car that comes with basic safety features like:
- Anti-lock Braking System
- Electronic Stability Control
- Dual airbags
- Rear Parking Sensors
For higher trims, your car should offer features like ISOFIX Child Seat Anchors, Hill Start Assist, six airbags, and more.
Acceleration, handling, and overall driveability define the car’s performance. Therefore, you must learn about engine sizes and kinds of manual or automatic gear shifts. Check articles and watch videos to learn more about the real-life performance of a chosen car.
Similarly, a car’s interior influences your comfort, whether you are a daily driver or a person who takes his/her family for a weekend’s road trip. So, evaluate factors like:
- Legroom
- Headroom
- Cargo capacity and
- Seating configurations
Test Driving before Finalising the Deal
It is good to opt for an online survey of cars, but there is no better way of getting a feel for the car than by a test drive. Therefore, you must book test drives with three to four cars. Choose a car depending on its parallel parking capabilities and manoeuvring in narrow areas. Think about how well the car can accelerate, how it feels to drive and how comfortable it is.
Explore Financing Options
If you do not pay cash, consider financing options. Research several lenders, including financing platforms and banks, to compare their interest rates and fees. Remember that your credit score is important in getting the most favourable rates.
Consider Car Accessories
Accessories for your new car are important as they will help you put a personalised touch on it. So, when selecting a car, select accessories that would be appropriate for use. Some options include audio and navigation packages, protectant films, and racks. Others are parking sensors and dash cams. When it comes to accessories, consider whether they require professional installation. It may be wise to seek the services of a professional to have it fitted on your car for safety.
Buy a Car Insurance Plan
Of course, new cars are protected by a manufacturer’s warranty. But, there is nothing as important as a car insurance policy in India. You require basic liability coverage before you get behind the wheel of your new car. Thus, it is recommended to choose insurance that helps a car owner avoid significant financial losses in case of accidents, natural disasters, thefts, and other unpredictable situations.
When purchasing a car, one should shop for the insurance plans. Include the costs of premiums in your estimates of owning a new car.
Finally
As you embark on this exciting car-buying journey, remember the above tips by ACKO Drive. Whether you’re a seasoned car enthusiast or a first-time buyer, consider these tips to buckle up for your new purchase.
OTS News on Social Media