A car is a cost-effective way to get around, and it’s also fun. But there are also many things you need to know about cars before buying one. If you’re thinking of getting your first car or replacing your current one, you will find useful tips in this article.
These can help you make an informed decision on which car to buy, the type of engine and fuel type that suits your needs best, maintenance costs, and much more.
Decide on your budget
The budget is the first thing you will have to decide. Cars can cost anywhere between a few thousand to a few lakhs of rupees, depending on the brand and type of car. The first step to buying a car is to decide on the budget.
If you don’t know the right price of your desired car like the Suzuki Vitara, you might make a mistake while dealing with a seller. This will end up costing you time and effort.
Research is key
Once you have decided on a budget, you need to do research. The first step is to identify your needs, followed by understanding the market. Identify the different types of cars available in your budget, and learn what each has to offer. You can do this by reading reviews online, watching videos, and visiting car shows.
You also need to understand the different types of coolants, fuel types, and how long you can drive with a single tank. These details will give you a better idea of which car to buy. You can also consider buying a used car, as it can be relatively cheaper.
Know the type of car you want to buy
Before you head out to buy a car, you need to decide on the type of car you want to buy. The most common types of cars available in the market are – Sedans, Sports cars, SUVs, and Pick-ups.
Sedans are generally less expensive compared to SUVs, but they offer less space. Sports cars can be pretty expensive, but they are generally more powerful compared to SUVs.
On the other hand, SUVs are relatively affordable, spacious, and have better traction compared to sedans. Pick-ups are known for their higher towing capacity, but they are less comfortable compared to SUVs.
Check for reliability and durability
Once you have decided on the type of car, you need to check for the car’s reliability and durability. To do this, you can use various car scorecards available online.
- J.D. Power – This is an independent firm that rates cars based on quality, dependability, and owner satisfaction. You can also view full reports on each car to get an idea of its reliability and durability.
- IIHS – You can also check for safety ratings by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. They test for safety features like the crumple zone and airbags. The higher the score on the safety rating, the better the car is.
- EPA – You can also check for emission rating and fuel economy. The higher the emission rating, the better the car is.
Check if there’s an emission certification and Warranty
Once you have decided on the car to buy, you need to check for the emission certification. This lets you know that the fuel you are going to consume is of an acceptable level of pollution. Make sure the car you are going to buy has the right certification. Also, check if the car has a warranty and the period.
A warranty is given by the manufacturer and covers defects in the car. Depending on the type of car you are buying, the warranty period can be anything between 1 to 5 years. Make sure you check if there’s a warranty before buying the car.
Research on the type of engine and fuel efficiency
Before you buy a car, you need to make sure the engine is right for you. Here are a few things you need to know about the engine. – Engine Size – The engine size is measured in cubic centimeters (cc). The bigger the engine size, the more power it will produce. But it will also increase your fuel consumption.
Fuel Type – Different types of engines run on different fuels. You can choose from different types of fuels like petrol, diesel, CNG, and hybrids. You should choose the fuel type you are most comfortable with.
- Power Transmission – The transmission type in a car determines the type of gear you need to shift to, and how fast you can go. There are 2 types of transmissions: Manual and Automatic.
Tips for newbies in buying a new car:
- Negotiate – Once you have decided on the car and the seller, you need to talk about the price. You can start by offering a price that is 10% less than what the seller has mentioned. There is nothing wrong with negotiating, especially in an auto market where prices are often inflated.
- Check the car thoroughly – After negotiating a price, you now need to check the car thoroughly. Make sure there are no defects, dents, or scratches on the car. Also, check the engine, transmission, and brakes to see if they are in good condition.
- Don’t forget to get a car history report – After buying the car, you need to get its car history report. You can use websites like Carfax and Autocheck where you can enter the car’s vehicle identification number (VIN) to get a report.
Conclusion
Getting your first car is a big deal, and you will likely want to make sure that you get the best car for your money. With so many different cars out there, it can be hard to know where to start. The best way to find the right car for you is to know what you need it for, have a budget in mind, and then do some research to find out what each car has to offer.
From there, it will be much easier to find a car that fits your needs, is comfortable, and gets great gas mileage. Once you get your first car, you will find that owning a car is a great experience. It’s convenient, fun, and can save you a lot of time, especially if you travel a lot.