• Welcome to the Buyer’s Guide

    Discover the right car for you — explore models, compare specifications, and understand real-world costs.

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    Budget & Total Cost of Ownership

    Upfront Cost

    Purchase Price: ₹ 1,200,000

    Registration & Taxes: ₹ 120,000

    Loan Down Payment (if any): ₹ 240,000

    Estimated Monthly Cost

    • Fuel: ₹ 6,000 / month
    • Insurance: ₹ 1,200 / month
    • Maintenance & Repairs: ₹ 1,500 / month
    • Loan EMI (Interest): ₹ 20,000 / month

    5-Year Total Cost

    Fuel + Operating: ₹ 360,000

    Depreciation: ₹ 600,000

    Insurance + Maintenance: ₹ 120,000

    Total (5 years): ₹ 1,080,000

    Budgeting Advice

    Consider how much loan interest adds up over time — paying cash may save you on interest, but financing helps with cash flow. Also, keep a buffer (10-15%) for unexpected maintenance or repairs.

    Use a TCO calculator (like from Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds) to estimate real 5-year costs — they include depreciation, fuel, insurance, maintenance, and more. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

    New vs Used Car: What’s the Right Choice?

    Pros & Cons

    • New Cars: Latest features, full warranty, but high depreciation & insurance.
    • Used Cars: Lower upfront cost and slower depreciation, but more uncertainty.
    • Certified Pre-Owned (CPO): Comes with inspection, reconditioning, and often extended warranty.

    Where to Buy Used

    • Dealerships / CPO programs: Provide inspections, warranties, and peace of mind.
    • Private Sellers: Often cheaper, but riskier — no guarantee, so verify history.

    Risks to Watch For in Used Cars

    • Hidden accident damage or structural issues, which may be concealed under repairs.
    • Odometer fraud / mileage rollback — dishonest sellers may tamper with mileage.
    • “Cut-and-shut” cars: two vehicles welded together can be extremely unsafe.
    • Forged or altered documents: titles, registration, maintenance records may be fake.

    Importance of Pre-Purchase Inspection

    Getting a trusted, independent mechanic to perform a thorough inspection (PPI/PDI) is vital. It can reveal hidden engine issues, frame damage, rust, electrical problems — things test drives alone may not show.

    Without inspection, you risk serious financial and safety problems.

    Inspection Checklist & Test Drive

    Inspection Checklist

    • Exterior: Dents, scratches, rust, panel gaps, paint condition. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
    • Lights & Glass: Headlights, tail lights, indicators, windows for cracks. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
    • Tires: Tread depth, even wear, tire pressure. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
    • Interior: Seats (tears, stains), controls (AC, infotainment), dashboard lights. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

    Test Drive Tips

    • Check acceleration: car should accelerate smoothly without hesitation. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
    • Braking: brakes should feel firm, with no pulsation or unusual noise. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
    • Steering & Handling: responsive steering, car should track straight. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
    • Suspension: listen for knocking or creaking over bumps. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}

    History & Records

    • Run a VIN check / history report for accident or title issues. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
    • Ask for full maintenance / service records to verify regular upkeep. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}
    • Check for any signs of frame damage or previous major repairs. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}