Buying a new car is like a dream for many families. The gleaming showroom, the smell of a new car and the sweet words of the salesman captivate the heart. But many times people repent later after getting trapped only on ex-showroom price or looks. When buying a new car in India, on-road costs and some hidden disadvantages can cost you more than the ex-showroom price.
Before spending lakhs of rupees, definitely check some important things, otherwise repairs, additional expenses or disappointment may arise later. Here we will discuss five such hidden expenses which are often ignored. By checking these you can make smart purchases.
1. Ex-showroom price
The ex-showroom price given in the showroom looks attractive, but the actual price is much higher than that. By adding RTO tax, road tax, insurance, handling charges, accessories and registration fees, the on-road price increases by 10-15% or more. Many dealers oversell insurance or impose mandatory accessories (like underbody coating, Teflon).
Solution: Calculate the total cost when creating a budget. Get a quote from an external insurance agent. If you are taking a loan, check the interest rate, processing fee and total interest. Also keep maintenance costs in mind. Servicing is expensive in some brands. Overall, estimate the lifetime cost of the car (fuel, service, insurance).
2. Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI)
New car can also be old stock. Many times, a demo car, a flood affected vehicle or a vehicle which has suffered a minor accident is sold as new. Check the manufacturing date of the tyre. If it is older than 6 months, there may be a problem. Read the odometer (should be less than 100 km), match the VIN number with the document and look for small dents or scratches on the paint. Test lights, AC, all switches, electronic features. Inspect the body in daylight for any shadows or mismatched paint. If PDI is not done properly, there may be problems in warranty claims later.
3. Don't take the test drive lightly
A short test drive around the showroom is not enough. Try driving on real roads, potholes, highways and city traffic. Listen to engine noise, suspension, brakes, steering and vibrations. If the NCAP safety rating in the car is low or the airbags are less then take the decision wisely. If you are using it with family then also check the space, boot space and comfort. Many people get stuck only on looks and features and later get disappointed with the driving experience.
4. Resale value and brand credibility
While buying a new car, many people forget that they may have to sell it after 3-5 years. Some brands have good resale value, while some have very little. Maintenance cost, availability of parts and service network are also important. If the service center is far away in the local area, it can be difficult. Also choose the fuel type (petrol, diesel, CNG) according to your driving pattern, otherwise the running cost will increase.
5. Complete verification of documents and warranty
Check all documents- RC, Insurance Policy, Service Booklet, Owner's Manual at the time of delivery. VIN and chassis number must match. Understand the warranty terms and know the pros and cons of an extended warranty. Many times dealers make verbal promises which are not in writing. If there is any problem, resolve it before taking delivery.
Our advice: Buying a new car should not be an emotional decision but a thoughtful investment. Look beyond the showroom shine and check out these five hidden pitfalls. Total Cost, PDI, Test Drive, Resale Value and Documentation. By investing a little time and effort, you can save lakhs of rupees and have a better driving experience in the long run. Remember, a good purchase is one that doesn't leave you with regrets later. Therefore, do not be hasty, do research and if necessary, take the opinion of an expert who is not associated with the dealership or the company.
