Mar 06, 2003 01:54 PM
3784 Views
(Updated Mar 06, 2003 01:57 PM)
Thinking of buying a CAR? You bet this is precisely the right time to buy one now that the budget has bolstered new rays of hope in every aspiring investor in Cars. No matter how consumeristic you might be or say practical, choosing the right kinda car depends on your taste and budget of course. In my opinion, buying a car in India is not as simple as it seems. It provides us with some intriguing questions to pose for ourselves and more so, to the car we are buying. Look, here we have to look into many an aspect before making a decision, I mean the right decision. So, I would like to present you with some of my humble views which might infact help a few of you to own one.
Size: Although India holds the 2nd place in terms of population, it doesnt necessarily imply that every house has loads of people. I mean, while choosing a car, you need to look into the number of people of your family you need to accomodate. In that situation we have different types.
1. Small Cars: Maruti 800, WagonR, Matiz( Ooops, its out of production), Indica, Santro which might indeed fit into the category. Spare a thought for Reva too, after all its India's first electric car. Generally a car in this category might infact suffice for a family of four. But anything more than that, well, I request you to forget the very thought of choosing a car in this category.
Mid-Segment Cars: Esteem, Ikon, Indigo, Siena, Accent and many more. Well, although, I might not promise you that these cars that are priced quite heavily for the middle class people, actually wouldnt accomodate more than six, it certainly provides one with that needed variety and luxury.
Large Cars: Say we have Baleno, Contessa, Lancer, Mondeo, Sonata and all those UVs that are available like Versa, Omni and so on. Well, these would certainly pinch in the style and class and also provide one with space but yeah, one certainly should shell out more from his pocket.
Models: After choosing the right size you have to make up your mind to get the right model. Although this might seem rather petite and trivial but forms an important aspect of the purchase. The main thing you need to watch out for is the value for money. I feel, a good test drive and proper interrogation might proove vital.
Its important for you to check out both the petrol and diesel version of the car and decide judiciously as to whether the car you are going to choose would prove worthy for you. That is because, although you might save a few by going in for Diesel models on the fuel count, you might loose out on engine efficiency and other finer aspects which might count for a long run. More so, checking out Mouthshut for some valuable views is very much a necessity atleast for me.
Economy, Engine and performance: These three factors play a major role in the maintainance of your car after you buy. Although, I am not proficient enough to sight the intricacies of engine and its performance, a good reading or two of some reviews out here and more so, an educated chat with a person who has quite a bit of knowledge out in this area would do you a world of good. Target mileage if you think you are a money saver. I should tell you honestly that while purchasing a car, its totally unnecessary to break head over engine details and so on. Look out for longeivity. Always remember, 'A known devil is better than an unknown angel'.
Exterior and Interior: Come exteriors, come finishing. The whole design of the car and more importantly the finishing of the car is as important as anything. The car might not boast a big bargain but with looks that can kill it can certainly increase a heart beat or two in the onlooker. So go in for a car that has an impressive design on the outset.
In the interior section, one needs to target comfort. You can compromise on anything but this. Afterall you shouldnt get up with a back ache after a long drive right? So, I would suggest that you personally check out the seating and the car's reactions to the ever known Indian road conditions. The placement of the body on the seat is very much important. Check out for moveablity and turning jerks. If all goes fine, then come into the other aspects like the driving comforts, braking comfort, effectiveness of the suspension and this should essentially satisfy your needs as such.
Finally, after deciding one, be sure that you have made the right choice and don't repent after buying. That doesn't mean you should be content with what you have got but then, satisfaction should be your motto. I hope, these would atleast to a small extent help you decide on your way to buying a car. Keep your mind open and go in for the best. For now, from my side, its'All the best'.
