Know Your Budget
Be clear about how much you can invest for the car. If you are taking a
car loan, figure out your monthly installment whether you are in the right financial position to buy the car.
Decide on Your Car
Decide a car that suits your requirement or your lifestyle. Give a thought to what you are looking for in a car, is it the
fuel economy, the seating capacity, the acceleration, or other criteria.
Research Beforehand
Do some research about the vehicle in different journals, be it magazines or online. Don’t forget to compare models featurewise and pricewise. Technical specifications of the car are also important.
Look for Certified Cars
Prefer certified cars to uncertified ones as the former gives you warranty for a certain period. They might cost a little more than the uncertified ones, but they give you peace of mind. The certified cars do have quality checks.
Get the Required Information
Inquire about the service records. Ascertain the condition of the car, the reason of selling the car. Don’t buy a car that had ever met with an accident. Buy a car from a single owner as he must be having all the records or receipts.
Insist on a Test Drive
Ask for test drive and find out the steering and handling of the car. Check for understeer or oversteer. Braking performance is of utmost importance. Try to find out braking distance. The car should have a smooth gear shift. Find out any leakage or any noise in the cabin.