A new car always brings new joy to the owner and the people around. The smooth drives, new upholstery, a shining new dashboard, the sparkling scratch-less paint all look and feel amazing.
As a car owner, one needs to look at the complete picture while buying a new car. You need to consider things from the budget to life-long maintenance of the car. Let us help you figure out the things one should be aware of while buying a new car.
Contents
1) Driving Style
Buying a car based on your driving style is one of the things people consider before buying a new car. But this is highly relevant. If you are a person who likes speed or agility and you choose to buy the basic type of hatchback, you will be disappointed in the long run. On the other hand, if you like to enjoy a peaceful, slow ride around the corner, buying an SUV will be an utter waste of money. Also, consider which purpose do you want to fulfill by buying a car. These two things will help you narrow the type of car you should ideally buy.
2) The Price Of The Car
The final price of a car does not depend upon a single vertical. The final i.e. the on-road price of your car will be more than the ex-showroom price. Look at the overall picture while buying your car. You need to get your car registered at the nearest Regional Transport Office that is the RTO office, buy your first car insurance, maintain the car on regular basis, etc. Consider all of these factors before deciding on the budget for buying a new car.
3) Test The Car Thoroughly Via The Test Drive
You might have shortlisted a couple of car models before actually buying them. Now will be the time you test each model for the experience your potential new car will provide. While taking the test drive check your comfort levels, car’s mechanism, its performance on odd terrains, etc.
4) The Registration Process
After you buy a car, you need to get it registered at the nearest RTO office. Registering your new car will allow you to drive it in India without the fear of fines and penalties. You need to pay vehicle tax at the time of registering your car at the RTO. Your car will receive a number plate which you need to display at the front and back of your car, and a registration card for your car. You will require the following set of documents at the RTO:
Documents required to register a new car at the RTO:
- Form 20
- Form 21 (Sale certificate)
- Form 22 (Pollution under control certificate)
- Form 34
- Identity proof
- Address Proof
- Latest Photographs
You will be required to pay fees for the purpose of registration i.e. registration fees, road or vehicle tax and/or hypothecation charges.
5) Documents To Carry
Many of the new car owners are not aware of the set of documents they need to carry while driving a car. You might have heard that a police officer can demand certain documents like car insurance, at any time and you are obliged to present it. Here is the exact list of documents you need to carry:
- Driving license
- Car Insurance
- Pollution under control (PUC) certificate
- Registration Card of the car
Note that you need to submit documents like RC or Driving license within 15 days of an officer demanding a specific document.
6) Maintenance Schedule
A brand-new car will hardly give hiccups in your journey due to neglected maintenance. However, if you wish that your car remains in excellent condition even years after the purchase, you need to strictly follow its maintenance schedule. Ideally, a car should be looked in at every 3-month interval. This ensures the smooth running of the car.
Buying a car is more or less like taking responsibility for a small child! Apart from the things mentioned above, you need to also be aware of basic things like how to change a flat tire, how far you can drive on reserve fuel, how to check various fluid levels in your car, etc.
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