Entries from April 2006 ↓

Here are some useful tips to help you plan your driving tours.

Some notes before you begin planning:

We all know that planning is boring but it is essential to help you have un-spoilt fun so that you look forward to the drive. We recommend that you gang up with people whose company you enjoy. Ensure that there are a few who share a passion for motoring. Now, get together for coffee and start preparing for the trip using our guide.

Planning your holiday:

• Choose the right time
  Check your schedule(s) for long weekends or times when everyone would be relatively free from work pressure. Planning in advance would allow everyone to apply for leave and service the vehicle(s).
• Choose the right destination
  Choose a destination that is suited for that time of the year. Also, ensure that there is enough time to soak yourselves at the chosen holiday spot. You don’t want to spend most of the time on the road.
• Choose your vehicle(s)
  You must consider the number of people traveling, the luggage to be carried, distance to be traveled before deciding on the vehicle(s) to be taken.
• Draw up a rough budget
  Consider expenditure for fuel, consumables, and accommodation over the number of days you plan to spend. It is recommended that you carry twice that amount to meet any emergency situations like a breakdown.
• Arrange for accommodation
  This is especially important f you plan to travel during peak tourist season. As interesting as it may sound, you don’t want to end up sleeping in your car or under the open sky.
• Chart out an itinerary
  Read about the roads that would take you to your holiday spot(s), the time taken to cover the distance, the places you would like to see and the time you have to stay at each place. A timetable gives you the freedom to change your plans with greater confidence.

Readying the car(s):

Check the following aspects in your car while preparing it:

• Mechanical fitness: Tune the engine; check the brakes and the clutch
• Fluid leakages
• Condition of hoses and belts
• Proper function of electrical equipment like lights, indicators and fuses
• Condition of tyres

Things to carry for your car - Brake fluid, engine oil, coolant, distilled water for the battery, spare hoses and belts, tool kit, torch, owner’s manual, car documents, road maps, music.

Packing luggage

• Pack minimum including only the most essential things you need unless you’re traveling with children. Try to restrict luggage so that it can all fit in the boot. Carrying luggage on a roof rack is not advisable as the additional air friction hampers the car’s aerodynamics and the luggage may fall off at times. All items in the cabin should be securely placed and should not move about during hard braking and cornering.
• Keep the food and camera(s) in a handbag that can be accommodated in the passenger cabin. Also, drinking water, napkins and the first aid kit should be kept within reach.
• Do not place anything on board in front of the rear windshield, as it will obstruct the drivers view.

First aid kit

A first aid kit is very important and should always be a part and parcel of your car. Also it should be kept within immediate reach.

Items in the kit should include:

• Adhesive bandages of different sizes
• A roll of sticking plaster
• Sterile gauze pads and rolls of 1 and 2 inch gauze
• Set of paper tissues
• Scissors, tweezers, safety pins
• Antiseptic spray
• Thermometer
• Basic medicines for fever, headache and stomach disorders

Keep a record of the journey

Keep a track of the distances you travel and the fuel spent so that later on it will help you calculate the costs in terms of fuel. Also make a note of the refueling stations on route so that you can share your notes with someone who wants to venture on a similar trip.

For your convenience, we have created a PDF file that can be printed and carried along to make your Tour Notes. Click here to download.

Other points to note

• Make an early start. This helps you avoid traffic so that you can hit the highway in no time.
• Switch drivers at regular intervals. You can enjoy the driver better if you are able to switch driving with someone else. This way it also gives you time to relax, take a nap or two. Also a spare driver could help in situations where one driver is not too confident driving through different terrains.
• Don’t stop too often. Minimize your breaks on the way as it will not only break a drivers rhythm, it will also reduce the speed and the traveling time. Try combining fuel and refreshment stops.
• Keep your eyes on the road and hands on the wheel. You can still have a good time doing both. Avoid eating while driving and if you need to drink water or use your mobile phone you can always pull the car aside to do so.
• Drive safely & keep your cool. Do not break rules just because you are on the highway. Also, keep your cool even if you see others driving irresponsibly. Get into the holiday mood and enjoy your drive.
• Handling breakdowns. Always keep emergency help line numbers with you in case of a breakdown. Also, ensure passenger safety in case you have to go seek help.

Handling accidents

If any individual (passenger in your car or outsider) is injured in an accident, get immediate medical attention. The first aid kit should come in handy but drive to a hospital in case of serious injuries. If the accident involves other people, try to resolve the matter amicably. Drive down to the police station and report the matter only if necessary.

Make sure you have your driver’s licence, registration book and insurance policy when you file a complaint. These will have to be handed over to the police. Also, the police may take possession of the car for inspection by the Regional Transport Office (RTO).

All motorised road vehicles are tagged with a licence number in India. The licence plate number is issued by the district-level Regional Transport Office (RTO) of respective states - the main authority on road matters.The licence plates are placed in the front and back of the vehicle.By law, all plates are based on modern Hindu-Arabic numerals with Roman alphabet, though many states violate this by writing the numerals in the local script. Other guidelines include having the plate lit up at night and the restriction of the fonts that could be used.In some states such as Sikkim, cars bearing outside plates are barred from entering restricted areas.

Plates for private car and two-wheeler owners have a white background with black lettering (e.g., KA 05 M 5399). Commercial vehicles such as taxis and trucks have a yellow background and black text (e.g., DL 2C 6011). Vehicles belonging to foreign consulates also have the same yellow and black colouring. The President of India and state governors travel in official cars without licence plates. Instead they have the Emblem of India in gold embossed on a red plate.

Since June 1, 2005, the Government of India has introduced High Security Registration (HSR) number plates which are tamper proof. All new motorised road vehicles that come into the market have to adhere to the new plates, while existing vehicles have been given two years to comply. Features incorporated include the number plate having a patented chromium hologram; a laser numbering containing the alpha-numeric identification of both the testing agency and manufacturers and a retro-reflective film bearing a verification inscription “India” at a 45-degree inclination. The numbers would be embossed on the plate, rather than being painted for better visibility. The term “India” is to be in a light shade of blue.

Format
Format of the registration is as shown below

AA 11 BB 1111
Where AA is the two letter state code; 11 is the two digit district code; 1111 is the unique licence plate number and BB are the optional alphabets if the 9999 numbers are used up. An example would be:

MH 01 CA 1002
The first two alphabets MH indicate that the vehicle is from the state Maharashtra. The next two are the district (In this case the capital Mumbai). CA 1002 is the unique licence plate number. In some states (such as Delhi) the initial 0 of the district code is omitted; thus Delhi district 2 numbers appear as DL 2 not DL 02.

The National Capital Territory of Delhi has an additional code in the registration code:
DL 11 C AA 1111
Where DL is the two letter code for Delhi (DL). The additional C (for category of vehicle) is the letter ‘S’ for two-wheelers, ‘C’ for cars and SUVs, ‘P’ for public passenger vehicles such as buses, ‘R’ for three-wheeled rickshaws, ‘T’ for tourist licensed vehicles and taxis, ‘V’ for pick-up trucks and vans and ‘Y’ for hire vehicles. Thus a Delhi-specific example is:
DL 5 S AB 9876

States
All Indian states and Union Territories have their own two-letter code. This two letter referencing came into action in the 1980s. Before that each district or Regional Transport Officer’s office had a three letter code without mentioning the state, which lead to a fair degree of confusion - for example, MMC 8259 could fit in anywhere in the country. To avoid this ambiguity the state code was included along with the district or RTO’s office. In some states such as Maharashtra, licence plates before 1960, when the state was known as Bombay Presidency, bear notations such as BMC or BDL.

In some states certain licence plates are rendered redundant after the creation of new states. After the carving out of Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand, from Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Bihar respectively, the entire registration numbering in the newly chalked territories had to be overhauled.

The Government of India, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the nodal ministry, has formulated strict specifications and enforcement rules for the new High Security Registration Plates ( new number plates). The states have recently started introducing them in phased manner. This standardisation along with strict enforcement is expected to bring about sea change in law enforcement and registration process of vehicles in the country.

The list of two-lettered state codes is as follows:

Districts
Since all states have a two or more districts, the district is given the charge of registering the vehicle. A vehicle bears the registration of the district in which it is bought rather than the district of residence of the owner. In many states, officials insist that the plates be changed to the local numbers if the owner shifts residence.

The number of districts in the state need not equal the number of permutations of the district field of the licence plate. Often, in large cities the geographical district can be split into two or more administered regions, each governed by an RTO. A case is the Mumbai Suburban district which has the plate bearings MH-02 and MH-03. Also the 01′ digit may reflect the capital district of the state, though it may not always be the case.

In some states such as West Bengal, each RTO issues two numbers, one for commercial vehicles and another for private vehicles. Eg. Kalimpong has the numbers WB-79 for private vehicles and WB-78 for commercial or public ones.

Though the district field is of two digits, in some areas such as Delhi, the 0 is omitted, usually because Delhi has less than ten districts thus removing any ambiguity. Eg. DL-6 . But also in some states like bihar and kerela 0 is omitted like Patna - BR 1AH, Ernakulam- KL 7BB

Unique numbering
The last four digits are unique to the vehicle. Usually, the lower 100 numbers are government registered numbers, but it may not always be the case. Special lucky numbers such as 3333 or 6666 fetch a premium and may touch above rupees 10,000.

Unique alphabets
If all the 9999 numbers are used up, the RTO adds the letter ‘A before the number space so that more numbers can be accommodated. In some states, the two letters also give the description of the make of the vehicle. Eg. In Mumbai, MH-01 AA would point to a two-wheeler; where as MH-01 CA is a small car. MH-01 J **** and MH-01 X **** are taxis.

The alphabets may also reflect the subdivision of the district if the district is geographically large.

In Tamil Nadu, the letter G is reserved for Government (both the Union Government of India and State Governments) and the letter N is reserved for Government Transport Buses. Eg. TN 69 G 3333 will be a government vehicle registered in Thoothukudi District TN 72 N 2222 will be a government Bus registered in Tirunelveli District.

Karnataka started number series SS DD AA NNNN from 1 January 1990. While issuing these numners they reserved the “DD” for certain categories of vehicles. Numbers issued without DD eg KA 19 1111 was for commercial vehicles, E for two wheelers and P for cars. The alphabets G was reserved for Government vehicles, and F for KSRTC busses. The alphabets I, O, and Q where never issued. In all cases when the 9999 number was exhausted the next alphabet was reserved for that vehicle category. So A to D for commercial vehicles, F, H, J to L, R to Y for two wheelers M, N, P, Z for cars. Additional alphabets are added as mentioned earlier.

Prior to 2005 Karnataka used to charge Rs 1000 for obtaining a unique last four digit number. These numbers used to be issued either from the current running series or from one or two future series. When the numbering system was computerised numbers could be issued from any future series. However the Karnataka RTO has now steeply hiked these charges to Rs 6000 if the number to be obtained is in the current series, and Rs 25,000 if it is to be issued from a future series.

Military vehicles
Military vehicles have a unique numbering system unlike any other licence numbers. The numbers are registered by the Ministry of Defence in New Delhi and appear to have a pseudo-random numbering. The first (or the third) character is always an arrow pointing upwards. The first two digits signify the year in which the Military procured the vehicle.

Diplomatic plates
Vehicle belonging to foreign missions bear the plates CD or CC, which stand for Diplomatic Corps or Consular Corps respectively. A diplomatic plate numbered 13 CC xxxx would refer to country 13, probably a country close to the letter A or B. For example, a vehicle bearing the number 77 CD xxxx in India refers to a vehicle owned by either the United States mission in India or by a person working with the mission. As per international law cars bearing these license plates enjoy diplomatic immunity.

Other numbering
Other numbering include the special numbers allotted to public transportation such as buses, taxis and auto-rickshaws. The numbers are registered by the organisations which run the services and are usually printed on the side of the vehicle.

Temporary numbers
As soon as a vehicle is purchased, the dealer of the vehicle issues a temporary licence sticker known colloquially as a TR (To Register) number. This is valid for one month, during which the owner must register the vehicle in the controlling RTO of the area in which the owner is residing to get a standard licence plate. Some states like Tamil Nadu does not allow vehicles with TR numbers on the road, the dealer will hand over the vehicle to the purchaser only after the registration process is done. To register a vehicle, it has to be presented to the RTO’s office, where a Motor Vehicle Inspector will verify the applicant’s address and other details, confirm that the engine and chassis numbers are identical to what is written in the application and issues a permanent registration certificate which is usually valid for 20 years. The permanent registration certificate is one of the four important documents a vehicle plying on the road should always have; the others being a valid insurance certificate, a pollution under control certificate (PUC) and of course, the driver’s license. For public utility vehicles like buses, trucks, taxis and pick-up vans, there are a number of additional documents like a road-worthiness certificate and a transportation permit.

Historical numbering
Until the late 1980s, the Indian license plate system followed the scheme:

SAA 1111
Where S was the state code (e.g. C for Karnataka since K was allotted to Kerala); AA were alphabets; and 1111 was the unique licence plate number. Older vehicles still exhibit this legally valid numbering scheme.

In the early 2000s, the number plate colouring scheme moved from SAA 1111 to SAA 1111 for private vehicles, and from SAA 1111 to SAA 1111 for all other vehicles. The colours of the older plates were made illegal after a notice period.

1. Clean the Air Filter
A clean air filter is the key to good fuel economy. A dirty air filter restricts the flow of air into the engine, which harms performance and economy. Air filters are easy to check and change; hold the filter up to the sun and if you can’t see through it, you need a new one. Make sure that your air filter is in good condition as excessive dirt build-up can slow acceleration by more than 10%. For every liter of petrol you use, your air filter cleans 10,000 liters of air. Replacing a clogged air filter can improve your car’s economy by as much as 10%.

2. Keep your Engine Tuned
A fouled spark plug or dirty fuel injector can reduce fuel efficiency as much as 30% and rob your car of performance. Ensure your spark plugs are checked at the manufacturer’s recommended interval. Worn or incorrectly gapped spark plugs will increase the chances of irregular firing, resulting in uneven acceleration and a rough ride.

Also, check your owner’s manual for the recommended grade of motor oil. You can improve your mileage by 1-2% by using the recommended grade of motor oil. Oil contains friction-reducing additives to improve your engine’s performance and mileage.

3. Maintain the Right Tyre Pressure
An under-inflated tyre increases rolling resistance, which cuts a vehicle’s fuel efficiency. With an estimated 80% of drivers unable to check the pressure in their tyres it’s not beyond the bounds of reason to believe million liters of fuel are wasted each day because of incorrectly inflated tyres. Buy a reliable tyre gauge, check your tyres and keep them properly inflated. Or get your tyre pressure checked each time you visit a fuel pump. Tyres are like shoes, those old shoes you’re wearing may feel comfy, but you don’t realize there’s a hole in bottom until you wear them out in the rain.

4. Clear the Clutter
The more the weight that your car has to tow, the more fuel it needs to do the work. Remove heavy objects from your boot that you don’t immediately need. Additional weight in your car adds to the burden your car engine has to pull, resulting in slower acceleration. Plus every additional 45 kg worsens your fuel consumption by up to 2%. Periodically go through your car and see what can be tossed out or brought into the house. The difference in economy may be small, but every little bit counts, right

5. Reduce Air-Conditioning
Your car’s air-conditioning drains your engine’s power. When the air conditioner is on the engine works harder, increasing fuel consumption by about 20%. The air conditioner reduces fuel economy most during acceleration. Wait to turn on your air conditioner until you have reached cruising speed. On hot summer days, open your car’s doors or windows and flush out the hot interior air for a minute before entering. Try to park your car in a shady spot when possible. Use sunshades or car covers when your car must sit in the sun. If there is no danger of rain, leave the windows open about an inch to exhaust the hot air.

6. Avoid Wider Tyres
New wheels and tyres may look cool, and they can certainly improve handling. But if they are wider than the stock tyres, chances are they’ll create more rolling resistance and decrease fuel economy. If you upgrade your wheels and tyres, keep the old ones. I have fancy sport rims and aggressive tyres on my own car, but I keep the stock wheels with a good narrower-tread performance tyre in the garage. For long road trips, the stock wheels give a smoother ride and better economy.

7. Use the Right Octane
Most new cars will run well on any grade of fuel, but many claim of older cars getting better economy from higher-octane fuels. Try a tank or two, record your mileage, then do the math, translating cost-per-liter and kilometer-per-liter to cost-per-kilometer. The expensive stuff just might turn out to be cheaper.

8. Fuel up during the Coolest Hours
Buy fuel during the early morning hours or evening when the air temperature is coolest. Fuel densest during the cooler hours. Fuel pumps measure volumes of fuel and not the density. You will get more for your money during the cooler hours.

9. Slow Down
The greatest enemy is aggressive acceleration and braking. Minimize braking! Doing everything you can to keep from having to use your brakes when driving is one of the most powerful means to improve fuel economy, particularly around town. This means pacing yourself in traffic. When you see a red light ahead, brake gradually or let the car coast up to it, trying to time our arrival for the green. Roaring off to brake for the next light is a disaster for fuel efficiency. Avoid sudden acceleration and “jack rabbit” starts - accelerate smoothly. If your car has overdrive gears, use them whenever they will pull the car smoothly. Overdrive can save fuel around town, not just on the freeway. Also avoid rush-hour traffic when possible. Driving aggressively and at high speed uses more fuel and causes more pollution. An aggressive driving style can increase fuel consumption by up to 10%.

10. Don’t Drive
Not a popular thing to say on a car site but the fact is that if you can avoid driving, you’ll save fuel. Take the train, ride your bike, carpool, consolidate your shopping trips. And always ask yourself: “Is this trip really necessary?”

Here are 10 simple steps that will help you turn your used car into cash. Everything from pricing, advertising and negotiating is covered in this short, easy-to-follow process.

Step 1: Know the Market
Is your car going to be easy to sell? Is it a hot commodity? Or will you have to drop your price and search out additional avenues to sell it?

Here are a few general rules to answer these questions:

• Small cars, while unexciting to many, are in constant demand by people needing basic, inexpensive transportation.
• Midsize cars and sedans are also on the uptake but may take slightly longer to sell off.
• Collector cars will take longer to sell and are often difficult to price. However, these cars can have unexpected value if you find the right buyer.

Step 2: Price Your Car Competitively
Check newspapers and on-line classified ads to see how much others are asking for your type of car. IndiaAutomobile.com allows you to search with specific criteria. For example, select the year and model of your car and see how many similar cars are currently on the market. Take note of their condition, mileage, geographic location and selling price so you can list your car at a price that will sell it quickly. On IndiaAutomobile.com, you will soon have the car valuation tool to help you get an accurate way of estimating the right asking price.

Once you have surveyed the classified ads, you will have a fair idea of what price you could demand. And be sure to leave a little wiggle room in your asking price. Ask for slightly more money than you are actually willing to accept. If you want to get Rs. 2,00,000 for the car, you should list the car at Rs. 2,10,000. That way, if you get Rs. 2,10,000 - great! But if you have to go lower, it won’t be a terrible loss.

You may have noticed how creative some retailers get in pricing items. Their prices usually end in “995,” as in Rs. 14,995. Are we not supposed to notice that the item basically costs Rs. 15,000? There is a lot of psychology in setting prices. A product that doesn’t sell well at Rs. 1000 might jump off the shelf at Rs. 995.

On the other hand, as a private party seller, you don’t want to look like a retailer. Therefore, you might want to take a simple approach and set your price at a round figure such as Rs. 2,17,000 or Rs. 2,17,500.

Step 3: Give Your Car “Curb Appeal”
When people come to look at your car, they will probably make up their minds to buy it or not within the first few seconds. This is based on their first look at the car. So you want this first look to be positive. You want your car to have “curb appeal.”

Before you advertise your car for sale, make sure it looks as clean and attractive as realistically possible. This goes beyond just taking it to the car wash. Here is a to-do list that could help turn your heap into a cream puff:

• Make sure it is washed, waxed and detailed.
• Make sure your car is both mechanically sound and free from dents, dings and scrapes.
• Consider making low-cost repairs yourself rather than selling it “as is.”
• Shovel out all the junk from the inside of the car. When prospective buyers go for a test-drive, you don’t want them to feel like they’ve walked into your messy bedroom. Let them visualize the car as theirs.
• Wipe the brake dust off the wheel covers and clean the tires with a tire gloss product.
• Thoroughly clean the windows (inside and out) and all the mirrored surfaces.
• Wipe down the dashboard and empty the ashtrays.
• Have all your maintenance records ready to show prospective buyers.
• If the car needs servicing or even a routine oil change, take care of that before putting it up for sale.
• Have your mechanic check out your car and issue a report about its condition. You can use this to motivate a buyer who is on the fence.

Step 4: Where to Advertise Your Car
Now that your car is looking great and running well, it’s time to advertise it for sale. Traditionally, people advertise in newspaper classified ads. These ads can be expensive, but they get results. On-line classified ads, such as the IndiaAutomobile.com Used Cars Section, are becoming increasingly popular. On-line ads are particularly effective with hard-to-find or collector cars. In most cases, on-line classifieds reach a geographically wider area of buyers.

Here are the main markets for advertising used cars:

• On-line classified ads such as those on IndiaAutomobile.com
• Daily newspaper classified ads
• Weekly “shoppers” and giveaway newspapers
• Bulletin boards at your office
• Word of mouth - tell your friends and family you have a car for sale

One last word of advice about advertising: if you run an expensive classified ad, be sure you are available to take phone calls from possible buyers. Many people won’t leave a message for a return call. So answer the phone - and be polite. Creating a good first impression is the first step to getting buyers to come and see the car in person.

Step 5: Create Ads That Sell
When putting a classified ad in the paper, you have an opportunity to show how eager you are to sell the car. This can be done by inserting the following abbreviations and phrases:

Must Sell!: This often means the seller is leaving town and needs to dump the car at a fire sale price.

Best Offer: This indicates that you are willing to entertain offers below the stated price. This usually means you are eager to sell the car.

Price Negotiable: This also communicates the feeling that you will negotiate, but it is one notch below OBO on the eagerness scale. Firm: This word is used to rebuff attempts to negotiate. It indicates that you aren’t in a hurry to sell the car - you are most interested in getting your price.

Think about what you are telling people when you phrase your ad. Little words convey a lot. Besides the price, your ad should also include the year, make, model and variant level of the car you are selling along with the mileage, colour, condition and popular options.

Step 6: Showing Your Car
Keep in mind that when you sell your car, people will also be evaluating you. They will be thinking something like, “Here’s the person who’s owned this car for the past few years. Do I trust him/her?” Make the buyers feel comfortable. They will probably be uneasy about making a big decision and spending money. Put them at ease and answer their questions openly.

Potential buyers will want to test-drive the car. If in doubt, check to make sure they have a driver license. Ride along with them so you can answer any questions about the car’s history and performance. Also, they may not know the area, so you might have to guide them.

There are many unexpected bumps in the road that can arise while selling a used car. These will be handled easily if you are dealing with a reasonable person. So, as you are contacted by prospective buyers, use your intuition to evaluate them. If they seem difficult, pushy or even shady, wait for another buyer. With the right person, selling a used car should be simple.

Some sellers feel uncomfortable about having buyers come to their house to see the car. However, you can generally screen buyers on the phone. If they sound suspicious, don’t do business with them. If you don’t want people knowing where you live, arrange to show the car at a park or shopping center near your home. However, keep in mind that people will eventually see your address when you sign the title over to them.

Some buyers will want to take the car to a mechanic to have it inspected. If you have an inspection report from your mechanic, this might put their doubts to rest. However, if they still want to take the car to their mechanic, this is a reasonable request. By now, you should have a feeling for the person’s trustworthiness. If you feel uncomfortable or have reason to think they will steal the car, decline the offer or go along with them.

Be ready for trick questions such as, “So, what’s really wrong with the car?” If you get this, refer them to the mechanic’s report or invite them to look over the car more carefully.

Step 7: Negotiate For Your Best Price
If a person comes to look at the car and it passes their approval after a test-drive, you can expect them to make an offer. Most people are uncomfortable negotiating, so their opening offer might take several forms.

“I like the car, but” This is the softest way to negotiate on the price. They may not even state that the price seems too high. If they say, “I like the car, but…” and then lapse into uncomfortable silence, you might consider an appropriate response. If you really want to move the car, you could say, “How much would you be willing to pay?”

“What’s your best price?” This is a more direct way to probe the seller to find out how much he or she will come down. If you get this from a prospective buyer, don’t seem too eager to reduce your price.

“Would you accept…?” Now we’re getting somewhere. This buyer has thought it over and is making an offer. But the offer is being presented in a polite manner designed to allow for a counter offer.

“Take it or leave it” This buyer is making an offer that supposedly leaves no room for a counter offer. In reality, this buyer might be bluffing. Still, they are sending a message that they are close to their final price. The only way to know for sure whether it really is a “take it or leave it” offer is to leave it and let them leave. They may return tomorrow ready to pay your price.

The above are just a few of the openers you might encounter. Think of your responses ahead of time so you won’t be caught unprepared. In general, it’s a good idea to hold to your price when your car first goes up for sale. If you don’t get any buyers right away, you’ll know you have to be flexible about the price.

Step 8: Handling Complications
In some cases, you might reach an agreement with a buyer that is contingent on performing repair work on the car. This can lead to misunderstandings down the line, so avoid this if you can. The best thing to do is have your car in good running order while being fully aware of any necessary repairs. If you state clearly in your ads that the car is being sold “as is,” you can refer to this statement when it’s time to close the deal.

Still, a trip to the prospective buyer’s mechanic might turn up a new question about the car’s condition. What to do?

This must be handled on a case-by-case basis. If the repair is needed, and you trust the mechanic’s assessment, you could propose reducing the agreed-upon price by all, or part, of the amount for the repair. If the repair is questionable, but the buyer is insistent, split the difference, or have the car taken to your mechanic for further evaluation.

Remember, the older the car, the more faults a mechanic is likely to find. At some point, you have to draw the line. You may have to say to the buyer, “True, this work could be done. But the car drives well as it is. And the proposed repair isn’t addressing a safety concern.” After all, a used car - particularly an elderly one - isn’t expected to be perfect.

Step 9: Finalize the Sale
When selling your car, it’s important to limit your liability. If someone drives away in the car you just sold, and they get into an accident, can you be held responsible? There are two ways to deal with this concern.

Once you have the money from the sale (it’s customary to request either cash or a cheque), record the odometer reading and sign the car’s title over to the buyer. A new title will be issued and mailed to the new owner.

But what if you still owe money on the car, and the bank is holding the title? One way to deal with this is to conclude the sale at the bank where the title is held. Call ahead and have the title ready. Then, once money has changed hands and the bank has been paid the balance of the loan, sign the title over to the buyer.

Finally, remember to contact your insurance agent to cancel your policy on the vehicle you have sold (or transfer the coverage to your new car).

Before your car drives away for the final time, take a last look through the glove compartment, the trunk and under the seats. You might find some long forgotten treasures you misplaced years ago.

Step 10: After the Sale
The condition of a used car for sale is considered “as is” and no warranty is provided or implied. Therefore, if the car breaks down after you have sold it, you are under no obligation to refund the buyer’s money or pay to have it repaired. If you have sold a car to someone who took it for inspection at a garage and the mechanic found nothing wrong with it, you have done all you can to protect yourself and the buyer.

The best way to feel peace of mind after selling your used car is to make sure you did everything correctly. This means being open about the condition of the car before the sale and timely and complete in paperwork after the sale.

When done correctly, selling a used car can be a win-win situation. You have turned your used car into cash and provided reliable transportation for the next owner. Focus on the benefits to both parties and you are likely to have a smooth and profitable experience.

You can bless your new car by conducting a puja in the Lord’s name. This is done to keep it safe from bad influences and protect all the people who travel in it. According to traditional Hindu customs all items and implements that are used in daily life - homes, cars, motorized vehicles of all types, home appliances, such as mixers, grinders, stoves, TVs, stereos, etc. must be blessed just before using it or as soon as possible after purchase. When you buy a new car or a home, you do the puja before driving the car or moving into the new house.

What you Need for this Puja?
This varies slightly from temple to temple, but in general; the things, which are needed, are four lemons, one coconut, and money to pay the pujari. Optional is the idol to install inside the car. The temple provides the rice and other puja items.

Where to Conduct the Puja?
The car must be taken to a nearby Hindu temple, after which the temple’s pujari would conduct the puja.

The steps involved have been described below:

Step 1: Washing the Car
Just before the rituals begin, the brand new car is washed and wiped clean.

Step 2: Washing the Hand with Water
The owner of the car participates in the puja with the pujari, as others watch the proceedings. The owner accepts the holy water from the pujari into his/her right hand and washes his/her hands for the puja. This is repeated three times. In temples, it is a rule to accept things into the right hand with the left hand under the right hand.

Step 3: Sprinkling Rice
For three repetitions, he/she accepts rice from the pujari to sprinkle onto the front of the car.

Step 4: Drawing a Swastika on the Car
The pujari draws a swastika with the third finger of right hand. This is drawn on the car with turmeric powder mixed with water. It does not stain the car. It can also be drawn with sandalwood paste. The swastika - born in India over 5,000 years - is an auspicious (good luck) symbol and means, “to be well”.

Step 5: Sprinkling Rice & Reciting Mantras
After the swastika is drawn, the owner of the car is again given rice, for three repetitions, to bless the swastika by sprinkling rice on it. For each sprinkle, the owner has to recite some mantras.

Step 6: Reciting Mantras
Repeat Step 4, meditate on Lord Ganesha and recite holy mantras. One set of mantras includes reciting 11 of the 108 names of Lord Ganesha.

Step 7: Lighting Incense Sticks (Agarbattis)
Incense sticks are lit and the pujari takes these and circles them around the swastika three times in a clockwise direction, then takes them inside the car around the steering wheel three times in a clockwise direction, reciting mantras.

Step 8: Idol Placed Inside Car
The pujari places a small idol near the steering wheel where the driver can see it. The choice of idol depends on the owners wish. Holy water is sprinkled on it before placing it.

Step 9: Coconut Breaking
The person who owns the car will break the coconut near the right front tyre and sprinkle the coconut water on the tyre. The coconut is kept as prasadam (holy food offering given to God during pujas) and eaten later.

Step 10: Breaking Lemons and Driving Three Times
One lemon is placed under each tyre. Then the owner gets into the car and drives it to the right side to rid the vehicle of any bad influences. Some people drive around three times, and in some temples, the driver will drive around the temple itself.

The following steps will tell you how to locate, price and negotiate to buy the car you want. If you still don’t know what car to buy, read 10 Steps to Finding the Right Car for You and then come back after you have decided.

Step 1: Starting Out
If you’ve decided to buy a used car, you’ve already made a smart decision. You can get a car that’s almost as good as a brand-new one, without suffering the depreciation that strikes new car buyers as soon as they drive the car off the lot. Used cars - even those that are only one year old - are 20 to 30 percent cheaper than new cars. But there are other good reasons to buy a used car:

• Buying a used car means you can afford a model with more luxury/performance.
• You’ll save money on insurance.
• Bigger bargains are possible for the smart used car shopper.
• Furthermore, the classic reasons to avoid used cars - lack of reliability and the expense of repairs - are less of an issue.

Consider these related thoughts:

• Used cars are more reliable today than ever before.
• Some used cars are still under the factory warranty.
• Many new carmakers now sell certified used cars, which include warranties.

True, you can’t be the first one on the block with the trendiest vehicle. But your consolation will come with the knowledge that you got a great deal and made a smart financial decision. So read on, as we guide you along the road to used car happiness.

Step 2: Locating the Right Used Car.
At the beginning of the car-buying process, many people already have in mind the car they want. But it’s a good idea to stop right now and ask yourself: Will this car fit into my monthly budget? We’ll explain how to determine what car you can afford in the next step. For now, make sure your choice isn’t obviously exceeding your budget. Does it meet my current driving needs? For more on this subject, refer to 10 Steps to Finding the Right Car.

It’s possible that you need to expand your horizons when considering what to buy. You might want to think of other vehicles in the same class. For example, if you are considering a Maruti Alto you should also look at the Hyundai Santro and Daewoo Matiz. These cars were built for the same market, but they are available at lower prices.

Step 3: Used Car Bargains.
The cost of a used car is based on its condition, mileage, reliability, performance and popularity. Of course, you want a car that is reliable and performs well. But do you want the same used car everyone else wants? If so, you will pay a premium for it. In some cases, the only difference is the nameplate.

How much difference in price separates good-but-popular cars from the good-but-overlooked counterparts?

Step 4: Research Your Prospective Used Car.
You will find all the information you need to make an informed decision about what to buy on the IndiaAutomobile.com Used Cars pages. We are constantly incerasing our database of used cars across the country through a growing network of partner dealers and a large user database.

One last vital step to getting a great used car deal: you must check the vehicle’s history by asking for the documents possessed by the owners. It will give you a pretty decent picture of the woes that the car may have undergone. Also, be cautious of cars which appear old but have a low mileage reading. It is possible that the odometer may have been reset or manipulated by the owner.

Hence the case of buying a Certified Used Car like the ones offered by Maruti True Value, First Choice and My TVS. You always have their warranty to fall back upon in case you later realise that you have not got what was promised to you.

Step 5: How Much can you Afford?
The smart shopper will consider how to finance the car at the beginning of the shopping process. This will avoid unpleasant surprises later in the game and help you make an unemotional decision that fits your budget.

You will need to estimate three figures that will guide you as you go shopping:

Monthly Payment. If you are going to take out a loan, how much can you afford to pay each month? Also note that many loan providers treat Used Car Loans as Personal Loans and the interest rates may tend to be quite high.

Down Payment. How much cash can you put down to reduce your monthly payments?

Purchase Price of the Car. Answering the first two questions will help you determine a realistic price range for your used car.

Once you’ve determined how much you can spend for a down payment, a monthly payment and the purchase price of the car, print out these figures. Later, in the heat of the moment, when you are negotiating for a used car, you might need to check the card to bring yourself back to earth.

Step 6: Set up Financing for Your Used Car.
You have three ways to pay for your used car:

1. Cash. Need we say more? Money talks, as always.
2. Financing through a Loan Provider. We recommend this route because it will usually save money and give the consumer the most control over the transaction.
3. Financing through the Dealer. This can work for some people depending on the interest rates offered by the dealer’s finance partner. By prearranging financing through an independent source, the dealer may sometimes offer a relatively low-interest loan.

Step 7: Deciding where to buy from
The three most common places to buy a used car are:

1. Private Parties
2. New Car Dealerships
3. Used Car Lots

Of these sources, private parties usually have the most reasonable prices. It is also a more relaxed transaction to buy a used car from a private party rather than to face a salesman at a dealership.

Still, there are advantages to buying a used car from a new car dealership. Many used cars, on new car lots, are trade-ins. Dealerships usually get these cars at rock-bottom prices. If you make a low offer - but one that gives them some profit - you just might get a great deal. Furthermore, many dealerships offer certified used cars that have been thoroughly inspected and are backed by attractive warranties.

Search for your car by using Internet sites such as our IndiaAutomobile.com or the classifieds section of your local newspaper. IndiaAutomobile.com allows you to search specific criteria such as make, model, options and price range.

While the Internet is an amazing resource, you should still try the conventional sources. Ask friends and relatives if they are selling a used car. Scan the bulletin boards at your organization.

A lot of time can be saved by calling the party selling the car before you go to see the vehicle. In this way, you can eliminate cars that have problems such as excessive mileage. Also, verify the asking price in the ad.

After talking to the seller, set up an appointment for a test drive. If possible, make this appointment during the day so you can more accurately determine the car’s condition. Also, ask for the VIN number so you can run a Carfax report. At the beginning of your used car-buying process you should sign up with Carfax to get its 30 day unlimited car reports service. Every time you get a line on a used car, run the VIN. This will tell you if the car is clean.

Step 8: Test Driving a Used Car.
Used car shopping will involve inspecting the vehicle to determine its condition. This process is simplified if you buy a certified used car that has passed a thorough inspection and is backed by a manufacturer’s warranty. But while buying a certified used car removes a lot of the guesswork about the vehicle’s mechanical condition, you pay for this service.

Most new cars are sold with a two to three-year warranty. Therefore, if you buy a car that is from one to three years old, it will still be under the factory warranty. If anything goes wrong with the car you just bought, the problem will be fixed for free. (Warranties vary from one manufacturer to the next. Always read the restrictions of the warranty before buying the car.)

If you are serious about buying a used car but have doubts about its condition, take it to a mechanic you trust. A private party will probably allow you to do this without much resistance. But at a dealership, it might be more difficult. If it is a certified used car, there is no reason to take it to a mechanic.

Once you get behind the wheel, your first impression will be the way the car feels when you sit in it. Is it a good fit? Does it offer enough headroom? Legroom? Are the gauges and controls conveniently positioned?

Try to arrange your test drive so that you start the engine when it is completely cold. Some cars are harder to start when they are dead cold and, when doing so, will reveal chronic problems. Turn off the radio before you begin driving - you want to hear the engine and concentrate on the driving experience.

On the test drive, evaluate these additional points:

• Acceleration from a stop
• Visibility (Check for blind spots)
• Engine noise
• Passing acceleration (Does it downshift quickly and smoothly?)
• Hill-climbing power
• Braking
• Cornering
• Suspension (How does it ride?)
• Rattles and squeaks
• Cargo space

On the test drive, take your time and be sure to simulate the conditions of your normal driving patterns. If you do a lot of highway driving, be sure to go on the highway and take the car up to 70 kmph. If you go uphill, test the car on a steep slope. You don’t want to find out - after you’ve bought the car - that it doesn’t perform as needed.

After the test drive, ask the owner if you can see the service records and if receipts are available. If so, note whether the car has had oil changes at regular intervals (at every 10,000 km). Be cautious of buying a car that has had major repairs such as transmission rebuilds, valve jobs or engine overhauls.

After talking to the seller, set up an appointment for a test drive. If possible, make this appointment during the day so you can more accurately determine the car’s condition.

Step 9: Negotiating for a Used Car.
Whether you are buying a used car from a dealer or a private party, let them know you have the cash in hand (or financing arranged) to make a deal on the spot. Preface your offer with a statement like, “I’m ready to make a deal now. I can give you cash (or a cashier’s cheque) now. But we need to talk about the price.”

At this point, you need to have a persuasive argument about why the price is too high. So let’s talk about pricing. The foundation of successful negotiation is information. This is particularly true when buying a used car. And yet, the condition of used cars means prices will vary widely.

You can get an extremely fair idea of the car’s pricing by checking for similar cars on IndiaAutomobile.com. We are also making an effort to get you an Online Car Valuation Tool.

Dealers have lots of experience negotiating. Most private parties do not. Therefore, buying a used car from a dealer or a private party will be two very different experiences. But there is one overriding similarity - they both want to sell the car. In fact, the incentive to sell the car might be greater to the dealer than to the private party owner.

You should, however, follow these guidelines when negotiating:

• Only enter into negotiations with a salesperson you feel comfortable with
• Make an opening offer that is low, but in the ballpark
• Decide ahead of time how high you will go and leave when your limit’s reached
• Walk out - this is your strongest negotiating tool
• Be patient - plan to spend an hour or more negotiating
• Leave the dealership if you get tired or hungry
• Don’t be distracted by pitches for related items such as extended warranties or anti- theft devices
• Expect a “closer” (another salesman you’ve haven’t previously dealt with) to try to improve the deal before you reach a final price

Once you have a deal, you need to make sure the transaction is completed properly. The next section, which is the final step, will tell you what to expect and what you need to do.

Step 10: Closing the deal.
If you are at a dealership, you still have to go through the finance and insurance process. If you are buying a car from a private party, you have to make sure that payment is made and the title and registration are properly transferred.

In both cases, you also need to make sure you have insurance for the car you just bought before you drive it away. Some people swear by extended warranties, so this is something you might want to consider (unless your used car is certified or still under the manufacturer’s warranty).

Finally, you should inspect the car before you take possession of it. If any repair work is required, and has been promised by the dealer, get it in writing. Make sure the temporary registration has been put in the proper place and - you’re finally on your way.

When you buy a car from a private party, you will probably be asked to pay with a cashier’s cheque or in cash. But before money changes hands, request the title and have it signed over to you.

Once all of the paperwork is complete, it is finally time to relax and begin enjoying your new purchase: a good used car.

The following steps will tell you how to locate, price and negotiate to buy the car you want. If you still don’t know what car to buy, read 10 Steps to Finding the Right Car for You and then come back after you have decided.

Step 1: Starting Out
These steps will help you to locate the specific car you want, and at a price that is fair to both you and the dealer. By now, you should have done plenty of research to determine which is the best car to suit your needs. And, you should have a good idea of what to pay for the car you want. Now you need to narrow the research even more. You will soon be finding the exact car you want to buy - with the options you have chosen - and then you will be determining the best deal available. If you have done your homework, this will be a fairly easy process with no unexpected surprises.

Buying a car is a big investment, but it can be exciting and rewarding, especially if you feel like you got the right car at a fair price.

Step 2: Using incentives and rebates.
Today’s new car market is crowded and competitive. Many new cars are offered for sale with attractive incentives to make you choose a particular model. In some cases, the cars with the best incentives are those that aren’t selling very well on their own.

An incentive is anything that gives you an added reason to buy a particular car. Often, however, it comes in the form of a cash rebate or low-interest financing. These can result in a huge savings to you.

Check the IndiaAutomobile.com Web site for the latest incentives mentioned under buyer’s notes. While we do track these schemes from the dealerships, these may not always be available. You can also watch for newspaper promotions but, remember, the incentives don’t apply to all models.

Dealers also offer special rates for employees of certain organizations. So make sure that you check with the dealership whether your employer falls under this bracket.

Step 3: Pricing the car.
Car salesmen will usually point to a car’s “sticker price” as the amount you have to pay. However, the dealerships are generally willing to sell a car at slightly lower than sticker price.

Now it’s time to factor in the incentives and rebates you researched in the previous step. Take the final on-road price offered and deduct the amount of rebates and incentives. If you are going to use low-interest financing, calculate your final buying price, then use our payment calculator to find your monthly payment.

Print these figures and carry them with you for reference as you continue the car-buying process.

Step 4: Finding the exact car you want to buy.
You should now have a very specific idea of the car you want to buy. This means you know the make, model, variant, features and colour. These details are available on IndiaAutomobile.com (just in case you have not completed your research).

Also, on IndiaAutomobile.com, you can simultaneously solicit quotes from multiple dealers. In many cases, you will have to follow up with a phone call.

Step 5: Test driving the car salesman.
As you call dealerships to locate the exact car you want to buy, you can also test drive the car salesman. In other words, you can determine if this is a person you want to do business with. It’s a good idea to consider this issue ahead of time, before you get to the deal-making phase of the process.

The first way to evaluate a good salesperson is to ask yourself if you feel comfortable dealing with them. Are they impatient and pushy? Or are they relaxed and open? If you asked them about a specific car’s availability, did they respond to your needs? Or did they try to steer you toward another car simply because they have too many of that model in stock? Do they return your phone calls? Do they answer your questions in a straightforward manner? Or are they evasive and confusing?

By considering these issues you should have a sense of whether or not you want to buy from this salesperson. If you feel comfortable with the individual when researching by phone, and if the dealership does indeed have the car you’re interested in, set up a time to test drive the car, preferably when the dealership will not be very busy, such as a weekday morning. Before heading to the car lot, review all your notes and make sure you bring your car-buying folder. This might include your checkbook, registration and proof of insurance. Keep in mind that you’re bringing these items so you’ll be ready to buy a car if you get a fair deal. Don’t feel obligated to purchase a car simply because you have all the necessary paperwork with you or because you test drove the car.

Step 6: If you are trading in your old car…
If you are trading in your old car to a dealer, you will probably not get as much money toward the price of a new car as you would have if you’d sold it yourself to a private party. However, trading in offers some advantages. You can solve all of your car-buying problems in one visit to the dealer. You can unload a hard-to-sell car with no newspaper or Intenet ads.

Begin the process by checking up your car’s trade-in value. At a dealership the value assigned to your trade-in varies based on the time of the month, the dealer’s specific inventory and the used car manager’s mood, so it is better you a rough idea of what your trade-in is worth.

If it’s important to you to get the maximum value for your trade-in, you should visit several dealerships and solicit bids. Tell the salesperson that the sale of a new car will be contingent on the amount he or she will give you for your trade-in. Also, tell them you are visiting several dealerships. With a little legwork, you may be able to boost the price you get for your old car. Remember, the extra effort you spend in getting competitive bids is far less than what it would take to advertise, show and sell the car yourself.

Alternatively, we advise you to advertise your car on IndiaAutomobile.com and make the listing visible to the millions of visitors on our site.

Step 7: Negotiating for the best finance option.
Dealerships generally have tie-ups with one or more loan providers. However, these may not necessarily offer you the best interest rate. Also, you are not obliged to stick to the dealer’s finance partner. Hence, it is always advisable to look at the best option available basis the exact monthly payment that is quoted to you.

Also, if you are planning to foreclose your car loan in the near future, please check for applicable penalties that would apply.

Step 8: Closing the deal.
If you feel good about the price you have been quoted, it’s time to take a look at the big picture. Many buyers focus on the cost of the car and ignore the related expenses. Besides the cost, you will have to pay sales tax and various fees which vary from state to state.

The simplest way to estimate total cost is to ask the salesperson to fax/email you a worksheet and invoice before you go to the dealership. This way, you’ll be able to review the figures in a relaxed environment.

Step 9: Reviewing and signing the paperwork.
At the dealership, you will be presented with the contract for your new car and a lot of forms to sign. This is usually handled by the salesperson you have been dealing with.

In most cases, the salesperson might try to sell you additional items such as extended service contracts, fabric protection, alarms, etc. In most cases, we recommend turning down these extras - with the possible exception of the extended warranty, which provides peace of mind to some buyers.

If you have already seen a worksheet for the deal you’ve made, the contract should be a formality. Make sure the numbers match the worksheet and no additional charges or fees have been inserted. You will also be asked to sign various forms that register your new car and transfer ownership of your trade-in (if you are exchnaging cars). Understand what you are signing and what it means. Ask questions if you don’t understand, and don’t ever feel like you have to hurry. Buying a car is a serious commitment and it’s the dealership’s job to ensure you are comfortable with every document involved. Remember, once you have signed there is no going back.

Step 10: Inspecting and taking possession of your new car.
You will have one more chance to inspect the car before you take possession of it. Make sure you walk around the car and look for scratches in the paint and wheels or dents and dings on the body. If you are paying for floor mats make sure they are included. If anything is missing, or if any work needs to be done, ask for it in writing. You will then be able to come back and get the work done later.

As you drive away inhaling that new-car smell, there is only one more thing to be done: enjoy your new car.

The following steps are devoted to helping you select, price, locate and test drive the vehicle that is best for you. After reading and completing these steps you will be ready to move on to the 10 Steps to Buying a New Car.

Step 1: What kind of car do you need?
If you examine your needs rather than wants, you will quickly discover what the right car is for you. Take a moment to think about the following:

• What do you use your car for - commuting from home to work and back, shopping, inter-city travel?
• How many people do you need to transport - individual, couple, larger family?
• Who shall be driving the car - you, your spouse, chauffeur?
• What kind of driving do you most often do - highway or city?
• How long is your commute - in terms of distance?
• Is fuel cost a worrying factor for you?

In too many cases people choose a car because it has an eye-catching style or it is a trendy favourite. If you tread this path, you may either break your budget or have to go car shopping again soon. Let your needs, not your wants, drive your decision.

Step 2: How much can you afford?
Establishing a realistic monthly payment that will fit into your budget is a crucial first step. How much should this be?

A rule of thumb is your total monthly car payments - whether you own one car or more than one - shouldn’t exceed 20 percent of your monthly take-home pay.

Once you have a certain car in mind, check the IndiaAutomobile.com EMI Calculator to help you estimate what your monthly payment will be based on purchase price, down payment, interest rate and length of loan. Take the time to run the numbers now, before you go car shopping and print out the result. Or if you have a monthly payment in mind, you can check the IndiaAutomobile.com Affordability Calculator to check which cars fit your budget.

Step 3: Should you make an outright buy or finance your car purchase?
Car loans in India are available at reasonable interest rates and it is generally advisbale to puchase a car on finance. You can avail of some exciting options in our Loans section. As discussed earlier, your monthly car payments shouldn’t exceed 20 percent of your monthly take-home pay. Paying a higher portion upfront is a sensible option so that you can adhere to this rule of thumb.

Step 4: Have you considered all vehicles in that class?
Today’s new car market is filled with great products. Most shoppers have difficulty keeping up with all of the vehicles being launched and the upgrades that are being made to existing models, so it’s important to do your research. Use Internet sites like IndiaAutomobile.com to research all your choices before you hit the showrooms.

On IndiaAutomobile.com you can find the specific car you want on the web site by searching by Price, Payment Range, Bodystyle, Segment and Manufacturer. If you already have a car you are considering, you can study it in detail by searching for that Make & Model. Once you have chosen your specific car, you will be on a Vehicle Detail page. This page has links to all the Car Pricing, Features, Reviews and Shopping options. You will also see options of conducting side-by-side comparisons of all the cars that fit your scheme of things.

If, on the other hand, you have no idea where to begin or what to choose you should might want to consult our expert in the Ask-an-Expert section of the site.

Step 5: Have you considered all of the costs of ownership?
Here is an often overlooked fact of car ownership: one car might be cheaper to buy, but more expensive to own. Why? Even if two cars cost about the same to buy, one can depreciate at a different rate or cost significantly more to insure or maintain. Before you commit to one car, you should estimate the long-term ownership costs of the vehicle you are considering. These include depreciation, insurance, maintenance and fuel costs. While depreciation and maintenance should be checked by the reputation of the car in the Used/Second-hand Car Market and insurance figures are provided along with prices quoted by the dealer, fuel costs must be calculated based on the car’s fuel economy and your usage.

Step 6: Research options
By completing steps one through five, you should now have a good idea about what car will work for you. Maybe there are a few cars that fit your criteria. It’s time to narrow it down.

Car buyers have been trained to visit local dealerships to find the car they want. In the Internet age, this is a waste of time and money. You can quickly cover more ground by shopping on-line. Car dealers are waking up to this new breed of shopper who already knows what he wants and what he’s willing to pay. The only thing you have to do in person are test drive the car and sign the contract.

IndiaAutomobile.com is your link to the automotive world. By reading our Web site you can not only educate yourself about cars, but also find local dealers, check interest rates for buying and calculate your exact monthly payment. Before ever heading out the door, you can answer almost any question you may have by searching IndiaAutomobile.com. Remember, you don’t want to go to the dealership until you’re really ready.

Step 7: Schedule an appointment for a test drive
It’s a good idea to complete the initial contact with a dealership before going there in person. This can give you some sense of the business atmosphere you will be dealing with throughout the buying process. Additionally, you can confirm if the car you’re looking for - in the right color and variant level - is actually available in the showroom.

You can make your initial contact either with an e-mail message or over the telephone or you can also make a Contact Dealer request on IndiaAutomobile.com. If you call the dealership, tell the salesperson that you want to set up a test drive - but that you may not be buying immediately. However, assure them that you will buy there if you decide to purchase this particular make and model, and if they can offer the vehicle at a fair price.

Step 8: How to test drive a car.
The goal of a test drive is to experience - as closely as possible - the same type of driving conditions the car will be used for after purchase. If you commute, drive the car in both stop-and-go traffic and at highway speeds. If you frequently drive into the hills, try to find some steep places to climb. Drive over bumps, take tight corners at aggressive (but not dangerous) speeds and test the brakes in a safe location, such as a deserted parking lot. Get in and out of the car several times and be sure to sit in the backseat, especially if you plan on carrying passengers. In short, ask yourself what it will be like to live with this car for a number of years.

While you are evaluating the car, don’t be distracted by the salesperson’s pitch. Don’t drive with the music on - you can evaluate that later. A new car is a big investment; make sure you spend enough time really looking at it. And then, consider one last thing: your intuition. If you are uneasy about this car, follow your instincts. A vehicle purchase decision is too important (and expensive) to undertake without total confidence.

Step 9: After the test drive.
After the test drive, you should leave the car lot. Why? Because you will probably need to drive other types of cars at other dealerships. It’s a good idea to do all of your test driving in one morning or afternoon. Driving the cars back to back will help you uncover even minor differences, which will lead to a more educated purchase decision.

So, how do you get out of the clutches of the salesperson? Don’t bow even if they pressure you to buy on the spot. Remind them you still have other cars to drive and you can’t make a decision yet. Most good salespeople will respect that.

Step 10: Getting ready for the buying cycle.
At this point you should have considered all the cars in the class that interest you. You should have a good idea what you can afford. You should have test driven your top choices.

Now it’s time to narrow your choices down to one car based on your Internet research and the Test Drive. If you are going to buy your next car, read 10 Steps to Buying a New Car. Also, take a moment to congratulate yourself. You have done your homework to find the right car for you. Now you can move forward with confidence.