Buying Cars In India

Riding high on the buoyant Indian economy the Indian car industry is growing at a robust pace. This growth is witnessed across all the auto segments, may it be small cars or the luxury car market. The main focus remains on the Indian Middle class which is flourishing with the booming economy and evaluating its options typically keeping the following points in mind:

Why: What is the purpose of buying a car? Is it styling, transportation need, traveling with family or making a statement etc?

What: What is it that I am looking for in a car? Fuel economy, comfort etc

When: When do I buy a car? During festivities or auspicious occasions, during the discount season etc

Where: Where do I get the information about the options available and where do I make the purchase?

The typical Indian decision to buy a car revolves around three parameters i.e. budget, fuel economy and family size / purpose of buying a car. Buyers always look for referrals from friends, take / read opinion of experts to finalize the car of their choice. In India today the small car segment dominates the automobile sector. Buyers in this segment are extremely cost sensitive and wants value for money products. Festival discounts, better warranty and service options always lure a typical middle class car buyer. The entry of Chevrolet Spark from General Motors India has intensified the competition in the small car segment and they are trying to provide better value for money products for its customers. The Chevrolet Spark comes with a three-year/100,000-km standard warranty, which is an industry first in the mini-car segment, and a service interval of 5,000 km or six months (whichever comes first). Attractive, distinctively shaped head lights and round tail lights adds more to its external beauty. A combination of short body overhangs, a steeply rising shoulder line and converging lines at the front make the spark a real head turner.

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Read a Car Review Before You Buy a Car

Buying a car is a cherished dream of every individual. Apart from it's many uses to an individual compared to other vehicles, the car you own clearly spells your status, style and personality to all. However buying a car requires a lot of research and preparation and the preparation alone is very time consuming and confusing. There are a whole lot of things you need to consider before you wind up a car deal only to learn that you have paid too much for too little. Things like the latest features, designs, competitive rates etc. are a must for every buyer to be updated with.

Vehicle reviews are the best to read when you decide to by a car. It is a guaranteed money and time saver. On reading the car reviews and guides you are well aware of what to expect when you buy a particular car. Also there are many other benefits that help in making the decision easier -

Be updated
Car reviews and car guides keep you in touch with all the latest happenings in the automobiles world. You get to read about the latest features of the new cars and the new car prices. Many carpoints put up reviews of the new development in Australian cars. Some sites also provide the reviews of the test drivers to help you understand the pros and cons of the vehicle.

Compare the shortlisted cars
This is the best part about reading car reviews and car guides. You can easily compare the features offered by the new, Australian, smalls, Ford, Hyundai ix35, Suzuki Swift, Commodore Holden, Holden, Ford Falcon etc. and decide the best automobile for your requirement.

Compare prices
Buying a vehicle is an expensive deal. Getting the right pricing for the auto you wish to buy is essential as it helps you arrange for the finance. Also buy reading the reviews you can compare the new prices, learn about the prices of the Australian, small vehicles, Ford, Hyundai ix35, Suzuki Swift, Commodore Holden,Holden, Ford Falcon etc. Carpoints today also let you know of the discounts they offer on the new prices.

Car buying procedure
By reading reviews you not only get the news of the new autos and latest technology being used in the market but you can also get information of the procedure to buy the car.

Doing your homework before you enter an exciting car deal with only save from the disappointment you face after knowing that you could have bought a car at a lesser rate had you spent some time reading the car reviews and car guides.

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Rebuilt Wrecks Emerging Threat To Car Buyers

-Buying a rebuilt-but not properly repaired-wreck of a car could wreck your finances.

A new study by Carfax shows that millions of cars severely damaged in major accidents have been rebuilt and are up for sale. Over the last five years, the number of salvaged cars on the market has increased nationwide by more than 50 percent.

This problem is more widespread than previously thought. Forecasters predict that more than 40 million used cars will be purchased this year, making the used-car market a target-rich environment for scam artists.
Experts estimate that more than 5 million cars annually are deemed salvage after severe accidents. More than half of these cars are resold, many by sellers who intentionally hide their damaged past.


Some of the common problems associated with previously wrecked vehicles may include:

• Title washing.

Title documents may be altered to remove a salvage brand and obtain a clear title from another state.

• Air bag fraud.

Scam artists are known to replace deployed air bags with phony or nonworking air bags to cut costs.

• Structure/frame damage.

As little as 8mm can compromise a car’s structural integrity, which may also affect many of the car’s safety features.

• Odometer rollbacks.

The odometer may also be rolled back to further inflate the perceived value of the vehicle.

• Car clipping.

Some rebuilt wrecks are actually two different cars welded together.

Buying a salvaged car may not be a bad investment, but you must make sure you’re aware of any prior damage and, more important, see that the proper repairs were made. Many salvage vehicles are rebuilt properly and will run safely again.

However, con men can alter title documents and make cheap cosmetic repairs to others so they look as good as new on paper and in person.

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Rebuilt Wrecks Emerging Threat To Car Buyers

buying a rebuilt-but not properly repaired-wreck of a car could wreck your finances.

A new study by Carfax shows that millions of cars severely damaged in major accidents have been rebuilt and are up for sale. Over the last five years, the number of salvaged cars on the market has increased nationwide by more than 50 percent.

This problem is more widespread than previously thought. Forecasters predict that more than 40 million used cars will be purchased this year, making the used-car market a target-rich environment for scam artists.

Experts estimate that more than 5 million cars annually are deemed salvage after severe accidents. More than half of these cars are resold, many by sellers who intentionally hide their damaged past.

Some of the common problems associated with previously wrecked vehicles may include:

• Title washing.

Title documents may be altered to remove a salvage brand and obtain a clear title from another state.

• Air bag fraud.

Scam artists are known to replace deployed air bags with phony or nonworking air bags to cut costs.

• Structure/frame damage.

As little as 8mm can compromise a car’s structural integrity, which may also affect many of the car’s safety features.

• Odometer rollbacks.

The odometer may also be rolled back to further inflate the perceived value of the vehicle.

• Car clipping.

Some rebuilt wrecks are actually two different cars welded together.

Buying a salvaged car may not be a bad investment, but you must make sure you’re aware of any prior damage and, more important, see that the proper repairs were made. Many salvage vehicles are rebuilt properly and will run safely again.

However, con men can alter title documents and make cheap cosmetic repairs to others so they look as good as new on paper and in person.

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Drivers Use Financing To Their Advantage

Understanding your financing options could put you in the driver's seat when it comes to buying a new vehicle-or affording the one you already have.

Still, a recent survey found that many borrowers facing difficult financial circumstances are not aware of the ways that their creditor can help get them back on track. Indeed, only 47 percent of consumers believe that finance companies often work to help customers who are having trouble making payments.

"Consumers have many options available to them when it comes to auto financing. Similarly, if consumers are facing a tough time financially, we encourage them to work with their creditor," said Eric Hoffman, a spokesperson for AWARE (Americans Well-informed on Automobile Retailing Economics), a nonprofit auto financing education group. "Being an educated consumer not only helps when it comes to financing a vehicle, but also when times are tight."

AWARE sponsored the survey, which measured consumers' auto financing knowledge and experience. Additional findings include:

• Consumer satisfaction with auto financing remains high while interest and desire to learn more about the financing process has held steady-despite the sluggish economy.

• Even with a slowdown in auto purchases, consumers-especially those who report to be educated about auto financing-say they are satisfied with their financing decisions and the outcome of the process.

But Hoffman said more work clearly needs to be done. "Despite auto financing education efforts through AWARE, as well as individual company programs, the survey demonstrates more robust education efforts need to be put forth for consumers facing economic hardship," he explained.

To that end, the group was formed to build a greater understanding among consumers about how auto financing works. To learn more, visit www.AutoFinancing101.org. The site was created to ensure that potential buyers of new and used autos have the tools and resources they need to successfully navigate the auto financing process.

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What You Need to Know Before Buying a Car

Incentive packages make buying a new car almost irresistable to but there are some very important credit report and financial questions you should consider before you visit that car dealer.

Auto sales plunged to a 26-year low at the beginning of the year, which is why many car makers are offering incentives to entice consumers back to the auto market.

But before jumping into the market, you should gain a clear understanding of your credit and financial profile to know what you qualify for and if it’s the right time for you to buy a car.
“Through a simple check of their credit reports and scores, many consumers are likely to find that they’re in a solid position when it comes to cashing in on these troubled-economy car deals,” says Lucy Duni, vice president of consumer education at TrueCredit.com by TransUnion. “At the same time, it’s important for consumers to set their limits based on their credit position and their overall finances, because there are many costs associated with making a car purchase, including regular maintenance fees and insurance.”

TrueCredit.com is offering simple tips to guide consumers on the road to making a smart car purchase:

Tip 1: Rev-up your report knowledge.

Review your credit report on an ongoing basis to ensure it accurately reflects your credit history. Your history will dictate your credit score and your score affects your loan rates. Always know where you stand by signing up for TrueCredit Messenger, a free application that is downloaded to your desktop and lets you know when there’s been a critical change to your report.

Tip 2: Make necessary tune-ups.

Whether or not you’re in the market for a new car now, keep a close eye on your credit report. If you spot something that doesn’t look right, you should first contact the creditor involved. If that doesn’t solve the problem or if the issue doesn’t involve a specific credit or loan account, contact the appropriate credit-reporting company directly. If you have significant issues with your reports, consider delaying your purchase until those issues are resolved to help you get the best rate available.

Tip 3: Protect Yourself.

Your credit behavior influences more than just your loan rate. It often plays a role in determining the monthly insurance premiums for your home and car. If you’re getting ready to shop for insurance, TrueCredit.com Insurance Scores let you see ahead of time how you’ll likely be viewed, allowing you to take proactive steps to improve your own credit health that could result in lower premiums.

Tip 4: Make an age-defying purchase.

Decide if you want to buy a new or used car. Buying a used car can save you a heap of money if you do your research. Since new cars generally depreciate 10 to 35 percent during the first two years, it's a good idea to check the depreciation rate on the car you're interested in by looking up the current price and the price for the same car made two years earlier. On the other hand, many of the factory incentives are on new models, so you may get a better deal with a new car right now. It’s important to shop around to find the best deal for you.

Tip 5: Luxury vs. economy -- calculate how much you can afford.

Before you decide that a car is right for you, it's a good idea to evaluate your balance of debts and assets to see how much you can really afford. Also determine if you have a trade-in or down payment to help you pay for the car. These assets can help you negotiate a better rate with lenders and can be especially important if you have problem credit.

Tip 6: Navigate your options.

When you're ready to talk to lenders it's a good idea to shop around for the best available interest rate. Visit your local bank or credit union to discuss applying for an auto loan. Financing with the car dealer can sometimes be more expensive, so pricing out your options is a good idea. And don’t worry. Shopping your loan with multiple lenders over a several weeks will generally have the same net effect on your credit reports as checking only with one lender.

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Stretching Your Money: Tips On Buying Certified Cars

If you are thinking of buying a certified used car, here are some facts you should know
If you're thinking of purchasing a used car, there's good news. Used cars don't have to be as risky a purchase as they used to be. Thanks to certification programs, it's harder to distinguish new from used and more Americans are turning to certified cars for better value.

Certification offers a way to weed out unscrupulous used-car dealers who might sell damaged cars. Vehicles damaged by floodwaters or involved in major accidents are prime candidates to end up as part of such scams.

The number of certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles sold this year is expected to increase significantly from 1.7 million purchased in 2008. Besides costing less than new-car counterparts, certified vehicles also come with many of the same benefits, eliminating much of the guesswork associated with buying used.

Some say it is one of the few segments of the auto market where both sales and value to the buyer have increased. Be wary, however, because not all certification programs are created equal. To help sort out the best from the worthless, used-car experts offer the following tips:

Certified By Whom?

Make sure you know who sets the standards for the certification program and who makes certain they're being enforced. Look for a manufacturer-backed program--the best people to certify a car are the ones who built it and specialize in that make. Most manufacturers will offer a limited warranty in addition to honoring the car's original warranty.

Do Your Homework.

Research the models that make sense for your driving needs. Check safety and reliability reports published online and prices from your whole area.

How Was The Car Certified?

At a minimum, a car should have a detailed mechanical inspection and vehicle history reports. Carfax Vehicle History Reports are a mandatory part of the certification process for more than 80 percent of today's manufacturer-certified programs.

What Does It Get You?

The certified used car you're buying probably comes with an extended warranty. Make sure you know exactly what this covers and for how long. You can always add additional coverage.

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Cutting The Cost Of Buying A Car

Car buyers are cutting the cost of buying a car by looking at CPO's or Certified Preowned Vehicles. In this economy everyone wants to save money and a car purchase is an expensive, but necessary, purchase. Read on and find out how AutoTrader suggests we can save money on buying a car.

(NAPSI)-Experts say the best way to drive down the cost of the next vehicle you purchase may be to look for a CPO-or "certified preowned"-car, truck or SUV.

CPOs, which are becoming increasingly popular with consumers, allow people to benefit from the typical affordability of a used car and the security that comes with a factory-backed warranty. Indeed, certified sales have become a bright spot for the automotive industry, with sales for 2009 showing double-digit growth against the year before.

CPO vehicles are generally several-year-old cars, trucks or SUVs that have been returned to the dealer after being leased. Most CPO vehicles on lots currently range from 2005 to 2007 model years, though it is possible to find 2008 and even the occasional 2009 model year vehicles for sale as well.

Details of manufacturers' CPO programs vary but typically involve an extended warranty and assurances that the car has been carefully scrutinized during a comprehensive, multipoint inspection. Automotive Web sites such as AutoTrader.com can be useful resources for learning about and comparing CPO programs.

CPO Benefits

Experts say that buying what is essentially a factory-backed used vehicle can save consumers money. While a CPO car will generally cost between $500 to $1,000 more than a used car lacking the inspection guarantee, it also will likely cost thousands less than a nearly identical brand-new model. For consumers, this can translate into car payments that will often match the lease payments on a new car, truck or SUV.

Growing Trends

Another factor driving consumers to CPOs is that many are finding it more socially acceptable to buy used. Car buyers, especially those in the luxury sector, find that buying certified gives them many of the perks of buying new, such as access to factory-sponsored maintenance programs, without the worries of appearing fiscally irresponsible in a down economy.

"For a consumer wanting the prestige and customer service that comes with owning a luxury car, balanced with the sensibility of purchasing used, buying CPO is hard to beat,"

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New Car Shopping?

New car shopping? Why the time is right, and why it’s the right thing to do.

(ARA) – Highly motivated dealers, offers to make your payments if you lose your job and a wealth of inventory – all make it a great time to buy a new car.

Even with American automakers’ very public struggles to stay afloat, many financial and business experts agree that the American automobile industry will never disappear. But a perfect storm of rising inventory, greater competition and economic factors make this summer a particularly good time to buy a new car.
Factors driving the trend include:

* Ample Inventory

Right now, most American auto dealers have about a six-month inventory of new vehicles on their lots. That means if they stopped adding cars to their inventories tomorrow, they’d still be able to sell for six months before they ran out.

Ideally, dealers prefer to keep smaller inventories -- just a few months’ worth -- because every unsold vehicle costs them money the longer it sits on their lots. For potential buyers, this excess of inventory means more motivated dealers and a wider selection of makes and models to choose from -- even high-demand hybrids.

* Incentives

From zero percent financing and no-money-down deals to low interest rates on shorter-term loans, dealers are offering a plethora of incentives to woo buyers. Rebates and employee pricing have been around for a while, but last year several car companies introduced programs that promise to make at least some car payments for you if you lose your job (and income) within a certain time frame after buying one of their cars. With the arrival of warm weather – traditionally a prime car-buying season – dealers and automakers are rolling out new incentives every week.

* Financing

With competition for your car-buying dollar expected to become even fiercer, your financing options may soon expand. You’ll be in an especially good position to land a deal if you know the power of your credit score prior to negotiations.

Your credit report and score give lenders a better idea of what kind of credit risk you may be. The higher your score, the more likely it is that you will be able to negotiate good finance terms for your auto loan.

If you don’t know what’s on your credit report, find out before you head out to the dealer’s lot. Web sites like FreeCreditReport.com give you instant access to your free credit report and score with enrollment in their in Triple Advantage Credit Monitoring membership.

* Competition

Not only are new car dealers competing with each other, they’re competing with a booming used car market. More Americans are opting to buy used vehicles, perceiving them as cheaper to purchase. Yet new cars most often cost less to operate and maintain, so buying a new car now (when everyone else is looking for used) may actually make greater economic sense for you in the long run.

Finally you might consider buying a new car because it’s one way you can actually help the economy. Recovery from the recession is everyone’s concern and responsibility, federal officials have said. Contributing your hard-earned dollars to support a vital American industry can not only put you in a new set of wheels you’ll enjoy for years, it can give you a sense of doing your part for the economy as well.

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Buying A Used Car Instead Of A New One Buying Used? How to Avoid Getting Bitten by Repair Costs

If your old clunker is gasping its last, you might think (like millions of other Americans these days) you can save yourself some money by buying a used car instead of a new one. You can -- if you make smart buying decisions. Hasty or unwise used-car buying can end up costing you much more in the long run.
As new car sales have crashed, purchases of used cars continue to rise, according to many news reports. In March, PBS reported that dealerships sold more than 2 million used cars in recent months, about 25 percent higher volume than you would expect in a healthy economy. The math behind the trend is simple: new cars cost more than used, depreciate faster and are generally costlier to insure, so more Americans are buying used to save money.

But what about repair expenses? If you buy a used car for $15,000 and it costs you $5,000 in repairs in the first year, have you really saved? To ensure you’re buying a used vehicle that won’t turn into a money pit, follow a few simple steps:

Early in the Process:

Repairs are a reality of used car buying. As vehicles get older, they begin to need more maintenance and repairs. Some newer model used vehicles may still have some factory warranty left, but older models usually do not. An impending need for repairs, however, may not necessarily be a deal-breaker if you find out ahead of time how much those repairs might cost and budget appropriately.

You probably already have a few makes and models in mind. Before you settle on one, compare the cost of the parts needed for the most common repairs and maintenance. One model may have a sales price that’s $5,000 less than another you’re considering, but if the cost of parts is 20 or 30 percent higher than parts for another vehicle, the higher priced model might actually be a better deal.

Turn to resources like RockAuto.com to compare parts prices. The site’s Repair Index automatically pulls prices from the company’s vast auto parts catalog based on year, make, model and type of part. It’s a quick, easy way to compare parts costs for different models and the results can be surprising.

For example, you might think a Chevy Metro is an economical car, but parts for one can be expensive, according to RockAuto, which sells parts for an average 20 to 60 percent less than other parts dealers. The bulk of the company’s business is selling parts direct to consumers, so it’s possible to save even more money by buying parts directly and doing repairs yourself. Visit www.RockAuto.com to learn more.

Next, check the repair history for a particular make and model from a credible source like Consumer Reports. The independent ratings organization maintains a huge database of information on virtually every make and model vehicle available in America. Actual owners and drivers contribute the information based on their experiences with a particular vehicle.

Once You’ve Narrowed it Down

When you find a vehicle you’re interested in, check the repair history and maintenance for that specific car. Pull a vehicle history report from a third-party source like CarFax, which will generally list major (reported) maintenance and accidents. The report can also help you spot discrepancies in odometer readings, if the vehicle has been used in an area prone to flooding, or if it’s been rebuilt after being in an accident so severe it was declared a total loss.

Never buy a used car until you’ve had it checked by your own mechanic – not even from a dealership that offers “certification” on its used vehicles. If a seller isn’t willing to let you take the vehicle to your mechanic, walk away.

Finally, consult your insurance agent to see how much it will cost to insure the vehicle. A used car that actually increases your annual premium may not be the great deal you thought it was

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Certified Pre-Owned Can Provide Options

Are you in the market for a new vehicle?

Perhaps you are ready to take a step up from that older-model used vehicle you would normally buy, but you still can't afford that fresh-off-the-showroom-floor car that you have been dreaming about for so long.

If this is the case, then maybe it is time to consider certified pre-owned for your next vehicle purchase.

For those who have yet to be exposed to CPO marketing, the basic concept of the certified pre-owned vehicle is simple.

Automobile manufacturers take their late-model used vehicles (usually less than five years old), put them through a fairly rigorous inspection process, attach an extended warranty and other perks, and sell them at a premium.
The benefit to consumers is clear: Many find themselves getting a like-new car with new-car-like peace of mind. Not only do they get these benefits at a used-car price, but they're often able to enter a vehicle class they otherwise couldn't afford.

And with warmer weather approaching, maybe a car isn't on your mind at all. Perhaps the open wheels of a motorcycle are what whets your appetite.

If this sounds like you, then EagleRider, the world's largest motorcycle tour and rental company, may have what you are looking for with lower prices, certified warranties, 100 percent financing, a five-day exchange policy and one-million-mile warranty.

Bikes are selected from their meticulously maintained tour and rental fleet. These bikes are then put through a rigorous 115-point inspection followed by a comprehensive factory-recommended service.

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