Being an auto enthusiast, it’s very easy to get drawn into any conversation containing a set of 4 wheels. Then there is always someone in the group discussion, asking the question – “which car should I buy?”.
Just like a decision tree, this leads to the next question – “Should I go in for a new car or a second hand car?”
After responding to quite a few friends, going along with them to Second hand dealers since they wanted a second opinion. This prompted me to pen my thoughts on the advice I generally give.
Let us have some fun by creating a discussion in a role play format. Let’s assume this character is Jerry.
Jerry(J): Hi Nikhil, I have been thinking about buying a car. Not sure which one though. I am in the process of getting my license.
Nikhil(N): That’s great. Do you have a preference on which car do u want, as in what type – sedan, hatch etc.
J: Oh!!! (Looks quizzical and amused) … I am still learning … and not sure what are you telling me. (Please note, I was not telling him, but asking him )
N: (I take a deep breath and exhale slowly) Dude, before I can get into the cars to buy, I would need to know how comfortable are you, actually driving.
J: I am learning, I should get my license in about a month from now!
N: Great, good luck for the exam
Then the conversation drifts off to his driving school experience and then back to the conversation at hand
J: So which car?
N: What is your budget?
J: I haven’t yet decided… but about the same … about 4 to 5 lacs at max. What are the options. I have heard about the Hyundai i10, the MS Celerio, and Hyundai Grand i10 as well… (and a bunch of other names )
N: do you want a petrol or diesel?
J: I don’t know… what should I do? What do you recommend?
N: Well.. ( I am thinking about what’s the best way to help my friend and give him the right advice ) … ( then I launch into my sermon ) .. J, first you must decide what is your daily commute and what do you intend on doing… and how much driving do you plan to do in a month and year as well. Then it depends on your confidence level as well on driving. Is this your first car in the family ? Do you already have a car which you were using ( invariably Dad’s car ) and now plan on buying your own. How many people are you planning to carry when you drive it – like mostly 2 passengers and sometimes about 4 people etc.
J: Man !!!... I have not given it such a deep thought. I need to think. I will get back
N: ( Proactively) J, if its your first car, and the first car in the family, then I would actually suggest a 2nd hand car to get a little confidence on the road conditions before buying a new car.
This is where the conversation becomes a little too much for me to capture…. So I’d rather just pen down my thoughts
As a petro-head, I take great interest in what is happening with the car, the finer noises and nuances of the car as a whole.
For me, it’s important that we understand the car, and treat it well. I would love to go on and on about how to listen to the noises she makes (Yes ! every car is always referred to as a “she” ), how she handles and the mileage she returns. The mileage is a final outcome of her health.
For this, let us take a step back and go and help Jerry.
There are 2 distinct groups who have different ways of perceiving things.
1st Group – Those who are buying a car for the first time, the first car in the family
2nd Group – Those who have had a car in the family and know driving, and this is a new addition to the garage.
Advice for the 1st group:
Go in for a cheap second hand car, and use it for about a max of 2 years before buying a new car.
In most cases, the driver has just about acquired a license and not a very confident to drive in different types of traffic conditions and roads as well.
The primary reasons for this recommendation are:
1. The novice becomes an expert and understands the car, on a relatively less expensive car to maintain
2. Any scratches and dents can be easily fixed and won’t cost a bomb!
3. It wouldn’t hurt as much in case there is any major damage as well
4. Clutch plate replacement might be due, and would cost relatively lesser than in a new car
5. The driver can use it for a few long distances (inter-city) and get user to highway driving conditions too.
6. Once he / she is confident and understands how the car works and its basic maintenance requirements, it would be far more easier to maintain the new car
7. The driver would have a higher maturity while maintaining the new car, resulting in a better driving experience and lower maintenance costs.
8. Simple things like, cleaning the ac air filters , checking the engine oil, brake fluids, changing fuses can be done by the driver himself rather than take it to a service center to get conned.
There are other nuances of driving, that the new driver can practice and refine his style, like;
1. Judging traffic conditions to slow down saving fuel
2. Better control on the clutch and lesser wear during bumper to bumper traffic conditions
3. Understanding the difference between highway driving and city driving
4. Understanding the difference between day and night time driving
5. About the right light beam to use while driving ( High beam and Low beam)
6. Eye coordination between the 3 rear view mirrors
7. Better judgment on the speed of the traffic, especially the oncoming traffic when on highways
8. Understanding how the car behaves when the tyre air pressure is lower than the recommended pressure
The list can go on, but these are the basic ingredients that go into becoming a better driver along with taking car of your car.
The most important thing, understanding and respecting Traffic Rules
Advice for the 2nd Group:
This group generally knows about a car, and have a car in the family. Here the approach is slightly different. They are the guys who have more or less shortlisted the vehicle they want to buy, are generally looking for an opinion or advice on certain models and variants.
For this group, I have devised a set of questions, which would help in making a purchase
1. How many people are going to be riding in it, generally
2. What is the core purpose of the vehicle (office commute, weekend commute, only for holidays etc?)
3. What’s the general daily distance being traversed
4. What car do they already own; like if they have a hatchback, do you want to go in for a sedan or SUV
5. Petrol or Diesel
6. Trim level preferred – specific variant and their advantages or more specifically their Value for money proposition
The list can go on, like I said earlier, but this should help narrow down the search.
Every car lover has a different perspective, it would be wrong to put them into any global bucket or stereo-type them. That’s the reason, I have not given any recommendation about any vehicle in this article.
Readers can always contact me for any specific queries.
