Buying a car in India is a monumental occasion, and if it’s the first car, even more precious! Both new cars and used ones are equally popular in India. But people often decide to buy a car without much consideration or research. While buying a new car can be prestigious, a used car is equally valuable, as long as it is of top quality and is affordable. These are some important factors to consider when purchasing a used car.
So, what do you think is the best time to buy a used car in India? The right time is important as it influences the final price of the car. If you buy at the wrong time or in the wrong season, you might end up paying a higher price. This article will explain the best time to buy a car and when to avoid it. Also, find out what steps you can take before heading to the dealer’s.
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Best Time to Buy a Used Car in India
In a diverse country like India, there is no single month or season that can be termed the best time to buy a used car. There are multiple months or seasons when you can get the best deal.
Year Ending
A new year means a fresh start, and most dealers will be trying to clear out their space for the fresh batch. These moves can reduce the sales price, and you might get the lowest rate for your dream car. Buying during this time will be a smart move.
The year ending does not simply mean the month of December; it can also be from October to December. You can start the research ahead of time and start looking for the best car from earlier months. With some negotiation power, you can easily find the best price and close the deal.
End of Financial Year- March
March, the end of the financial year, is the second-best time to buy a used car in India. It is the time when the dealers are trying their best to reach their sales goals, and there will be offers and discounts. Grab this opportunity to find the most affordable rates for your target vehicle. Additionally, the salesperson is more likely to be receptive to your negotiations.
The end of the financial year is also the time when business owners sell their old high-end cars to claim depreciation benefits. So not only would you be able to get a reduced price, but also a chance to find good deals on some top-tier cars as well.
Monsoon Season
Monsoon in India is getting unpredictable, and people are often hesitant to go out to purchase a new car during this season. This causes a sales dip for the dealers. It makes a golden opportunity for you to go shopping and grab a few items. The dealers might be more lenient to get more sales and less focused on the negotiations. Monsoon season in India is from June to Nov, and it will be different in each location. Choose those rainy months in your area and enjoy better deals on your next car. Do keep in mind that the monsoon season may cause an increase in the price of SUVs.
Festive Season
A festival is simply a reason to buy new things in India, and a new car is definitely on it. As most Hindu festivals are considered auspicious for new purchases, most festivals come with a discount or offers. Luckily, in a diverse nation like India, every month has a festival. There are several festivals from August to December in India. But you should look for the bigger festivals, such as Diwali, Christmas, etc., when you will have better discount offers.
Holiday Season
The holiday season, especially the summer, may not be the ideal time to buy a used car, but it provides better opportunities for a good one. Families often go on summer vacation, and many may require a new one for their needs and are willing to let go of their older ones. You may capitalise on this and get a good deal.
Launch of a new model
If your target brand has recently launched a new model or a variant, then it is the best time to bid for its older model. People looking for an upgrade might be selling their older ones, and it is the best time to grab those favourites at the best possible rates. Do not expect discounts or offers at this time.
When Not to Buy a Used Car in India
While there are no bad months to buy a used car, there are two periods that you need to be aware of. One is the just-be-cautious-time, and the other is a stay-away-from scenario.
Peak Summer
As mentioned, summer is a busy time with more sales and purchases, which can often lead to inflated rates for a car. With more bidding coming in together, it can be tough to buy the best one, especially if you are on a budget. Moreover, the demand will also be higher during this period, and the prices are naturally higher.
The perk of this season is that there will be more choices. This is an ideal scenario if you are undecided regarding the brand, model, or variant.
After a natural disaster
Buying a used car in India after a natural disaster is not advisable, as it requires extreme caution and scrutiny. Damaged vehicles, especially those affected in flood-like scenarios, may be cosmetically repaired and look perfect. They will need a thorough multilayer-inspection to determine its authenticity. This is not a good time for a car purchase, especially if you are a first-time buyer.
Things to Do Before Buying a Used Car
Set your budget
Before deciding on the type of vehicle, set your budget. Purchasing a car can be a financial burden for many. So it is important to have a clear plan and a budget so you do not go overboard and make your life harder at a later stage. Once the budget is set, you can look for cars that fit within your range and then explore different brands.
Check reviews
Once the type of car is decided, go through the car reviews available in various forums. This will give you a general idea regarding the pros and cons of each brand and its types. These reviews are a gold mine to find faults and frequent technical issues that a car suffers from. Weigh these factors before making a decision.
Decide on the model or variant
If you have not yet, make the decision soon. Deciding on the exact type of vehicle you need will narrow down the number of huddles you need to get through. Once decided, you can head over to find all the necessary details so you can find the best specifications at the best price possible. It will also save you time at the dealers.
Once you have all these steps completed, find the best dealer to buy your car.
Before Going to the Dealers
Before you head to the dealers, here are a few things to remember!
- Find out the current rates: Every type of car has a certain value in the market, based on its make, specifications, variant, number of years, etc. Understand these factors before reaching the dealers. Moreover, each dealer will have a different quote, which you can easily find online. Having a clear picture will help you at the negotiation table.
- Fine-tune your bargaining skills: Do not hesitate to bargain the price. Its your money! However, you need better bargaining skills and present them with good arguments with the technical details. This is why it is important to complete the steps above. Remember that the dealers would not cross a certain price threshold, and no amount of negotiation will help you win in those situations.
- Get your own mechanic: While it is not necessary, it will be a good move to have your own mechanic whom you trust and can thoroughly inspect the vehicle you intend to buy.
Conclusion
Buying a used car in India is about being smarter and choosing the right time. There are multiple periods during which you can find the best deal. You can simply choose the most convenient time as per your financial availability. Luckily, these suitable periods are almost evenly spread throughout the year, so you will always have a next time sooner than later.
Take some time to map out your plans and study the market well so you can execute them efficiently. Understanding the market will help you save more money by getting better discounts and offers. Take the car out on a test drive if you can, to understand it better before making the final decision.
Before the purchase, you must thoroughly understand the type of vehicle and conduct research to find the best dealer. Good dealers like Spinny will let you have a hassle-free car shopping and will also help with the post-sales formalities and paperwork. Enquire about the possible car loans, and do not forget your car insurance. Have a great car shopping!
