How to Buy a Car in India — The Complete Buyer's Guide

Before you walk into a showroom

Buying a car in India is one of the biggest financial decisions most people make after a home. Yet most buyers walk into a showroom with only a vague idea of what they want and end up letting the salesperson guide the conversation.

This guide flips that. It tells you exactly what to research, what questions to ask, what the hidden costs are, and how to negotiate without feeling uncomfortable.

Step 1: Figure out what you actually need

Before looking at any car, answer these questions honestly. How many people will regularly ride in this car? How far do you drive in a typical month? Is this primarily city driving or do you do regular highway trips? Do you need boot space for luggage, groceries, or car seats? Will you be parking in tight spots or on slopes?

These answers eliminate half the market before you even start looking. A single person doing 8 km city commutes does not need an SUV. A family of four doing weekend trips to the hills needs something very different from a daily city runabout.

Step 2: Understand the real cost

The price tag on a car is not what you pay. The on-road price — what actually comes out of your pocket — includes the ex-showroom price plus registration fees, insurance (first year), road tax, dealer charges, and accessories. In most Indian states, this adds ₹50,000 to ₹1.5 lakhs on top of the sticker price.

Then there is the cost of ownership over the next 3–5 years: fuel, servicing, insurance renewals, and eventual depreciation when you sell. A car that is ₹1 lakh cheaper to buy but costs ₹3,000 more per month to fuel is not actually cheaper.

Step 3: Compare properly

Do not rely on a single source. Check the manufacturer's website for specs, but cross-reference with independent reviews. Read owner forums and long-term reviews — they tell you what actually happens after 50,000 km, not just what the brochure promises.

Pay attention to service intervals and cost. A car that needs servicing every 5,000 km with expensive parts will cost more to maintain than one that goes 10,000 km between services with cheaper parts.

Step 4: Visit the showroom armed

Bring a list of specific questions. Ask for the exact on-road price in your state — not the ex-showroom price. Ask about current discounts or exchange offers. Ask about waiting periods. If the salesperson cannot answer clearly, that is information in itself.

Do not let them rush you into a test drive or a booking on the same day. A good car will still be available tomorrow.

Spoke pages coming soon

The guides below cover the specific questions — how to negotiate, the best time to buy, and what ex-showroom vs on-road price really means.