This Festive Season, Automotive Is A Buyer’s Market, But Safety And Hygiene Can Make Or Break Brands.

Niraj Singh Nov 19, 2020

Without a shadow of a doubt, the last quarter of the year is the most awaited as it marks the beginning of India’s grandest, world-famous festive season. This year, however, there have been uncertainties in businesses owing to the devastating impact of the pandemic. Although, from a consumer standpoint, the festive season has always been considered to be an auspicious time to make a big-ticket purchase or begin a new venture. And one of the most popular purchases that happen during the festive season is that of buying a car.

With the pandemic creating a new world order where the mobility sector is undergoing a transition from shared rides to individual vehicles, an increasing number of people are opting to buy used cars rather than a new one. Used cars are now being viewed as a more viable and pragmatic option for millions of Indians who wish to own a car. That said, the used car segment, too, has drastically evolved, and consumers are no longer visiting used car showrooms to make a purchase. The ongoing crisis has made safety and hygiene paramount, and sensing the opportunity, used car platforms are now bringing the showroom experience online.

However, when it comes to buying used cars, there has always been a certain degree of ambiguity surrounding the purchase, making for some significant gaps in the overall buying experience. As a buyer, you would not want to let the price, quality, or safety aspects hamper the excitement of purchasing a car, particularly in the festive season. Safety and hygiene are the need of the hour for both businesses as well as consumers.

On that note, here are some tips to bear in mind before buying a car.

Being prepared: A potential lifesaver

First and foremost, safety and hygiene can never be allowed to take a backseat. We are living in a time when the popular saying ‘You can never be too careful’ is true. Being prepared and being careful can potentially save your life and mitigate any unnecessary risk. Ensure you keep a checklist of things you need to carry before stepping out of your homes. Masks, sanitizers, tissues, disposable gloves, etc. Some brands even offer the aforementioned to every customer to make sure that there is no compromise on the safety aspect.

Additionally, it is also recommended that once you purchase the car, sanitize it thoroughly before taking it out for a spin. Frequently touched surfaces such as door handles, steering wheels, the gear, and dashboard need to be disinfected to eliminate any risk of infection. This is particularly important while going for test drives. While brands are going the extra mile to deliver an impeccable experience, it is always better to be on the safer side.

Check the service history

Nothing spells trouble and dampened spirits quite like discovering that the car you buy has a bad service history. Before making the purchase, insist on checking the vehicle’s service history. It is also best to opt for a dealer who believes in transparency and offers an inspection report of the vehicle along with its service history to erase any doubts regarding its condition.

Online platforms: The best bet

Since making multiple trips to the showroom for test drives, bookings, and even to collect the vehicle would jeopardize your safety, online platforms have become the best bet for customers to purchase a car this festive season. Online platforms eliminate the need for customers to leave the comfort of their homes to visit a dealership and buy a car. You can now browse through hundreds of cars to compare, shortlist, and make your purchase. Online platforms even offer home test drives and deliveries of the cars free of cost!

Furthermore, when you opt to buy a vehicle from an online platform, it saves you the hassle of going through and filling huge amounts of paperwork. For a seamless service, online platforms also offer constant customer support to assist customers with queries along with free warranties with every purchase. Online used car platforms are now providing financial services that help the customer get a better car for excellent value and an economical price.

Steer clear of needless negotiations

For most items, we often have the habit of bargaining to get the best price. However, needlessly negotiating can ruin your car-buying experience and make it a tense process. Make sure you steer clear of unnecessary negotiations while buying a used car and remember to make the most of the available options. Certain brands even offer a money-back guarantee service where customers can return the car with a 5-day money-back, no-questions-asked guarantee along with options of buyback with commitments for future resale values.

Last but not least, do your research to find a trustworthy used car platform that offers value for money and a safe, comfortable experience allowing you to focus on the joy of buying a car with assured quality. It is the perfect time to embark on a new journey so add to the joy of the festive season by making an informed choice.