Lucknow: When Ashutosh Singh of Indira Nagar bought a car worth Rs 14 lakh during last year’s festive season, he assumed he had secured the best deal. However, he later learnt that another dealership had offered the same model to one of his relatives at an additional discount of Rs 10,000, prompting him to realise the importance of comparing offers before making a purchase.With automobile dealers rolling out festive-season discounts on cars and two-wheelers, buyers should look beyond promotional offers. Expenses related to insurance, accessories and loans can significantly reduce actual savings. Experts advise comparing quotations, checking documents and inspecting the vehicle thoroughly before delivery.Compare dealership pricesBuyers should obtain written on-road quotations from at least three dealerships for the same model and variant. Discounts, registration charges, insurance premiums and other costs should be compared carefully. While one showroom may offer a discount of Rs 50,000, another may offer Rs 65,000. However, buyers should ensure that higher discounts are not offset by additional charges elsewhere.Compare insurance and loan offersPurchasing insurance from the dealership is not mandatory. Buyers can compare premiums and coverage offered by different insurers before making a decision.Car buyer Ikraam Khan said he recently compared insurance quotations from multiple providers and secured a better deal. “I did not know that buying insurance from the dealership was not compulsory. When I showed the dealer quotations from other insurers, I was offered a better price at the showroom,” he said.Experts also advise comparing loan interest rates, processing fees and the overall repayment amount before signing any agreement.Avoid unwanted accessoriesDealerships often offer accessory packages that include seat covers, floor mats, mud flaps, door visors and decorative kits. These can add Rs 20,000 to Rs 35,000 or more to the final bill. Buyers should seek an itemised price breakup and remove accessories they do not require.Inspect the vehicle before deliveryVehicles should be inspected in daylight for scratches, dents, paint defects and damage to tyres or the windscreen. Buyers should also check the odometer, lights and other electrical features.Experts recommend verifying the vehicle’s manufacturing date and the manufacturing dates of key components such as tyres before taking delivery.Check documents and warranty detailsAmit Kumar Gupta, another car buyer, said he faced difficulties after misplacing the warranty card for an infotainment system installed by the dealership at the time of delivery.“When the system developed a fault two months later, I had to face several difficulties in getting it replaced,” he said.Buyers should collect the invoice, insurance policy, owner’s manual and warranty documents before accepting delivery. They should also ensure that all promised accessories and features are mentioned in the invoice or delivery checklist.Auto expert Amit Jain said: “Due to the rush at dealerships and pressure to complete deliveries, many buyers skip the pre-delivery inspection of vehicles and documents, which later causes problems during servicing. Buyers should be patient and check every detail before accepting delivery.”
