10 Real Car Buying Tips No Dealer Will Tell You, before buying your first car in India- Ridevortex

Updated On: December 7, 2025

Why is it most important decision to buy first car?

Things No Dealer Will Tell You When Buying Your First Car

These days, owning a car has become more than a convenience it’s a necessity. But many first-time buyers make mistakes that cost them for years. Having helped hundreds of people buy their first car over the past eight years, I’ve seen that 70% run into trouble simply because they bought without the right information.

That’s why I’m sharing the things most car dealers will never tell you. These tips will save you money and help you get the perfect vehicle.

1. Ask Yourself How You’ll Use the Car

Before you start shopping, get clear on your main purpose for owning a car. If you’ll be driving it daily to work, fuel efficiency (mileage) should be top of your list. But if it’s mostly for weekend trips with family, then comfort and space are more important.

Whenever I advise a client, I always ask how many kilometers they plan to drive per month. If it’s over 1,000 km, go for a diesel—otherwise, petrol makes more sense. This simple calculation will save you thousands.

2. Don’t Make This Budgeting Mistake

Most buyers look only at the ex-showroom price, but this is a big mistake. The true cost includes insurance, registration, basic accessories, and the first year’s service costs.

For example, if the ex-showroom price of your car is ₹8 lakh, the on-road cost may climb to ₹9.5 lakh. Also, expect to spend another ₹15,000–20,000 in the first month for essentials like mats, seat covers, and a music system.

Pro Tip: When setting your budget, always add about 20% to the ex-showroom price.

3. Don’t Get Trapped by Brand Names

In India, many buyers choose cars based on big brand names, but frankly, almost all new cars offer good quality these days. What matters more is the after-sales service and the availability of spare parts.

Check if there’s an authorized service center of your chosen brand within reasonable distance from your city. If it’s over 50 km away, you might be better off with another brand—you don’t want to waste time and money on long trips just for servicing.

4. What to Check During the Test Drive

Never treat the test drive as just a formality—this step is vital. Yet 90% of people finish their test drive in 5 minutes and end up regretting it later.

Take at least 30 minutes for your test drive. Drive through city traffic, hit the highway, and test parking in tight spaces. Pay attention to engine noise, steering response, braking, and AC performance.

If anything feels off, don’t hesitate to ask the dealer for clarity—this could save you headaches down the road.

5. Don’t Fall Into the EMI Trap

Attractive EMI schemes are everywhere. “Drive home a car for just ₹10,000 per month!” But there’s a catch: lower EMIs mean a longer loan period. If you take out an 8-year loan, you’ll end up paying 40–50% extra in interest. Plus, the longer you own the car, the more it depreciates.

Smart Move: Choose a loan tenure of no more than 5 years. Pay off your loan early if possible.

6. Get the Right Insurance

Dealerships will offer you insurance, but many buyers settle for simple third-party policies to save money—a huge risk.

Always buy comprehensive insurance for a new car. Yes, it’s more expensive, but it protects you against accidents, theft, and natural disasters. Add zero depreciation cover as well, since a new car loses value fastest in the first couple of years.

7. Choose the Right Fuel Type

The endless petrol-versus-diesel debate comes down to your driving needs. Here’s a rule of thumb:

If you drive over 1,500 km a month, diesel is financially wiser.
For less than that, stick to petrol; diesel cars cost ₹1-2 lakh extra up front, plus higher maintenance.

If CNG stations are common in your city, that’s worth considering—running costs are lowest, though you get less power and pickup.

8. Don’t Ignore Resale Value

Hardly anyone thinks about resale value while buying, but in 4–5 years when it’s time to sell, you’ll wish you had. Some brands and models hold value much better than others.

Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, and Honda consistently offer the best resale value. A ₹10 lakh car from these brands can fetch ₹5–6 lakh after five years.

Tip: Check prices for 3–4 year old versions of the same model online to get a sense of future resale value.

9. Watch Out for Hidden Charges

You may find the advertised car price, only to discover that the real bill is much higher with RTO fees, insurance, warranties, and accessory packs—all of which can add 15–20% to your budget.

Request a detailed list of all charges upfront. Many accessories are optional and can be skipped. Only go for the extended warranty if you plan to keep the car for at least 7–8 years.

10. Follow This Checklist at Delivery

Excited new owners often skip a thorough inspection at delivery—a costly mistake as it’s hard to raise complaints afterward.

First, check the manufacturing date; avoid any car over three months old. Test every feature—lights, indicators, music system, AC, power windows. Inspect for scratches, dents, and paint issues.

Verify all paperwork: RC, insurance, warranty card, service manual, spare key, toolkit—the works.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Deciding based only on a tempting monthly EMI instead of total cost.
Relying blindly on the dealer’s advice without independent research.
Treating insurance as an afterthought.
Buying extended warranties or maintenance contracts without fully understanding them.
Ignoring ongoing service costs and spare part availability.

Final Advice

Buying a car is a major financial decision—it impacts your budget for years. Take your time. Compare at least 2–3 cars in detail before finalizing.

Do your research online before visiting the showroom. Read reviews from real owners, watch YouTube videos, and talk to car owners you know.

The most important thing: Don’t let anyone pressure you into booking immediately. If a dealer says, “Book today or the offer will disappear,” it’s a red flag.

The right car will be your reliable companion for years, not just a means of transport—choose wisely.