In this guide
Buying your first car is exciting — and easy to get wrong if you start with the showroom instead of a plan. Work through these steps in order and the shortlist almost builds itself.
1. Start with the real budget
The price on the brochure is only the beginning. Add the on-road price (registration, road tax, insurance), then the yearly running cost: fuel, servicing, insurance renewals, parking and tyres. If you plan to finance, include the EMI. A useful check: keep the total monthly cost of the car (EMI + fuel + insurance + maintenance) to roughly 10–15% of your gross monthly income.
2. Be honest about how you will use it
- Mostly city, short trips: compact size, light clutch or an automatic, good turning circle and good visibility matter more than power.
- Regular highway trips: a stable, comfortable car with adequate power and good braking.
- Family use: rear-seat space, boot size, easy entry and safety features.
- Low monthly running: a petrol car often makes financial sense; high monthly running can justify CNG, diesel or electric.
3. Pick the body style that fits
Hatchbacks are affordable and easy to park. Compact SUVs offer higher seating and ground clearance for bad roads. Sedans are comfortable on highways with a separate boot. MPVs give the most seating and space. Choose the smallest body that still meets your real needs — it will cost less to buy, insure and run.
4. Shortlist three or four models
Compare price, real-world mileage, safety features, boot space, service network and resale demand. Use the comparison tool on this site to view specifications side by side.
5. Choose the variant carefully
Mid variants usually give the best value. Check exactly which features are in each variant — safety features such as multiple airbags, ABS and rear parking sensors should not be treated as luxuries. Skip features you will not use.
6. Test drive the exact variant
Drive the transmission you plan to buy, on roads similar to yours. See our test-drive checklist in the Buying Guide.
7. Negotiate the whole quote
Ask for a detailed on-road price break-up, then compare it with the estimate from our on-road price tool. Question extras such as accessories, extended warranty and bundled insurance.
8. Arrange finance before you commit
Compare loan offers, check your eligibility and confirm the EMI feels comfortable, including months when other expenses spike.
9. Inspect before delivery
Do a proper pre-delivery inspection: matching chassis number, paint and panels, features, tyres, accessories and papers.