ix)
Besides this, one should choose the Dealer from whom to buy also carefully
– depending on his market reputation. It’s known out of
experience that Dealers who offer a lot of free-bees at the time of
initial purchase more than make up for it later from you alone!
x) Having come thus far, the next step is to ‘Meaningfully
Test Drive’ the shortlisted ones – preferably with the full
Family compliment in the Rear Seats so as to get their feed back too
- as to how they enjoyed the ‘ride’ as well.
6) Tips on ‘Test-Driving’
a New Car
In
general, one should look out for :
i) The
overall build quality – inside out.
ii) Ride
Quality – both up front AND Rear - especially over rough roads/potholes/speed
breakers.
iii) Leg
room – both in front and rear seats.
iv) Pick-up/braking/Performance.
v) Effectiveness
of the A/C and the Drag it creates on the Engine.
vi) Handling,
by way of cornering/stability on rough roads and while braking.
vii) ‘NVH’
inside the Cabin.
viii) ‘Feel’
of the gearshift mechanism, whether positive/slick or vague.
ix) Boot
space.
x) Any
other hems and frills that one may care for.
7) On taking Delivery
of a new car
Basically you have to lookout for the following :
i) That the Car is infact a brand new piece and not a ‘spruced-up
demo' one. It should look/feel and above all, ‘smell’ unmistakably
like a new Car – inside out AND ‘Under’ !
ii) This is particularly important as these days, there seems to be
a lot of hanky-panky going on, due to the lax Laws and OEMs being hand
in glove with unscrupulous Dealers.
iii) Odometer readings cannot be relied upon. Existence of 'end-whiskers'
on Tyres is a good point to start.
iv) That there are no tell tale signs of any paint touch-up done - to
cover-up any transit or local handling damages. A touch-up job will
always show-up to a 'pro'.
v) A careful test drive should be taken on the ‘chosen piece’
after taking care of the above, to ascertain that mechanically there
are no flaws in it and all electricals/dash-board instruments are working,
as they should.
vi) If you are not confident of tackling all the above yourself, it's
always worthwhile to take someone ‘knowledgeable’ along
to do the needful for you.
A well researched Purchase and the piece so chosen will be worth all
the effort as after all, Cars don’t come cheap and hardly anybody
these days has the time or energy to keep taking it up and down the
Garages - either under Warranty or otherwise.
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