Festive-Season Car Buying Checklist: 10 Things to Check Before You Book
Festive months bring offers and long waiting lists. A little planning helps you buy the right car at a fair price. Here is a simple 10-point checklist for buyers of new and used cars.
Before you book
- Set your total budget including insurance, registration, accessories and running costs, not just the ex-showroom price.
- Ask for the on-road price in writing, with a full list of charges.
- Check the safety rating. Bharat NCAP publishes official star ratings (1 to 5 stars) at bncap.in. Compare models before you decide.
- Choose the fuel type by your monthly driving: petrol, CNG, diesel, hybrid or electric.
- Test drive at least two cars, at different times and on roads you use every day.
- Compare offers. Festive discounts and exchange bonuses vary by dealer and can change. Ask what is included and what is extra.
- Check delivery time. Waiting periods differ by variant and colour.
- Read the insurance quote. Compare add-ons and choose only the ones you need.
- Get everything in writing. Booking amount, refund terms, free items and delivery date.
- Inspect at delivery. Check the chassis and engine numbers against your papers, look for scratches, and test every feature before signing.
If you are buying a used car
- Check the registration details on the government’s Parivahan (VAHAN) portal, including insurance, fitness and pollution certificates.
- Confirm that the seller is the real owner and that there is no loan (hypothecation) on the vehicle.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the car and ask for service records.
- Complete the ownership transfer in your name and keep all receipts.
This is general information, not financial advice. Prices, offers and rules change. Information is from public reports and official pages, checked on 20 September 2026. Details can change, so please confirm on official sources.
