Biggest Demand Of The Indian Biker- Fuel Efficiency

With the ever rising cost of petrol, every vehicle owner in the country is looking for fuel efficient options. India is one of the largest markets for two wheelers, so much so that foreign manufacturers like Suzuki, Royal Enfield and Yamaha etc. have made a successful foray into the market. Bikes are one of the best vehicles to drive on the roads.

These vehicles take up less space and hence can be parked anywhere without any hassle. You do not need to rent or own a parking space for them. Since they are compact and small in size, they can cut and glide through narrow by-lanes and gaps between vehicles in traffic signals and jams. Hence, you can criss-cross your way out of traffic snarl and reach your destination on time. Moreover, bikes offer good mileage which is why you do not have to spend much money on getting them refuelled. Getting your bike serviced will cost you much less than what you would spend getting your car fixed.

Some people might argue that bikes do not offer enough boot space. Even though there is truth in this argument, bike riders tend to tie up their stuff on the carrier or saree guard provided at the back. However, this arrangement is not safe and it has led to many road accidents.

The highest selling Indian bikes are made by the companies Hero Moto Corp, Bajaj and TVS.

Hero Moto Corp - Earlier known as Hero Honda, the alliance between Hero Moto Corp and Honda came to an end in recent years and since then Hero Moto Corp has gone solo in its ventures. The fuel efficient bikes produced by the company are the HF Deluxe and HF Dawn. The HF Dawn has an engine that is less than 110 cc and offers mileage of 82.9 kmpl. The HF Dawn costs Rs 36,600 while the HF Deluxe, with similar specs costs around Rs 39,000.

TVS -The best-selling fuel efficient bike from the house of TVS is the TVS Star City. The bike has an engine of 110cc and offers mileage of 83.9 kmpl. It has an electric start option, which relieves you from kick starting the bike into motion. It is available in a number of seating styles and costs Rs 43,000.

TVS Star City

Bajaj Motors -The star performer from Bajaj is the Bajaj Discover 100T. With an engine of 100cc and 4 valve DTSi (Digital Twin Spark ignition) technology, the bike offers mileage of 87 kmpl. Bajaj is one of the first bikes to employ this technology in India. The bike has been priced at Rs 50,500.

Another popular bike from the Bajaj motors is Bajaj Platina which has an engine of 100cc and offers mileage of 108 kmpl. The bike is priced at less than Rs 40,000.

These bikes are not only affordable but also easy to maintain. The after sales servicing of the bikes is good and spare parts are quite easily available.

If you are low on money and want to buy a bike for commuting, then you can look up used bikes classifieds on different websites.

Best Maruti Cars For Multiple Passengers

No hatchback or sedan can comfortably accommodate more than 4 passengers and a driver. Back seats of most sedans and hatchbacks are not long enough to accommodate everyone comfortably. Added to that is the woes of carrying luggage. Families wanting to go on a road trip find it quite difficult to do so with a hatchback. With multiple passengers and luggage, it becomes a nightmare to accommodate it all.

In such a situation, it would pay off to buy an SUV or MPV. So far, the only multiple passenger seating car that Maruti had in the market was the Maruti Omni. But now, aside the Omni, the Maruti EECO and Ertiga have forayed into the market. It has been of much help to Indian buyers since they prefer to buy cars by Maruti due to the servicing facility offered and easy availability of spare parts.

Maruti Eeco- A revamped version of Maruti’s previously launched car, Versa, the engine provided in the car is 1198 cc and it produces a power of 73 bhp at 6000 rpm. It is quite easy to manoeuvre the car through traffic because of the powerful engine. The interiors have been done up well and the air conditioning is quite powerful. The reclining front seats and tubeless tires provided can grab the attention of any buyer. The car has a lot of cabin and boot space and can overtake quite quickly which is a good feature for city roads. In terms of safety, the car has been provided with side beams, levelling head lamps and child lock. The only feature that can go against the car is its boxy look. The car can seat 7 passengers comfortably, apart from the driver. The mileage offered is 13 kmpl within city limits and 17 kmpl on highways. It costs between Rs 3 and 4.5 lakhs.


Maruti Ertiga- For buyers looking for a comfortable car both in terms of driving and in terms of riding it, the Maruti Ertiga takes the cake. With a proportionate design, amazing features offered, comfortable interiors and smooth drive, the car has been grabbing eyeballs. The car comes in 3 variants- petrol, CNG and Diesel. The 1.4L engine produced a power of 93.7 bhp@ 6000 rpm while the CNG produces 81bhp @ 6000rpm. The DDiS diesel engine produces a power of 89bhp@4000rpm. Sliding seats, a good audio system and high quality air conditioning is what makes the car comfortable to drive. The safety features included in the car are SRS airbags, ABS with EBD, and seat belts of the 3 point ELR type. The cost of the car begins from Rs 5.9 lakhs and can go up to Rs 8.8 lakhs.

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara- Offering a mileage of 8 kmpl on city roads and 12 kmpl on highways, this SUV from Suzuki has won hearts all over the world. The car has an engine of 2.4LT and 163bhp power. The 6 CD changing audio player, advanced air conditioning, multiple unit display and spacious cabin make the ride on the Maruti Grand Vitara a special one. The cost of the car is between Rs 24 and 26 Lakhs. Secondhand car is available for these models and you can look for them if you are low on budget. To locate an individual seller or an authorised dealer of used car, you can log into an online classifieds website.

Maruti Grand Vitara

How To Make Selling Your Old Car Profitable?

Most people do not expect to sell off their old car for a profit. This arises because we think we won’t be able to fetch a good deal on the car. Surprisingly, there are a large number of buyers who would be willing to pay a fair sum for a used car in good condition. Therefore, there is no reason to think that selling off our cars will be a loss making deal. By following the next few tips, you can get a handsome amount on selling your used car.

• Make sure your used car is in proper working condition. If there are minor repairs required, then do get them done. However, there is no reason to get major repairing works done as you may not be able to realize the money that you have spent on it. 
• A car that has a few faulty parts will fetch better money when compared to a car in relatively good condition but shoddy appearance. Very few people have in-depth knowledge regarding the working of cars. However, they can judge what is attractive and what is not. Hence it would be a good idea to keep up the appearance of your car. 
1. Get the car waxed and the broken head or tail lights replaced before showing your car to potential buyers.
2. Empty the boot and the glove compartment of the car.
3. If you think the carpets are dirty, then you should get them washed.
4. Spray adequate quantity of car and room fragrances in order to keep musty smells at bay.
5. If the paint has been grazed in places, get some touch ups done. These jobs are not very expensive and hence you can easily afford them for your car. 

Buy Used Cars

• Keep the tax and insurance papers in order. Many secondhand car buyers check the tax papers before buying in order to calculate the amount that they would pay once they buy the car. If you had the car battery changed, then keep those papers handy too. Moreover, if you had air conditioning installed in your car separately (in case of Maruti 800s), you should have the bill for that in place too. 
• Once your car is prepare to be sold in the market, place an advertisement in the vehicles’ classifieds in newspapers. You can also place an advertisement in online classifieds. State the make of the car, the year of manufacturing, number of kilometres that it has ran and the years for which the taxes have been paid. You can provide your cell phone number or e-mail address as a means to contact you. Uploading a picture of your car will help you get the car sold faster as buyers can see and judge the car and then call you. Listing your car on an online classifieds will also minimize the involvement of brokers, who will charge you brokerage fees for getting your car sold. 
• Once the car has been sold, you can get the ownership and other papers transferred in the name of the new buyer through the help of an agent. It is advisable to hire an agent because the process would be faster.

How To Buy Second Hand Cars Easily

Buying second hand cars may not always be an easy task these days. People have loads of doubts and apprehensions about buying second hand cars. There is a common perception that second hand cars are difficult to purchase and maintain. It is true that once you make a bad investment, it can bother you for a long time. If you buy the wrong car, you can expect loads of expenses in terms of repair costs, servicing and maintenance costs and fuel costs. Your car might well be stuck in the garage for all you know. This is one aspect that deters people from buying any second hand car.

However, if you are thinking of buying a used car or a used car in any other city, you need to have a strategic game plan before executing your purchase decision. This is important in order to strike a good deal and get the best bang for your buck. Buying any secondhand car is a good deal because of the huge amount of money you save. New cars come with a plethora of additional charges in terms of registration duties, taxes, tariffs and insurance costs. To add to the agony, there are long waiting periods and bank formalities to be completed as well.

Buying a good used car in the city of your choice will help you indulge your desires for buying a car without straining your pocket. However, you need to have your strategy in place beforehand. Always use online car classifieds to buy your desired car model. These portals will help you compare prices and sellers. Check out all listed advertisements and find out the personal contact details of sellers if provided. If not, you can reply to these advertisements with all your details. If you do manage to get hold of personal contact details, you should call up the seller and negotiate the prices further.

Maruti Swift

It is better if you set a single bottom line car price which is way below the original asking price. If the seller tries to scale it up a little above the bottom line price, you will still get a price that is quite lower than the asking price. Alongside, you should ensure on checking out the used car in question before finalizing your purchase. If there is any objection on part of the seller in this regard, back out of the deal straightaway. Always take along a mechanic or local car expert with you when you take the car out for a test drive. Check out the mileage and ask about any major repairs and accidents. Alongside, do not forget to ask for registration, tax and insurance papers as and when relevant. Always ensure that the car is duly registered with your local authority. Always check to see whether there are any pending dues on the car. Ask the owner to pay up those dues before you take possession of the vehicle. Use online classifieds portals to find the best used cars in any city.

Affordable Maruti Cars For A Small Family

Three out of five car owners in India own a Maruti Suzuki model. Maruti Suzuki has correctly identified the pulse of the Indian driver and it makes cars customized especially for Indian roads. Fuel efficiency, ease of parking and smooth running on the road is what Indian drivers look for in their cars and Maruti has over delivered it. From models like Alto K10 which are easy to park and turn in very small spaces to Swift, smooth on the road and comfortable seating, Maruti has managed to produce a model that will suit the needs of every Indian.

The after sales servicing of the company is the best in the country, because of a very large chain of service centres. Moreover, availability of spare parts of Maruti cars is aplenty because the models have been around for quite some time. The range of cars made by the manufacturer for small families is impeccable and they are selling like hot cakes.

Maruti Alto K10- With an engine of 998 cc, the car comes in bright and pop colours. It has a power rating of 67bhp@ 6200. A 5 speed manual gear box has been provided with cable gear shifting mechanism. The McPherson Strut with a Torsion kind of Roll Device in front and a coil type suspension at the back redife comfort for this car. The mileage offered by the car is 18 kmpl within city limits and 22 kmpl on highways. It is much affordable as it is priced between Rs 3.25 and Rs 3.5 lakhs ex-showroom.

Maruti Estillo- This revamped version of the Maruti Zen comes in five variants- LX, LXI, VXI, VXI ABS and LXI Green. The car offers a mileage of 18kmpl on city roads and 20 kmpl on highways. The 1.0L K series engine is fuel efficient and has 3 cylinders. It discharges torque of 90Nm and 67.1 bhp. The car has built in power steering, automatic roll up of windows and a very efficient cooling system. The rear seats can be folded in order to accommodate luggage. Furthermore, it has got several safety features such as airbags, child locks and iCats. The car comes in many pop colours and is available within the budget range of Rs 3.5 to Rs 4.5 lakhs.

Maruti WagonR- One of the most popular cars from the house of Maruti, it is available in 3 versions- Petrol, LPG and CNG. The car has a 998cc K10B series engine which has a power of 67.1 bhp@ 6200 rpm, 58.2 bhp with CNG and 61.7 bhp with LPG. The car has an attractive appearance with headlamps that have a blue tinge and chrome grille. The interiors are also done up well. The car is protected with iCATS, ABS and airbags. It costs between Rs 3.5 lakhs and Rs 4.5 lakhs ex-showroom.

Maruti WagonR

These cars by Maruti are not only hot favourites for first hand buyers but they are also selling well in the market for used car. You can now buy your favourite secondhand Maruti car, then log into an online classifieds website to find a buyer.

Save Thousands With A Second Hand Car

Most families need a personal car, given the condition of roads and public transport system. Buying a first-hand card has a lot of expenses entailing it. You might have to take out a loan to buy the car, then get the car registered, pay taxes for it etc. However, if you buy a second hand car, you can get the car at a cheaper rate. For e.g. a brand new Santro Xing will cost you more than Rs 4.5 lakhs. However, you can get a year old version of the same car for Rs 3.5 lakhs only! Moreover, second hand cars have the taxes cleared for quite a few years, and hence you will save a few thousand rupees on that as well.

Buying secondhand cars can be quite fruitful if you do so carefully. You need to pay attention to quite a few things before signing a deal.

• Number of kilometres the car has travelled- The bigger the number of kilometres travelled by the car, more will be the wear and tear on the engine and the tyres. For every 40,000 kms travelled, tyres need to be replaced. For cars like WagonR and Santro Xing, the cost of getting a single tyre replaced is Rs 3000. Hence, for all four tyres, it comes to Rs 12000! 
• Battery of the car- You need to check the battery of the car because this is one of the parts of a car that can go out of order quite easily. Cars which have not been driven much tend to have faulty batteries. Hence, if you are considering a car which has not been much driven, then you should get the battery tested in case it has gone out of order. 
  
  

  

  Used Santro Xing

  
  
• Brake and clutch plates of the car- These are one of the most essential parts of the car. To get a clutch plate replaced by a local mechanic, you might have to shell out more than Rs 2000. Cars which have been driven a lot or which have suffered a lot of rash driving tend to have faulty clutch and brake plates. 
• Air conditioner in the car- Almost all cars come with built in air-conditioners. Older versions of the Maruti 800 did not have air conditioning installed. Therefore, you will incur an additional expense for cars of almost Rs 15000 to Rs 20000 to get an air conditioning system fitted into your car. 

Before buying a car, you should thoroughly inspect it. If you do not have much idea about the functioning of cars, take a car mechanic with you to inspect the condition of a car. It is best to buy a used car from an individual because you can get all the information you need about the car. Dealers tend to fib about the condition of a car to push sales.

You can now locate individual sellers of used cars on classifieds websites online. You can add filters such as the brand of cars you want, the age of the car, the kind of fuel used in the car and the mileage offered etc. The website will show you the appropriate results that fit your conditions.

Tips On Buying Used Cars

Used cars represent a good option in today’s stressful times. Economically, we are all facing hard times as the present scenario would have us believe. Used cars are a value for money option for most individuals these days. This is because new cars cost a lot more money than they did before. New cars come with associated hurdles in the form of taxes, registration charges and what not! There are some major charges associated with new cars these days and these can be summed up below:

• Extra manufacturing charges due to increase in costs of car parts 
• Increase in duties and taxes on new cars 
• SUV’s and sedans to cost more due to increased taxes on cars exceeding specific dimensions 
• Registration charges 
• Insurance charges 
• Road tax 
• Additional excise duties 
• Additional costs if you are taking a loan to buy your new car which most people do anyway 

These financial problems are further compounded by the long waiting periods for many car models at showrooms and retail outlets. This makes any secondhand car a good purchase for you under this scenario. However, while buying used cars, you should always keep the following things in mind:

• Always talk to the seller directly about your desired prices and other expectations 
• Set a bottom line price for the seller that is miles below the original listed price of the used car 
• This will help you get a price quite lower than the original asking price even if the seller scales up from your bottom line price 
• Always get hold of all car papers and documents 
• Enquire about and get hold of insurance papers if any 
• Always enquire about existing service warranties. This will save you some money in the bargain 
• Always look for tiny damages and chinks that can be repaired with minimal expenses. Use these to negotiate your prices further with the seller 
• Always take the car out for a test drive before confirming your purchase 
• Take a mechanic or professional along to check the car thoroughly 
• Always check the number of kilometers that the car has travelled 
• Check for signs of water damage in the car 
• Check the exterior and car frame for any serious damages 
• If the seller does not agree to a thorough inspection, do not conclude the deal at any cost 

The above tips will help you immensely while buying any used car near you or any other city of your choice. You can use online car classifieds to ferret out quality used cars in any Indian city with relative ease. These online classifieds portals are very helpful with regard to helping you find sellers in your desired location, neighborhood or city area. Use these portals wisely and find fabulous used car deals online. This will not cost you a single penny and you can contact sellers directly and inspect your car thereafter.

Used Car Buying Check List

While buying any secondhand car or any used car in another city, you should always have your own check list. Firstly, ensure that you get to inspect the used car thoroughly before finalizing your purchase. If the used car seller does not agree to a comprehensive inspection and car examination, you should refrain from going through with the deal. Always ensure that the car is available for inspection and a test drive. Do not go alone; take along a local mechanic or skilled car hand. If any of your friends or family members is a car expert or well versed with car dynamics, you can take him or her along as well.

Always write down a list of factors to check for before buying the used car in question. Tick these off one by one when you inspect the car. If possible, take the test drive before you inspect the car. Always keep the following things in mind while inspecting any used car:

• The exterior should not have any damages, cracks or other injuries 
• The car frame and chassis should not have cracks and splits 
• The car exterior and body should not have frequent marks, lines, cracks and other injuries 
• The tires should be in good condition and evenly balanced 
• The alloys on the tires should not have cracks 
• The underside of the car should not have undue damages 
• The tail lights should function properly and should not have damages 
• Check to see whether the boot opens and closes properly; you do not want a rattling boot to spoil the pleasure of your ride 
• Check under the hood to gauge the condition of the car battery and engine 
• Enquire about the fuel used in the car 
• Check the lubricant used for the car 

These are vital points in the overall check list you should carry while inspecting your used car. When it comes to the interiors, you should keep in mind a few things as well:

• Check all buttons, switches and knobs on the dashboard and interiors for proper functionality 
• Check the music system to see if it is properly working 
• Check the condition and quality of the speakers 
• Check the quality of the interiors and seats 
• Check for dampness and other signs of water damage 
• Check the air conditioning and heating unit thoroughly 
• Check the wipers 
• Check the overall maneuverability of the car 
• Check the steering wheel for proper functionality 
• Check the brakes and gears thoroughly for proper changes and functionality 
• Check the clutch and accelerator for proper functionality 

These are some pointers that are vital to making a good used car purchase. You should log on to online vehicle classifieds sites to land great used car deals online. These online classifieds portals are perfect for finding quality used cars at unbelievable prices. Contact sellers directly, inspect your preferred cars and finalize your deal thereafter with the help of online classifieds!

Used Car Deals Online

Used/Secondhand Cars

Looking for a good deal online? Most of us now use the internet to find good deals on loads of products and services. The internet now encompasses deals and offers of almost every kind. However, a little care and caution is always required while confirming any deal online. However enticing it looks, you should always read the fine print carefully before coming to any decision. Are you looking to buy a used car? If a secondhand car is your wish, you can use the internet to find a good deal.

There are many avenues for finding great deals on secondhand cars in your locality or any other city of your choice. This function is best performed by online classifieds portals. How do these portals help you find good used car deals? They are a one stop shop for all buyers and sellers and this gives them huge amounts of traffic. You are guaranteed to find loads of advertisements for used cars in your required location, neighborhood or city area. The whole process does not take too much time and can be completed form the comfort of home itself.

You need to browse through all the listed advertisements and take your decision accordingly. Check the advertisements for details of used cars, their specifications, pictures and all other details. Also check to see whether any personal contact details of sellers have been enclosed in these advertisements. If you find personal contact numbers, use them to contact sellers directly and talk out your terms and conditions. Negotiate your prices with the seller on the phone to avoid hassles when you meet him or her in person.

Set your own price and negotiate for a final price as close to it as possible. Alongside, ask the seller about insurance, registration, pending taxes and payments on the car. Also enquire about the warranties still available, any accidents and major repairs that the car underwent till recently. Once this is done, all you have to do is visit the seller and check the car thoroughly. Take it for a test drive and make your own checklist. If the car ticks all the boxes and you get a price to your liking, you will be able to make a good investment in very little time indeed.

You can also post your own advertisements on online car classifieds portals. This will assure you of fabulous responses within very little time. You can announce your desire to buy used cars. Be sure to include specifications like the kind of car you want to buy, the preferred specifications, features and colors and also your desired price range. Do not forget to mention your contact details. Your advertisement can be posted absolutely free of cost and does not take much time to be uploaded on the portal.

Use these classifieds portals to land great used car deals online. Reap the benefits of services and advantages provided by these portals and buy a quality used car at an unbelievable price!

Top 5 Selling Used Cars

Because of the downturn in the economy, most people cannot afford new cars. Adding woes to misery is the high rate of taxes applicable on a new car. The used car market is doing brisk business as the number of buyers and sellers have increased manifold. Used cars can be a good purchase if they are relatively new and less driven.

Out of the numerous car models available in the country, these are some of the best ones, not only in terms of their first hand but also secondhand car sale.

Hyundai Santro Xing - Santro Xing is one of the most popular hatchbacks in the country. The headspace and legroom provided in the car is ample. The fuel efficiency is quite high- 14 kmpl within city limits. Spare parts of the car are quite easily available and after sales service of the car is next best to Maruti’s. The drawbacks of the car are the uncomfortable back seat and imperfectly smooth ride. Nevertheless, the overall performance of the car is quite highly rated which is why it is one of the best selling cars even in the pre-owned market.

Hyundai Santro Xing

Hyundai i10 - The i10 is a Hyundai model that is manufactured in India to cater to global demands. The car’s design is slicker compared to its counterpart, Santro Xing, and it has a lot of accessories built in. The car’s engine is quite fuel efficient, the Kappa being 16 kmpl within the city and 1.1 iRDE being 14kmpl. Spare parts are available easily and the after sales service is as good as that of Santro Xing. The suspension of the car is commendable which smoothens out bumpy rides.

Maruti Swift - Even though it was launched 8 years ago, the demand for the car has not ebbed in these years. Maruti’s star performer in the big hatchback bracket, the car is a viable option to be bought second hand. The mileage offered is 12 kmpl within city limits in the petrol version while the diesel engine offers 16 kmpl. Getting the car serviced is no hassle and neither is it difficult to find spare parts for it. The car offers a smooth drive although rear seat passengers might find it a little cramped to fit in. It is advisable to steer clear of this model if it has been modified because it can have a lot of problems.

Maruti Alto - One of the most popular hatchbacks within city limits, the car offers a very impressive mileage of 18 kmpl. Being compact, it lessens all forms of parking hassles which are faced by drivers in the city. However, the seating can be quite cramped as there is no ample head or leg space. This car should be an option if you want your car to be full efficient and without frills. 

Chevrolet Spark - A revamped version of the Daewoo Matiz, the car offers healthy mileage of 15 kmpl. The drive is a smooth one and if you buy a recent version then you can avail the three year free maintenance contract. Inadequate space for rear seat passengers is the only drawback of the car, launched in 2007.

Tips To Sell Your Car

There may be several reasons why you would want to sell your car. Your car might be too old and polluting for the road, you might be relocating to another city, state or country and hence shipping the car across would be quite expensive, or you might not need a car anymore. There are several methods through which you can sell your car. However, before selling your car, you need to make sure of certain things.

The first thing that you should ensure is that your car is in top working condition. If there is a bit of paint bruised in any part or a broken tail light, make sure you get it repaired. Torn seat covers, broken mirrors and sticky gears should be repaired immediately as well. Most buyers bring car mechanics with them or read up enough on cars in order to judge your car. If your car is not in a good condition, buyers would not be willing to pay much for it.

Keep your cars registration, tax and insurance papers in order because these are essential for transferring the name of ownership from yours to the buyers.

Once you have made sure of these things, you can contact dealers of cars. The dealer will put your car up for sale. Once a buyer is found, the transaction will be made and you will be paid the money. You can also contact the showroom from where you bought the car. Sometimes, car showrooms buy back old cars from their old customers. However, you might not get a good deal on your car.

Mahindra Scorpio

The best way to go about selling your old car is by selling it by yourself. You will not have to pay a significant amount of the deal as brokerage fees. You will also avoid any sort of problems in communication with a potential buyer. You can directly talk to a buyer and clarify his or her doubts. You can put up an advertisement in the classifieds of a newspaper or on online classifieds. The trick to selling off your car quick is by giving as much details as possible. Hence, you can put in the make of the car, the colour, the year of manufacture, the number of kilometres that a car has ran, the period for which taxes have been paid, the kind of fuel that your car uses.

You will attract better buyers by putting in a photograph of your car. Photographs provide buyers with additional insight and help to build the trust on the seller. It has been seen that sellers who put up photographs get better response compared to those who do not put them up.

There are many online classifieds that you can sign up with. Most of them allow you to post free classifieds. However, if you sign up with the paid advertisement scheme, then your advertisement will be given the highest priority and will be the first advertisement to appear on the search page of the catalogue. This way, your advertisement will get better exposure compared to the ads posted for free.

Used Cars Made Easier

Most people are often jittery and anxious about buying used cars. Agreed used car purchases can be a little confusing and frightening for first time car buyers. There are commonly held perceptions of used cars being terrible investments, white elephants and so on. It all depends on a little bit of luck and careful planning and decision making. It all rests in your hands at the end of the day. If chosen carefully, a used car can make for a terrific investment, one that gives you tremendous value at a substantially lower price. Does this sound too good to be true?

Buying a new car will set you back by a far distance. You should be prepared to shell out close to 20-25% of the original car price on additional charges and duties. This is mainly charged in the form of duties, import duties, taxes, registration charges, governmental fees and other charges. You will also have to shell out a fat amount of money on car insurance. Also, new car prices have increased to a huge extent nowadays. This is mainly due to increases in costs of manufacturing parts. Alongside, governmental regulations stipulate the imposition of higher taxes on cars exceeding a certain height and length. If you are buying any SUV or some sedans, be prepared to shell out even extra. What transpires is that you end up paying way beyond your original budget.

Loan delays and paperwork further add to the frustration and always keep you on tenterhooks. Alongside, there are long waiting periods to endure as well in most cases. Why go through all these hassles? You are better off buying any secondhand car instead of taking all this trouble. You just have to rely on your own wisdom and employ some common strategies to land a good investment.

While buying any used car, you have to be careful of the asking price. Often, used car sellers inflate prices to a great extent. Always try to do your research beforehand by checking out online car classifieds. These portals will also give you an idea of the prevailing market prices for the particular model or car type you desire. You should buy your used car from these classifieds websites as they give you great deals in any other city of your choice. You will find dozens of advertisements which you have to browse through. Once you have chosen a few prospective models, contact sellers directly if details are provided or reply to the advertisements in a jiffy.

Negotiate your prices carefully with the seller. You do not want to set a price that is outrageously low or end up buying the car for a much higher price. Always set a bottom line price that is about 40% lower than the original asking price. Even if the seller scales up the price above this figure, you will still get a far lower price than before. This strategy has often been seen to work. Online classifieds portals can give you fabulous deals on used cars. Use them wisely and reap the benefits.

Best-Selling Used Cars In Pune

The market for used cars is doing brisk business due to the downturn of the economy. There are a large number of buyers and sellers in the market who are willing to negotiate a good deal. If you want to buy a used car, then it would be best to scan the market a bit. Go through the used car classifieds that come out every day in the newspapers or the online classifieds that have special catalogues dedicated to cars and bikes.

While doing your research, you will notice that there are certain models that outperform the others in the secondhand car market. If fuel efficiency, smooth drive and ease of parking are your prime concerns, then you should definitely consider the options discussed below:

• Tata Indica - The car was first showcased in the auto expo 1998 and has undergone several changes since then. The car has a Turbo version, which has a turbo powered engine, aimed at providing better performance. The fuel efficiency of the car is quite good with the Turbo version offering 13 kmpl, the Xeta version offering 11 kmpl and the diesel version offering 16 kmpl within city limits. The ride is a smooth one and seating is also quite comfortable. However, the car makes a whirring noise while running because of the diesel engine and the appearance is also not very impressive. The Tata Indica is quite light on the pocket especially when it comes to the diesel engine version. 
• Honda City - The car is one of the most comfortable sedans in the Indian market and the Honda brand is respected internationally for its reliability, durability and fuel efficiency. The car offers a mileage of 12kmpl within city limits and 17 kmpl on the highway. The plastic used is of a good quality and the engine is quite smooth. The boot space provided is 500 litres and the car is quite spacious. If you commute more than 100 kms in a day, it is better to go for the diesel powered version of this car. 
• Mahindra Scorpio - One of the best SUVs in the Indian market, the car is one of the best for long drives and seating 7-8 people. The diesel engine offers a modest 7 kmpl while the mHawk hybrid engine offers a slightly better mileage of 8 kmpl on city roads. The drive is quite smooth and an automatic gear box can be fitted into the car. However, finding one may be an issue. The mHawk version of the car costs a bit more than the regular diesel engine one.
  
  

  

  Mahindra Scorpio

   
• Maruti Swift - One of Maruti’s best-selling cars, right from its inception in 2005, is a big hit in the used cars market. The mileage offered is around 12 kmpl within the city while on highways it increases to 17kmpl. The drive is quite smooth although the seating may be a little cramped for the rear passengers. It would be better for a buyer to go for the diesel engine version if the commute is more than 100kms in a day.

Best Hatchbacks To Buy In The Used Car Market

Most people want to buy used cars nowadays because of the economic slump. With real wages at an all-time low, there is a large demand and supply of used cars. Most Indians want a car that is fuel efficient, is easy to park and offers a comfortable drive. The type of car that best fits these parameters is hatchbacks. These cars are compact with powerful engines which offer comfort and a smooth drive at the same time. The compactness of the car ensures that parking is not a hassle as manoeuvring it will be quite easy. Even in the used cars market, hatchbacks are the hot picks of the season.

Out of so many models available in the market, only a few are highly demanded hatchbacks. The top 5 have been discussed below:

• Hyundai Santro Xing - The car is highly spacious and offers ample head and leg space. The mileage is a modest 14 kmpl within city limits. The after sales service of the car is next to Maruti’s network and spare parts are easily available. The only two drawbacks of the car are its uncomfortable back seat and slightly bumpy ride. Nevertheless, it performs quite well on road and hence is much in demand among customers who do not want to own a car by Maruti. 
• Tata Indica - First launched in the 1998 Auto Expo, the car has undergone several changes since then. A Turbo Version is available which has a turbo powered engine for a smooth drive. The car runs on diesel and offers good mileage- the Xeta version offers 11kmpl, the diesel version offers 16 kmpl and the Turbo version offers 13 kmpl within city limits. The car operates smoothly on the road and the rear seat is quite comfortable. However, the appearance of the car is not much appealing and the engine makes a whirring sound on the road. For people looking to buy diesel cars, this is a viable option. 
• Hyundai i10 - Compared to the Santro Xing, the car is more compact and filled with accessories. It is manufactured in India and supplied to other countries of the world. The car is quite fuel efficient with the Kappa model offering 16 kmpl and the 1.1 iRDE version offering 14 kmpl. The ride is a smooth one due to the inclusion of good suspension. The after sales service and availability of spare parts is impressive. 
  
  

  

  Hyundai i10

  
  
• Maruti Alto - For individuals looking for a car with no frills, within a low budget and high fuel efficiency, Maruti Alto is perfect. With a mileage of 18kmpl, the car offers a smooth drive on the road and is easy to park. However, the leg and head space in the secondhand car is not much and the back seat is quite uncomfortable. 
• Chevrolet Spark - A revamped version of the Daewoo Matiz, Chevrolet Spark was launched in 2007. The car offers a competitive mileage of 15 kmpl within city limits and if you buy a newer version, you can avail the three years long maintenance free contract. The only drawback in the car is the cramped rear seat. 

You can now find the perfect hatchback used car by browsing through online classifieds dedicated to them.

Riding Your Way To Your Passion

Most men want to live the dream of zooming down the highway on a very powerful bike. Some manage to fulfil it while others don’t. The Indian market for bikes is the biggest in the world and foreign manufacturers of bikes such as Suzuki, Yamaha, and Royal Enfield etc. are doing brisk business. They have also launched their higher end bikes in the Indian market and these bikes are producing good sales.

Not only are men into biking, but some women also are biking enthusiasts. Some cities have biking clubs which make trips to different parts of the country on their bikes. If you are a biking enthusiast, and want to own a powerful bike without ripping off your pocket, then there are some good options available under Rs 70,000.

Bajaj Pulsar 150cc - One of the most popular bikes in the 150cc segment, the Bajaj Pulsar bike has an engine of 149.01 cc and weighs 143 kgs. It offers a mileage of 45 kmpl within city limits and 62 on the high ways. The engine is a DTSi or Digital Twin Spark ignition one which is air cooled and has 4 strokes. A 5 speed gear box is provided in the bike.

The bike has a commendable torque of 12.5Nm@6500 rpm. For this Bajaj bike, you will have to shell out Rs 69000 approximately ex-showroom.

Suzuki GS150R - Japanese manufacturer Suzuki forayed into the Indian 150 cc bike market with this model in 2008. In 2010, the bike was adjudged the Motorcycle of the Year by NDTV profit.

The model is 149 cc one with an SOHC, air cooled and 4 stroked engine. It has a good mileage of 48 kmpl within city limits and 55 kmpl outside it. The bike is economical if most of your commute is within the city.

The bike’s torque measures at 13.4 Nm@ 6000 rpm. The cost of this bike is Rs 68500 ex-showroom.

Suzuki GS 150R

Honda Unicorn CB - This 149.1 cc bike by Honda offers good speed and high fuel efficiency. The bike can travel 50 kmpl within city limits and 60 kmpl outside it. The engine is a 4 strokes one and offers torque of 12.7Nm @5500 rpm. It looks slick and is available in different colours such as red, yellow, and orange and black. The bike will cost you Rs 65,000 ex showroom.

Yamaha FZ16 - One of the best bikes doing the rounds of the Indian bike market, Yamaha FZ16 has a 153 cc air cooled, 2 valves SOHC engine which offers maximum torque of 14Nm@6000 rpm and maximum output of 14 Bhp @ 7500 rpm. The mileage offered by the bike is around 45-50 kmpl.

It is available in Lava Red, Sports Electric Blue and Midnight Black colours. The cost of the bike is Rs 69,250 ex-showroom. If you want to locate an authorized dealer of Indian bikes or a showroom for used bikes, then you can log into an online classifieds and specify your location to get the best results.

Getting Yourself A Used Car

Do you need a car to commute to college and other places? Is your father refusing to buy you a car? Most parents are worried about their children crashing their cars into walls and trees and injuring themselves and their precious cars. You can now convince your father of your safe driving skills and buying you a used car. Used cars are cheaper than first hand cars and hence will pinch your father’s pocket a little less. If you comb through the market a little carefully, then you can find a car that is as good as a new one.

There are certain parameters that you should consider while thinking of buying a used car.

Age of the car- Do not buy a very old car because it might have a lot of internal problems that won’t be apparent when you buy the car but will crop up once you start driving it. There may be a problem with the clutch or brake plate, you might have to get the brake fluid replaced etc.

Even if there is no problem with the essential parts of the car, there may be problems with the body of the car like faulty doors.

It would be better if you buy a car that was driven by the owner himself and not a chauffeur because owners take more care while driving a car. It is for this reason too that you should consider buying a car that was personally owned and not used commercially.

Number of Miles driven- Even if a car is relatively new, you must consider the number of miles the car has been driven. Tyres usually need to be replaced once a car has been driven for 40,000km. If you buy a hatchback, then you will have to spend Rs 3000 or so to get each tyre replaced. Hence, to get 4 tyres replaced, you will have to spend Rs 12000! The more a car has been driven the more the engine will be worn out.

However, do not buy a used car that has hardly been driven either because it would lead to rusting of different internal parts and dying out of the car battery.

Buy Used Cars

Tax and Insurance Papers- Do not buy a car with who insurance papers you find fault as they could have been tampered with. You should also not buy a car for which you would have to pay road tax very soon. Road taxes could cost you between Rs 10,000 and Rs 20,000 which is an expense that you would not want to incur right after buying your car.

Try to find a car within your own RTO because it would make the process of getting the ownership title transferred faster.

Make sure you take a car mechanic or someone who understands cars well with you in order to understand the true condition of a car. 

If you do not know where to begin looking for secondhand car, then you can go online. Websites dedicated to classifieds have advertisements listed by individuals who are selling their old car and companies dealing in old cars.