Check out the best new Honda cars

There are several new Honda cars that should be checked out if you are in the market for a vehicle based on your own budgetary requirements and other needs.

Honda has come up with several new cars over the last two years and it’s time you should be taking a look at them.

The Honda Mobilio is an exciting new car in the MUV/MPV space. This car offers value for money to customers and can comfortably seat seven passengers. The Honda Mobilio offers top notch mileage of 24.5 kilometres per litre and comes with both diesel and petrol options. The platform of the Amaze compact sedan has been used for this MPV. This comes with a bold and stunning design complete with body colored bumpers, a radiator grille and a huge windscreen. The interiors come with several features including a 2 DIN audio system, day and night inside rear view mirror, storage compartment, sun visors, electrically adjustable outside mirrors, air conditioning with heater, rear parking camera, airbags for front passengers, ABS and many more. The Mobilio is priced between INR 7.4-12.6 lakh (ex-showroom) on an average.

The Honda Amaze is another top class offering from the company and is one of the pioneers of the compact sedan segment in the country. The model recently got a face lift and looks even more stunning with the fog lamps integrated into the new and more stylish front bumper and the enhanced grille coupled with LED tail lights and DRLs at the front. This is the first compact sedan from Honda to come with the iDTEC diesel engine and now comes with a CVT transmission unit and lavish interiors. The car offers decent fuel economy along with a Bluetooth connectivity and hands free telephony equipped audio system, new 3D speedometer with a multi-information display and a new dashboard. The Amaze is priced between INR 5.29-8.16 lakhs (ex-showroom) on an average in India.

The Honda City is one of the Japanese brand’s true blue icons in the Indian automobile market. The Honda City is priced between INR 8.1-12.5 lakh on an average and high end models even come with attractive features like a panoramic sunroof. The City offers both diesel and petrol options and has always been one of the hottest selling mid segment sedans in the country. The city also offers CVT with petrol and high fuel economy of 26 and 18 kmpl for diesel and petrol models respectively.

It also comes with driver airbags as standard features across all variants while other features include a start-stop system, touch screen infotainment system, rear air conditioning vents, cruise control and spacious interiors with every luxury conceivable. Another attractive feature is the feather touch climate control system which is a first in this segment. The Honda City offers greater bang for your buck and is a wonderful option in this category.

You are sure to love these three vehicles from Honda along with other tried and tested favorites like the Honda CR-V SUV, Honda Brio hatchback and the Jazz premium hatchback. 

How on-road prices are calculated and vary for different cities

If you’re planning to buy a new car, there are a number of things that are to be kept in mind. For starters, you need to know that at the showroom you would get a quote of two prices – ex-showroom and on-road. If you’re not well-informed about what these terms actually imply, well, it’s high time you make yourself aware, for it concerns a major investment and you surely don’t want to land up in a tricky position. The fundamental thing that you should know is that the price one actually pays for the car is the on-road price. Needless to say, that is the most important thing to look at before making a decision. Depending on the car model and the state in which you’re buying it, the on-road price exceeds the ex-showroom by approximately 10%.

a.       Ex-showroom price: this is the basic price of a car which does not take into account any registration charges, insurance, or loadings. It is the price at which a car dealer sells a car to retail customers which includes dealer margins, transportation costs, and applicable excise, state taxes, etc.

b.      On-Road price: it is basically the price at which the buyer drives away the car. Typically, the prices that are added up to calculate the on-road price includes:

1.      Registration Charges: This is mandatory for every new vehicle.

2.      Life time road tax: This has to be compulsorily paid on a vehicle before using it on a public road.

3.      Vehicle insurance

4.      Dealer handling charges or logistics charges

Now let us look at each of the components of on-road price in a little more detail.

i.                    Registration charges are the cost entailed to get your vehicle registered. It is a unique identity for your car. This charge differs from state to state, and in a particular state, it will vary on the basis of the car cost, and whether it runs or petrol or diesel.

ii.                  Road tax: This is charged by the government for road improvements and repairs. It is subject to state government rules, traffic regulations, etc. Hence it is not uniform for every state. For example, road tax in Delhi is lesser than that in Bangalore. Again, based on the type of car, road tax might vary. For example, be it any state, the road tax one needs to pay for Maruti Swift is different from new Hyundaii10, which in turn will be different for Hyundai Verna. Two-wheelers and small cars that cost less than Rs. 4 lakh entails a road tax of around 4-6%, whereas for vehicles valued over Rs. 20 lakh, it is somewhere between 7 to 9%.

iii.                Vehicle Insurance: Also known as auto insurance, this is the price paid to provide financial protection against physical damage and/or bodily injury. It is mandatory by law and differs according to different rates provided by different insurance companies in different states.

iv.                Dealer Handling Charges: This is the charge the dealer claims to take the car from warehouse to showroom, the number plate charge, delivery charges, cleaning of car, etc.

Thus, it goes without saying that since the constituents of on-road price themselves is variable and is not fixed for every state, consequently, the on-road pricing too varies from city to city. So before you make up your mind about buying a car, make sure you think well about these factors. Once you’re through with all these crucial details, nothing should stop you from taking the plunge! 

New cars in Mumbai

Planning to buy a new car? Well, there are a few things that you should definitely keep in mind before taking the plunge. After all, it is not only a major financial investment but is also a memorable milestone of your life, one which you’re going to cherish for years to come. And that actually makes car-buying an emotional process as well. But before you indulge in the euphoria of buying new cars in Mumbai, turn on your practical self and make a check-list of the factors you should take in consideration.

Homework

      Budgeting is the first and foremost thing that you should analyze when the thought of buying a new car strikes you. And by budgeting, we do not mean only the purchase price, it is a wiser move to delve into fuel efficiency, service costs, insurance premiums, and so on. Once you decide the price range, move on to outlining the type of car that best meets your needs. There are several makes and models these days, and you should take your pick after giving sufficient thought. You should also dwell on whether you want to buy a diesel car or a petrol car.

2.      The Test Drive

      You should never buy a car based solely on someone else’s opinion. It is imperative to keep in mind that what is right for someone else might not be right for you. Go for a comprehensive test drive in traffic that will give you a concrete idea about the comfort of the driving position and engine responsiveness. For second opinion, you can consider taking along someone – a friend or a relative – preferably someone with a basic knowledge of cars. Also, make certain that every commitment made by your dealer is given to you in writing and signed on their letter head.

3.      Sealing the deal

      Do sufficient research on the available discounts; this ‘shopping around’ will prove to be completely worth it in the long run. You can also consider calling a Direct Sales Agent for a quote. Also, make sure you check the actual interest rate rather than the quoted one, as this often reveals glaring discrepancies. Keep in mind that getting a loan against fixed deposits has a number of advantages, including lucrative interest rates, minimal paperwork, and flexible repayment plans. When t comes to buying accessories, you should crosscheck their prices between the showroom and after-market dealers. Dealerships usually make a significant amount of money on accessories; in case they are bundling accessories for free, verify their quality and brand. Last but not the least, it is advisable to buy insurance yourself after taking a few quotes from insurance companies/agents. Dealerships usually make hefty commissions on every insurance policy sold.

However, this is not an exhaustive list. There are quite a few other things that are to be taken care of, to ensure that you have a satisfactory experience of buying new cars in Mumbai. It is an event of your lifetime, so make it fulfilling in every way you can! 

How to decide on buying a new car?

Are you wondering how to decide on buying a new car? The decision requires loads of homework, patience and perseverance on your part. You should always venture to purchase a new car after having done your homework. After all, a car represents a vital investment for you and your family. You do not want to be stuck with a wrong choice for quite a few years especially if you are going out on a limb and paying high EMIs to own the same. The first thing to remember is that you should have the financials completely worked out. You should know how much down payment you can ideally fork out for the new car without putting your bank account into complete jeopardy. Ideally, a minimum of 10% is sought by banks and dealerships alike while there are often special offers like zero down payment though this is not advisable since this only inflates interest rates and loan amounts in the future.

Try to pay as much as possible upfront, preferably up to 20-25%. Once this is achievable, you should then work out the loan amount you need, your eligibility and other factors. In case you have no other loans and possess your own accommodation, your car loan EMI should not exceed a maximum of 15-25% of your income in an ideal scenario. You should also budget for costs like yearly insurance, yearly service and maintenance, fuel costs every month (calculate the average distance you will need to travel and find out about the mileage offered by the car model you want to buy) and other expenses including chauffeurs and the like. Once all these expenses are budgeted along with the costs related to registration, one-time insurance and other taxes, you’re all set to buy your dream car.

The entire process should have you in a cool and calm frame of mind even though buying a car is an emotional decision. Never be in a hurry to buy your dream car even if you cannot control your excitement! You should also do your homework about the future depreciation in the value of your car and the total cost of ownership. You should also find out about probable service costs and approximate insurance premiums that you have to pay in the future. You should also decide on the kind of car you need. If it is entirely a utility purchase, you should look to meet basic needs of yourself and your family. If it is a small family, you can opt for a hatchback or even a sedan depending upon your budget and preferences. If you have a large family, an MUV is a good bet and if you love bigger and rugged cars, you can opt for an SUV if you are okay with the size, higher prices and other hurdles to owning these beasts in congested cities.

There is another decision that you should make as well. You should choose between a diesel or a petrol car. New age diesel cars are more fuel efficient, high performing and clean. Petrol cars are okay if you have lower commutes and are looking primarily for driving pleasure. However, diesel is a must if you drive long distances every day and are looking for better mileage and more power. You should never neglect safety options when choosing your car. Always look for features like ABS with EBD, traction control systems and airbags. If you are buying a variant that does not come with standard safety features like these, paying a little more for optional safety features is highly recommended. These are well worth it since safety comes first on our treacherous Indian roads.

You should also keep an eye out for car models that are in their new generation. Find out whether your chosen car model is about to be phased out or discontinued. Find out whether the new generation model or face lift is about to be introduced in a few months or a year. The best option is to wait since a new generation vehicle will be a better investment and will hold considerably better resale value. If you end up buying a car model that is about to be phased out, you will face huge problems relating to finding components and other parts. Resale value will also be a big problem. Most car models get an upgrade after every 3-4 years.

Do not rely blindly on advertisements for information on vehicles. You should try and talk to as many car owners as possible along with reading up on reviews about the car you want to buy. Do not buy your vehicle from dealerships that are not authorized even if they offer amazingly low prices and other discounts. You should always buy from official dealerships for the sheer security and comfort involved in the process. You will always have access to proper service, maintenance, car care and customer service if you buy from a proper dealership. This is one mistake that most people make with very problematic implications. You should look for dry spells while buying cars instead of the festive season, Christmas and New Year. These are times when dealerships sell models in droves. If you buy your vehicle at a time when sales are not too high, you stand the chance to get better discounts and customized offers as well.

When test driving the car, focus on how you feel with regard to maneuverability and overall performance. You should not just drive a single kilometer; this will never give you a definitive idea. You should always make sure that a car connoisseur or expert driver is with you when you are taking the test drive in case you are not driving yourself. Always make sure that the promises and tasks of the dealership are jotted down in the official letterhead. This is just to ensure complete peace of mind and greater accountability from the dealership. These tips will make your car buying decision a smoother and more satisfying one. 

Should you buy the used Swift Dzire?

Cars have become a very important part of our life. Nearly each and every family own a car nowadays. There is also an increase in the number of car manufacturers. Maruti Suzuki is one such company. It has been always in the records for producing the best of cars with the best features in market. This company has also grown up to a very high level in just no time. The Maruti Swift Dzire is one such car which has increased the share of its manufacture company by millions in just a span of a year.

This is a car of super ease and comfort. Maruti has indeed evolved in combining its superior engine quality with interior comfort and style. The company has incorporated a huge bumper which is both stylish and hardy at the same time. The interior upholstery is made of pure leather and is designed to steal looks wherever it lands. The seating positions can be very well adjusted according to your preference. The comfort and the soft nature of the seats help the passengers to enjoy the ride without any such disturbances. The bumps on the road are barely noticeable if you are riding in your Maruti Swift Dzire.

This version of the car comes along with two types of engines, one is the petrol engine and the other is the diesel. The mileage count of the car is also pretty good in respect of the cost. The petrol version has a mileage of about 20 kmpl and the diesel has that of 26 kmpl. People usually go for the diesel version due to its increased mileage.

The brakes and the other safety features of the car are also dynamic and they ensure your safety without a second thought. The higher model versions of this car are incorporated with ABS braking system which is an extra feature that is installed in it. Apart from that the normal braking system in the lower models work just fine without complaint. The front brakes are ventilated discs type and the rear are pure drum brakes. The seating capacity of this car is about five for both the versions of diesel and petrol. The body type of the car is a normal notch back. It has a power steering along which has a radius of about 4.8. The tires are well incorporated with alloy wheels and the petrol and diesel tank capacity of the car is about 42 liters. This car is often voted as the best entry level sedan of the year.

There is a refreshed version that is launched this year which has minimal changes in the basic parts of the car. There is a presence of a bold chrome grill at the front of the car. On each side of the grill large headlights were present which now comes with a blackened view. The bumper is redesigned and now it holds circular shaped fog lights which has chrome accents beside them. The new version of the car comes in a 10 spoke alloy wheel.

As far as the interior goes it has not changed much though. The dashboard is made of a beige-black dual tone color. For a much premier feel the company has incorporated small peeps of faux wood above the glove box and on the doors. The steering wheel is totally black like the previous models but the new one is incorporated with silver accents. There is enough knee and back room for three people if they are of normal weight. The top model of this refurbished car gets a keyless ignition point along with Bluetooth connectivity for making telephone calls along with modernized parking sensors. The engine has not changed whatsoever. It is the same 1.3 liter for diesel cars and the 1.2 liter for petrol cars. With a horse power of 83 this car is not at all bad for revving up the streets. The engine is too smooth but if you push it too hard near the red line it starts jamming. The five speed gearbox is smooth enough for operations. Gear ratio of this car is also fairly sorted out to avoid any driving nuisance. This car creates a perfect balance of good ride quality along with decent handling over the top. The grip feel of the wheel is too contented. Quick changes in direction and cornering are the best features of this car. Better tires along with super braking system can give you the experience of agood ride for lifetime. The company claims to have increased the efficiency of the car by increasing its thermal capacity and reducing the frictional losses. This top model reeks of efficiency from all its sides. It is the best choice if you want to have a quality car for you and your family.

First owned cars are always considered as quality cars but today in a world where the technology has grown so much over the past, a pre-owned car is of equal importance. People often hesitate to buy a pre-owned car but it is the truth. There is a variety of sellers from all over the country who are there to sell their used Maruti Swift Dzire. From Mumbai to Delhi to Kolkata, you can find sellers of the used Maruti Swift Dzire. Prior to making a purchase, you should test drive the car and verify its papers. The car is indeed a good performer and will not make you suffer. It also has a high resale value that will fetch you much money once you go to sell it.

There are various offers like this that can be found on the online classified ads. These online advertisements can help you gain the total information along with contact details of the owner. The online systems has indeed made it easier to buy and sell cars in a swift go of a click. These portals are the top notch choice of each and every family around the country as well as the globe.

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Top Tips to Sell your Old Swift

Top tips to sell your old Swift

The Maruti Swift was a game changer for the home grown car manufacturer. Launched in 2005, right on the heels of its Japanese launch, the car has been doing phenomenal business since then. The vehicle was given a facelift in 2014 although not much has been altered in the overall design. A couple of elements have been added on the outside and inside for a fresher appeal. The car has sold 1.3 million units since it was introduced in the Indian market.

The car did brisk business for a good 7-8 years since it was launched because it was the only car in its class that offered good fuel efficiency, great looks and sure performance. As a matter of fact, the vehicle was the first one to have introduced the premium hatchback segment in the Indian market. It set a benchmark for the B+ segment hatchback. Prior to 2014, the car had received major changes in 2011. On an average, Maruti Suzuki manages to sell around 15,000 Swift vehicles in a month.

The vehicle is available in both diesel and petrol trains. The petrol engine is a 1.2 litres one while the diesel one is 1.3 litres. The petrol engine produces a torque of 114Nm while the power produced is 85 bhp. The diesel train produces a torque of 190 Nm and power of 74 bhp. Both the engines are hooked to a 5 speed manual gearbox. The company has slated to introduce an AMT engine too for the Swift in 2015, which would make it highly competitive in the segment.   

The car has several competitors in the market now- Nissan Micra, Renault Pulse and Hyundai Grand i10 which has made Maruti introduce better technology to stay abreast of the competition. The former two cars have been introduced with revise structures and designs as their first editions failed to make a mark.

For a new Maruti Suzuki Swift, the price payable ranges from Rs 4.42 to 6.95 lakh ex-showroom. For the top diesel train, the amount can shoot up to Rs 7.5 lakh on road. The amount is quite high and several aspirants cannot go for it. Therefore, the demand for the Maruti Swift is quite high in the secondary market. Most of the buyers opt for the vehicle because of the quality make which they know shall be retained in pre-owned models too. The cost of a Maruti Swift in the second hand market is around Rs 4.5 to 5 lakh, if it is less than 5 years old. For vehicles that have been in circulation for the past seven to eight years, the amount lowers to Rs 3.5 lakh or so. Because the car is still in circulation and is popular in the new cars market, realizing a good price for it in the second hand market is possible, even if the car has been driven around extensively.

If you want to sell your old Swift, then you can have a good amount for it. Selling your car by yourself is a better proposition because you get to retain the selling amount for yourself. Research has shown that there is a difference of 15 percent almost between the amounts realized through an individual sell and one that was conducted through a dealer.

To sell your old Swift at a good price, here are a few tips that you can try out:

1. Have all papers in order. A car with all papers in order (tax payment, registration, maintenance book, smart card and pollution clearance certificate) shall attract higher buyer interest. If you do not have a pollution certificate or if yours is older than 6 months, then you can get it done at a local petrol pump.
2. Pricing your car right- Quick sales are possible only when the pricing is right. While pricing your car, you should set aside your emotions and think practically, from the point of view of the buyer. You may feel the car deserves a high price, but a buyer may find faults with the vehicle and pay less. Before quoting a price, make use of Maximum Selling Price calculators available on websites like Quikr. By making use of details like numbers of years in circulation, model, engine and the kilometres travelled, the feature shall provide you the asking price of the vehicle. You can keep a margin to accommodate buyers who want to negotiate on the price.
3. Posting an ad on online classifieds. These websites offer high visibility to your product and bring customers from all quarters. Uploading an ad takes minutes and can be done for free. You can select the city and locality you are from, add details about the car and upload several pictures for buyers to assess the condition of the car. Include positives about your car such as maintained well and owner driven (if you have indeed been the driver of the vehicle) and other details to attract buyers.

Being accommodating towards buyers shall bring in better response. Since buyers shall be investing a lot of money, they would want to verify the quality of the car. Some of them may want to test drive the car while others would want to get it inspected by mechanics. As a seller, it is your duty to oblige. You can be around for the test drive and while the mechanic comes around to test the car.

Accepting a small deposit of Rs 7000 to 10000 as expression of buyer’s intention to purchase the car is normal. However, you should let the buyer know that you are not liable to keep the vehicle out of public view if the buyer fails to complete the transaction in 10 days or so. Depending upon your inclination, you can refund or forfeit the deposit.

The numbers of takers for the Maruti Swift is very high and selling your car would not take much time. Provided you have priced your car right, being flooded with offers is nothing unlikely.

Buying Used Cars in Tamil Nadu

The used car market has got a boost in various cities and this has been made possible through the changing perceptions of customers. Indian customers are no longer wary of purchasing used cars owing to better deal dynamics involved in the purchase of used cars. Used cars can be bought minus any hassles as compared to new cars and actually cost way lower than new cars and this is one of the biggest aspects driving this market in recent times. Customers do not have truckloads of money to spend on cars anymore. Economic pressures and other factors have largely contributed to the decline in household income. Add to that huge rates of interest and increasing car prices and you will get a dismal picture for sure!

Customers do not want to shell out close to a lakh and sometimes more as registration, insurance, tax and other duties. On-road prices of cars are unaffordable in many segments and new models are steadily being outsmarted by their used counterparts. The market for used cars in Tamil Nadu and virtually any other city in India is definitely a thriving one! There is huge demand for several varieties of cars and this is fuelling greater growth and improvement in the sector. More and more used car dealerships are springing up and even car companies are opening up used car subsidiaries to cash in on a few vital pieces of the pie.

Online classifieds portals are the best bet for buying used cars by a long mile though! This is because they put you in direct touch with car owners and you do not have to fork out any extra money for the dealer’s own profit or commission. As a result, you can get lower prices on several used car models. Also, you are assured of finding your preferred used cars in Tamil Nadu or any other city of India on these portals without any hassles. You can simply browse through advertisements and contact sellers directly using contact details provided in advertisements or even by replying to the advertisements on these portals. Posting your advertisement will also get you noticed by sellers looking to sell the car model desired by you. You can find used cars at attractive prices in your chosen location, neighbourhood and area without any difficulties. This is what makes online classifieds popular among the new generation of used car buyers and sellers.

When it comes to buying used cars, there are a few things that you should always keep in mind. These include the following:

• Always check for proper insurance and tax payment details. Often, these are paid for a lifetime by the original owner and this saves you loads of hassles and some money in the bargain. If lifetime tax is not paid, find out about the tenure till which these are covered and plan accordingly 
• Always ask for all car papers and documents from the seller. If these are absent, you should refrain from sealing the final deal 
• Check with your motor vehicles department with regard to finding out whether the car has been involved in any major violations, accidents or other mishaps in the past 
• Ask about the extent of damages undergone by the and all the repair jobs that have taken place as a result 
• Get the car checked by a mechanic who is competent enough to give you a neutral report on what needs to be done 
• Always try to find out more about the history of the car, where it has travelled and so on 
• Check the number of kilometres travelled by the car 
• Check for any signs of external damage or rusting 
• Always ask for a test drive beforehand 

If you see a few signs of damage that may be easily fixed, you should use the same as a modicum for bargaining with the seller. This strategy may help you get a better price overall. Alongside, take the test drive very carefully. Always see how you feel driving the car, the turning angles, parking abilities, the overall responses of the engine and gear box and so on. It is after all this crucial test drive that will determine whether you take a liking to the car or not. Also, you should do your own research on the prevalent prices of used cars in Tamil Nadu or wherever you are purchasing your preferred vehicle.

Online classifieds portals are a good platform for learning all about the prices of used cars in your city and location. You will also get an idea of the models that are available. It is always best if you take along a car expert with you who will be able to predict the longevity, performance, resale value and other aspects connected to the car. However, doing some research on approximate prices never hurts as you will be insured against any inflation of the same on the seller’s part. There is another strategy that you can try out when it comes to getting your prices lowered. This depends on whether the seller is interested or not and you should not push it if you see warning signals conveying his/her reluctance and possible animosity to the same! You can actually quote prices that are absurdly lower than the original sticker prices on offer. If the seller is interested in concluding the transaction in a hurry, he/she will quote a price that does not match yours but is still substantially lower than what was originally quoted. This strategy may pay off only if you judge the temperament of the seller in an appropriate manner. Always choose your used car with care; it is best to go for tried and tested models that have a reputation for good service and proper performance. There are several options out there and you need to choose on the basis of your aesthetic preferences, specific requirements and other aspects. Use online classifieds portals for concluding hassle free transactions in this regard!