Insurance

When you have to buy a new car, you can actually save a lot of money if you get a good deal.

Perhaps you want to buy a new car because the old one has done its work. Perhaps you want to go in for a new model. Perhaps you just want to splurge on something bigger and better. Perhaps you need a new car because you have given your old one to your spouse/kids. Or perhaps you have come into some extra money and want to buy your dream car.

But before you spend your money, do some research, so that you can get a good deal. Remember, money saved is money earned. And why should your money go into someone else's pocket anyway?

What to look for so you can get a good deal?

1. Zero in on the car you want. You may want a family car, a convertible, a hybrid an all electric or a luxury car.

2. Figure out whether you want boot space, what kind of mileage the car gives, how much driving you actually do, etc.

3. Decide the features and the add-ons you want in the car. Have a few choices so that you don't get stuck on just one model - there are many similar kinds of cars in the market.

4. Have a price point in mind before you go car shopping. That should be reasonable keeping the above features in mind. And try not to go over budget.

5. Do your research as to who will give you a good price. A dealer, the company showroom or the car buying websites on the internet? You can get a lot of information on the internet from car buying sites and it is worth it to let your mouse to the walking, before you actually go out to check out the car.

6. Don't be shy to ask for a discount. In fact, if you go to a dealer, you should visit a few to establish a baseline price and then bargain and go for the best deal.

7. Decide whether you want to pay the full price upfront, pay EMIs or get a bank loan. Work out the costs. Of course, if you don't have all the money upfront, you don't have a choice, but you can cut costs on interest rates.

8. Buy at a time when the market is down - that is the time you will get the maximum discount. The end of the year is usually a good time because people have expenses on Christmas and holidays and are unwilling to add to their expenses by getting a car. Another time is when new cars are coming and dealers have to get rid of their inventory.

9. Budget for add ons like insurance - remember that your car insurance premium may go up with the new vehicle.

10. Check out bargains - often car dealers or even manufactures offer bargains or give add one for free or pay for insurance, and the like. Deals will usually be advertised in the newspapers.

Get your new car home

It is extremely important that you put all your research in place, before you fork out the money, even when getting a car on finance options. When you get your new car home, you don't want to have any regrets. Also make sure that all your paperwork, insurance and the like are in order before you start driving.