Price vs Performance-What’s Your Pick when Buying a Car

Price, the single biggest dealmaker when it comes to Indians buying cars. Traditionally, the low-low priced entry level hatchbacks perform way better on the sales scale then all the sedans, SUVs and luxury cars combined. This, stereotypical it might seem, points at the Indian mentality of putting the cost of a product before its apparent quality. Also, the more bells and whistles included, the better!!

‘Common, what is wrong about that?’

Nothing. Infact, saving a buck is a healthy and mature habit. And, if you are pondering the Audi A3 price in India (₹ 30- 40 lakhs, FYI), then most certainly this generalisation doesn’t correspond to you. We are talking of common folk who let go of basic comfort factors, safety features and welcome cramped internal spaces, if the same comes for a smaller pricetag. Sacrificing safety, comfort and the satisfaction of driving in favor of a couple of thousand bucks isn’t smart thinking.

When considering the Ford Figo price, a vast majority of the people intending to buy this car will look at the bottom trims of the pile. While the Figo in itself is a charismatic and feature rich car, the base version- 1.2P Base MT- has fewer safety and other comfort features than its mid-level version. However, in comparison to the rest of the available lot, the Figo offers driver side airbag in its base version that is usually not seen in the base trims of a vast majority of other cars. However, at just ₹ 4.93 lakhs, the base model is immensely affordable, but there are other cars like the Alto 800 and the Kwid that are more affordable, eventhough their safety and comfort levels may not match upto the Figo’s standards.

‘Cars depreciate, what’s the point of spending that extra money?’

A very common argument, the basic premise of this statement is faulty. Cars, irrespective of their Day zero price will depreciate with time. Thus, the logic that a lower priced car will be a lesser financial liability doesn’t hold much water. For instance, if you are picking up the Hyundai Verna, and are interested about its resale value (very good in the Indian second hand market), then the Hyundai Verna’s price (Click here), 8- 15 lakhs, seems a very small initial consideration. You will drive this car around, have some productive years with it, and eventually will decide to sell it away. At this time, you are looking at a resale value that is much lower than what you initially purchased the car for, and is in line with your maintenance of the car as well. What you will instinctively forget about is the level of comfort and drivability that the Verna offered you through its tenure. With a barebones (but cheap) car, this satisfaction is missing and when you eventually do decide to sell, the selling price will depend upon the maintenance of the car, alongside the fact that people prefer buying higher placed pre-owned cars than entry level veterans.

Thus, price isn’t everything. Let it not be everything. When looking to buy a new car, may its various positive attributes hold sway over that momentous consideration about the car’s price. Afterall, you are looking to buy this car for yourself and your family, and not for the eventual second hand market.