It won’t be wrong to say buying a car entails a heavy investment, no matter whether you are purchasing a new car or an old one. Even used vehicles can truncate your savings substantially and hence there are tips and tricks which you can adhere to in order to maximize your savings. Also, there are things you need to factor in so as to ensure you are not being cheated or being exploited.

So, here are a few heady pointers which can add to your knowledge bank and should help you to buy a vehicle without any major headache:

Tip 1: Buy during the lean season: It may sound odd since economy does not clearly demarcate a lean season and a peak season when it comes to automobile industry. Yet, one can say that a time when the economy of the selling country is not very healthy or even when the economy of the buying country is precarious, the buyer stands at a higher pedestal than the seller when it comes to powers of negotiation. So, on that count, you will do better buying a car (new or old) during a patchy economic phase than during an affluent period.

Tip 2: Opt for an old model instead of buying a recent release: Some people get tempted by the latest release in the automobile sector. But in actuality what the manufacturers do is that they just present the old model with some minor additions and subtractions under a gleaming new name. Quite naturally, the new model costs more especially when it is enjoying its maiden year. It will be pocket-burning to go for such models. Even if you are craving for the model, it will be much more feasible to get it during the subsequent year when the prices may slump a bit and the general reviews of the car owners will be out. For the time being, it would make sense to invest a smaller sum in buying an older model from a secondary market.

Tip 3: Comparing the deals: In any e-portal site, you will be confronted with numerous offers which will encompass all kinds of cars and will include all ranges. Within your budget too, you will find multiple choices. It is very important to think over the narrowed-down deals instead of rushing over. At least, one day should be reserved to think over the deal before you finalize your choice. In this context, it is also relevant saying that a conversation with a knowledgeable friend or an automobile technician won’t harm your cause.

Tip 4: Resale value: When you are buying an old car, do not only think from the perspective of the present but also from the perspective of the future. Sure, the car will serve you in the present but will it bring you substantial sum after you are done with it and wish to dispose of it? In this case, it may be kept in mind that a car which boasts of higher repute stands a greater chance of getting lucratively resold than a car from a less popular brand. So, if you plan to resale after 2-3 years, investing in brands like Toyota, Hyundai, Honda or Mercedes may be a smart idea.

Buying the car does not put an end to your tribulations. Yes, maintaining a car also needs your time and a bit of money, of course. In order to prolong the car’s age and enjoy smooth driving (also safe driving), it is pertinent to devote some of your resources towards its fruitful maintenance.

Here is a quick checklist:

1] Unclogging the fuel tank: Without moving into technical jargons, let us just say that the fuel tank has to work furiously in order to pump the fuel out. It is similar to the way a human heart functions. So, with time and use, it suffers depreciation and often gets clogged, thereby burning more fuel than is feasible. By getting the tank unclogged, you not just do justice to your car’s good health but also reduce the fuel consumption.

2] Battery basics: Car’s battery lasts for 3-5 years, depending on the usage. If you have bought a used car, you may have to replace it earlier. Typically, this is an area where you can play a bit. Owing to smarter technological inventions, manufacturers are coming up with batteries that have higher longevity. But it is still important to stick to the specifications as asserted by your vehicle’s manufacturer. Remember that not every kind of battery will suit your car!

3] Replacing the coolant: Coolant is multi-functional, yet it is not infallible. After around a couple of years, it should be ideally replaced because its efficacy will begin to decline sharply. Alternatively, cleansing may also serve the purpose somewhat though it is not the best advice especially if you are in the mood to continue using the car for a few more years.

4] Taking care of tires: Tire is to a car what a leg is to a human. It is indispensable for movement. Bad tires not only cause over-use of fuel but also question the overall safety. There are different techniques to figure out the age and condition of the tire. However, if you are a lay person in this regard, it will be best to get them checked professionally.

5] Keeping an eye on the brake: Some people never ever take a look at the way their brakes work. It is deemed by many that the brakes are inviolable, as if they can undergo no harm, unless they completely fail which is seldom the case with an average person. However, even before the brake completely fails, they give out signs which you must read. Your failure to do so in time can put your life at stake. It is quite surprising that the awareness in association with brakes is less even in elite countries like US. But to make sure that the brakes are working flawlessly and are unlikely to fail at a time when you are speeding down a hilly track, it is inevitable that you get them checked every two years. In case of used cars, it will be wiser to get them checked every year, or even every 6 months if the car is a very old one.