Choosing The Right Car Variant In India: A Festive Season Guide

Published: Tuesday, August 27, 2024, 12:45 [IST]

As the festive season nears, the Indian car market is set for a surge sales. Many potential buyers are now finalising purchase decisions. A common dilemma for Indian customers is whether to invest in a top variant with all features or save money by choosing a lower variant. Which option would you prefer?

If you have the and desire to buy the top variant of your favourite car, go ahead. While not all features may be used regularly, having a fully-equipped car straight from the showroom is appealing. Showrooms also offer accessories if your chosen variant lacks certain features. However, these accessories might be pricier than those available elsewhere, even though they come with warranties.

Car Buying Guide: Key Factors to Consider When Buying Accessories

Regardless of the car variant you choose, some accessories come at a marginal additional cost. Items like car perfumes, key covers, and idols are minor expenses and usually not a concern. However, for anything beyond these basics—especially on a base variant—a thorough check is essential.

Top variants often include an infotainment screen and multiple speakers, which base variants might lack. Purchasing these from a reliable shop should be fine as long as there's no tampering with the original wiring. Modern infotainment systems and speakers typically have 'fit, plug and play' sets that simplify installation.

Rear-view or surround-view cameras are crucial for added security but are rarely included in lower trims of mass-market cars. It's advisable to install cameras from reputable brands after purchasing your vehicle.

Choosing After-Market Accessories

Seat covers bought outside the company showroom offer advantages like selecting material quality and design. The fit and finish quality depends on the worker's skills and your material assessment.

Alloy wheels are popular among car enthusiasts, but base variants usually come with wheel caps or steel rims. Ensure any new alloys match your tyre size perfectly to avoid affecting mileage and drive quality negatively.

Avoid making structural changes to your new car, such as fitting a sunroof. Despite claims from reputed shops, this poses safety risks, may be illegal, and will void your warranty. Also, remember that bull guards on vehicles are now illegal.

Weighing Costs Between Variants

If the price difference between base and top variants exceeds 100%, consider aftermarket options for top-end accessories instead of purchasing a higher version. However, feature differences between base and top variants vary by model.

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While opting for aftermarket accessories can save money, it's crucial to ensure they don't compromise safety or legality. Always choose reputable brands and skilled workers for installations to maintain your vehicle's integrity.