Here’s a practical, end-to-step guide to getting the best car-buying experience in India — whether you’re buying new or used, petrol/diesel or EV. Follow these steps and use the checklist to avoid surprises and get the best value.

1. Decide needs and budget

• Use total cost of ownership (fuel/electricity, insurance, maintenance, road tax, EMI interest) not just on-road price.
• Prioritise: seating, boot space, city vs highway driving, ground clearance, safety features, resale value, and whether you want an ICE, hybrid or EV.

2. New vs used vs certified pre-owned (CPO)

• New: best warranty, customisation, finance offers, but higher depreciation.
• Used: lower price but riskier unless inspected.
• CPO / certified used (dealer-backed, Spinny, CARS24, etc.): middle ground — inspected cars, warranty/return window, but check service history.

3. Shortlist 3–4 models

• Compare on safety (A-B ratings or safety kit), real-world fuel efficiency, feature list, service network and resale value.
• Use owner reviews and long-term tests (forums/YouTube) for reliability and common issues.

4. Research prices and offers

• Get on-road price (ex-showroom + RTO/registration + insurance + handling + accessories).
• Check manufacturer promotions, exchange bonuses, corporate or bank tie-up discounts, and low-EMI/zero-percent finance deals. Offers change often — verify current offers at the dealer or official website on the day you buy.

5. Test drive properly

• Drive in traffic and on open road; test suspension, braking, NVH (noise-vibration-harshness), A/C cooling, infotainment, seats for long drives.
• Try parking and check visibility, turning radius, and ergonomics.

6. Inspect the vehicle (new)

• Verify VIN/engine number on car and invoice. Check paint and panel gaps before delivery. Confirm accessories and tyre brand/type.

7. Inspect the vehicle (used)

• Do a professional PDI (pre-delivery inspection) or mechanical inspection. Check service history, accident history (insurance claims), odometer consistency, tyre condition, suspension, engine head gasket leaks, etc. Take it for a long test drive. Prefer cars with verified service records and single owner.

8. Negotiate smartly

• Negotiate on on-road price, not only ex-showroom. Ask for free accessories, extended warranty, first-year insurance discounts, and floor mats/tyre insurance. For used cars, account for upcoming servicing and tyre replacement when bargaining.

9. Financing & paperwork

• Compare loan rates/APR and processing fees across banks/NBFCs and dealer financing. Pre-approve a loan if possible — it strengthens bargaining power.
• Verify KYC, PAN, address proof. For used cars, ensure hypothecation removal or NOC from financier if any. Get a detailed invoice and registration receipts.

10. Insurance

• Compare comprehensive policies and cashless network garages. Consider add-ons: zero depreciation, engine-protect, roadside assistance, consumables, tyre/battery cover for EVs. For EVs, ensure insurance covers battery replacement/reduction clauses.

11. Registration & RTO

• Confirm RTO fees included in on-road price. Check name on RC book and ensure temporary/final RC is correctly issued. For company cars, check tax/deduction implications.

12. Delivery

• Inspect the car at delivery: exterior, interior, lights, spare wheel, toolkit, jack, floor mats, owner’s manual, warranty booklet, keys (check for both). Note delivery report digitally/photo time-stamped if possible.

13. After-sales & service

• Check nearest authorised service centre, turnaround time, and cost of periodic maintenance. Ask about AMC/extended warranty plans and service packages. For EVs, check battery warranty and mobile service availability.

14. EV-specific checks (if buying electric)

• Confirm real-world range (city/highway), charging port type, home charger installation cost, on-board charger specs, fast-charging compatibility and access to public chargers on your routes. Check manufacturer’s battery degradation warranty and replacement policy.

15. Resale & documentation retention

• Keep all service records, invoices, insurance and warranty docs. For resale, detailed service history improves price.

Quick practical checklist (print or save):

• [ ] Final on-road price agreed and itemised invoice received
• [ ] Loan/finance terms confirmed in writing (if applicable)
• [ ] Insurance policy issued and copy received
• [ ] Test drive done and satisfactory
• [ ] VIN/engine numbers match paperwork (new car) / service history verified (used car)
• [ ] Physical inspection done at delivery; defects noted and fixed before acceptance
• [ ] RC/registration and temporary registration received or process confirmed
• [ ] Warranty, AMC, roadside assistance details received and understood
• [ ] For EV: charger installation plan, battery warranty, and public charging network checked

Where to buy (channels)

• Manufacturer authorised dealerships — best for warranty, service and new cars.
• Large multi-brand certified dealers / CPO programs (Spinny, CarDekho Certified, CARS24, Truebil etc.) — good for inspected used cars with return windows/warranty.
• Trusted local dealers for negotiation on new cars in a competitive market (if service network is strong).
• Online direct buying from manufacturer platforms for transparent pricing and pre-booking.

Final tips

• Don’t rush. Walk away if paperwork isn’t ready or if the dealer pressures too much.
• Use WhatsApp/email to keep a written trail of offers and promises.
• For big spends, bring a mechanically knowledgeable friend or hire an independent inspector for used cars.
• Time purchases around festival offers but verify the final on-road price rather than advertised discounts.

If you want, tell me: (a) new or used, (b) city and budget, and I’ll give a short shortlist of cars and typical on-road price ranges and tradeoffs.