Circa 1960: There was a time when people had to literally wait almost five years before they could drive out their new prized possession -- a car. Even then, it was only an Ambassador or Fiat. Since then, the times have steamrolled these automobiles almost out of existence.

Cut to 1980. Our first glimpse of what was in store for the future. The government tied up with Suzuki and rolled out its first ‘foreign’ car. After this initial hurtle came the deluge. Automobiles of all sizes, shapes and brands screeched for Indian attention.

Year 2000: Consumers face the daunting task of what, why and how to buy.

Fortunately, a plethora of sites should make the buying process simpler.

Pre-purchase nitty-gritty’s

Even before you log on to the net, it is important that you determine the mode of payment -- cash-down or loan. That out of the way, decide on the vehicle you want, keeping in mind its purpose. City driving can be frustrating, so a small car would do nicely -- it facilitates manoeuvring, ease of parking and is very compact. On the other hand, you could prefer a mid-sized or a luxury car for the sheer pleasure of driving.

Then what?

Draw a plan taking into consideration aspects such as cost, price range, whether you would prefer a second-hand car or a brand new one, what sort of extra fittings you would prefer, etc. Then log on to any of the company or auction sites that offer the best deals. Company sites offer models that are manufactured by them so they help when you happen to have a specific model in mind. For instance, www.marutiudyog.com, besides providing information on their various models, also lets you purchase the vehicle of your choice online. And, while you make up your mind, it lets you in on specifications of the car, along with a peek into the interiors using streaming video.

The only drawback is that it is no substitute for a first hand experience of driving and testing a vehicle yourself.

As for second hand cars, the ones up for grabs at most sites come with a host of features, such as a 20,000 kms comprehensive warranty, clean title and history, exchange guarantee, easy finance options and insurance.

Apart from the latest industry news, AutoIndia has pages on car accessory dealers, links, industry reports, etc. They also have a complete section on vintage and classic cars that should be of some use to people who possess one. Business Standard Motoring covers national and international auto news and also has some vintage stuff, a chat, the mandatory poll and more. Drive India has an interesting oil reminder: Simply key in when you refilled your oil and your average mileage per day, and it sends you an email reminder a day in advance.

Then there’s Car Street where one can compare prices and specifications of new cars, get bargains on old ones, read FAQs and tips, or simply indulge in some trivia and vintage history. AutoMart India is where you can meet everyone from buyers and sellers, to dealers, value providers and manufacturers. It is also a place to buy and sell second hand cars that are already evaluated. Further, the site boasts of having India’s largest inventory of second hand vehicles-- nearly 7000.

IndiaCar gets you some of the best bargains for new, almost new and used cars. It also connects you to service stations, buyers, sellers, dealers, legalities, insurance and rentals, and has FAQs from a resident car doctor. A highlight is its Car-secure programme that focuses on delivering high quality cars via the auction route. Once procured, these cars are thoroughly refurbished and serviced. The key parts including the engine, gear box, chassis, body, electrical and so on are certified by Car Secure Engineers to guarantee at least 60 per cent of life and performance levels.

It is auction sites such as these that make life easy, thanks to easy manoeuvrability and systematic categorisation.

Start bidding

Be prepared to go against several bidders when you find a vehicle that matches your needs. Keep checking to avoid being outbid, or opt for an ‘Auto bid’ facility that automatically increases your bid by a specified minimum amount whenever someone outbids you.

Suppose you actually win the car of your choice, it is then mandatory to get in touch with the seller and take possession of the vehicle. Most sites also offer to help with matters like insurance and other paperwork, especially if you are taking a loan.

One last thing: Check to see if the vehicle is based in your city, since cars from all over the country are listed. In case you opt for a car from some other city, you may have to bear the cost of shipment, which is an extra burden.

Bottom line: The Internet has opened new vistas for people wanting to purchase an automobile. You can get help with everything from finance options and legalities, to registrations, paperwork, ownership transfers, mechanical value and even the validity of registration, insurance and tax papers.

On the flip side, however, it is always difficult to personally ascertain an automobile’s condition, especially if it is based in some other city. You have only the seller’s word for it. Even if it is in your city, you may still need to set up a test drive, since it is a second-hand deal we’re talking about.

Bidding is also a time-consuming process, since most vehicles are up for at least a week. Walking into a showroom and buying a car is always a lot quicker. Lastly, though it is not a major problem, you have to register at a site before you can start bidding.

All in all, buying a car online can be a pleasant experience. Just try and squeeze a test drive in, and get it checked as well as you can before making your final decision. After that, it’s just one long, smooth drive.

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