Don't Rush to Buy a New Car, Here are Things that are Often Missed by Prospective Consumers

Illustration. (Photo: Dok. Antara)

JAKARTA - The decision to buy a new car is not just about choosing a brand or model that is popular. Behind the transaction at the dealer, there are a number of things that are often overlooked, ranging from the amount of discounts, financing schemes, to the contents of the Vehicle Order Letter (SPK).

In the midst of increasingly tight competition in the automotive industry, almost all manufacturers offer various sales programs. Starting from discounts, light credit interest, cashback, to accessory bonuses. However, not all of these offers are automatically the most profitable for consumers.

OTR Price is Not the Final Number

Many buyers make the On The Road (OTR) price as the main reference. In fact, the price can still change after the negotiation process.

The size of the discount is often influenced by the dealer's sales target, stock availability, to the promotional period. Towards the end of the month, the end of the quarter, or during the automotive exhibition, the opportunity to get a more attractive offer is usually getting bigger.

Therefore, there is no harm in asking for a quote from more than one dealer. The price difference is not always big, but the bonuses given can be quite significant.

Don't Focus Too Much on Discounts

The price cut does attract attention, but it is not the only component that determines the value of the transaction.

There are dealers who give smaller discounts, but offer free administrative fees, periodic service packages, premium window films, or official accessories. If calculated as a whole, the value of the benefits can actually be greater than just the initial price cut.

Looking at the total cost of ownership will give a more complete picture than just chasing the biggest discounts.

Compare Leasing Before Deciding

For buyers who use credit facilities, financing companies should also be a concern.

Each leasing has different policies regarding interest, down payment, tenor, administrative fees, to insurance packages. Installments that look lighter do not necessarily result in a cheaper total payment.

Therefore, ask for a simulation of several leases at once. Compare the total cost until the end of the credit period, not just the size of the installment per month. Also make sure that the financing company you choose has a license and is supervised by the Financial Services Authority (OJK).

SPK Jangan Dianggap Formalitas

Not a few buyers who immediately signed the SPK because they felt it was suitable for the price offered.

In fact, the document is the basis of all transaction processes.

Check again the type of vehicle, year of production, color, price after discount, promised bonus, payment method, to the estimated delivery time. If there is an additional agreement with the salesperson, make sure everything is written in writing in the SPK.

This simple step can reduce the potential for misunderstandings when the unit is received.

Test Drive is Still Relevant

The specifications in the brochure do help provide an overview, but the driving experience cannot be judged solely by numbers.

Test driving gives the opportunity to feel the seating position, visibility, suspension characteristics, engine response, and the ease of operating various features inside the cabin.

Moreover, if the car will be used in the long term, comfort when used daily should be one of the main considerations.

Choose a Car Based on Your Needs

The choice of new cars is now much more diverse than a few years ago. Consumers can choose city cars, MPVs, SUVs, hybrids, and electric vehicles.

Therefore, the decision to buy should be based on needs, not just following trends.

Cars that are used every day in urban areas certainly have different needs than vehicles that are routinely used to travel with family or travel between cities.

Consumers Now Have a Better Bargaining Position

Competition between brands and dealers makes the consumer's position stronger. Information regarding specifications, prices, and promo programs is now more easily accessible, so that prospective buyers have a greater opportunity to compare various offers before making a decision.

In the end, buying a new car is not just about finding the cheapest price. What is much more important is to ensure that the entire transaction process is transparent, starting from price negotiations, financing schemes, to the contents of the purchase documents. With proper preparation, consumers can get vehicles that meet their needs while avoiding additional costs that were not taken into account at the beginning.