[sathya_nars]

Originally Posted by speedzak

What if someone considers everything and makes a decision based on all? I need an option like that.

'Others' category will fit.

[kjdesigns_2000]

i search for some known person or friend or friends friend who has the car. test drive the car according to my usage and decide if it is worth it. priop to it i check the price and variants etc but without a TD, never

[sreenivass]

I use spec sheet and prices to short list cars, then test drive. TD is the only thing that says yes/ no. I see the following things: Engine performance, ride quality, back seat comfort, safety/ build quality, A/C performance, driving position/ experience.

[Firebird]

The specification is important, but the experts play a greater role than specifications. The TD will make the final decision.

The brand and the top selling does not matter.
There can be other reasons as family requirement or any specific shape.

[dr.abhijeet]

budget helps me decide the options that i have .
then i look at spec sheet, looks, TD, dealership and brand .

[GSHA]

I use multiple parameters (like most others explained in this thread). Plus, I use an objective parametric matrix to set scores for each option. Example: Here is how I choose my Cedia.

Parameters considered.

1. Cost of Car
2. Fuel cost
3. Maintenance cost
4. Build Quality
5. Performance
6. Feature pack
7. Internal comfort
8. Ride quality
9. Status Symbol
10. Reliability
11. Dealer Network
12. Re-Sale value

The options considered were the SX4, City Vtec and Cedia.

Each parameter is given a relative score of 1/3/5. Example: On Cost of car SX4 is given 5 points, Vtec is given 3 points and Cedia is given 1 point. Likewise, each parameter is scored.

Each parameter is given a weightage on a scale of 1 to 10. Example: Fuel cost is given a weight of 10 points against Re-sale value at a weight of 5.

The final score of each car option against the parameter is the product of weight and score. Likewise, each parameter for each option is computed.

The total sum of scores of all parameters is the final score of the option.

I am unable to post a JPG picture in this forum. I have a picture of how I made this decision. It is far easier to see that picture, than to read the text above and understand the parametric matrix. Seniors: Please let me know how I may post a picture.

[sathya_nars]

Originally Posted by GSHA

I am unable to post a JPG picture in this forum. I have a picture of how I made this decision. It is far easier to see that picture, than to read the text above and understand the parametric matrix. Seniors: Please let me know how I may post a picture.

http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/announ...-team-bhp.html

[GSHA]

Thanks sathya_nars.

Here is the comparison matrix.

[prskumar]

I first look at the specs of the car. Then if the price is within my budget, try to get opinion from forum members like TBHP as well.

Finally TD and decide.

[psp62in]

One of the recent threads on T-BHP is discussing why Maruti is advertising the new K series engine. One of the post says "Cars in India mostly got sold on the following aspects - eye catching design, aesthetics appeal, mileage, neighbors envy owner pride, price and finally the engine”.
One factor that I agree on most is the Neighbours Envy Owners Pride. Another factor also is the peer feedback. Here is an experience in our family. My recent buy of ANHC and my brother going for Linea have got following feedback from the relatives/friends etc.
ANHC-
WOW! It is great looking, etc.
Honda is Honda
You sure wont face a problem for years, its proven.
And finally -- you have made a great choice

Linea-
WOW! Great looks, good ride etc.
Which company?? (No doubt this comes from the least knowledgeable, but it still hurts!)
Are you sure about the service?
Why Fiat?
And finally - Why did u go for this?

No wonder my brother gets pis**d-off by such comments and he is fed up giving explanations. (I had the same experience when I bought my Palio many years back). On the other side I am happy to receive accolades (whether deserved or not). It makes me wonder if my brother will go for another FIAT next time.
It is the marketing success of HONDA that they have in creating a brand image which is helping them to sell even the overpriced products.

[beejay]

IMO, some of the selling factors for cars in India are FE, resale, VFM, aesthetics and service.

[Gansan]

I think FE, maintenance costs and resale value form the main criteria for most people, everything else comes after these.

As for Fiats, most people think of the Premier Padmini when they hear this name. In fact quite a few still think it is from PAL.

[Firebird]

Average kya Hai - I feel thats the key in India Market - Aam Janta

You move a segment high on income - Wow!! HONDA is HONDA

Service does play important role as well.

Classic experince in the Family

I told my wife I want to buy Fiesta 1.6 SXI. Now she tells me, No, I have had enough of cars no more other brand buy Honda and went to Honda dealer and gets the quote.

Now what did I do this case. I dropped the plan.

[prince_pervez]

FE and A.S.S mainly. Then brand is also an important factor for the cash rich.

[Liverpool_Red]

Initial Cost, Maintenance & FE come first for the first time buyer.
For more seasoned buyers Engine, Driveability, Suspension etc all matter.

IMO when it comes to cars, brand matters to all the people and not just cash rich.