Tips

Cars in My Life Cars have been a passion of mine since childhood. I remember when I was in elementary school, sitting inside the car, operating every switch, sometimes turning the engine on, changing gears, but not moving the car! As I grew older, around age 10, my dad let me start driving the car in the playground and later the streets with active supervision. Eventually, I began driving on the highways, with my dad available to take over the wheel by sliding across the bench seat. Sometimes, I would think he would take over and wait for him! Whenever I got a chance, I would take the wheel. In the 1980s, traffic in India was not like it is now; it was still not as regulated as it should have been. I eventually got my driver’s license at the age of 16. At the time, the major car brands were Ambassador and Fiat. Occasionally, you could see a Standard 10 or a Herald, and later the Contessa (a luxury version of the Ambassador) and the Standard 2000, the luxury version of the Standard 10, which rose and fell very quickly. The Ambassador, which initially evolved from the Morris Minor to New Look, became a part of history, with rumors that it might resurge in a different version—perhaps an EV? The mid-1980s saw the emergence of Maruti, which was in collaboration with Suzuki. In subsequent years, various Suzuki models were introduced in India. After we left India in the mid-1990s, many models of different global brands started appearing on Indian roads. Recently, one can see almost any global brand on the streets of India. From the early 2000s, Indian highways dramatically improved, linking every corner of the country and enhancing road transportation. Highways and traffic management have significantly improved, but driver safety still lags. Given the current traffic, the number of accidents is relatively low. I still enjoy driving in India, especially with a manual transmission in a right-hand drive car. We made many memories as a family as I grew up with our iconic family car—Ambassador MDO 8200, which my dad bought brand new when I was 3 years old. Numerous trips with family and friends across South India were made, usually with 5 to 10 people in the car. At that time, it was not cost-effective to travel solo in the car due to the cost of fuel and maintenance. I remember a 10-day tour of Ooty, Mysore, and Mangalore, returning to our home in Coimbatore via Kerala. On this trip, we were two families—11 people—and my dad was the only driver the entire time. It was unforgettable fun in the mid-1970s. We had the car until 1996, and I felt sad each time I left it to go out of town, especially when we left for England. Interestingly, a close family in Bangalore bought their Ambassador, MYQ 2270, around the same time, and I believe they are still maintaining it to this day—55 years later. It is truly an antique piece to cherish. Over 26 years, our MDO 8200 underwent several “bumper-to-bumper” transformations. The color changed from the original black to “buckskin” brown, elephant gray, and finally to a delicate silver. The running boards and sheet metal were repaired, repainted, or overcoated several times. The engine was reconditioned several times, and major mechanical parts were overhauled or replaced. Numerous sets of tires were retreaded or replaced with new ones. Oh, the retreading technology is rarely seen these days. The upholstery was upgraded a few times as well. One summer, I spent the whole time with my friendly mechanic while the engine was dismantled and new parts were installed, giving the car a new ride. In the mechanic shop, I would assist without disturbing their work.  Kasi, my mechanic, would tell other customers that when our car came in, there was less to worry about because it was properly cared for. Later, when petrol prices began soaring, the trend was to convert to diesel engines. The available engines that would fit an ambassador car were the Trekker diesel engines made by Hindustan Motors for their trucks, and some Ambassador cars were built with these engines at the HM plant in Calcutta. Many people installed the diesel engine made for Matador trucks, custom-designed to fit the Ambassador, with modifications to the chassis, suspension, transmission, and electrical system to accommodate the engine’s extra weight. We did this conversion as well. However, maintenance costs began to rise. As we moved to the UK and then to the USA, it became increasingly complex to maintain the car the way I liked it. I strongly encouraged my dad to sell it and get a new car. So, our MDO 8200 had to find a new home. My parents then bought a Maruti Suzuki 800cc in bright red. I was surprised they chose red, but in the end, I grew to love it, so much so that four of my subsequent vehicles were red. I was also responsible for maintaining the car in good condition for our long trips. Cars have always been such an enjoyable hobby, and I enjoyed it during my school and college days. It later evolved into a passion. So much so that my family jokes that the car is my “first wife.”

Purchasing a new home or car is frequently one of the most important choices a person will ever make. These decisions have several emotional, financial, and logistical factors that can be both exhilarating and taxing. They also require commitment, hard work, and time. Whether buying a car or a house requires careful planning and thought to ensure the purchase is wise, beneficial, and ultimately satisfying. It may take weeks or months to consider your options, understand the tiny language, and deal with financial issues to make the best decisions. Time The amount of time spent researching A vehicle or a home is often substantial. People typically do not rush into either of these purchases, as they are usually high-cost investments. The comfort level with the decision frequently increases as more research is done and the buyer is better informed. The more time you dedicate to exploring various makes and models of vehicles, the more comfortable you will feel with your decision. Comfort also stems from narrowing down choices based on personal preferences and requirements.  For instance, when buying a car, you might spend time deciding on the model, safety features, fuel efficiency, and price range.  The confidence level increases when a person feels well-informed that the decision has been made after careful deliberation. Energy Buying a house or a car may take a lot of mental and physical effort. When purchasing a vehicle, it is often necessary to travel to multiple dealerships, test-drive cars, and have lengthy discussions with salespeople. Mental energy is the most draining. The amount of thought put into each component affects long-term enjoyment, so it’s essential to consider how the purchase will affect you years from now. Money Making sure that the financial planning is sound is one of the most important factors when buying a home or car. Even though I could have the entire amount to pay for it upfront, both purchases sometimes need financing. Managing loan terms, interest rates, down payments, and monthly installments are common financing aspects. Careful budgeting is necessary because they are substantial financial obligations. Monthly installments and insurance premiums must be considered when purchasing a car. Mortgages, taxes, insurance, and even unanticipated maintenance or repair expenses are all associated with a home. It is necessary to plan for these costs by considering both the initial outlay and the long-term financial effects. Will you still be able to afford the house or the car? Are there any unforeseen expenses that could surface later on? A financially sound purchase requires understanding your financial capabilities and how the choice will impact your future security. Uncertainty There’s always an element of uncertainty when purchasing a vehicle or home, which can make the decision-making process more difficult. With a car, you may worry about its resale value, potential for maintenance costs, or how long it will meet your needs. With a home, concerns about future market trends, neighborhood safety, and even unforeseen natural disasters can make the decision feel more like a gamble. While some uncertainty is inevitable, thorough research and expert advice can reduce these risks. Consulting with professionals—like an independent automobile consultant, financial advisor, or real estate agent —can help alleviate concerns and give you a clearer picture of what to expect. The Right Decision Whether the purchase is the “right” decision is personal. It involves evaluating not just the practical aspects of the purchase but also the emotional satisfaction derived from it. While a home provides security and stability, a car often represents freedom and convenience. The key to making the right decision is ensuring the purchase aligns with your long-term goals. For example, a family may prioritize space, safety, and proximity to schools when purchasing a home, while someone buying a car may focus on fuel efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and reliability. The right decision should be based on both your current needs and your long-term vision for the future. Knowledge Knowledge is power when it comes to making any large purchase. Knowing about the vehicle or home you are considering helps you make an informed decision and avoids the pitfall of regret. With cars, it’s crucial to understand fuel economy, safety, comfort, technology features, warranties, and reliability. With homes, a thorough understanding of the neighborhood, market trends, property taxes, and future resale value is vital. Research The importance of research cannot be overstated. The more time spent learning about your options—comparing car models or researching the home-buying market- the more likely you will make a well-informed purchase. Research equips you with the knowledge to negotiate better deals, avoid unnecessary add-ons, and ultimately make a purchase that fits your needs and budget. If you are too busy to do it yourself or are new to this country, you can seek an expert consultation who is familiar with the nuances of buying your desired automobile. At the dealership Being prepared and knowledgeable at a car dealership or working with a real estate agent shows you are well-informed.  Salespeople often aim to close a deal, sometimes using pressure tactics or trying to upsell unnecessary features. Knowing the actual value of what you are buying, being clear on your budget, and not being afraid to walk away from a deal can ensure you don’t end up paying more than you should. In the case of car dealerships, being aware of the invoice price (what the dealer paid for the car) versus the MSRP (manufacturer’s suggested retail price) can give you a negotiating advantage. The Fine Print One of the most important—and often overlooked—elements of any purchase is the fine print. Contracts for cars and homes come with many terms and conditions that require scrutiny. Hidden fees, unexpected costs, and clauses that could impact on your decision later often lurk in the fine print. It’s essential to read all documents thoroughly before signing anything. When in doubt, ask to clarify your doubts. This includes financing terms, insurance requirements, and warranty details for CA purchases. For homes, it could involve reviewing closing costs, mortgage terms, property taxes,