Car buying: Enthusiasts share their biggest set of deal breakers

The premise of this thread is not to understand why you chose that car, but to know the reason you rejected the other options.

BHPian CentreOfGravity recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

The car buying process isn’t a straightforward one. This is because we have a multitude of choices available in the market for a given budget, each of which have their own strengths and weaknesses. However, not all models will appeal to us because we all have a different priority set. Since a car is fundamentally expensive, we ideally make sure to do extensive research and get the right car according to our needs and preferences. Effectively, we eliminate many cars and narrow down our choice to that one car which meets most of our priorities. But the premise of this thread is not to understand why you chose that car, but to know the reason you rejected the other options. In other words, the lack of which parameter is the biggest deal breaker while buying a car? While I understand that a car may be rejected for multiple reasons, I’d like to know the primary reason. This is why the poll isn’t a multiple choice one.

In my case, a bad design will lead to immediate rejection from my side. Case in point = the new Verna is the best, most well-rounded sedan in the segment, but I would NEVER buy it because I hate the way it looks. Similarly, people have been raving about the XUV 3XO for its features, safety, powertrains, incredible value-for-money proposition and more, but thanks to its ugly design and proportions, I’d be better off with a Nexon or Sonet. I’d choose the Punch over the Exter and embrace its negatives instead of living with the weird-looking Hyundai. The design needn’t be the best, but it has to look decent at least. Only after rejecting cars based on design, do I proceed with the other parameters.

Here's what BHPian nova,19_exe had to say on the matter:

For me, it's multiple!

First up!

Design : If the design is a bit meh, yuck, then it's outta the list straight away!

Engine & Driving Dynamics : It has to have that suspense, that wow factor, the torque pushing you in your seat. I'm okay with a okayish engine but not a dull one!

Features & Tech : For me, any car has to have Wireless AA/AC. Without that, it's just too basic for me. A good sounding speaker, ventilated seats would be a big plus!

Safety : Can't compromise on that now, can we?

Comfort : You want the people seated behind you to be impressed as well, right?

But the one that tops my list is Engine & Driving Dynamics, has to be!

Here's what GTO had to say on the matter:

Bad engine and / or AT gearbox. To me, the engine is the soul of the car and I absolutely need a great powertrain. Bad suspension I can fix in the aftermarket. But the engine & gearbox has to be top-class.

All my cars have great engines & transmissions.

Here's what BHPian saket77 had to say on the matter:

1. Looks

2. Reliability & Safety- Given equal weightage

3. Handling

4. Nice free revving & refined engine.

My criteria of choosing cars is that first it should look good. Reliability along with decent safety is next criteria. I cannot ignore one for the other. So, equal weights assigned.
I have mostly owned cars with very decent, refined and free revving engines (Zen/ Civic/ City). So, I really appreciate cars with such engines and look for such traits. Also, as you can see from the list of cars above, all have been low slung and great handlers. I am not as comfortable sitting or driving an SUV/ compact SUV due to the associated body roll .

Here's what BHPian ashkamath had to say on the matter:

Well, I voted for Niggle free & Good A.S.S as a primary deal breaker and a few more secondary deal breakers such as engine and driving dynamics, design, safety, reliability and comfort in that order.

Residing in Goa, I have experienced first-hand that a niggle free ownership with a good / responsive service/repair provision is of utmost importance to me. Service centres are few and far and quality of repairs or knowledge among the technicians are below par leaving a letdown feeling everytime there's any minor issue with my vehicle.

I will restrict myself to only one primary deal breaker and not bother about other secondary deal-breakers as I wouldn't go ahead if my primary criteria is not met. I wouldn't compromise on that factor and other deal breakers become significantly less relevant.

Buying is a one time activity and experience. Living with the vehicle is going to be for a very long time, perhaps a decade or more (or less). So, once we settle down with our vehicle, the regular maintenance, service and repair becomes utmost important and when that aspect is compromised due to poor service/parts availability / repairs/ maintenance, then irrespective of the design, engine, comfort, safety or suspension, we will not be able to drive peacefully and enjoy the vehicle. Hence my deal breaker preference.

A point to note, I take my KTM Duke 390 to Mangalore (365 kms away from Goa) to get a good service as I don't have A S.S in Goa.

Here's what BHPian DCEite had to say on the matter:

I voted for safety, but this is not true in every scenario.

Example, in a multiple car household, if one has primary family car(s) that is used mainly for longer city drives with family, highway drives and to the hills, safety is paramount.

But if a secondary car is needed just for local errands, at average speeds of 40kmph (note the word average), doing local city shop hopping navigating crowded traffic, even a smaller and relatvely less safer car would do for me. As long as I trust my own safe driving behaviour and drive within the means my machine is capable of.

Here's what BHPian vattyboy had to say on the matter:

The most important factor for me when choosing a car is its reliability. Regardless of whether the car is a luxury model worth millions or a more affordable option priced at 500,000 rupees, I cannot enjoy driving if I constantly worry about the car breaking down.

When embarking on long journeys, the fear of the car malfunctioning at any moment is a constant source of stress. Without the assurance of reliability, driving becomes a chore rather than a pleasure.

Read BHPian comments for more insights and information.