It is a big moment when you buy a new car because your car is the most important public statement of the kind of person you want others to think you are. But it is a big expense so many of us so many of us buy the cheapest variant of the model we have selected. We therefore often opt for the cheapest variant of models on offer and get just a means of transportation instead of getting a magic carpet to take you to your destination in style and comfort. As your car will be with you for three years or more you should get yourself a car that may cost more than you can afford today but will live up to your aspirations for as long as you have it. Instead of a top end Honda Amaze you may get yourself an entry model of the bigger Honda City at nearly the same price. Both cars are very good and the bigger car is more prestigious but you may sacrifice several auto accessories like remote locking, fancy alloy or chrome wheels, leather or superior upholstery, automatic climate control, superior music and entertainment systems, navigation, front seat height adjustment, reverse parking cameras, armrests and other features. Sure you can save money and manage very well without them but people buy them because they do make driving and being driven much more comfortable. There are however some accessories that you do not really need. In our climate, a sliding sunroof is very seldom used and is not even very noticeable. It is however a huge extra expense. In our chaotic traffic, cruise control is also an utter waste. There are also some features that have now become fairly standard like daytime running lights (DRLs) that not only make your car look good but contribute to road safety. Similarly, the delayed switching off of your interior and exterior lights are a big help when you stop your car and walk to open your gate. The problem with many of the new electronic gadgets is that are so subtle that you cannot really get the feel of them in an auto showroom and without a long test drive on which you can actually experience the climate control, infotainment, navigation and other features. There is no longer need to ask about fuel efficiency as all modern cars are very fuel-efficient but seriously consider a larger engine option because powerful engines make driving less stressful. No doubt a bigger car is more prestigious but a smaller car is more convenient for parking and for driving in heavy traffic so you will probably be happier in a fully loaded Honda Amaze than in a entry level Honda City. The same logic applies for the still smaller Honda Jazz hatchback that is actually very spacious. In the same way, consider a well-equipped Maruti-Suzuki Swift hatchback instead of a DZire small saloon or their still larger Ciaz. Also, evaluate the models from Fiat, Ford, Hyundai, Mahindra & Mahindra, Nissan, Renault, Skoda, Tata Motors, Toyota and Volkswagen to say nothing of luxury brands like Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Porsche or Volvo. Most SUV's are simply saloons with ‘Macho' styling and big wheels that many buyers want as a change from conventional cars. So talk to your spouse or family members, and list your preferences and then test-drive the two or three models you really like.