ISLAMABAD, October 29, 2026: Buying a new car in Pakistan requires more than comparing showroom prices, fuel efficiency and features, as additional taxes, expensive spare parts, delivery conditions and maintenance costs can significantly affect the overall expense of vehicle ownership.
With petrol vehicles now competing against hybrids, plug-in hybrids and fully electric cars, prospective buyers are being advised to carefully assess their options before making booking payments.
According to a consumer buying guide published by PakWheels, seven important factors should be considered before purchasing a new vehicle.
1. Check the final price, including taxes
The advertised ex-factory price may not represent the total amount payable. Registration charges, withholding tax, insurance, freight and other expenses can increase the final cost.
Buyers should obtain a written quotation from authorised dealerships clearly identifying applicable taxes, additional charges and price-revision conditions.
Pakistan’s proposed Auto Policy 2026–31 also includes changes to vehicle taxation, but the suggested rates remain subject to approval and should not be treated as implemented.
2. Choose the right vehicle technology
Buyers should select a vehicle according to their daily travel requirements, fuel expenses and access to charging facilities.
Conventional petrol vehicles may suit frequent intercity travellers, while hybrid electric vehicles can offer advantages for city driving without requiring external charging.
Plug-in hybrids and fully electric vehicles may be more suitable for motorists with reliable home or workplace charging arrangements.
Range-extended electric vehicles also require careful consideration of charging availability, fuel consumption and maintenance support.
3. Compare safety, comfort and practicality
A vehicle’s size, seating capacity and features should match the buyer’s requirements.
Prospective customers should test-drive shortlisted models and assess air-conditioning performance, visibility, rear-seat comfort, luggage space and handling on local roads.
Safety equipment, including airbags, anti-lock braking systems and electronic stability control, should be prioritised over cosmetic features.
4. Investigate spare parts and maintenance costs
Replacement parts can represent a significant expense, particularly for newly introduced vehicles.
According to dealership-sourced quotations cited by PakWheels, a replacement headlamp for the Changan Alsvin costs approximately Rs59,353, compared with Rs171,304 for the Deepal S05.
The vehicles belong to different market segments, and the quoted figures do not include installation charges.
Buyers should therefore check the availability and prices of headlights, windscreens, bumpers, mirrors and routine maintenance parts before booking.
5. Verify booking and delivery conditions
Customers should carefully examine booking documents, including the exact vehicle variant, colour, payment amount, delivery period and cancellation policy.
Payments should be made only through officially authorised channels, with receipts and booking confirmations retained for future reference.
Buyers should also verify whether the manufacturer can revise prices before delivery.
6. Inspect the vehicle before accepting delivery
A new vehicle should be thoroughly inspected before the customer signs the delivery acceptance documents.
Buyers should verify chassis and engine numbers, examine the paintwork and body panels, and test the air conditioning, lights, infotainment system and other electrical equipment.
For electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, charging equipment and related accessories should also be checked.
Any defects or missing items should be documented before accepting delivery.
7. Confirm registration, insurance and warranty
Before leaving the dealership, buyers should clarify registration arrangements, insurance coverage and warranty conditions.
For hybrid and electric vehicles, particular attention should be paid to separate warranties covering batteries, electric motors, inverters and other high-voltage components.
Buyers should also confirm the availability of authorised service centres and understand the procedures for warranty claims.
The guide emphasises that the cheapest vehicle or the model offering the most features may not necessarily provide the best overall value.
A well-informed purchasing decision should consider the final payable price, safety, running costs, spare parts availability, service support and documented booking conditions.