You Can’t Afford a ₹6 Lakh Tiago After Tax But Politicians Get Brand-New Fortuners on Your Money
Owning a basic car in india shouldn’t feel like chasing a luxury dream—but for the middle class, it often does.
Take something as modest as a Tata Tiago or a maruti Suzuki Wagon R. These aren’t status symbols; they’re practical necessities. Yet, buying one outright—without a loan—is a serious financial stretch for most families. And the reason isn’t just the price tag. It’s everything layered on top of it.
Here’s where the reality hits hard:
1. You’re taxed before you even start.
The money you use to buy a car has already been taxed through income tax. What’s left is supposed to help you live—not push you into another financial burden.
2. Then comes GST and road tax—double impact.
You pay hefty GST and road tax just to own and drive the car. And ironically, in many places, the “roads” you pay for barely justify the name.
3. Loans aren’t relief—they’re pressure.
Opting for a car loan means dealing with interest rates hovering around 10%. What looks affordable on paper quickly becomes a long-term financial commitment.
4. That’s why old cars stay on the road longer.
For many, upgrading isn’t about desire—it’s about survival. Stretching an 8–10-year-old car makes more sense than stepping into fresh debt.
Now flip the lens.
While the average citizen calculates EMIs and compromises, politicians rarely stick with vehicles beyond a couple of years. You’ll often see them moving in newer models like the toyota Innova or toyota Fortuner—not necessarily from personal wealth, but funded by public money.
And that’s where the contrast becomes impossible to ignore.
This isn’t just about rich vs poor. It’s about the growing, uncomfortable gap between public servants and the very public they serve. One side stretches every rupee to afford mobility; the other upgrades it routinely—with far less friction.
The question isn’t just about affordability anymore. It’s about fairness.