In Pakistan, buying a car is rarely just a “purchase.” It’s an event and a car is often considered an investment, a form of security, and a badge of stability. It’s the discussions within family, the endless comparisons with friends, and the late-night scrolling through PakWheels or online reviews. For many, that first car means arrival. It’s pride on wheels. Whether it’s a Corolla, Civic, or even an Alto, the emotions run deeper than engine oil.
The Emotional Engine: Pride, Status s Sentiment
A car in Pakistan is more than mobility it’s identity. We don’t just buy what moves us; we buy what represents us.
- Honda Civic: shows status, confidence, pride, and a sense of achievement.
- Toyota Corolla: signals reliability and trust.
- Suzuki Alto: freedom for the first-time buyer , an independent start.
We attach emotion to design, color, and even number plates. And let’s be honest: nothing beats that feeling of driving your new car home for the first time recitation on, dua-e-safar hanging on the mirror, windows slightly down, feeling like everyone is looking. That moment stays with you.
Then Comes Reality: Resale, Fuel s Finance
But emotions alone can’t outrun inflation. In today’s economy, every buyer is doing mental math long before finalizing the choice:
“Will it hold resale?”“What’s the mileage?” “Are parts easily available?” “Can I get financing on better terms?”
Some even calculate the exact taxes and registration impact before making the call.
Car buying today is a blend of passion and practicality. We might dream with our hearts, but we decide with our calculators and that’s not a bad thing. It shows maturity in a market that once ran purely on reputation.
The New Influencers: Digital Media, Online Reviews s WhatsApp Groups
Remember when the family elder’s word was final?
“Beta, Honda le lo stylish to hai na.” “Bhai Corolla lay lo resale achi hai.” Those days are fading fast.
Now, car buying decisions are shaped online through influencers, Facebook groups, TikTok walkarounds, and real-owner reviews.
Today’s buyer walks into the showroom already knowing the specs, features, warranty terms, and hidden costs sometimes better than the salesperson. Digital literacy has made buyers bolder, smarter, and harder to mislead.
The Turning Point: The Kia s Hyundai Era
A major mindset shift began when Korean brands re-entered Pakistan with feature enriched models like the Sportage, Sonata, Tucson, and Picanto. For the first time in decades, customers actively experimented outside the Japanese brands. People saw variety of styling, newer platforms, longer warranties, and competitive pricing and many were willing to take the leap. This era opened the door for a new consumer mindset: “If the value is better, we’re willing to try.”
Kia and Hyundai didn’t just sell cars they broke the psychological barrier. They proved that Pakistanis could move beyond long-held brand loyalty when given a fascinating alternative. And that consumer confidence paved the way for newer Chinese players to enter and compete.
The Shift: From Loyalty to Smart Choices
Once, Toyota families stayed Toyota. Honda fans swore by VTEC. Today, value is the new loyalty.
Chinese entrants Changan, MG, Haval, Geely, etc. are proof that buyers are open to experimenting if the product offers technology, comfort, and a price that feels justified.
The Pakistani customer is no longer predictable. They are evolving.
The Road Ahead: Emotion Meets Evaluation
The Pakistani car market stands at a fascinating crossroads.
People still crave the feeling of ownership that emotional connection with a machine, but they are far more aware of value, maintenance, transparency, and total cost of ownership. The winners of tomorrow will be brands that can speak to both sides of the brain:
· The heart that wants pride, and
- The mind that demands value.
Because at the end of the day, every car tells a story of dreams, progress, and identity. And understanding those stories is key to understanding where Pakistan’s auto market is heading next.
The Future: What Will the Next Generation of Buyers Look For?
Looking ahead, Pakistan’s car-buying behavior will continue to evolve. The next generation of customers will prioritize value, technology, efficiency, and transparency more than ever before. Features like ADAS, hybrid and EV options, digital dashboards, safety ratings, and after-sales experience will influence decisions. Subscription-based ownership, certified used cars, and online booking platforms will also gain momentum as younger buyers prefer convenience and flexibility over traditional dealership interactions. In short, the future buyer will be emotionally connected, financially cautious, digitally informed, and open to alternatives pushing the industry toward higher standards and healthier competition.
A Glimpse of What’s Coming: Customer Excitement at PAPS 2025
The shift in consumer mindset was clearly visible at the recently held PAPS 2025 Auto Show, where thousands of visitors showed remarkable interest in newly launched and upcoming models. Families, young buyers, and even long-time loyalists crowded around hybrid concepts, mid-sized SUVs, and hatchbacks. What stood out the most was how comfortably consumers compared features, questioned representatives, and discussed technology as if they were industry analysts themselves. The buzz around new EV options, advanced safety features, and modern infotainment systems showed one thing clearly: Pakistani buyers are no longer just looking for a “brand” they are looking for innovation, value, and future-proof choices. The energy at PAPS 2025 reflected a market ready to explore, experiment, and embrace the next chapter of mobility.
(A candid take on emotions, egos, and economics on four wheels)
This exclusive article has been published in Automark’s December-2025 printed and digital edition. Written by #Mawiz Akhtar