Buying a new vehicle is both a major expense and an emotional decision. Whether it’s a first car for the family or a bike for your college-going kid, tradition follows checking an auspicious tithi for this. And honestly, when you’re spending several lakhs (or tens of thousands of dollars abroad), checking the muhurat takes five minutes and gives peace of mind.
Which tithi and weekday are considered favorable
Dwitiya, Tritiya, Panchami, Saptami, Dashami, Ekadashi, and Trayodashi tithis in Shukla Paksha are considered good for buying a vehicle. Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday are considered favorable days. Buying a vehicle on certain special days of the year, like Dhanteras or Akshaya Tritiya, is considered auspicious for the whole year, and their dates change every year.
Why these specific tithis? They’re classified as Nanda, Bhadra, Jaya, and Purna tithis, considered inherently favorable for new beginnings. The Rikta tithis (literally “empty”) are left out because tradition considers them unfavorable for acquisitions.
Which dates to avoid
Amavasya and Rikta tithis (Chaturthi, Navami, Chaturdashi) are generally avoided. A new vehicle is also not brought home during Bhadra Kaal. Additionally, most families avoid buying during Pitru Paksha (the 16-day Shradh period, usually in September/October), during Rahu Kaal on the delivery day, or on days when the Moon is in the 8th house from your natal Moon sign (Chandrashtama).
Saturdays and Tuesdays are traditionally less preferred for vehicle purchases, though opinions vary. Some families specifically avoid Tuesday because of the Mars association (accidents, mechanical trouble in traditional thinking), while others consider it fine if the tithi is good.
Nakshatra also matters
Beyond tithis, the nakshatra prevailing at the time of purchase matters. Ashwini, Rohini, Mrigashirsha, Pushya, Hasta, Chitra, Swati, Anuradha, and Revati are considered favorable nakshatras for buying a vehicle. Pushya is especially valued; many car dealers in India report a noticeable spike in sales on Pushya nakshatra days.
Check your date’s day-of timing
Once a date is fixed, Rahu Kaal and Abhijit Muhurat fall at different times within that same day. Abhijit Muhurat (roughly the midday period) is considered universally auspicious and overrides most other concerns. Select your city on the muhurat page to see that day’s Rahu Kaal and Abhijit Muhurat, and keep the vehicle delivery within a good choghadiya with Rahu Kaal avoided.
A practical note for families abroad
If you’re buying a car in the US, UK, or Europe, you often can’t choose the exact delivery hour. Dealerships work on their own schedule. In that case, focus on choosing the right date (good tithi and weekday), and do the puja and first drive at home during a favorable window after delivery. The traditional coconut-breaking, garland, and tilak on the vehicle can happen at the time of your choosing, even if the paperwork was signed earlier.
The final call is yours
Muhurat gives you a framework, not a rigid rule. If the perfect car is available at a great price on a day that isn’t traditionally ideal, weigh the practical against the traditional. Many families split the difference: sign the deal whenever it works, but do the formal first drive on an auspicious day.