When you are hunting for a mid-size SUV, pinning down a specific model demands more than just a test drive. After all, the market is flooded with dozens of options, and it requires strategic research, comparison, and a clear understanding of needs.
Gone were the days of endless browser tabs, notes, and last-minute doubts. This time, my secret weapon was NotebookLM, a powerful AI notetaker that became my ultimate co-pilot.
Here’s how NotebookLM helped me cut through the noise and finalize my car and insurance purchase with a level of confidence I never experienced before.
The car buying problem
You know that feeling when you are trying to make a big decision, and the internet, instead of helping, just dumps a mountain of information at you. This was precisely my experience when I set out to buy a new mid-SUV.
The Indian market is absolutely overflowing with fantastic options from almost every major manufacturer – Honda, Hyundai, Skoda, Volkswagen, MG, Suzuki, and Toyota.
I spent countless hours bouncing between review sites, YouTube videos, and forum discussions.
One minute, I was deep into comparison of space and practicality (as I wanted to figure out if the rear seats were truly comfortable for long journeys or if the trunk had ample space for all my luggage).
Next, I was obsessing over fuel economy figures to distinguish real-world mileage from the manufacturer’s claim. I wanted to figure out if a diesel, gasoline, or a strong hybrid was the right choice for my daily commute in Surat.
Overall, my car-buying process turned out to be more complex than I initially estimated.
My everything notebook in NotebookLM
Here is where I ditched my manual efforts and decided to embrace NotebookLM in my setup. I created a new notebook called “SUV hunt” in NotebookLM and decided to dump all the research material in it.
I added several lengthy reviews from reputed publications as well as comparison reviews from several YouTubers. Mind you, these are several hours-long videos that would have wasted my time.
When everything was in, the real magic happened. Instead of re-reading or re-watching entire segments, I could ask NotebookLM questions. For instance, I would type things like:
- Summarize the pros and cons of the Hyundai Creta’s rear seat comfort.
- What are the typical service costs for the Skoda Kushaq based on user reviews?
- Which models constantly get praised for their highway stability?
- Compare the suspension setup of the Toyota Hyryder and the Honda Elevate for city driving.
It was incredible. NotebookLM would go through everything I had fed it and give me concise answers. It even displays the source so that I can click on it and refer to the original material anytime.
I also remembered watching a detailed YouTube video that specifically puts various mid-SUVs through an A/C torture test.
Usually, I would have to go through the entire video. However, with NotebookLM, I can ask “Compare the A/C performance between Skoda Kushaq and Hyundai Creta,” and it gets me the relevant answers quickly.
At any point, I can take notes in NotebookLM to refer to them later.
Overall, I was able to get relevant details about space, performance, suspension, and more about all the shortlisted cars.
Learning about car insurance through NotebookLM
Finally, I settled on my perfect mid-size SUV. But the journey wasn’t over yet. The next hurdle was picking car insurance from dozens of companies.
I shortlisted several and uploaded every policy brochure to a new notebook. This allowed me to cut through the noise and get straight to the answers I needed for a relevant insurance policy.
I asked the following questions.
- What are the exclusions for accidental damage in policy A compared to policy B?
- What is the cancellation policy, and are there any associated fees for policy C?
- Do any of these policies offer cashless claim settlement at authorized service centers in Surat?
- Does this policy cover damage from natural disasters, and if so, what kind of events are included?
NotebookLM would pull out the exact clauses and information from the lengthy documents. It gave me the confidence that I had the best possible insurance for my new ride.
Car buying made easy
Ultimately, NotebookLM didn’t just help me buy a car; it empowered me to make one of the most financially significant decisions with confidence and clarity. I no longer have to second-guess or feel overwhelmed by a mountain of information.
If you are facing a complex decision, whether it’s a major purchase or a new project, I highly recommend leveraging the power of NotebookLM. It truly transformed my car-buying experience, and I’m already looking forward to applying its capabilities to my next big challenge.
If you are new to NotebookLM, check out these tips to get the best out of it.
