C Program To Choose Car By Given Conditions

Making an informed decision when purchasing a car can be complex, often requiring a careful evaluation of various factors. A C program can simplify this process by applying predefined conditions to suggest suitable vehicles. In this article, you will learn how to develop C programs that guide car selection based on criteria such as budget, fuel type, and seating capacity.

Problem Statement

The challenge in choosing a car lies in sifting through numerous options while adhering to specific requirements. Buyers typically consider budget constraints, fuel efficiency (petrol, diesel, electric), seating needs (family, individual), and desired features. Manually comparing these criteria across many models is time-consuming and prone to oversight, making an automated, condition-based suggestion system highly valuable.

Example

Imagine you're looking for a car under $20,000. A simple program could quickly suggest:

"Based on your budget of $18,500, a Sedan or Hatchback would be a great option for city driving."

This immediate feedback helps narrow down choices effectively.

Background & Knowledge Prerequisites

To understand and implement the C programs discussed, you should have a basic grasp of:

• Variables: Declaring and using variables to store data (e.g., budget, fuel type).
• Input/Output: Using printf() for displaying information and scanf() for taking user input.
• Conditional Statements: Employing if, else if, else, and switch statements to make decisions based on specified conditions.
• Logical Operators: Understanding && (AND), || (OR), and ! (NOT) to combine multiple conditions.

No special libraries or complex setup are required beyond a standard C compiler (like GCC).

Use Cases or Case Studies

Condition-based car selection programs can be useful in various scenarios:

• Personal Car Buying Assistant: An individual can input their preferences and receive immediate suggestions.
• Automotive Dealership Tool: Sales representatives can quickly filter inventory based on customer needs, improving efficiency.
• Fleet Management: Companies can select vehicles for their fleet based on operational requirements, such as cargo capacity or fuel economy.
• Educational Demonstrations: As a simple example of decision-making logic in programming for students.
• Car Rental Services: Matching customers to available cars that meet their specific rental criteria (e.g., SUV for family trip, compact for city commute).

Solution Approaches

Here are a few approaches to developing a C program for choosing a car by given conditions, increasing in complexity.

Approach 1: Simple If-Else Statements for Budget-Based Selection

This approach uses basic if-else if-else statements to recommend a car type primarily based on the user's budget.

• Summary: Prompt the user for their budget and suggest a car category using conditional logic.

// Budget-Based Car Selector
#include <stdio.h>

int main() {
    // Step 1: Declare a variable to store the user's budget
    int budget;

    // Step 2: Prompt the user for their budget
    printf("Enter your maximum budget for a car (in USD): ");
    scanf("%d", &budget);

    // Step 3: Use if-else if-else to suggest a car based on budget
    if (budget < 10000) {
        printf("Given your budget of $%d, a Used Compact or Small Hatchback might be suitable.\\n", budget);
        printf("Consider models like an older Honda Fit or Toyota Yaris.\\n");
    } else if (budget >= 10000 && budget < 25000) {
        printf("Given your budget of $%d, a New Compact Sedan or Mid-Size Hatchback is a good option.\\n", budget);
        printf("Look for models such as a Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, or Mazda 3.\\n");
    } else if (budget >= 25000 && budget < 40000) {
        printf("Given your budget of $%d, you can consider a Mid-Size Sedan, Small SUV, or Entry-Luxury Sedan.\\n", budget);
        printf("Explore options like a Toyota Camry, Honda CR-V, or BMW 3 Series (used/entry).\\n");
    } else { // budget >= 40000
        printf("Given your budget of $%d, you have a wide range of choices including Luxury Sedans, Premium SUVs, or Sports Cars.\\n", budget);
        printf("Consider models such as a Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi Q5, or Ford Mustang.\\n");
    }

    return 0;
}

Run

• Sample Output:

  Enter your maximum budget for a car (in USD): 18500
  Given your budget of $18500, a New Compact Sedan or Mid-Size Hatchback is a good option.
  Look for models such as a Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, or Mazda 3.

• Explanation:

1. The program first takes an integer input representing the user's budget.
2. It then uses a series of if-else if-else statements to check which budget range the input falls into.
3. Each if or else if condition evaluates a budget range using logical AND (&&) where needed.
4. A corresponding car suggestion is printed for the matched budget category.

Approach 2: Using switch Statements for Categorical Choices (Fuel Type)

This approach integrates a switch statement to handle discrete categorical choices, such as fuel type, in addition to budget considerations.

• Summary: Allow the user to specify both their budget and preferred fuel type, providing more tailored suggestions.

// Fuel-Type and Budget Car Selector
#include <stdio.h>

int main() {
    // Step 1: Declare variables for budget and fuel type choice
    int budget;
    int fuel_choice; // 1 for Petrol, 2 for Diesel, 3 for Electric

    // Step 2: Prompt for budget
    printf("Enter your maximum budget for a car (in USD): ");
    scanf("%d", &budget);

    // Step 3: Prompt for fuel type
    printf("Choose your preferred fuel type:\\n");
    printf("  1. Petrol\\n");
    printf("  2. Diesel\\n");
    printf("  3. Electric\\n");
    printf("Enter your choice (1-3): ");
    scanf("%d", &fuel_choice);

    // Step 4: Use a switch statement for fuel type, then if-else for budget
    printf("\\nBased on your choices:\\n");
    switch (fuel_choice) {
        case 1: // Petrol
            printf("Fuel Type: Petrol\\n");
            if (budget < 20000) {
                printf("  Recommended: Compact Sedan (e.g., Maruti Swift, Hyundai i10).\\n");
            } else if (budget < 40000) {
                printf("  Recommended: Mid-Size Sedan or Small SUV (e.g., Honda City, Kia Seltos).\\n");
            } else {
                printf("  Recommended: Premium Petrol Sedans/SUVs (e.g., BMW 3 Series, Audi Q3).\\n");
            }
            break;
        case 2: // Diesel
            printf("Fuel Type: Diesel\\n");
            if (budget < 25000) {
                printf("  Recommended: Used Diesel Hatchback/Sedan (e.g., VW Polo, Hyundai Verna).\\n");
            } else if (budget < 50000) {
                printf("  Recommended: Diesel SUV (e.g., Mahindra XUV700, Tata Harrier).\\n");
            } else {
                printf("  Recommended: Premium Diesel SUVs (e.g., Toyota Fortuner, Mercedes-Benz GLC).\\n");
            }
            break;
        case 3: // Electric
            printf("Fuel Type: Electric\\n");
            if (budget < 30000) {
                printf("  Recommended: Entry-level EV (e.g., Tata Nexon EV, MG ZS EV).\\n");
            } else {
                printf("  Recommended: Mid to High-end EV (e.g., Hyundai Kona Electric, Tesla Model 3).\\n");
            }
            break;
        default:
            printf("Invalid fuel type choice. Please choose between 1, 2, or 3.\\n");
            break;
    }

    return 0;
}

Run

• Sample Output:

  Enter your maximum budget for a car (in USD): 35000
  Choose your preferred fuel type:
    1. Petrol
    2. Diesel
    3. Electric
  Enter your choice (1-3): 3
  
  Based on your choices:
  Fuel Type: Electric
    Recommended: Mid to High-end EV (e.g., Hyundai Kona Electric, Tesla Model 3).

• Explanation:

1. The program takes budget as an integer and fuel type as an integer choice (1, 2, or 3).
2. A switch statement processes the fuel_choice.
3. Inside each case (e.g., case 1 for Petrol), another set of if-else if-else statements is used to refine the car suggestion based on the provided budget.
4. The default case handles invalid fuel type inputs.

Approach 3: Combining Multiple Criteria and User Input

This approach demonstrates how to combine several user inputs (budget, fuel type, seating capacity) using nested if-else and logical operators to provide a highly specific recommendation.

• Summary: Gather multiple preferences from the user and apply complex conditional logic to suggest the most appropriate car.

// Multi-Criteria Car Selector
#include <stdio.h>

int main() {
    // Step 1: Declare variables for various car criteria
    int budget;
    int fuel_choice;    // 1: Petrol, 2: Diesel, 3: Electric
    int seating_choice; // 1: 2-3 seats, 2: 4-5 seats, 3: 6-7 seats

    // Step 2: Get user inputs
    printf("Welcome to the Multi-Criteria Car Selector!\\n");
    printf("Enter your maximum budget (in USD): ");
    scanf("%d", &budget);

    printf("\\nChoose preferred fuel type:\\n");
    printf("  1. Petrol\\n");
    printf("  2. Diesel\\n");
    printf("  3. Electric\\n");
    printf("Enter your choice (1-3): ");
    scanf("%d", &fuel_choice);

    printf("\\nChoose preferred seating capacity:\\n");
    printf("  1. 2-3 seats (e.g., Sports car, Mini compact)\\n");
    printf("  2. 4-5 seats (e.g., Sedan, Hatchback, Small SUV)\\n");
    printf("  3. 6-7 seats (e.g., MPV, Large SUV)\\n");
    printf("Enter your choice (1-3): ");
    scanf("%d", &seating_choice);

    // Step 3: Apply complex conditions to suggest a car
    printf("\\nAnalyzing your preferences...\\n");

    if (budget < 15000) {
        if (seating_choice == 2 && fuel_choice == 1) {
            printf("Recommendation: Economical Hatchback/Sedan (e.g., Renault Kwid, Datsun Go).\\n");
        } else if (seating_choice == 1) {
            printf("Recommendation: Used Mini Compact Car (e.g., Smart Fortwo).\\n");
        } else {
            printf("Recommendation: Limited options in this budget for specific fuel/seating. Consider used.\\n");
        }
    } else if (budget >= 15000 && budget < 30000) {
        if (seating_choice == 2) {
            if (fuel_choice == 1) {
                printf("Recommendation: Mid-range Petrol Sedan/Hatchback (e.g., Hyundai i20, Honda City).\\n");
            } else if (fuel_choice == 2) {
                printf("Recommendation: Mid-range Diesel Sedan/Hatchback (e.g., Hyundai Verna Diesel).\\n");
            } else if (fuel_choice == 3) {
                printf("Recommendation: Entry-level Electric Vehicle (e.g., Tata Nexon EV, MG Comet EV).\\n");
            } else {
                printf("Recommendation: Explore petrol/diesel options in this segment.\\n");
            }
        } else if (seating_choice == 3) {
            printf("Recommendation: Entry-level MPV/SUV (e.g., Maruti Ertiga, Kia Carens - petrol/diesel).\\n");
        } else {
            printf("Recommendation: Consider mid-range options with 4-5 seats as main choice.\\n");
        }
    } else if (budget >= 30000 && budget < 50000) {
        if (seating_choice == 2) {
            if (fuel_choice == 1 || fuel_choice == 2) {
                printf("Recommendation: Premium Mid-size Sedan/SUV (e.g., Skoda Octavia, Hyundai Creta).\\n");
            } else if (fuel_choice == 3) {
                printf("Recommendation: Mid-range Electric Car (e.g., MG ZS EV, Mahindra XUV400).\\n");
            }
        } else if (seating_choice == 3) {
            if (fuel_choice == 1 || fuel_choice == 2) {
                printf("Recommendation: Large SUV/MPV (e.g., Toyota Innova, Mahindra XUV700).\\n");
            } else if (fuel_choice == 3) {
                printf("Recommendation: Larger Electric SUV (e.g., BYD Atto 3).\\n");
            }
        } else {
            printf("Recommendation: Wide range of premium options available.\\n");
        }
    } else { // budget >= 50000
        printf("Recommendation: Luxury Segment. Options include premium sedans, high-end SUVs, or performance EVs.\\n");
        printf("  Consider brands like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, Tesla, Volvo.\\n");
    }

    return 0;
}

Run

• Sample Output:

  Welcome to the Multi-Criteria Car Selector!
  Enter your maximum budget (in USD): 45000
  
  Choose preferred fuel type:
    1. Petrol
    2. Diesel
    3. Electric
  Enter your choice (1-3): 1
  
  Choose preferred seating capacity:
    1. 2-3 seats (e.g., Sports car, Mini compact)
    2. 4-5 seats (e.g., Sedan, Hatchback, Small SUV)
    3. 6-7 seats (e.g., MPV, Large SUV)
  Enter your choice (1-3): 3
  
  Analyzing your preferences...
  Recommendation: Large SUV/MPV (e.g., Toyota Innova, Mahindra XUV700).

• Explanation:

1. The program collects three inputs: budget, fuel type, and seating capacity.
2. It uses nested if-else if-else structures. The outer if statements categorize by budget.
3. Inside each budget category, further if-else if-else statements or switch (could be used for fuel_choice or seating_choice too) refine the recommendation based on seating_choice and fuel_choice.
4. Logical operators (|| for OR) are used to combine fuel_choice conditions (e.g., fuel_choice == 1 || fuel_choice == 2).
5. This approach demonstrates how to build a more granular decision-making system.

Conclusion

Developing a C program to choose a car by given conditions effectively automates a complex decision-making process. From simple budget-based suggestions using if-else to more detailed recommendations integrating fuel type and seating capacity with switch and nested conditionals, C offers robust tools for logical structuring. These programs provide quick, data-driven suggestions, making car selection more efficient and tailored to individual needs.

Summary

• C programs can streamline car selection by applying user-defined conditions.
• Basic if-else statements are suitable for single-criterion decisions like budget.
• switch statements efficiently handle categorical choices such as fuel type.
• Combining nested if-else and logical operators allows for complex, multi-criteria recommendations.
• Key C concepts include variables, input/output, conditional statements, and logical operators.
• These programs have practical applications in personal buying, dealership tools, and fleet management.