How to get the best price on a car

New and used car prices are rarely fixed, so think of them as the starting point for a negotiation. There’s often huge potential for savings.

What level of discount you get depends on how much work you’re willing to put into your research and, in some cases, your haggling skills. Follow our advice below and you’ll have the best chance of bagging a decent deal..

Whether you're after a new hybrid or electric car, or seven-seat SUV for the family, our expert tests reveal the best cars.

Before buying a new car: what you need to prepare

It helps if you’re clear beforehand on exactly which model, engine and trim level you’re interested in. Manufacturer websites are a good place to check if you’re buying new, but you can also get an idea from our new and used car reviews.

When buying new, look for manufacturer discounts online and in adverts, and be prepared to bargain – dealers might still have their own margin to play with on top of what’s offered by the manufacturer.

Some dealers also regularly advertise heavily-discounted brand new cars on sites such as Carwow and Auto Trader. Even if the cheapest car you're interested in is hundreds of miles from where you live, it can be useful to see how much other dealers are able to sell the model of car you're interested in for.

Take any quotes with you to show the salesperson.

Find out more about brokers, classified ads and more in our guide on where to buy a car.

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Negotiating in person for the best price

If you’re buying in person, as always it’s best to remain cool, calm and polite and make an effort to be friendly.

Above all, let the dealer know you’re a serious buyer and they’ll do everything they can to secure a sale.

Saying something like ‘I’m ready to do a deal today at the right price’ might sound a bit corny, but it will at least let them know you’re serious about buying. Share any quotes you’ve found for similar cars – the salesperson might appear to dismiss them, but again it shows you’ve done your research.

If you’re not offered anywhere near the discount you’re after, keep trying. But above all, be prepared to walk away – it might be that there is actually very little wiggle room on the car you’re after, so you might be better off looking at a different model.

Best cheap cars: see the new and used models that aced our lab tests

What about finance?

Many new car buyers need some form of finance, and dealers are keen to offer their own finance packages. However, be aware that they may not be the most suitable or cheapest way to buy a new car. Our expert guide to car finance explains the pros and cons of the most popular methods.

Whether or not you actually want to take out dealer finance, it can pay to express an interest in it. Some dealers are prepared to offer a bigger discount off the new price because they make more money on the finance that goes with it. You can then push for the same discount when paying cash.

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