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 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/motor 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 ads, 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 Autotrader. 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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Check Which? insurance ratings and compare deals using the service provided by Confused.com

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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 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?

Most 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 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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1. Inspop.com Ltd for the introduction of non-investment motor, home, travel and pet insurance, who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to provide advice and arrange non-investment motor, home, travel and pet insurance products (FRN310635). Inspop.com Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to provide advice and arrange non-investment motor, home, travel and pet insurance products (FRN310635) and is registered in England and Wales to Greyfriars House, Greyfriars Road, Cardiff, South Wales, CF10 3AL, company number 03857130. Confused.com is a trading name of Inspop.com Ltd. 

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Enterprise House, Bancroft Road, Reigate, Surrey RH12 7RP, company number 05125701.

4. Alan Boswell Insurance Brokers Ltd (FRN 301), for the introduction of non-investment landlord insurances, who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority to provide advice and arrange insurance contracts. Alan Boswell insurance brokers Ltd is registered in England at Prospect House, Rouen Rd, Norwich NR1 1RE, company number 02591252.

Other financial services:

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We do not make, nor do we seek to make, any recommendations or personalised advice on financial products or services that are regulated by the FCA, as we’re not regulated or authorised by the FCA to advise you in this way. In some cases, however, we have included links to regulated brands or providers with whom we have a commercial relationship and, if you choose to, you can buy a product from our commercial partners. 

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