7 ways to save thousands on your next car

Buying a new car for less is easier than you might think – these seven tips can help you lock in a better deal.

Buying a new car can be one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make, but many buyers leave thousands of pounds on the table because they don’t know how the dealership game works.

Fortunately, the biggest savings often have very little to do with your negotiating skills and everything to do with timing, strategy and knowing where car dealers have room to move.

Here are seven ways to secure a great price on your next car, and how Carwow can help you unlock exclusive discounts on new cars without the fuss.

Remember, you can buy a brand new or used car right here on Carwow. And you can sell your car, too. We’re here to help you through every step of your car-changing journey.

1. Target cars with the biggest discounts

Many buyers focus on finding the cheapest cars, but a better approach is finding the cars that dealers are most willing to discount.

Some of the largest savings are often found on:

• Premium brands such as Audi, BMW and Mercedes
• Family SUVs
• Electric cars
• Outgoing or end-of-life models

In some cases, total discounts and manufacturer incentives can exceed 15% to 20% off the recommended retail price (RRP).

Before visiting a showroom, research current market discounts through comparison sites, brokers and manufacturer offers.

2. Shop at the end of a quarter

Timing can make a huge difference.

Dealerships and sales executives typically work towards monthly and quarterly targets. Missing a target by just a few cars can cost significant bonuses, so dealers may become much more flexible on price near the end of a reporting period.

The best times to negotiate are often:

• Late March
• Late June
• Late September
• Late December

If you’re not in a rush, waiting until the final week of a quarter could save you hundreds or even thousands of pounds.

3. Consider pre-registered or unregistered stock cars

One of the easiest ways to secure a substantial discount is to look at pre-registered vehicles.

These are effectively brand new cars that have already been registered by the dealership. Dealers sometimes do this to hit manufacturer sales targets.

Although they may have delivery mileage only, they’re technically no longer “new” because the dealership is listed as the first registered keeper.

The result of this is that discounts can often reach 5% to 25% below the official list price.

Choosing a pre-configured stock car – one that’s already sitting on a dealer’s lot – will almost always save you money compared to ordering a factory-built car. Just keep in mind that doing so may mean compromising on your preferred trim, options, or colour combination.

4. Compare multiple quotes

Never accept the first price you’ve offered. Instead:

• Get several quotes online
• Contact multiple dealerships
• Gather broker prices where available
• Ask dealers to beat competing offers

Think all of this is too much faff? Why not look at a car through Carwow to take the hassle out of the process.

You’d be very surprised by how much pricing can vary between dealerships selling exactly the same car.

Creating a sense of competition is one of the fastest ways to drive down the final price.

5. Look for ‘run-out’ models

When a car manufacturer announces a facelift or all-new generation of a car, dealers become highly motivated to clear existing stock.

These “run-out” can be exceptional value because:

• They’re still brand new
• Its warranty coverage hasn’t changed
• Dealers often receive additional incentives to move stock.

If you’re not overly fussed about the latest registration plate or newest styling tweaks, a run-out model can be worth it.

6. Negotiate the car price first

One of the most common mistakes buyers make is discussing their part exchange too early… Always negotiate the buying price of the car first.

Once you’ve agreed the lowest possible price, then discuss:

• Part-exchange value
• Finance options
• Add-ons and extras

Keeping these conversations separate makes it so much easier to see the true value of the deal and prevents figures being adjusted behind the scenes.

7. Understand how taking out car finance can affect discounts

Many dealerships warm commission from finance agreements. This can sometimes influence how much discount they’re prepared to offer on the car itself.

As a result, you may receive a lower vehicle price when taking out car finance compared with paying cash upfront.

If you’re considering this approach, carefully review the finance agreement, total borrowing costs and your rights before signing anything. UK-regulated finance agreements typically include a cooling-off period, but the rules and implications can vary depending on the product and lender.

Always make sure any finance arrangement genuinely works for your circumstances and seek independent finance advice if you’re unsure.

You can also find great deals on new cars through Carwow

Carwow offers discounts on a wide range of new cars, with savings ranging from £2,000 to more than £10,000 on selected models.

All new car deals are sourced from approved dealers, helping you get the best price upfront without the need to haggle.

Simply contact your preferred dealer to arrange a test drive, discuss your options, and buy with a full UK warranty.

Car change? Carwow!

Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.

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