OM2 - 10 Steps to a new car bargain

1. Decide your needs. There’s no point buying a sports car if you’ve got a family of six. Write down what you need from a car: how many seats (between two and eight); body style (hatch, saloon, estate, people carrier, off-roader, coupe or cabriolet); engine size and fuel (petrol, diesel or alternative); and any other priorities such as four-wheel drive.
2. Fix your budget. Set a realistic budget for outright purchase or monthly payments – and stick to it throughout.
3. Pick the right car. Use data such as that found in the back of What Car? To draw up a shortlist of possible cars that match your needs and budget. Don’t forget to check the magazine’s "Worth waiting for" column that lists future model launches.
4. Ask your dealer for a test drive. Decide which car is best for you by test driving your shortlist. Your opinion might change once you’ve had a chance to pore over each car and driven them on a variety of roads. Test drives should last at least an hour and some dealers will lend you a car overnight.
5. Research prices. Main franchised dealers are the safest place to buy your new car, but you will pay a premium for this. Compare lower prices at supermarkets, importers and independent brokers.
6. Go out and haggle. Once you’ve pinpointed the car you want – shop around. Visit different showrooms and play off main dealers against the independent suppliers to get the best savings. What car? Publishes the monthly target price, an achievable discount – and it’s guaranteed.
7. Push for extras. It’s crucial to get a good price on your next car – but push the salesman to throw in extras too. The cost of options is as negotiable as the list price itself.
8. Don’t forget your part exchange. If you’re getting rid of your existing car, consider the best way to dispose of it. Ask each salesman for a trade in quote and push for the best price. Alternatively, you might be better off selling it privately.
9. Shop around for finance. A common sales ploy is to offer a tempting discount only to claw back the saving through an expensive finance package. Fix a low price first, then shop around for cheap finance. Many dealers offer 0% deals and don’t forget to compare dealer finance with high street loans.
10. Do the deal. Sign the contract, place a deposit and wait. Check the car over when it arrives – problems should be rectified immediately.