How to Get the Best Deal on a New Auto

Buying a new car is a big financial investment, but you can reduce that amount if you know how to get the best possible deal. New cars have Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) stickers, but that is an inflated amount and a smart auto buyer can get the vehicle for much less. You must know when to shop for your car, do the proper research and be prepared to walk off the car lot if the salesperson is not cooperative. These tactics will help you get a fair price.

Instructions

1

Shop for your new auto during the holiday season or just before the next year's models are released, home and finance site thenest.com recommends. Vehicle sales are very slow between Christmas and New Year's, and dealers are usually anxious to get rid of older models when the new ones are released. They are more willing to give good deals at those times, and many manufacturers offer rebates to bring the price down even more.

2

Calculate the dealer cost of the new auto and the average sales price in your area. Invoice Dealers, Edmunds and other automotive websites let you find invoice prices easily. They also show the holdback, which is money passed on to the dealer from the factory. Edmunds also has forums where people from across the country list what they are paying for particular makes and models. This will help you decide on a realistic offer for the auto.

3

Print out all your research and put it into a folder that you can use to shop for your new auto, Philip Reed of Edmunds advises. This will show salespeople that you are a serious buyer and that you are educated on pricing information.

4

Check inventory at local dealerships to narrow down locations that have suitable autos. Many car dealers let you search their entire inventory online so you don't have to waste time and gas visiting car lots that don't have what you want.

5

Visit the first dealership and take a test drive. Give the salesperson your offer and let him know it is firm. Salespeople are used to bargaining and running to talk to their manager. This tactic wastes your time and is designed to wear you down. Tell him you are on a schedule and will only stay for a specified amount of time, Negotiation Dynamics suggests. Be prepared to leave if the salesperson tries to drag the process out. This will often lead to you being able to suddenly get your price. There are plenty of other car lots to try if you can't get it there.