How to get a good deal on a car

Car dealers expect you to ask for a discount, and most will be ready to give you a reasonable saving. In fact, with the exception of a few prestige models and expensive sports cars, the list price is usually considered as just a starting point for negotiations.

If the thought of haggling over the price of a new car makes you blanche, think about the figures involved. Just a small percentage reduction could save you thousands of pounds.

Know your stuff

To haggle successfully, you need to be well-informed, so before you arrive at a dealership, do your research. Find out the size of discounts that other companies are offering. Brokers, internet companies and even car supermarkets have information online, and the What Car? Target Price (www.whatcar.co.uk) will give you the average price that you can expect to pay for a car if you haggle.

Start with a low opening price, but be realistic. The seller will know how low he can afford to go, so sit tight for as long as you can before accepting a price you're happy with.

Show that you are committed to making a purchase. If you play it too cool and the seller doesn't think you are serious, he may not bother to negotiate.

Don't fall for dealer tricks, such as offering you a good deal only if you buy today. The deal may be even better tomorrow, so don't be rushed.

Hold out for what you want

Also, don't accept a car that isn't the colour and exact specification you want. Dealers may simply be trying to shift their existing stock and you can use this to your advantage by pressing for a further saving.

And if the seller won't come down, don't be afraid to walk away. There is always another day, another car and another deal.