DRIVING A BARGAIN

HERE are some easy ways to get the best price on a new car.

GET CLICKING

Look at manufacturers’ websites, click on the model you want and look for “specifications” to get more than just the highlights.

DON’T GET STRANDED

The average factory warranty is three years or 100,000km, but you can do better.

GO FOR A TEST DRIVE

Be sure the car you’re testing is the model you’re being quoted on. Sometimes “demonstrator” models are luxury versions with more powerful engines.

THE TRADE-IN

The only figure that matters is the changeover price — the amount you pay to get the new car once you trade your old one. Compare this across dealerships.

DECISION TIME

When you know what you want, negotiate on the drive-away price about 10 days out from month’s end. This period lets the dealer prepare the car.

HOW LOW CAN YOU GO?

Discounts grow as prices rise. Cars sold at regular RRPs can yield savings of up to $3000 in the $25,000 to $40,000 bracket. On cars not already subject to a discounted drive-away offer funded by the manufacturer, ask for a price breakdown that lists RRP, registration, third party insurance, stamp duty and dealer delivery. On a car with a $20,000 RRP those items can calculate out to about $23,500 drive-away. Aim for the RRP but as a driveaway “no more to pay” price. In our example of a $20,000 RRP that calculates out to $23,500 drive-away, if you end up paying $20,000 to $20,500 drive-away with no more to pay you’d do well.