How to Get the Best Deal When Buying a New Car

Buying a brand-new car is exciting — the smell, the tech, the fresh odometer. But it’s also one of the largest purchases most people make. If you walk into a dealership unprepared, you could end up spending thousands more than necessary.

Here’s how to get the best deal on a new car in 2025, step-by-step.

1. 🧐 Do Your Research Before Visiting Any Dealership

Knowledge is your strongest bargaining tool.

Compare models: Decide on 2–3 models that fit your budget and lifestyle.

Check MSRPs (Manufacturer Suggested Retail Prices): This gives you a pricing baseline.

Read real-world reviews: See what owners say about fuel economy, comfort, reliability, etc.

Useful sites: Edmunds, Kelley Blue Book, Consumer Reports, Cars.com

2. 💰 Know the Invoice Price — Not Just the MSRP

The MSRP is what you’ll see on the sticker, but the invoice price is what the dealer actually paid the manufacturer. If you negotiate around this number (plus a small profit), you’ll usually get a better deal.

➡️ Pro Tip: Use sites like TrueCar or Edmunds to uncover invoice pricing.

3. 📅 Shop at the Right Time

Timing matters — a lot.

End of the month/quarter/year: Dealers have quotas to hit, and they’re more likely to negotiate.

Late summer to early fall: New models arrive, and last year’s inventory goes on sale.

Bad weather weekdays: Fewer customers = more attention for you.

4. 💳 Arrange Financing Beforehand

Don’t rely on dealer financing alone. Often, they’ll mark up interest rates.

Check with your bank or credit union for pre-approval.

This gives you leverage if the dealership offers a higher rate.

Some automakers offer 0% financing deals for well-qualified buyers — ask for them!

5. 🔁 Don’t Mention Your Trade-In Too Early

If you have a car to trade in, don’t bring it up until after you’ve negotiated the new car price. Dealers sometimes mix trade-in values to confuse the overall deal.

Focus on the purchase price first, then negotiate your trade-in as a separate transaction.

6. 🧾 Beware of Add-Ons and Hidden Fees

Once you’ve agreed on a price, the dealership may try to sell you extras like:

Paint protection

VIN etching

Fabric sealant

Extended warranties

Most of these are overpriced or unnecessary. Politely decline unless you’ve researched their value.

7. ✅ Get Everything in Writing

Before signing:

Double-check all fees and taxes

Make sure discounts and incentives are applied

Get the "out-the-door" price, which includes everything

🔚 Final Thoughts

Getting a great deal on a new car isn’t just about haggling — it’s about being informed and confident. By researching, financing smartly, and avoiding costly extras, you can drive away knowing you made the right move.

📝 Tip: Bring a friend or family member for support — two heads are better than one when reading contracts.