Buying tips Haggle like a pro
For the biggest possible discount, search for the cheapest price at another dealer of the same manufacturer and then challenge the dealer to match it.
Know value of your part-ex
Don?t get turned over on your trade-in. Check the value of your old car with the dealer?s free valuation service at the showroom. Try a non-authorised dealer to get the best deal.
Shop around for finance
The finance package the dealer offers may be competitive, but you?ll never know unless you shop around. Many banking websites come up with scintillating offers to suit you and your budget.
Think ahead
A tempting deal now may not look as sweet in three years if the car loses value quickly. Check if the resale values are sound before you buy.
Buy a used car
Buy a used car that has had one previous owner in a year and you?ll own a new car in all but name at a knock-down price.
Go for a greener car
Fuel-efficient cars are also greener. Whether you are a business driver or a private buyer, it pays to go green.
Sell your old car privately
Trading-in your old car when you buy a new one is convenient, but you?ll probably make more money selling it privately.
Be prepared to walk away
There?s no such thing as a once-in-a-lifetime deal. If you are not ready to buy, just walk away. Tomorrow?s price could be even better.
Buy a model that?s about to be replaced
Dealers will be keen to shift stock to make way for a new or face-lifted model, and are likely to offer some pretty tempting deals. However, resale values won?t be as strong.
Downsize your car, downsize your bills
Go for a smaller car with an economical engine and you can save a small fortune on fuel bills, insurance, road and sales taxation.
Owning tips
Shop around when your insurance comes up for renewal
Don?t just shop around for insurance when you replace your car; do it every time the premium comes up for renewal. Use comparison websites to see if your current insurer will beat the best quote.
Stick to the speed limit
According to various studies, driving at 100kph uses up to 25% more fuel than driving at a sedate 60kph. So be wise and save some fuel.
Wash your car by hand
A mechanical car wash may be the easy route to a clean car, but washing by hand is cheaper and better for your car?s paintwork, which in turn bodes well for resale values.
Shop around for servicing
Your closest dealer may not be the cheapest. Ring around for the best deal (including independent garages) then challenge your local dealer to match the price.
Check your tyre pressures
Always make sure your tyres are at the right pressure. The car will drive better, the tyres will wear much slower and you can expect to use lesser fuel.
Find your cheapest local filling station
Use an online search facility or speak to friends travelling between satellite towns to find the cheapest fuel station near you. Check back regularly so you never pay over the odds.
Drive better, save pounds
Anticipate traffic, avoid hard acceleration and braking, and change gears earlier without letting the engine labour. Being a smoother, more careful driver will cut your fuel bill.
Share your commute
Sharing the drive to work with a colleague will cut your fuel bills and keep miles off your car?s clock.
Pay for insurance annually, not by installments
Some banks now take your premium through your credit card, which you can repay through EMIs. Paying by installment avoids coughing up a large lump sum, but you?ll be stung for interest each month. It?s much cheaper to pay your insurance premium up front.
Take an advanced driving course
Learning to be a better driver won?t just help you stay safe, it will also help your car deliver better fuel efficiency, which in turn helps you save cash.