Haggle on the finance
If you're taking the manufacturer's finance, try getting them to drop the interest rate. Sometimes they'll say no, but equally they may say yes. Showing them a rate you've been quoted from your bank helps, preferably one that the guy flogging the finance can see quickly from the bank's website. The dealer rate is usually higher because finance is another source of profit for the franchisee and the car company.
Bag an Import
If you thought the days of Dutch-sourced Golfs or right-hand-drive Opels had gone, then think again. There are still bargains to be had from importers of new cars. The biggest player is the supermarket chain Motorpoint, which recently could have saved you two grand on a Cypriot-sourced Peugeot 206 CC. The main disadvantage is a reduced-period warranty or none at all, depending on where the car was heading before it was rerouted. Cyprus-sourced cars are the best bet.
Hunt the dealer-group bargain
Vast dealer groups like Perrys or Arnold Clark will chuck their best discounts online, so anyone hunting a new car is wise to check. It's probably nothing you couldn't get by haggling at the individual main dealer under the group umbrella, but it lets you know about cars you might have originally thought were too expensive. Examples include £2500 off a Chevrolet Captiva diesel at Perrys and £2300 off a Fiat Bravo 1.4 at Arnold Clark.
Check the manufacturer website
Sizeable discounts are sometimes available on the manufacturer's website. Vauxhall is a prime example - the long-established Vauxhall Internet Price (VIP, you see) is usually cut right back. Most recently you could have saved £2500 off a new Zafira. Mention the discount to the dealer and they're likely to match it if you don't want to buy online. Beware though, often you can't combine it with a particular finance deal. Go to 'Meet the experts'.
