New Car Buyers Guide 2026: How to Get a Good Deal

Thinking of taking the plunge and buying a new car in 2026? With a wide range of different car models and various dealerships, it’s important to be well-prepared. Whether you’re a first-time car buyer or looking to upgrade, having the right knowledge can make all the difference. This blog will help guide you through the process on how to buy a new car including valuable car buying tips to help secure the deal you want. 

What to know when buying a new car

Know what type of car you want.

First up in our car buyer’s guide is to ensure you have a clear idea of the type of car you want before visiting a dealership. Identify the specific make and model you’re interested in, and consider the trim level and essential features, such as technology, safety options, and colour preferences. Decide on the fuel type you want, whether you want to buy a petrol, diesel, hybrid or fully electric car. Do your research and do not leave these decisions to be made on the day. Having this information at hand will help you stay focused on your priorities and ensure you select a car that suits your life.

Know the market value of the car.

Understanding the market value of your chosen vehicle is essential for successful negotiations when buying a new car. Use resources like Carzone or DoneDeal to determine the average price for similar cars. By looking at local dealership listings, you’ll gain a better understanding of pricing. This knowledge can help you identify a good deal when you see one.

If you plan to trade in your old car, request separate pricing for the new vehicle, both with and without the trade-in. Another piece of advice for car buying is to conduct independent research on your car's trade-in value before visiting the dealership. This approach makes sure you get a fair deal on both the new car and your trade-in.

How to buy a brand new car

There are a number of different steps involved in buying a new car in Ireland. Once you know the car you want, the next steps should be about getting first-hand experience of the car and speaking to the person selling it to find out further information.

What to ask when buying a car

Before visiting a car dealer, have a list of questions you would like to ask them about their cars for sale. It’s a good idea to ask them questions like:

1. What’s the car brand and models’ reputation like and were there any recent recalls?
2. What does the warranty include and what will it cover, and for how many years or kilometres?
3. What is the fuel economy like for the car?
4. Is the brand and vehicle type likely to have a good resale value if you were to sell it?
5. What are the safety and technology features of the car included as standard?

Then it’s time to get onto the most interesting part – the price!

Compare car prices across dealerships.

To make the most of your savings, when buying a new car, it’s essential to shop around and compare prices from multiple car dealerships. Reach out to various locations for pricing on the same make and model, and don’t ignore larger car dealerships or online sales platforms. Avoid accepting the first offer you receive; instead, compare your choices to make an informed decision and secure the best deal available.

Don’t skip the test drive.

Always test drive the car before making a final decision. This allows you to assess its comfort, handling, and features. Pay attention to how the car feels on the road and whether it meets your driving style. A test drive is a crucial step in ensuring you choose a vehicle that suits your needs.

Don’t be afraid to negotiate the price.

Negotiation plays a crucial role in the car-buying process. An important car buying tip is to always start by offering a price lower than the asking amount, which will give you room to negotiate effectively. Leverage the market research you’ve conducted to support your offers and counteroffers. If a deal fails to meet your expectations, don’t hesitate to walk away, there are numerous cars and dealerships available. Additionally, if a deal seems too good to be true, it often is.

Know what's included in the car quote.

When you receive a quote for your new car, ensure you ask for a detailed breakdown of costs. This includes the base price of the vehicle, any additional dealership fees, VAT, and registration costs. Also, ask about any manufacturer incentives or dealer-specific cashback offers that can lower the price. And remember, it’s a good idea to request a full tank of fuel as part of the deal - consider it a little extra good luck! Having a full understanding of the quote will help you judge offers more effectively.

Buy your car with confidence and a clear understanding of what you want, knowledge of the market value, and awareness of all costs. You can then secure a fantastic deal on your next vehicle with the help of our car buyers guide. If you’re also looking for a Car Loan, Avant Money is here to support you with Ireland’s best fixed rate on loans over €30,000*. Explore our easy-to-use loan calculator here to find the perfect loan that suits your needs. Good luck on your car-buying journey, and may you drive away with confidence and peace of mind!

*Rates and loan terms are correct as of 20th March 2026 and are subject to change (Source: CCPC.ie, not including green loans). The Maximum APR (Annual Percentage Rate) on all Avant Money loans is 19.9%. Minimum loan term is 12 months, and maximum term is 120 months. Loan terms vary depending on the purpose of the loan. Terms greater than 84 months up to a maximum of 120 months are only available for Refinance and Home Improvement loans of €20,000 to €75,000.

Representative example: On a €30,000 loan over 5 years, at a fixed rate of 6.5% (6.7% APR) you will pay €586.98 a month. The total cost of credit would be €5,219.07 and the total amount repayable would be €35,219.07.

Lending criteria, terms and conditions will apply. Personal Loans are available to residents of the Republic of Ireland over the age of 18 and are subject to repayment capacity and financial status. Proof of income and a credit reference agency search will be required to help us approve your request. Personal Loans are unsecured and not available for business purposes, house purchase or investment.

Our interest rates vary depending on the value of your loan and credit profile. We will assign you the appropriate interest rate once your application has been reviewed. To find out more about the loan values and applicable interest rates, check out our rate table at Avant Money Personal Loans.

Bankinter S.A., trading as Avant Money, is authorised by the Banco de España in Spain and is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland for consumer protection rules.