New Car Buyers Guide 2025: How to Get a Good Deal
Thinking of taking the plunge and buying a new car in 2025? 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 tips to help secure the deal you want.
What to know when buying a new car
Know what you want.
Before visiting a dealership, it’s important to have a clear idea of the type of car you want. Identify the specific make and model you’re interested in, and consider the trim level and essential features, such as technology packages, 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 aligns with your needs and lifestyle.
Know the market value of the car.
Understanding the market value of your desired vehicle is essential for successful negotiations. Use resources like Carzone or DoneDeal to determine the average price for similar models. By browsing local dealership websites and national listings, you’ll gain insights into competitive pricing. This knowledge equips you to identify a good deal when you see one. By browsing local dealership websites and national listings, you’ll gain insights into competitive pricing.
If you plan to trade in your old car, request separate pricing for the new vehicle, both with and without the trade-in. Conduct independent research on your car's trade-in value using online valuation tools before visiting the dealership. This approach ensures you get a fair deal on both the new purchase and your trade-in.
How to buy a brand new car
There are a number of different steps involved in buying a new car. Once you know the car you want the next steps should be about getting first-hand experience of the car and speaking to representatives selling the car you want 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:
- What’s the car brand and models reputation like and were there any recent recalls?
- What does the warranty include and what will it cover and for how many years or kilometres?
- What is the fuel economy like for the car?
- Is the brand and vehicle likely to have a good resale value if you were to sell it?
- 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 maximise your savings, it’s essential to shop around and compare quotes from multiple car dealerships. Reach out to various locations for pricing on the same make and model, and don’t overlook larger car dealerships or online sales platforms that may offer competitive rates. Avoid accepting the first offer you receive; instead, use this comprehensive comparison 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. 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 always a good idea to request a full tank of fuel as part of the deal - consider it a little extra good luck! Having a comprehensive understanding of the quote will help you evaluate offers more effectively.
Buy your car with confidence and a clear understanding of what you want, knowledge of the market value, awareness of all costs, and effective negotiation skills. You can then secure a fantastic deal on your next vehicle. 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 €20,000*. Explore our easy-to-use car 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 3rd March 2025 and are subject to change (Source: CCPC.ie). Maximum APR (Annual Percentage Rate) 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; 120 month terms are only available for Home Improvement and Refinance loans of €20,000 to €75,000.
Representative example:
On a €20,000 loan over 5 years, at a fixed rate of 6.6% (6.8% APR) you will pay €392.26 a month. The total cost of credit would be €3,535.63 and the total amount repayable would be €23,535.63.
Rate offered takes into account financial profile and credit history.
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.
Warning: If you do not meet the repayments on your loan, your account will go into arrears. This may affect your credit rating, which may limit your ability to access credit, a hire-purchase agreement, a consumer-hire agreement or a BNPL agreement in the future.
The above content of this blog does not constitute financial or professional advice from Avant Money. Readers should always seek independent professional advice and not solely rely on the information within the contents of this blog.
For more information on Avant Money car loans, please visit https://www.avantmoney.ie/personal-loans/car-loan
Avantcard DAC trading as Avant Money is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.
