AA advice to get the best deal for new wheels

BUYING a new car can be one of the most exciting and also stressful moments in life.

While there are definite pros to buying a brand new car straight off the showroom floor, there are also some hurdles that can leave the buyer feeling like they have bitten off more than they can chew.

Here's a list of top tips from the Automobile Association of South Africa (AA):

1. Be patient:

A new car can be one of the most expensive purchases you ever make. Do not be in a rush. Be patient in searching for the best deal in town.

2. Research. Research. Research:

Make sure you do your homework on what you can afford. The more information you are armed with before negotiating with dealerships the easier the negotiations will go. Also consider a demo model – it will be cheaper than a new version.

3. Be realistic:

We all have dreams of driving around in a sports car with the top down, but this is not always realistic.

4. Selecting the right dealership:

It is important to select the right dealership. Ensure the dealer is a member of the AA Quality Assured network of repairers, as they follow rules and regulations designed to protect the consumer and ensure high-quality service.

5. Remember who the customer is:

It is good to remember most dealerships work on commission and the sales person will have a prepared sales pitch. Remember they want to make the sale so you are in the power seat.

6. Contracts:

One of the main pros to buying a new car off the showroom floor is the assistance you get from the dealer in terms of financing and arranging the contract. However, it's important to remember you do not have to go through the bank of their choice.

You can ask for different quotes from other leading banks. Get pre-approval from your own bank – this can save time and possibly even get you a better interest rate.