How to Get New Cars at Used Car Prices

February 16, 2010

Purchasing a new car at Kelley Blue Book value can be an expensive and complicated task; however, those who are savvy enough to acquire new cars at used car prices know that taking advantage of dealer discount options and used car trade in programs can help you to dramatically reduce the cost of a new vehicle. Read on for some tips on getting a new car at the price of a used car, or relatively close to it.

Take Advantage of Dealer Discounts

One of the best ways to receive a discount on a new car is to take advantage of dealership offers. These rebates and other forms of discounts can dramatically reduce the total amount of money that you'll spend on a car. However, because these values are oftentimes very good deals, dealerships do not advertise them in the most obvious ways. In order to take full advantage of dealership incentives and other offers, you should become a savvy car shopper.

Scan the newspapers in town every week or so for listings from different dealerships. You can also monitor the dealership incentives online and you may find that other shoppers are an excellent source of information. If possible, find a car enthusiast organization in your area that corresponds with the vehicle that you're interested in purchasing. Many of the people in these organizations stay abreast of the latest dealership offers and are well aware of the fluctuations in the local auto market. They can be an excellent resource for you as well.

Learn about the Local and the National Market

Dealerships generally change their pricing in accordance with the local and national auto markets. To some degree, dealer prices are controlled by the manufacturers of the vehicles. However, if you live in an area where a certain type of car is in high demand, you can expect that dealers in your area will take full advantage of that fact by pricing those cars at a higher rate. Taking the time to find a dealer in a location that is relatively close by but that isn't as saturated with consumer demand for the same type of car can end up saving you money in the end.

Likewise, it is important to monitor the national auto market for fluctuations. You'll be able to get the best deal on a new car when the market is at a low point. In some cases, the federal government offers incentive programs (like "Cash for Clunkers" in recent months) to help encourage people to purchase new cars. In these cases, trading in a used vehicle can dramatically reduce the cost of a new car for you and your family.

Ultimately, the best way to get the cheapest new car is to be aware of how the market works. If you have a used vehicle, shop around until you find a dealer who will take it on a trade in for a new car, and even then ensure that you'll get an adequate deal. If you have other questions, consult with other car consumers for additional information.

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