Buying a car is a major milestone and often one of the most significant investments for many individuals. So, those on a tight budget might feel unsure about making such a purchase. Fortunately, there are several ways for one to buy a new car at an affordable price. With the right strategies, like thorough research and taking advantage of promotions, one can purchase their dream automobile while staying within their budget.

1. Wait for the right time to buy the car
Several times a year, car dealers and manufacturers offer special discounts on almost all car models. So, one of the best ways to buy a car at a cheap price is to wait until such deals are active. These deals and promotions are also offered during specific events throughout the year.

• End of the month
  Most car dealerships have sales targets to achieve before a particular month ends. Dealerships that haven’t recorded good sales throughout the month are often under pressure to complete this target by the end of the month. To deal with this, they may offer significant discounts during this period on some car models.
• End of the year
  Similar to monthly targets, many automobile dealerships have yearly sales targets to meet. Many dealerships may intend to clear out their stock towards the end of December. So, they will announce clearance sales, dropping the price on most models, making year-end a good time to plan one’s car purchase.
• Beginning of the year
  In January, dealerships receive the stock of new car models from the manufacturers. This influx of new automobiles prompts them to announce clearance sales at the beginning of the year, leading to massive discounts on older models.
• After the launch of a new model
  When manufacturers launch new car models, many offer introductory discounts for a limited period to attract potential customers away from older car models.
• Festivals and holidays
  Almost all car dealerships offer substantial discounts during national holidays and festival seasons. So, one can also plan their car purchase around these events to enjoy great savings on their dream car.

2. Negotiate with the dealer
One of the simplest yet most effective ways of getting a low price for a car is to negotiate with the dealer. The art of negotiation can go a long way in getting a decent, affordable price for a car. Confidence is key to gaining the upper hand in the negotiation process. If one feels uncomfortable negotiating, it is better to take a friend along who can bargain with the dealer. Also, negotiating when the dealership is pressured to complete its sales target increases the chances of securing a favourable price.

3. Visit multiple dealerships
When purchasing a car, it is important to shop around to get a better price. Plus, when visiting a second dealer, it is better to begin the conversation directly with negotiation. One can inform the dealer about the price offered by the first dealer and ask if they can offer a better one. Similarly, visiting a few nearby dealerships can allow one to take advantage of the competition and secure the most competitive deal available.

4. Negotiate with the lender
If one is applying for a car loan or a personal loan to finance their purchase, one can also negotiate with the lender to lower the interest rate. This will eventually allow them to buy the car at an affordable price. One can also get quotes from different lenders to determine the best option with the lowest interest rates.

5. Go for a pre-owned car
If one cannot find a new car model that fits their budget, one can always opt for a pre-owned car. Buying a cheap used car for sale can be more economical than purchasing a new one, as a used car depreciates at a slower rate than a new car. Plus, with pre-owned cars, one can consider various options and trim levels despite budget constraints. When considering the cheapest used car nearby, it is important to choose a reliable dealer to ensure that the car one gets is in good condition.

6. Take advantage of different discounts
Automobile dealers offer various discounts on different car models.

• Cash discounts
  Dealerships offer these discounts when the buyer agrees to make an upfront and immediate payment for the car. These discounts are usually offered on selected models, and the amount may also vary depending on the manufacturer and the specific model.
• Corporate discounts
  If the buyer works for a highly reputable multinational company, they may qualify for a corporate discount offered by the dealer. The manufacturer usually maintains a list of companies whose employees are eligible for this discount. So, when purchasing a car, one must ask the dealer for this list to see if they are eligible for this discount. The corporate discount amount can also be different for different car models.
• Exchange discounts
  If one trades in their old car to purchase a new one, the dealer or the manufacturer may offer an exchange discount.
• Loyalty discount
  If one owns a car from a particular manufacturer and purchases a second car from the company, they may be eligible for a loyalty discount.

To find the most cost-friendly automobile deals nearby, searching for ‘cheap car deals near me’ can lead one to live promotions and discounts local dealership offers.