What is a reasonable discount on a new car?

What discounts are dealers typically offering for cash buyers on new cars? I'm looking at getting a hot hatch and wondering what (if any) discount is reasonable?

Gary Murray (Dublin)

Mar 2015 Filed under: choosing new car

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Expert answer

Hi Gary,

There's a thing with discounts and it's that most car dealers work to a margin of eight per cent - a margin that doesn't leave a lot of wiggle room. 

So, go in with realistic expectations. If you're asking for a ten per cent deposit right off the bat, then the dealer is already taking a two per cent loss so that's not going to work. 

Instead, box clever. Ask for a better deal on your trade-in or on your finance package. Or better yet, try and track down something that's been used as a pre-reg or demo. Or a model that's up for replacement shortly. That's where the real discounts are.

Neil Briscoe - Complete Car Adviser
@neilmbriscoe