Get Great Deals on Cars

Buy at the end of the month
That’s when dealers need to hit quotas. Or better still, at the end of each quarter (March, June, September and December). Tell them you’ve secured financing elsewhere; they’ll counteroffer and you’ll go with the best deal.
Also, buy just before the start of the tax year for a quick refund. Buying floor stock and superseded models are great ways of negotiating a better deal.

Do your homework
Automotive clubs recommend researching the car you want, to determine market value. Make sure you read road-test reviews on motoring websites and stick to your budget.
Always check the fine print for dealer delivery costs, and avoid unwanted optional extras and extended-warranty charges. Motoring clubs have good information on annual running costs.

Lease or buy?
Leasing can help lower your tax bill and avoids the falling value of a new car. But it’s a tricky calculation and depends on your personal situation. Visit Cars Guide for more information.

Look for older models
Depreciation hits hardest the first three years of ownership. Shop in late November to December, when used-car lots are quieter. Do your research here, too – Redbook is the classic site for price guides.

Cheapskates suggests buying cars that are one year old, when they’re cheaper but still under warranty and most of the problems have been ironed out.

Petrol Prices
For cheap petrol days in each state go to ACCC or Motor Mouth. In most capitals, petrol peaks on Thursdays and troughs on Wednesdays. Country petrol prices are more stable. The 50 cheapest regional stations each day are listed at Fuel Watch. But remember, it’s not worth driving more than a few kilometres out of your way to save a few cents per litre.

Tyres
Go to Carbon Black for the cheapest tyres in your area. Type in your postcode and the make and model of your car, and get the best five service centres based on a scoring system of one to ten. It makes money through ads and market research so it remains independent.