Planning to buy a car? Here are top tips to get the best year-end car deals

This November, car sales saw a dip of 14 per cent compared to the same period last year. Most industry experts believe this decline occurred because October witnessed a record sale of passenger cars in India.

Traditionally, December scores the highest in terms of passenger car sales in India. However, this was not the case a decade or more ago. Back then, December used to be the leanest month for car sales.

This was because most buyers preferred to wait for the new year to purchase a car, primarily due to sentimental reasons and the expectation of better resale value. After all, seven or eight years down the line, a buyer in the second-hand market evaluates a car by the year of purchase, not the month.

But this mindset among customers was challenged and effectively altered by manufacturers decades ago. They achieved this by offering generous discounts and free goodies, both from dealers and manufacturers. This December will be no different. With sales down by 14 per cent last month, both manufacturers and dealers are likely to bombard you with offers to boost their figures. As a customer, what can you do to push the margin a little further in your favour? Let’s find out:

1. Timing is Everything
   People who negotiate the best deals will tell you that timing plays a crucial role. If getting the best deal is your only priority, and you’re not particular about colour or variant, visit the dealer in the last week of December. Dealers face immense pressure to clear inventory and meet annual sales targets. Sales executives are also eager to meet their individual targets, making them more willing to negotiate.
2. Explore All Forms of Discounts
   Discounts come in various forms—special promotions, cash discounts, free accessories, and exchange bonuses for your old car. Sit down with the salesperson and discuss every possible option. Check the manufacturer’s website for model or variant-specific discounts, as not all variants or models have the same offers. Discounts are often more attractive on less popular variants. Also, take advantage of having multiple dealers for the same manufacturer in your city—shop around to find the best deal.
3. Older Inventory Equals Bigger Discounts
   The longer a car model has been with the dealer, the higher the discount you can expect. A model that has been in stock since the beginning of the year often attracts significant discounts. Don’t overlook demo or display cars—they are also sold with higher discounts.
4. Finance Deals Can Offer Savings
   If you have a strong CIBIL score, you can negotiate zero or minimal interest rates on financing. Come prepared with your financial details to streamline the process for the dealer. If you’re paying the full amount or a large percentage upfront, push harder for a cash discount.
5. Evaluate Your Old Car Before Trading It In
   If you plan to exchange your old car, get its value assessed by a second-hand car dealer beforehand. This gives you a clear idea of its worth. Remember, the dealer’s final offer will balance their profitability, so the goal is to negotiate and tilt the margins in your favour—not to haggle over every decimal point.
6. Insure Your Car Wisely
   It often pays to insure your car through your trusted insurance agent rather than the dealer. Insurance is a recurring expense, and having someone reliable for claim assistance is invaluable. A personal connection with the agent ensures better service when you need it most. Finally, while negotiating, stay firm yet polite. It’s a game of give and take, not winner takes all. The best deals are struck when both parties walk away satisfied.
   Dipankar Jakharia
   Guwahati