Best new car deals 2026: top cash and finance discounts, plus how to haggle

New cars can be eye-wateringly expensive, so whatever model you're looking at and however you plan to pay for it, you won't want to pay over the odds. But it's not easy knowing exactly what a good deal looks like.

That's where our unique pricing data comes in, allowing us to reveal the cars with the biggest cash and finance discounts, so you know exactly what you should expect to pay.

Read on to find out how we calculate these discounts and the models with the most money off their list prices, both when paying in cash and on finance.

For this month's update, we've also quizzed an industry insider on how to haggle when buying a car from a dealership.

Note: the information in this article is for information purposes only and does not constitute advice. Please refer to the particular terms and conditions of a provider before committing to any financial products. All figures calculated 17 February, 2026.

Top 5 average cash discounts

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February’s Top 5 cash discounts show that electric cars remain strongly supported, but the picture is more mixed than in January.

Three of the biggest savings are on EVs, led by the Dacia Spring at more than 28% off list price. However, the inclusion of the Seat Leon petrol and MG HS plug-in hybrid reveals how high-level discounting is moving beyond pure electric models as the pressure for sales leading up to March intensifies.

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Top 5 average total PCP savings

On PCP, electrified models continue to dominate, though plug-in hybrids are playing a bigger role this month.

Vauxhall’s Mokka Electric again tops the table, with a whopping 36.7% total saving and a monthly payment of £318. Strong manufacturer deposit contributions, alongside dealer discounts, remain central to shaping the best value PCP deals.

February’s data highlights a market in which manufacturers and dealers are pushing hard to tempt buyers with significant discounts for both cash and PCP buyers, and not just on electric cars.

Confused about the different car finance products? Our expert guide to car finance explains all

How to haggle when buying a car

We asked Pat Hoy, founder of Insider Car Deals, an independent specialist in new-car discounts and pricing, to give us his tips on how you can get the best deal when buying a new car and how to haggle for one effectively.

What’s your top tip for someone who hates haggling?

If you dislike haggling, reduce the need for it.

Research our unique car pricing data, decide the maximum you’re willing to pay, then say to a salesperson that you're happy to proceed if they're willing to match the price for the exact model and trim. This keeps the discussion simple and avoids drawn-out negotiations.

How would you deal with a salesperson refusing to budge on price?

If a salesperson won’t budge, stay calm and don’t take it personally.

Ask whether the price includes the best available dealer discount and all available manufacturer support. If it does, talk to a few other dealers for comparison.

Additionally, make it clear that you are prepared to walk away. That can often make a salesperson change their stance quite quickly.

Would you recommend accepting extras in place of a cash discount?

I’d usually prioritise a straight cash discount. Dealer-supplied extras such as paint protection or extended warranties often carry high margins, so the 'value' offered may cost the dealer far less than the discount you’re giving up.

Factory-fitted options you genuinely want are different — but only if you’d have chosen them anyway.

How can you tell when you’ve got the maximum available discount?

There’s no perfect way to know you’ve hit the maximum, but you can sense-check it.

If the offer is at, or close to, our unique price, that means it’s already a strong deal. However, there may be a bit more discount available if you and the dealer can agree. Treat phrases such as 'that’s our limit' cautiously and use an independent benchmark to judge whether further movement is realistic.

Is there a good time of the year to pick up a bargain?

You’ll hear talk of end-of-month or end-of-quarter bargains, but it often depends on how well a model or dealer is performing. Early in the year can be competitive, as can the September plate change if targets are being chased. Also watch for manufacturer sales events, which sometimes bring stronger support.

Is it always better to pay in cash if you can afford it?

Not necessarily. Paying cash doesn’t automatically secure the best deal. A low-APR PCP offer with a strong finance deposit contribution can sometimes mean you pay less overall than the headline cash price. The key is to compare the total amount payable under each buying option before deciding.

What type of finance deal are you most likely to get the best deal with?

PCP (personal contract purchase) is usually where manufacturers concentrate most of their incentives, as it’s how the majority of new cars are bought. The strongest deals typically combine a low APR with a generous finance deposit contribution. Without both elements, a PCP offer may not be as competitive as it first appears.

Would you recommend part-exchanging a car as part of a deal?

I’d recommend part-exchange mainly for convenience, not maximum value. You’ll usually do better by agreeing the best price on the new car first, then discussing your current vehicle. That approach helps ensure the dealer offers a realistic market value. Selling privately can achieve more but involves extra time and effort.

What tricks will salespeople use to avoid giving you too big a discount?

Salespeople may say a model is 'selling out', that only stock cars qualify for bigger savings, or that a manufacturer's deposit contribution is the discount. Some claim they must contribute towards the cost of a PCP finance offer, limiting what they can reduce, or that the manufacturer won’t allow further discounting. These points can sometimes be true, but they’re also common negotiating lines. Sense-check against other dealers before accepting them at face value.

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How we calculate new car discounts

We calculate new car discounts by combining real-world mystery shopping, detailed market research and rigorous validation. This includes analysis of dealer discounts, manufacturer incentives, PCP finance terms and other key factors that shape transaction pricing.

Unless otherwise stated, all manufacturer-related data and pricing apply to all UK franchised dealers. Dealer-related pricing discounts are based on a 'whole of market' view (i.e. achievable at any franchised dealer in the UK).

The result is data that reflects genuine, achievable discounts and finance offers, so you'll know how much you should be paying for your new car. 

All figures calculated 17 February, 2026.