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, and 

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 26 March, 2026.

Top 5 average cash discounts

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March’s Top 5 cash discounts highlight how strongly manufacturers are continuing to support electric cars, with three of the five biggest savings on EVs. The Cupra Born leads the table with a 30.4% discount, followed closely by the Dacia Spring at 28.6%, reinforcing the level of backing still being applied to electric models during the key plate-change month.

However, the mix is not exclusively electric. The petrol Seat Leon and MG HS Hybrid+ both feature prominently, with savings of over 20%, showing that competitive discounts are now firmly established across mainstream petrol and hybrid models as well.

How to buy the best new car: we explain how to buy a cheap new car and find the right model for you

Top 5 average total PCP savings

On PCP, the focus shifts slightly towards smaller, more affordable cars. The Vauxhall Corsa Electric tops the table with a 36.1% total saving and a £280 monthly payment on the stated terms, underlining how strong finance support is being used to drive volume in core segments.

Elsewhere, a mix of petrol, electric and plug-in hybrid models feature, with low APR offers, such as 1.9% on the BYD Dolphin and 2.9% on the Volkswagen ID.4, continuing to play a key role in shaping competitive monthly payments.

Overall, March’s Top 5s show a market where EV incentives remain strong, but meaningful support is now spread across all fuel types, particularly in high-volume segments.

Top 5 in-stock deals

Dealers want to free up cash, so in-stock cars that they already own will sometimes come with a higher discount. That means you can often secure better savings compared to ordering a new build to your chosen specification.

However, there are some potential downsides to be aware of:

• You may need to be flexible on model, colour and spec.
• Cars may be pre-registered, meaning you wouldn’t be the first recorded owner.
• The best deals might be located far from your area.
• Savings may be tied to taking a manufacturer-backed finance offer – always confirm the details with the dealer.

Here are five standout in-stock deals that we’ve spotted:

It’s worth checking dealer websites and Autotrader for in-stock new cars from various manufacturers. If you’re planning to order a car, always ask whether there’s an in-stock alternative with a better deal available.

If you find a strong in-stock offer, act quickly as these cars tend to sell fast.

Best-selling cars: Average cash discounts

Below, we've listed the average PCP discounts you can expect to find on the most popular new cars in the UK, based on new registrations over the past 12 months from the Society of Motoring Manufacturers and Traders.

Best-selling cars: Average PCP discounts

Below, we've listed the average PCP discounts you can expect to find on the most popular new cars in the UK, based on new registrations over the past 12 months from the Society of Motoring Manufacturers and Traders.

Before buying a new car: what you need to prepare

It helps if you’re clear beforehand on exactly which model, engine/motor and trim level you’re interested in. Manufacturer websites are a good place to check if you’re buying new, but you can also get an idea from our new and used car reviews.

When buying new, look for manufacturer discounts online and in ads, and be prepared to bargain – dealers might still have their own margin to play with on top of what’s offered by the manufacturer.

Some dealers also regularly advertise heavily discounted brand-new cars on sites such as Carwow and Autotrader. Even if the cheapest car you're interested in is hundreds of miles from where you live, it can be useful to see how much other dealers are able to sell the model of car you're interested in for.Take any quotes with you to show the salesperson.

Most new car buyers need some form of finance, and dealers are keen to offer their own finance packages. However, be aware that they may not be the most suitable or cheapest way to buy a new car. Our expert guide to car finance explains the pros and cons of the most popular methods.

Whether or not you want to take out dealer finance, it can pay to express an interest in it. Some dealers are prepared to offer a bigger discount off the new price because they make more money on the finance that goes with it. You can then push for the same discount when paying cash.

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.

Best cheap cars: see the new and used models that aced our lab tests

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.