When deciding whether to buy a new car rather than a used one, you’re likely to ask yourself a range of questions before making your decision. Even if you’ve decided that buying a new car is the right move for you, you may still feel wary about buying from a dealership because of the myths surrounding the process — such as the idea that every car salesperson is trying to rip you off.
While some car-buying myths contain a grain of truth, many can lead to unnecessary stress, confusion, and even poor financial decisions. Here are some of the most common myths about buying a new car — and the truth behind them.
1. Paying Cash Will Get You a Better Price
When buying a new car, don’t assume that offering cash will automatically secure you a better deal. In reality, many dealerships actually prefer customers who finance their vehicles because dealerships can receive incentives or commission from finance agreements.
If a salesperson is choosing between two customers offering the same price — one paying cash and one financing — the finance customer may actually be more attractive to the dealership. That’s why it’s important to focus on negotiating the total price of the car first, regardless of how you intend to pay.
If you’re weighing up your options before committing to a purchase, it’s also worth reading our guide to buying your first car and making sure you’re getting the best value possible.
2. Never Finance at the Dealership
Many people believe that dealership finance is always more expensive than arranging your own loan, but that isn’t necessarily true. Most dealerships work closely with banks and credit unions and can sometimes offer competitive interest rates that match — or even beat — what you’d find elsewhere.
Arranging finance directly through the dealership can also save time by allowing you to complete everything in one place. The key is to compare quotes carefully and read the terms thoroughly before signing anything.
3. Buy Now or Miss the Deal Forever
Salespeople can sometimes create pressure by implying that a deal is only available for a limited time. While promotions do occasionally expire, you should never feel rushed into making such an important purchase.
If you’re uncertain about the car, the finance agreement, or the overall value, it’s perfectly acceptable to walk away and think about it. A good deal today shouldn’t suddenly become a terrible deal tomorrow.
Remember, buying a car is a major financial commitment, so take your time and make sure you’re comfortable with every aspect of the purchase.
4. Buying from a Dealership Is Always Safer
There’s a common belief that buying privately is far too risky and that dealerships are always the safer option. While dealerships do often provide warranties and additional protections, private sales can still be perfectly safe if you do your research properly.
Checking the vehicle’s history, inspecting the car thoroughly, and arranging an independent inspection can all help reduce risk significantly. Whether buying privately or from a dealership, preparation is everything.
If you’re considering selling your current vehicle before upgrading, you may also find our article on whether you should repair your car before selling it useful when deciding how to maximise your car’s value.
5. Special Ordering a Car Costs More
Many buyers assume that ordering a car with custom specifications will automatically cost more money. However, special ordering can sometimes save you money because you’re only paying for the features you actually want.
Rather than purchasing a showroom model loaded with unnecessary extras, ordering your ideal specification can help you stay within budget while still getting exactly what you need. The trade-off, of course, is that you may have to wait a little longer for delivery.
6. You Should Always Wait Until the End of the Month
It’s often said that dealerships become more flexible at the end of the month because sales staff are trying to hit targets. While there can occasionally be some truth to this, it’s far from guaranteed.
If targets have already been met — or if there aren’t any specific targets in place — then waiting until the last day of the month may make no difference whatsoever. Good deals can happen at any time, so don’t rely solely on timing.
7. Don’t Mention Your Trade-In Until the End
Some buyers believe they should hide the fact they have a trade-in until after negotiating the price of the new car. This tactic, sometimes known as “parachuting the trade,” can occasionally work, but it often complicates the process unnecessarily.
Being upfront about your trade-in allows the dealership to assess the full deal from the beginning and can make negotiations smoother overall. Before visiting the dealership, research your vehicle’s value carefully so you know whether the offer you receive is fair.
8. Rainy Days Mean Better Deals
You’ve probably heard the advice that visiting a dealership on a rainy day will help you get a better bargain because fewer people will be shopping. While that sounds logical, the reality is usually quite different.
This myth has become so popular that dealerships often still see plenty of visitors during poor weather. Most dealers price vehicles based on market demand and sales targets rather than the weather outside.
In the end, your negotiating skills, research, and preparation will have a much bigger impact on the deal you secure than whether it happens to be raining.
Final Thoughts
Buying a new car can feel overwhelming, especially with so much conflicting advice floating around online and among friends and family. The best thing you can do is research thoroughly, compare prices carefully, and avoid making rushed decisions based on outdated myths.
A little preparation goes a long way when it comes to securing the right car at the right price. If you want to do so more digging around prices and valuations, head over to our valuation guidance hub.
Jamjar.com makes valuing your car quick, easy, and hassle-free. By comparing offers from a trusted network of UK car buyers, you get the best price without the stress of negotiating or haggling. There are no hidden fees, no obligation to sell, and the entire process is 100% online. Whether your car is nearly new or well-used, Jamjar helps you sell it fast and for a fair price — saving you time and effort.