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Drivers told to follow expert's best tip at car dealers to save hundreds - 'Timing is key'

Reach Daily Express March 29, 2026 12:39 PM

Motorists have been urged to follow one piece of advice to cut hundreds of pounds off their bill at a used-car dealer or in a private sale. James Hosking, managing director of AA Cars, urged road users not to hesitate over walking away from a deal if an agreement can't be reached.

Motorists may be keen to strike a deal and secure the car, but experts warn that being willing to leave empty-handed could pay off. Walking away is a powerful negotiation strategy because it tends to shift the balance of power and forces the seller to re-evaluate.

If the seller was only playing hardball to drive up the price, they could come back and strike a deal at a much more favourable price if they struggle to sell the car later on. At the same time, walking away also protects the buyer from being talked into overpaying for a vehicle or from signing a bad deal.

James explained: "Remember, the strongest position you can have as a buyer is being willing to walk away. If the deal doesn't stack up, leave your details and move on.

"That's often when you get the call back. Timing is key, so you may get a revised offer on the car if the dealership becomes more keen to shift stock from the forecourt. If it's not the right deal, leave your number and go. Walking away is often what unlocks a better offer."

However, walking away is still a gamble and could backfire if a buyer is really set on a particular vehicle. It can also sometimes be considered unprofessional and ruin relationships if handled badly.

According to AA Cars, new research has found that as many as 84% of drivers who haggle for a better deal when buying a used car usually end up with their bills cut.

As many as one in 10 drivers (11%) said they've previously secured a discount of as much as £500 or more off the price of a car. Meanwhile, 7% said they managed to cut the asking price by as much as £1,000by adopting negotiation tactics.

James added: "Weigh up all of your options when buying a used car. Most importantly, think about what support you'd have if something goes wrong after the sale."