‘Up to $6000 off’ – big deals exist for savvy new car buyers, but you’ll need to look!

Some of the best new car deals can be found hiding in plain sight at dealerships around the country. While the bunting and fanfare usually surround brand-new models, those looking for big savings need to hunt down stocks of new cars that were built a little bit earlier.

Logistical challenges and inventory movements that impacted the automotive trade over the past few years mean there are still a few vehicles that were built in 2023 or even 2022 looking for a first owner.

These are by rights, still brand-new cars, with full warranty periods and other maintenance schedules intact, but due to delays in shipping and inventory movements, may not have arrived at the selling dealer until much later. The benefit to buyers is that while they may not be the newest kids on the block, some of these vehicles can bring big savings to the table as dealers look to move them as quickly as possible.

Speaking with Drive, a sales representative from Village Motors in Queensland noted that some 2023-built Ssangyong Rexton seven-seat SUVs in stock could be negotiated with “up to $6000 off” the current drive-away price, representing a 10 per cent saving.

Electric buyers can seek out the remaining stock of the 2023 MG ZS EV Essence SUV and negotiate on the already keen $36,990 drive-away price, which is already a $6000 saving on the car’s original list.

Earlier plated cars may be finished in unique or less popular colours, or may have been built before a facelift or model update, seeing them moved to the back of the lot and out of prime sale position.

Finding one of these ‘forgotten gems’ can require a bit of effort and communication though, with a dealership spokesperson telling Drive that “buyers should always ask if there is something in stock that we really want to get off the books, so to speak.

“It’s not always the case, but sometimes we have vehicles that we just need to move, and it really is a matter of no reasonable offer being refused.

While there are no set rules to discover stock or negotiate a great deal on an older-build new car, Drive’s marketplace team recommend speaking to a number of dealers for the brand you are interested in to see what specific stock is available and to be ready to action the purchase as soon as you agree on a price.

Importantly, ensure that the car is still considered new and has never been registered so that you can utilise the full warranty period and service schedule period.

Have you bought a new older car before? Did you get a great deal? Let us know in the comments below.

With over 20 years of experience in digital publishing, James Ward has worked within the automotive landscape since 2007 and brings experience from the publishing, manufacturer and lifestyle side of the industry together to spearhead Drive's multi-media content direction.

Read more about James Ward