Would you buy a new car with zero discounts?

Barring cars that are in high demand, most dealers will sweeten the deal for customers by throwing in discounts and / or freebies like mats, mud flaps or a parking cover etc.

For most Indian customers, a discount has become like a birthright. Not only do we expect a discount on an existing / old model, but we will even ask for the same on hot new launches like the Sonet or Thar.

But what if the car is well-priced to start with? Would you buy a car with zero discounts then? Or do you absolutely need that sweetener? And if you are good at bargaining, please share details of your experience, tactics used and the discount amount you managed.

Barring cars that are in high demand, most dealers will sweeten the deal for customers by throwing in discounts and / or freebies like mats, mud flaps or a parking cover etc.

From my time working as a sales executive in a Maruti dealership, I have realized that 99% of customers expect to negotiate either for the price (cash discount) or for some freebies. But I have observed over time that car dealerships now offer freebies on new cars as well to close the deal – this could include an exchange bonus, corporate discount, loan offers, or things like a service plan, some accessories etc.

Have you ever considered buying (or bought) a car at its list price? I’m sure many BHPians would have lined up for new launches when there would be no offers on the car. Early adopters of new models usually end up buying the car at the manufacturer’s list price.

Must-read thread: A car salesman’s life.

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