Key Findings
5.4%
avg discount off MSRP
$3,021
avg savings off MSRP
864
verified deals analyzed
The average new car buyer in March 2026 negotiated a discount of 5.4% off MSRP — about $3,021 below sticker on an average MSRP of $55,406. The average transaction price was $52,385.
But that average hides enormous variation. Some models saw discounts over 10% off MSRP. Others sold at full sticker or even above. Knowing where your car falls on that spectrum is the difference between a good deal and a bad one.
Average Discount by Brand
RAM led all major brands with an average 10.0% discount off MSRP in March 2026. Kia had the smallest average discount among major brands at 1.9%.
| Brand | Deals | Avg MSRP | Avg Discount |
|---|---|---|---|
| RAM | 37 | $75,494 | 10.0% |
| Ford | 19 | $67,725 | 7.9% |
| Audi | 48 | $58,599 | 6.6% |
| Mercedes-Benz | 60 | $68,696 | 6.6% |
| Volkswagen | 46 | $41,800 | 6.4% |
| Chevrolet | 62 | $64,910 | 5.9% |
| BMW | 121 | $61,319 | 5.8% |
| GMC | 55 | $73,015 | 5.7% |
| Honda | 37 | $36,347 | 5.5% |
| Toyota | 292 | $47,522 | 4.4% |
| Mazda | 18 | $39,244 | 3.8% |
| Lexus | 21 | $64,511 | 3.1% |
| Kia | 43 | $45,936 | 1.9% |
Based on brands with 3+ verified deals in March 2026.
Most Negotiable Models
These models had the largest average discounts below MSRP. If you're shopping for one of these, you have significant room to negotiate.
| Model | Deals | Avg MSRP | Avg Price Paid | Discount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Ranger | 2 | $39,620 | $33,091 | 16.5%$6,529 off |
| RAM 2500 | 20 | $84,294 | $75,191 | 10.9%$9,103 off |
| Ford F-250 | 7 | $86,987 | $78,168 | 10.1%$8,819 off |
| Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | 15 | $66,080 | $60,059 | 9.6%$6,021 off |
| RAM 1500 | 17 | $65,141 | $59,376 | 9.0%$5,765 off |
| GMC Sierra 2500HD | 11 | $77,607 | $71,015 | 8.7%$6,592 off |
| Mercedes-Benz Glb-class | 6 | $52,905 | $48,417 | 8.6%$4,488 off |
| Audi A3 | 16 | $45,447 | $41,647 | 8.4%$3,800 off |
| Volkswagen Golf Gti | 6 | $41,574 | $38,206 | 8.2%$3,368 off |
| BMW 530 | 2 | $68,528 | $63,162 | 7.8%$5,366 off |
The takeaway
Ford Ranger buyers negotiated an average discount of $6,529 off MSRP in March 2026. If you're paying sticker price for any of these models, you're leaving money on the table.
Least Negotiable Models
These models sold closest to MSRP. Buyers had little room to negotiate, either because of high demand or limited inventory.
| Model | Deals | Avg MSRP | Avg Price Paid | Discount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kia Telluride Hybrid | 2 | $59,198 | $59,198 | 0.0%$0 off |
| Toyota Highlander Hybrid | 2 | $55,807 | $55,807 | 0.0%$0 off |
| Kia Telluride | 31 | $49,125 | $48,687 | 0.9%$438 off |
| Toyota RAV4 | 18 | $39,703 | $39,171 | 1.2%$532 off |
| Audi Q3 | 9 | $48,726 | $48,179 | 1.2%$547 off |
Kia Telluride Hybrid actually had a negative average discount — meaning buyers paid above MSRP after factoring in add-ons. If you're set on one of these models, expect to pay close to the advertised price.
Where Buyers Got the Best Deals
Location matters. Discounts varied significantly by state, driven by dealer competition density, regional incentives, and inventory levels.
| State | Deals | Avg Discount |
|---|---|---|
| SD | 3 | 10.3% |
| OK | 10 | 8.5% |
| TN | 15 | 8.0% |
| AZ | 34 | 7.1% |
| RI | 10 | 7.1% |
| NV | 15 | 6.9% |
| ME | 4 | 6.7% |
| VT | 2 | 6.6% |
| VA | 15 | 6.3% |
| SC | 27 | 6.3% |
SD, OK, and TN led with discounts of 10.3%, 8.5%, and 8.0% off MSRP respectively.
Methodology
This analysis covers 864 new car deals submitted to CarWhere by verified buyers between March 1 and March 31, 2026. Each deal includes the actual transaction price the buyer paid along with the vehicle's MSRP.
Discount percentages represent the difference between MSRP and the buyer's transaction price. Model rankings require a minimum of 2 deals. Brand rankings require 3+ deals. State rankings require 2+ deals.
This data represents self-reported transactions from CarWhere users and may not reflect the broader national market. Deals are reviewed for accuracy before being included in the dataset.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the average discount on a new car in March 2026?
Based on 864 verified buyer deals from March 2026, the average discount was 5.4% off MSRP — about $3,021 in savings on an average MSRP of $55,406.
Which car brands had the biggest discounts in March 2026?
RAM had the largest average discount at 10.0% off MSRP in March 2026, followed by Ford (7.9%). Kia had the smallest average discount among major brands at 1.9%.
What new cars were hardest to negotiate on in March 2026?
Kia Telluride Hybrid had the smallest average discount at 0.0% off MSRP in March 2026. Toyota Highlander Hybrid (0.0%) and Kia Telluride (0.9%) also had very little room for negotiation.
Which state had the best car deals in March 2026?
SD had the highest average discount at 10.3% off MSRP in March 2026, followed by OK (8.5%) and TN (8.0%).
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