What Is a Good Deal on a New Car?
"Did I get a good deal?" is the question every car buyer asks. Here's how to answer it with data, not guesswork.
A good deal defined:
A price at or below what other verified buyers paid for the same vehicle, in the same region, during the same time period. It's not about hitting an arbitrary discount—it's about paying a fair market price.
Why "Always Get 10% Off" Is Bad Advice
Generic advice like "never pay MSRP" or "always get at least 10% off" ignores market reality. Here's why fixed percentage targets don't work:
- •Demand varies: A Toyota Tacoma and a Chevy Malibu have completely different market dynamics
- •Timing matters: Discounts shift based on inventory, model year, and manufacturer incentives
- •Location affects price: The same car sells for different prices in different states
- •Trim changes everything: Base models discount differently than loaded trims
Holding out for an unrealistic discount means either losing the car you want or wasting weeks negotiating for something that isn't achievable.
Realistic Discount Ranges by Vehicle Type
Based on verified CarWhere transaction data, here's what "good" and "excellent" discounts look like across different vehicle categories:
| Vehicle Type | Good Deal | Excellent Deal | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| High-demand trucks | MSRP or 1-2% off | 3-5% off MSRP | Toyota Tacoma, Ford Bronco, etc. |
| Mainstream SUVs | 4-6% off MSRP | 7-10% off MSRP | Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5 |
| Sedans | 5-8% off MSRP | 9-12% off MSRP | Accord, Camry, Civic, Corolla |
| Luxury vehicles | 5-8% off MSRP | 10-15% off MSRP | Varies widely by brand |
| Full-size trucks | 8-12% off MSRP | 13-18% off MSRP | F-150, Silverado, RAM 1500 |
| Slow sellers | 10-15% off MSRP | 16-20%+ off MSRP | Outgoing models, excess inventory |
These ranges are based on current market conditions. Always check recent deals for your specific make and model.
How to Evaluate If Your Deal Is Good
Follow this process to determine if you're getting a fair price:
Find your vehicle on CarWhere
Search for your specific make and model to see verified buyer transactions.
Note the average % off MSRP
This is your baseline. Most buyers achieve this discount or close to it.
Filter by your state if possible
Regional pricing varies. Local deals are more relevant than national averages.
Compare your offer to verified deals
If your discount matches or beats the average, you're getting a good deal.
Red Flags That You're Not Getting a Good Deal
Significant markup over MSRP on vehicles that aren't in high demand
Dealer refusing to show breakdown of price, fees, and add-ons
Price significantly higher than verified deals on CarWhere for the same vehicle
Required add-ons (paint protection, nitrogen, etc.) that inflate the price
Signs You're Getting a Good Deal
Your discount percentage matches or beats the CarWhere average for your vehicle
The dealer is transparent about all fees and the selling price breakdown
No mandatory add-ons or dealer packages inflating the price
You're getting available manufacturer incentives on top of the dealer discount
The price is competitive with other dealers in your region
Frequently Asked Questions
What percent off MSRP is a good deal?
It depends on the vehicle. For mainstream sedans and SUVs, 5-8% off MSRP is typically a good deal. High-demand trucks and sports cars may only offer 0-3% off, while slow-selling models can see 10-15%+ discounts. The key is comparing to what other verified buyers paid for the same vehicle.
Is paying MSRP ever a good deal?
Yes, for high-demand vehicles. If other buyers are paying MSRP or even above sticker for a particular model, then MSRP is a competitive price. A "good deal" is relative to market conditions, not an arbitrary discount target.
How do I know if the dealer discount is fair?
Compare the dealer's discount percentage to what other buyers achieved on the same make and model. CarWhere shows verified % off MSRP from real transactions so you can see if your offer is competitive or if you have room to negotiate.
Does a good deal mean the lowest price possible?
Not necessarily. A good deal is a fair market price based on current conditions. Holding out for an unrealistically low price can mean losing the car to another buyer or wasting time. The goal is to pay at or below what other informed buyers are paying.
Are advertised discounts real?
Often not. Advertised prices frequently require stacking multiple incentives you may not qualify for (military, recent college grad, loyalty, etc.) or include trade-in assumptions. Always verify the actual selling price with no strings attached.
How does location affect what's a good deal?
Significantly. Dealer competition, regional demand, and inventory levels vary by location. A 5% discount might be excellent in one state but average in another. Always compare to deals in your specific region.
The Bottom Line
A good deal isn't a magic number—it's a price backed by data. Instead of guessing or hoping, compare your offer to what verified buyers actually paid. If you're at or below the average discount percentage for your vehicle, you're getting a fair deal.
The goal isn't to "beat" the dealer. It's to pay a fair price and move on with your life. Data makes that possible.
Check If Your Deal Is Good
See what other buyers paid for your exact vehicle. Compare discount percentages and selling prices.
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