New cars can be eye-wateringly expensive, so whatever model you’re looking at and however you plan to pay for it, you won’t want to pay over the odds. But it’s not easy knowing exactly what a good deal looks like.
That’s where our unique pricing data comes in, allowing us to reveal the cars with the biggest cash and finance discounts, so you know exactly what you should expect to pay.
Read on to find out how we calculate these discounts, the models with the most money off their list prices and the ‘in-stock’ deals that could save you even more.
Please note: the information in this article is for information purposes only and does not constitute advice. Please refer to the particular terms and conditions of a provider before committing to any financial products.
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How we calculate new car discounts
We calculate new car discounts by combining real-world mystery shopping, detailed market research and rigorous validation. This includes analysis of dealer discounts, manufacturer incentives, PCP finance terms and other key factors that shape transaction pricing.
Unless otherwise stated, all manufacturer-related data and pricing apply to all UK franchised dealers. Dealer-related pricing discounts are based on a ‘whole of market’ view (ie achievable at any UK franchised dealer).
The result is data that reflects genuine, achievable discounts and finance offers, so you’ll know how much you should be paying for your new car.
All figures calculated 8 May, 2025.
Top 5 cash discounts
According to our most recent market data, the following cars have the biggest discounts when making a cash purchase (ie paying for the car in full). These discounts combine our calculations of typical dealer margins and manufacturer savings.
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For each car, we’ve listed the specific trim level the discount applies to (you might not achieve a similar discount on other trims in the range). The discounts we’ve quoted are realistic discounts that are available at all sellers for which we have data. Which? test scores based on the trim level(s) as tested by our lab, which might not match the precise trim of the model in the table.
Of course, a big discount doesn’t necessarily mean you’re getting a good deal, just that, for whatever reason, the manufacturer has decided to heavily discount the list price. And while some are Best Buys, others didn’t score particularly well in Which? tests, so it pays to read our reviews before buying.
Best cheap cars for 2025: whether you’re buying new or used, see the cheaper models that scored best
Top 5 total discounts (including finance offers)
The biggest discounts are often offered when buying a new car on finance.
The table below shows the total discounts available, including the cash discount along with any additional savings directly associated with a manufacturer’s finance offer, such as a finance deposit contribution.
For each car, we’ve listed the specific trim level that the discount applies to (you might not achieve a similar discount on other trims in the range). All quoted PCP payments are based on the manufacturer’s advertised APR offer and assume a 4-year term, 8,000–10,000 miles per year (unless otherwise stated), a 15% customer deposit plus any manufacturer deposit contribution, and actual manufacturer-guaranteed future values (GFVs). Figures are for illustrative purposes only and do not constitute financial advice or a contractual offer. Which? test scores based on the trim level(s) as tested by our lab, which might not match the precise trim of the model in the table.
Confused about the different car finance products? Our expert guide to car finance explains all
Top 5 manufacturer PCP finance offers
PCP interest rates are currently trending downward, with 46% of new cars available with an APR below 5% (at the end of 2024, this applied to 41% of new cars).
Across the whole market, the current average PCP terms are:
- APR: 5.7%
- Deposit Contribution: £1,841
- Monthly Payment: £557
PCP deals with 0% APR are also now available on 9.4% of all new cars, spanning 21 manufacturers and predominantly focused on electric vehicles.
Below we’ve listed five PCP finance offers that caught our eye.
All quoted PCP payments are based on the manufacturer’s advertised APR offer and assume a 4-year term, 8,000–10,000 miles per year (unless otherwise stated), a 15% customer deposit plus any manufacturer deposit contribution, and actual manufacturer-guaranteed future values (GFVs). Figures are for illustrative purposes only and do not constitute financial advice or a contractual offer. Which? test scores based on the trim level(s) as tested by our lab, which might not match the precise trim of the model in the table.
In-stock deals
Buying an in-stock new car from a dealer can significantly boost your savings. Dealers typically own these vehicles outright and are therefore keen to sell them quickly to free up cash flow.
However, there are some potential downsides to be aware of when buying in-stock cars:
- The choice of colour and specification may be limited
- Cars may be pre-registered, meaning you won’t be the first recorded owner (this could impact the car’s future value when you come to sell)
- Savings may be tied to taking a manufacturer-backed finance offer – always confirm the details with the dealer
- The car may be located a long way from you
Here are three standout in-stock deals that we’ve spotted on classified sites:
For each car, we’ve listed the specific trim level that the discount applies to (you might not achieve a similar discount on other trims in the range). Which? test scores based on the trim level(s) as tested by our lab, which might not match the precise trim of the model in the table.
To find more deals on in-stock cars, head to sites such as Auto Trader and Carwow, using the filters to set the mileage to under 100 miles (note that Carwow doesn’t let you set the minimum mileage this low, but you can order your results to show those with the least mileage first).
Best cars for 2025: view the models that scored best in our tough lab and road tests
Market overview: EVs in focus
Having previously attracted large discounts across numerous manufacturers, discounts on new electric cars have cooled of late. And while they dominate our top five tables above, average total discounts across EVs are showing a downward trend, falling from 9.9% (£5,871 per car) at the start of the year to 9.4% (£5,354) currently.
This is largely driven by manufacturers easing off discounting, having broadly met their Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate targets in 2024, combined with what appears to be a recent uplift in demand for EVs. The government also recently announced changes to the ZEV mandate, allowing new hybrids to be sold for an extra five years (up to 2035).
At the same time, average APR rates for PCP finance deals have increased, rising to 3.1% from 3.4%, pushing the typical monthly payment on a new EV to £559.
However, despite rising finance costs and lower discounts, the typical monthly payment is still marginally below the Q4 2024 figure of £567, thanks to a 5.3% drop in average EV list prices (down to £56,974 from £60,152).
EV list prices are likely to remain under pressure as car makers respond to the growing success of Chinese brands such as BYD in the UK.
Best electric cars: see the models with the best range, efficiency and more
Manufacturer performance snapshot: average EV total discount per car
The chart below shows the average total discount for electric cars from a selection of manufacturers (the average discount off list prices for all manufacturers is 9.4%, which equates to £5,354)
While shrinking headline discounts may seem concerning, lower monthly PCP payments point to improving EV affordability.
Tesla doesn’t offer any discounts because the brand uses what’s known as an ‘agency’ model for car sales; this is where the manufacturer (instead of franchised dealerships) sets the pricing and is responsible for cash transactions.
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