Vehicles
How to Buy a New Car Without Overpaying
A new car is one of the biggest purchases most households make — and one of the easiest to overpay on. Getting a sharp price comes down to a handful of things. The good news for ShopRite members: you don’t have to chase any of them yourself.
What actually decides what you pay
The price on the windscreen is rarely what you’ll actually pay — or the best price on the table. A few things make the difference between a fair deal and an expensive one:
- Drive-away, not the sticker. The list price almost never includes on-road costs. The drive-away figure folds in stamp duty, registration, CTP and dealer delivery — it’s the only number worth comparing.
- The whole-of-life cost. Fuel or charging, insurance, servicing, tyres and depreciation all add up. A cheaper car that’s thirsty or dear to service can quietly cost more than a dearer one.
- How you fund it. Dealer finance signed on the spot is rarely the sharpest option. Car finance, a novated lease and salary packaging are all worth comparing on the comparison rate and total payable — not just the weekly repayment.
- Timing. Dealers work to monthly and quarterly targets, so the end of a quarter and plate-clearance (runout) season are when there’s the most room to move.
- Build vs compliance date. A car built late one year but complied the next can be cheaper — but it’s treated as a year older at resale. Easy fine print to miss.
- Add-ons at signing. Paint protection, extended warranties and “admin” fees are high-margin extras that tend to appear at the desk.
- Your trade-in. Rolled into the deal, it’s easy to lose track of — a sharp purchase price can hide a weak trade figure, or the reverse. It should be judged on its own.
The catch: doing it all yourself
Knowing all that is one thing. Doing it is hours of research, chasing quotes across dealerships and hard negotiating — often under pressure at the desk. That’s exactly where your ShopRite membership comes in.
Let ShopRite do the legwork
Our member car buying service handles the search, the negotiation and the paperwork on your next new car. You tell us the make and model; we go to work on the price through the dealerships we work with right across WA. No brokers in the middle — you just collect the car.
- Tell us the car you want — and the best price you’ve found, if you have one.
- Send it through — online via the car buying service, or in the ShopRite app.
- We negotiate the price, help with finance and paperwork, and you drive away.
Frequently asked questions
Who can use the ShopRite car buying service?
It’s a ShopRite member benefit, available through our affiliated unions, charities and organisations across WA. Sign in to get started, or register free if you haven’t set up your account.
What does it cost to get a quote?
Nothing — enquiring and having our team look into a vehicle is part of your membership. You only pay for the car itself once you decide to go ahead.
What vehicles can you help with?
Any make and model — from a family SUV or first car to a work ute or an EV. Tell us what you’re after and we’ll track it down and negotiate the price.
Can you arrange finance, a novated lease or salary packaging?
Yes — just ask. We can talk you through car finance, novated leasing and salary packaging through our partners so you can compare what suits you.
Do I have to buy from a particular dealer?
No. We work with most dealerships across WA to find you the best deal, with no brokers in the middle. We negotiate on your behalf and handle the paperwork.
Buying your next car?
If your organisation participates, joining is free — then tell us the car you’re after and we’ll chase the price.
