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How to Get the Best Car Deal in 2026: 5 Tips From the Pros
Imagine arriving back at the dealership as you complete the test drive on a vehicle you’ve been researching for weeks. As delighted as you are to confirm that it meets your requirements—on paper and in person—anticipation builds as you consider the next logical step: negotiations. When the salesperson asks, “How did it go? Are we ready to talk numbers?” beads of sweat start to form.
You don’t need an advanced degree in negotiating strategies to get the best deal on a car in 2026. We spoke to CarEdge co-founder and 43-year industry veteran Ray Shefska to find out how the car buying pros negotiate with confidence. Follow the steps below to guide the conversation toward the one number that will make or break the sale.
1. Focus On One Variable at a Time
There’s no doubt that several variables affect the car-buying process. All at the same time, you might be considering what monthly payment you can afford, how much down payment you can make, and whether to buy new or used. However, you can simplify the process by focusing on one thing at a time. In most cases, isolating these variables provides additional data to help you make a more informed final decision.
For example, focusing on your monthly car allowance gives you a dollar amount to keep in mind for expenses like your car payment, insurance, and maintenance. We recommend staying within the 10% rule to protect your overall finances. If you want a specific type of car—like a sedan or an SUV—you can narrow your options further. When you’re at the dealership, the most important variable you need to focus on is the out-the-door (OTD) price.
It’s ALWAYS best to focus on the out-the-door price before discussing any other number.
2. Negotiate the Out-the-Door (OTD) Price
It’s important to recognize that the OTD price on a vehicle is completely separate from the Monroney sticker price that’s typically displayed on the car’s window. Dealers will advertise the sticker price to attract potential buyers, but the final price you pay could be thousands of dollars more. The out-the-door price represents the amount you agree to pay for the vehicle plus all of the following fees (or more):
- Taxes
- Title
- Registration
- Document fees
- Dealer add-ons
- Accessories
By sticking to your guns and asking for the OTD price upfront, you’re signaling to the salesperson that you’re ready to talk numbers—but only based on the car’s value, not how much you can pay toward the vehicle’s final price every month. This shift in conversation works in your favor because you can determine whether you’re getting a fair price and what additional fees the dealership’s trying to sneak into your final deal.
Another key benefit of getting an OTD price in writing is that you can then take that offer to other dealers, and have them compete your for your business! But always get your OTD price in writing.
Before you shop, see the Out-the-Door Price with our FREE calculator.
3. Steer Clear of Conversations About Monthly Budget
Before we delve too far into this step, let’s make one thing clear: you should absolutely stay within your full budget when you’re looking to purchase a car. We recommend you use the 10% rule as a guide to avoid stretching yourself too thin financially. However, any discussions of a monthly budget fail to address the overall amount you’re paying for the car—the OTD price—which is the more important figure to focus on during negotiations.
Car deals can (and often will) use your monthly budget against you. In 2026, we’re seeing something that was once unthinkable: the rise of 84-month car loans, and sometimes even longer terms. The reason is simple: As car prices are pushed higher, it’s a lot easier to convince buyers that they can afford it if the monthly payment stays the same. They do this by extending the loan repayment period.
Why is this bad for drivers? Not only will you be paying more in interest with longer loan terms, you’re much more likely to end up in negative equity, meaning that you owe more than your car is worth. If you end up selling or trading-in your car, you’ll actually OWE money for it.
In simple terms, avoid discussing your monthly budget with any salesperson. Stay far away from loans longer than 72 months.
After all, monthly budgets can fluctuate according to how much you put down and what loan term lengths you negotiate. Avoid sharing concrete numbers because the less you say, the better. It’s okay to play hardball without being too hard about it, because you want to demonstrate that you’re willing to work with them if they’ll reciprocate.
4. Pay Cash, Finance, or Lease? Keep your options open
Whether you decide to pay in cash, obtain a loan, or opt for a lease, keep your options open. Insist on negotiating the out-the-door price first and then following up with how you’d like to proceed from there. If the salesperson mentions any current finance or lease incentives, they should be in addition to the OTD price as a bonus, not a reason to fold on negotiations and pay more.
When you know the out-the-door price, you can then focus on the next variable: whether paying in cash, financing a loan, or signing a lease best suits your financial situation. Remember, vehicles are not investments, but it’s worth the time it takes to seek out exceptional finance offers if you’re ready to pull the trigger. If you want to try out leasing instead, check out our guide to leasing and how to interpret your lease purchase agreement.
5. Treat Your Trade-In as a Separate Transaction
Convenience can actually cost you money at the car dealership. When you bundle the trade-in of your current vehicle with the purchase of your next one, you risk losing out on both ends. Any appraisals or purchase agreements for your trade-in should be handled separately, especially if you still owe money on your existing vehicle.
👉 Trade-In Tactics For Success — the complete guide!
Approach Your Next Car Purchase With Confidence
Admittedly, this tried-and-true process of getting a better deal on your next car purchase does take time and initiative. If you struggle with either or both, partner with a CarEdge Concierge to make car buying easy. Our experts handle every step of the process, from reaching out to dealerships and coordinating test drives to reviewing the paperwork and scheduling delivery for you.
5 Amazing Toyota Deals in January 2026: RAV4, Tundra, and More
Consistently among the fastest-selling car brands, this import automaker enters the first quarter of 2026 with a handful of can’t-miss lease and purchase deals. It’s worth pointing out that Toyota is already offering big incentives for brand-new 2026 models. Whether this is a sign of a slowing market or simply Toyota doing what it does best (aggressively taking market share) remains to be seen.
If you’ve casually been considering a new Toyota, these deals may not be groundbreaking enough to get you off the couch. But for those who want to negotiate during the last days of January (always the best time of the month to buy), game time is quickly approaching.
2025 Toyota Tundra
Best Deal: 0% APR for 60 months
Situated among the best popular pickups available, the Toyota Tundra holds its own against domestic giants like Ford, Chevy, and RAM. No interest for five years on the outgoing Tundra model means you stand less of a chance of being underwater on your loan. That’s always a plus in today’s volatile car market.
Note that just 1,600 of the 25,000 Tundras on sale nationwide are 2025 models, so this offer will vanish soon.
This offer expires February 2, 2026. See Toyota for more details.
Explore Toyota Tundra deals using local market data
2026 Toyota Corolla SE
Best Deal: $209/month for 39 months with $3,999 down
Although the saying, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” fits the Toyota brand in general, it’s probably most applicable to the Corolla nameplate, which has been around longer than today’s Gen Z drivers have been alive.
Offer ends February 2, 2026. See Toyota for more details.
Explore Toyota Corolla deals using local market data
2025 Toyota Tacoma
Best Deal: 3.99% APR for 72 months
Having already surpassed the Nissan Frontier as one of the leading smaller pickups, the Tacoma ranks third for best value—coincidentally, behind the GR86 and the Corolla Hatchback, two other Toyota models.
Get this offer before it ends on February 2, 2026. See Toyota for more details.
Explore Toyota Tacoma deals using local market data
2026 Toyota RAV4
Best Deal: 5.99% APR for 72 months
All-new for 2026, the RAV4 is now more capable and feature-packed than ever before. Better yet, the price barely budged, even with several upgrades.
The fastest- and slowest-selling SUVs in January 2026 showcased the RAV4 as king, but you’ll find several other Toyota models among the top 10 as well. Toyota sold nearly 480,000 RAV4s in 2025.
This offer expires February 2, 2026. See Toyota for more details.
Explore Toyota RAV4 deals using local market data
2026 Toyota Corolla Cross L
Best Deal: $259/month for 39 months with $3,999 down
Compact SUVs have been edging out four-door sedans for a few years now, and the Corolla Cross is one of Toyota’s newest models on the scene. It also costs less than $5,900 to maintain over the first decade of ownership—among the most affordable crossovers to maintain, period.
Get this offer before it expires on February 2, 2026. See Toyota for more details.
Explore Toyota Corolla Cross deals using local market data
How Honda Deals Compare in January
We ranked Toyota first among brands with the best resale value after five years, but its long-standing rival, Honda, is only a few spots behind. Competition pits the Honda CR-V against the Toyota RAV4 in the SUV arena, but the big “H” leaves CR-V fans wanting with little in the way of compelling incentives. Select markets offer 3.99% APR financing for 60 months on the 2026 CR-V, but remember that the RAV4 is all-new for 2026, making the now-outdated CR-V a tough sell without better incentives.
In January, most buyers cross-shopping the two rivals will go for Toyota’s offers.
Why It Pays to Do Your Homework in 2026
Although we’ve officially closed the books on 2025, the automotive industry continues to shift in response to evolving hot-button issues, from trade-related tariffs to the future of electric vehicles. Staying current with everything can prove exhausting, but with CarEdge Pro, you gain access to insider data and an AI agent that negotiates on your behalf.
At CarEdge, we’re simply here to make buying a car more transparent, fair, and less stressful. Here’s how we can help.
Ford’s MLK Day Sales Feature Nine $0-Down Lease Deals
With nine solid zero-down Ford lease offers to choose from in January 2026, the iconic domestic brand makes it easy to check off at least one resolution. The Blue Oval’s incentives listed below include a mix of models, from the powerful Mustang and its EV counterpart, the Mustang Mach-E, to the workhorse F-150 in its many forms. Note that all of these lease offers are on 2025 models, because Ford’s not about to let those new arrivals go quietly just yet.
Here’s a look at all of the zero-down lease deals from Ford this month. These are hands-down the best Martin Luther King Jr. Day car sales right now.
2025 Ford Mustang EcoBoost Coupe
Best Deal: $399/month for 36 months with $399 due at signing
The money you save on leasing a 2025 Mustang might go straight to paying your insurance premium, but as the saying goes, “You only live once.”
Offer expires on 2/2/2026. See Ford’s website for more details.
Browse local Ford Mustang listings
2025 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend 4×4
Best Deal: $399/month for 36 months with $399 due at signing
The Bronco Sport Big Bend carves out its own niche in the popular compact crossover SUV segment, alongside the Escape and several other strong competitors.
This offer expires on 2/2/2026. See Ford’s website for more details.
Browse local Ford Bronco Sport listings
2025 Ford Escape Active AWD
Best Deal: $399/month for 36 months with $399 due at signing
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration awarded the 2025 Ford Escape 5 out of 5 stars in overall safety.
Get this offer before it expires on 2/2/2026. See Ford’s website for more details.
Browse local Ford Escape listings
2025 Ford Explorer Active 4WD
Best Deal: $499/month for 36 months with $499 due at signing
If you were born before 1991, you’re officially older than the Ford Explorer—and the film Jurassic Park, which featured a 1992 Explorer XLT as the park’s memorable mode of transportation.
Hurry in before this offer expires on 2/2/2026. See Ford’s website for more details.
Browse local Ford Explorer listings
2025 Ford Maverick XL FWD Hybrid
Best Deal: $447/month for 36 months with $447 due at signing
While we suspect Ford won’t be producing a Goose name plate anytime soon—somehow it just doesn’t fit the brand’s vibe—you can still fly high with a monthly lease payment under $450 with nothing down and only your first month’s payment due at signing.
Get this offer before it expires on 2/2/2026. See Ford’s website for more details.
Browse local Ford Maverick listings
2025 Ford Ranger XLT
Best Deal: $471/month for 36 months with $471 due at signing
Recently resurrected, the Ford Ranger competes with several strong midsize pickups, including the Nissan Frontier, Toyota Tacoma, and Chevrolet Colorado.
Get this offer before it expires on 2/2/2026. See Ford’s website for more details.
Browse local Ford Ranger listings
2025 Ford F-150 STX
Best Deal: $479/month for 36 months with $479 due at signing
Leasing an F-150 can help you figure out which trim level best suits your needs before you buy.
If you plan on purchasing later, check out how much pricing varies between 100 Ford dealers on the same F-150.
This offer expires 2/2/2026. See Ford’s website for more details.
Browse local Ford F-150 listings
2025 Ford F-150 Lightning XLT
Best Deal: $462/month for 36 months with $462 due at signing
The all-electric F-150 Lightning was discontinued from the Ford lineup for 2026, but great lease deals remain for leftover 2025 models.
This offer expires 2/2/2026. See Ford’s website for more details.
Browse local Ford F-150 Lightning listings
2025 Ford Mustang Mach-E
Best Deal: $358/month for 36 months with $358 due at signing
Federal tax credits for EV purchases ended in September of 2025, but you can still lease the outgoing Mustang Mach-E for less than $400 a month for three years.
This offer expires March 31, 2026. See Ford’s website for more details.
Browse local Ford Mustang Mach-E listings
Lease Deals Beat Ford’s Best Financing Offers in January
Purchase incentives run on the slim side for drivers looking to finance in January. Well-qualified buyers can get up to $3,000 bonus cash and 0% APR for 72 months on the 2025 Ford Mustang Mach-E and the 2025 Ford F-150 Lightning. Hurry in by February 2 to get 2.9% APR for 60 months on the 2025 Ford Explorer, or score the same deal and up to $3,250 bonus cash on the 2025 Ford F-150 XLT (all as available in select markets).
Calculating the cost of leasing versus buying a car can help you decide which arrangement works best. Enlist a CarEdge Concierge to contact dealers and wade through the red tape.
👉 Schedule your free consultation—via phone or live chat—today to get started.
10 Best Luxury Car Deals in January 2026: Mercedes, BMW, Lexus, and More
As the world moves further into the new year, the best luxury car incentives will soon be fading in the rearview mirror. Wait much longer, and you risk missing out on deals that could save you thousands. Below are 10 of the best luxury car and SUV offers you’re likely to see for some time as 2026 unfolds.
2026 Audi S8 quattro
Best Deal: $10,000 bonus cash
Get $10,000 bonus cash on a brand-new 2026 Audi S8 quattro. Blending poise and performance, the S8 quattro starts at $130,000.
This offer expires February 2, 2026. See Audi for more details.
Find your next Audi S8 using local market data
2026 BMW X3 30 xDrive
Best Deal in January: 1.99% APR for 60 months, or $599/month for 39 months with $5,239 down
Whether you choose to lease or purchase the 2026 BMW X3, the xDrive off-road capabilities ensure that any weekend trips you take don’t leave you stranded.
Offer ends February 2, 2026. See BMW for more details.
Find a BMW X3 with the power of local market data
2026 Lexus RX
Best Deal: 2.99% APR for 48 months
One of three Lexus models on our list, the 2026 RX joins several others available with a 2.99% APR for a four-year loan. Multiple deals like these are rare for the popular luxury brand.
This offer expires February 2, 2026. See Lexus for more details.
Find your next Lexus RX using local market data
2026 Cadillac OPTIQ
Best Deal: 2.9% APR for 60 months plus $2,000 cash allowance
One of four electric vehicles (EVs) of SUV proportions in the Cadillac stable, the 2026 OPTIQ benefits from a $2,000 cash allowance, alongside the 2026 VISTIQ EV.
Get this offer before it ends on February 2, 2026. See Cadillac for more details.
Find your next Cadillac OPTIQ using local market data
2026 Genesis Electrified GV70
Best Deal in January: 0% APR for 60 months
Luxury and speed are the the Genesis Electrified GV70 proves enticing with no interest accrued on a five-year loan.
This offer expires February 2, 2026. See Genesis for more details.
Find a Genesis GV70 with the power of local market data
2026 Lexus NX 350 AWD
Best Deal: $509/month for 42 months with $3,999 down
Toyota’s luxury brand offers a three-and-a-half-year lease on the 2026 Lexus NX 350 AWD for just over $500 a month and less than $4,000 due at signing.
Get this offer before it ends on February 2, 2026. See Lexus for more details.
Find your next Lexus NX using local market data
2025 Infiniti QX50
Best Deal in January: $6,500 cash offer
Get Infiniti’s $6,500 cash offer before it’s gone on the 2025 QX50 and 2025 Infiniti QX55. These two models are going out of production this year, and are unlikely to return.
Offer ends February 2, 2026. See Infiniti for more details.
Find an Infiniti QX50 with the power of local market data
2026 Range Rover Velar
Best Deal: $649/month for 36 months with $6,995 down for the Velar P250 S
A hidden gem among the 10 luxury leases featured, the 2026 Velar’s lease incentives can put you behind the wheel for less than $650 per month and just under $7,000 due at signing.
Offer ends February 2, 2026. See Land Rover for more details.
Find your next Land Rover Range Rover Velar using local market data
2026 Lexus RZ
Best Deal in January: 0% APR for 72 months
Looking for another popular luxury EV option? The stealthily silent 2026 RZ still turns heads.
Get this offer before it expires on February 2, 2026. See Lexus for more details.
Find a Lexus RZ with the power of local market data
2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300
Best Deal in January: $459/month for 36 months with $5,183 down
Class-leading luxury and a mild hybrid powertrain seamlessly combine in this premium two-row SUV from Mercedes-Benz, available to lease for less than $500 a month for three years.
Offer ends February 2, 2026. See Mercedes-Benz for more details.
Find a Mercedes-Benz GLC with the power of local market data
Luxury Deals You Should Avoid
As 84-month loan terms (that’s seven years’ worth of interest) gain traction among automakers and dealerships, it’s worth taking a second look at the numbers before inking a deal. Two of the worst luxury incentives to avoid include 6.9% APR on the 2026 GMC Sierra 2500 Denali and 0.9% on the 2025 Lincoln Corsair Grand Touring.
Despite its pedigree, the 2026 Jaguar F-PACE hasn’t been leaping off showroom floors over the past year or two. The import luxury brand’s lease offer on the P250 R-Dynamic S AWD model—$679 a month for 36 months with $6,995 down—puts it in the same price range as the much more luxurious Range Rover Velar. Even offering a 3.9% APR for 48 months to purchase the sophisticated SUV may not be enough.
Last-Minute Offers on Luxury Vehicles Won’t Last Long
While January still holds promise for luxury car buyers, deals like these are fading fast. Brand-new models with the latest features and technology have already begun to fill showroom floors, with the weight of boosting the first quarter’s numbers placed squarely on their shoulders. When you’re ready to take advantage of these offers, partner with a CarEdge Concierge to improve your car-buying experience and ward off buyer’s remorse.
7 Best Luxury Car Sales in January: 2026 Begins with Some Deals
It’s a new year, but for many luxury car dealers, it’s the same old inventory sitting on their lots. For many brands, year-end sales have continued into January, giving last minute shoppers a chance to save. If you’ve held out this long for a luxury vehicle, now’s the time to act on some of the best luxury car sales we’ve seen in years.
2025 Lincoln Nautilus
Best Deal: 0% APR for 48 months, or lease for $649/month for 36 months with $2,074 down
Lincoln luxury SUVs occupy two spots on our list of the best luxury car sales in January, including the larger 2025 Nautilus and the smaller 2025 Corsair. Both benefit from interest-free financing on four-year loans, but you can also lease the Nautilus Premiere AWD for $649 a month for three years, with only $2,074 due at signing.
These offers are good through January 5, 2026. See Lincoln offer details.
See the best Lincoln Nautilus deals with CarEdge
2025 Lincoln Corsair
Best Deal: 0% APR for 48 months, or lease for $499/month for 36 months with $499 down
Albeit a smaller luxury SUV, the Corsair is hardly lacking in refinement. Pay no interest on the 2025 model with a four-year loan to bank significant savings, or lease for only $499 a month with only one month’s payment due at signing to keep more of your holiday bonus in reserve.
These offers expire January 5, 2026. See Lincoln offer details.
See the best Lincoln Corsair deals with CarEdge
2026 BMW X3
Best Deal: 0.9% APR for 60 months
The 2026 BMW X3 strikes a sophisticated balance between a capable city car and a powerful yet smooth highway cruiser. Five-year loans on the 2026 model carry a sub-1% interest rate, resulting in more savings than the same APR for a 48-month loan available on X1, X5, 3-Series, and i4 models.
Offers on select BMW models expire January 2, 2026. See BMW offer details.
See the best BMW X3 deals with CarEdge
2025 Land Rover Discovery P300S
Best Deal: 1.9% APR for 60 months
If you’re on the hunt for one of the best luxury year-end car sales you won’t see any other time of the year, head over to your nearest Jaguar Land Rover dealership. A 1.9% interest rate across a 60-month loan term is practically unheard of for this iconic luxury brand, especially on one of its flagship models. Note that this offer ends on January 2, 2026.
This rare deal expires January 2, 2026. See Land Rover offer details.
See the best Land Rover Discovery deals with CarEdge
2026 Infiniti QX80
Best Deal: $9,000 cash bonus
The full-size, fully equipped 2026 Infiniti QX80 delivers a doorbusting deal in January. Infiniti currently offers a $9,000 cash bonus—the equivalent of about 10% off MSRP—on the newest QX80 models, but keep in mind that it’s not combinable with financing offers.
This offer expires January 5, 2026. See Infiniti offer details.
See the best Infiniti QX80 deals with CarEdge
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC
Best Deal: 1.9% APR for 36 months, or lease for $579/month for 39 months with $4,993 down
As a true all-weather luxury crossover, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC can conquer practically any terrain with ease. Take advantage of low-APR financing for 36 months, or lease for an additional three months with less than $5,000 due at signing.
These deals are only available for a limited time. See Mercedes-Benz offer details.
See the best Mercedes-Benz GLC deals with CarEdge
2026 Cadillac Optiq Luxury
Best Deal: 2.9% APR for 60 months with $2,000 cash bonus, or lease for $319/month for 24 months with $4,969 down
The 2026 Cadillac Optiq Luxury just arrived, and it’s already on sale. Cadillac is offering a $2,000 cash bonus and 2.9% APR financing for 60 months. If you’re not sold on the luxury EV SUV just yet, a two-year lease with around $5,000 down give you first-hand experience.
These deals won’t stick around long. See Cadillac offer details.
See the best Cadillac Optiq deals with CarEdge
Scoop the Best Luxury Car Sales Before They’re Gone
With only a few days left for these extended year-end sales, your window of opportunity to save on a luxury car in January is quickly closing. Sales this good will be gone for a long time once they expire.
Rather not add the hassle of negotiations to your to-do list? CarEdge Pro negotiates on your behalf, providing you with insider data so you can be sure you’re getting the best deal.
