BUYERS of new T-reg cars, on sale from March 1, can save themselves hundreds of pounds simply by learning the tricks of the trade, according to a survey.

The auto magazine What Car? reveals the discounts available on 50 of Britain's best new cars. Researchers made average savings of £730.

Top discount was £3,350 slashed from the price of a £50,340 Mercedes S320, followed closely by £3,150 off BMW's £45,000 735i.

At the other end of the scale, the magazine said that Ford's new Focus - voted European Car of the Year - can be bought with a saving of £850 off the list price of £13,850.

Other newcomers attracted similar deals. A team of reporters saved £705 on a new £10,245 Peugeot 206, while Vauxhall's Astra, currently Britain's second best selling car, was clinched for £1,320 less than the £14,370 list price.

The magazine contacted 200 dealers from around the country, in person and over the phone, asking for the best price available on a specific model.

In addition to haggling over the price, the magazine's reporters investigated savings available through dealer-provided finance and also checked on delivery times for the most sought-after models.

"The motor trade isn't sure how buyers are going to react to the new T-registration," said What Car? deputy editor, John Evans.

"So dealers are keener than ever to strike a deal. It means that, with a little work, new car buyers can get a deal they can be proud of."

His advice to new car buyers is to shop around as much as possible and to play one dealer off against another to get the best price.

"Don't be intimidated by salesmen," said Mr Evans. "Remember that you have the upper hand in all negotiations and that if you don't like the sound of the deal on offer, you can take your business elsewhere."

Look out for our T-reg supplement, free with Friday's Oxford Mail

Story date: Wednesday 10 February

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.