The secrets to getting the best car deal

When it comes to buying a car, understanding a dealership's sales cycle could save you thousands of dollars.

According to experts, the two best tips toward snagging a bargain are thinking like a car salesperson, and shopping towards the end of the month, because that is when car salespeople are trying to get the most sales to meet their monthly budgets and earn a bonus.

The day a customer walks into a car yard could mean the difference between a high price tag or thousands of dollars' worth of savings, experts say.

“Obviously dealers don't want you to know that they are under pressure to sell these cars at the end of the month, or the end of the financial year, so if you go in there armed with that information you might walk away with a bargain,” Tom Godfrey from Choice said.

“Remember all the sales staff are on their own personal incentives they're trying to get their bonuses,” Joshua Dowling said

Doing your homework is vital, make sure to check online and research prices.

“March is typically the second biggest month for car sales but the good news is April will also get off to a quick start because it's the start of the Japanese financial year, they will be wanting to get the runs on the board," Dowling said.

Car dealers make their profits on selling finance, insurance and servicing, so make sure that you go to your bank and compare prices first.

But if you do opt for the dealers' products, insist on a discount on the ticket price.

Another way to help save money on a late model car is through an auction house like Pickles who list up to 500 cars for sale each week.