Buying a new car can take weeks of your time. You research models, request quotes from several dealers, haggle over the price, get your trade-in valued and then work out how to pay for it. A car buying concierge does most of that for you.
This guide explains what a car buying concierge is, how the process works, what to ask about cost and whether it's worth using.
A car buying concierge, sometimes called a vehicle concierge service or car broker, finds, negotiates and organises the purchase of your car on your behalf. You tell them what you want, they deal with the dealers, and you take delivery. It's most useful if you're time-poor, don't enjoy negotiating, or want access to pricing you might not get walking in off the street.
The details vary between providers, but a typical service covers:
Buying at a dealership usually means several visits and a face-to-face negotiation, with sales targets and add-on pitches along the way. The dealer you’re buying from values your trade-in, and finance is usually offered in-house. Doing it yourself shifts the work to you: hours of research and calls, negotiating with several dealers, shopping your trade-in around and arranging your own finance, which can be draining. A concierge takes most of that off your plate. You give them a brief and they negotiate the price, organise your trade-in and can arrange finance alongside. There’s no sales pressure on your side, and the only thing left for you to do is turn up for the handover.
Why might a concierge get a better price? Some use fleet or volume buying channels, and some simply negotiate with several dealers at once. How much you save depends on the car, the brand and the market, so treat any promised saving with caution until you see it in writing.
To understand what you're negotiating against, our article on how much profit dealers make on a new car explains where dealer margin comes from.
This is the most important question to ask, and the answer differs between providers. Common models include:
Ask three things up front: how are you paid, is there any cost to me beyond the price of the car, and will I get a fully itemised, drive-away quote in writing?
Also read the quote line by line. Dealer admin fees, delivery charges and add-ons can inflate a deal, as we explain in our guide to dealer administration fees on used cars. For how advertised and final prices differ, see Drive Away Price Reductions: What They Mean for Borrowers.
It's likely to be worth it if:
It may not be worth it if:
In most cases, yes. When a new car is bought through a recognised supplier or dealer channel, you receive the standard manufacturer's warranty and benefits. Ask the concierge to confirm that in writing before you commit, especially if the car comes from outside your local dealer network.
Motorlend Concierge is built to take the hassle out of buying a new car. We source new vehicles across all makes and models, from small hatchbacks to large 4WDs, handle the price negotiation and help organise your trade-in valuation. Because we're also a finance broker, we can arrange your loan at the same time, so the car and the finance move together instead of one waiting on the other.
If you'd like to line up the finance first, our guide to car loan pre-approval explains how it works and why it strengthens your position.
Is a car buying concierge the same as a car broker? The terms are often used interchangeably. Both source and negotiate a car on your behalf. Some also arrange finance, trade-ins and delivery.
Can a concierge find me any make and model? Many can access a wide range of makes and models, but availability depends on stock and factory orders. Ask for timeframes in writing.
Do I need to be financing the car to use a concierge? Not always, but using a provider who also arranges finance can keep everything in step.
Will I save money? It depends on the car and the market. Ask to see the final drive-away price and compare it with quotes you've collected.
If you'd like someone else to deal with the dealers, talk to our Concierge team, or apply online to start with your finance. See our vehicle finance options too.
This article is general information only and does not take your personal circumstances into account. Savings vary and are not guaranteed.
