UK motorists are forking out an average £1,585 more than they should for new cars because of their refusal to negotiate prices, or 'haggle', according to new research .
Research conducted by Sainsbury's Bank revealed that 426,000 people (12 per cent) who said they were intending to buy a new car between September 2007 and February 2008 would not haggle at all.
Of those willing to negotiate, only 53 per cent stated they would haggle "hard" for the best deal, while another 39 per cent said they would haggle just 'slightly'.
The research concluded that new car buyers will pay a cumulative £675.21 million over the top (general market price) during the five-month period.
To help new car buyers with making their selection and searching for the best prices, Sainsbury's Bank has published a buyers' guide .
The bank advises car buyers to make the dealer think that they were prepared to walk away from a deal, as looking too eager may make them less willing to negotiate on a price.
