There has rarely been a better time to purchase a new car, according to a leading motoring magazine.

Shopping around for a motor insurance quote has long been recognised as a simple way for drivers to save money, but a study by What Car? has found that the current economic climate means adopting a similar policy when purchasing a new vehicle is also now an effective way to cut costs.

Its researchers have discovered that motorists can negotiate an average discount of more than £1,900 from the list price when buying a brand new car.

They even found an online dealer cutting the price of a Citroen Xsara Picasso by more than 40 per cent and another offering a Jaguar XJ at £11,500 lower than list price.

Steve Fowler, the magazine's editor, said: "It should be simple to get a brilliant bargain at the moment. With so few people dipping into their pockets, sales staff will be almost begging buyers to make an offer."

Meanwhile, Parker's has picked out the Ford Ka and Renault Megane as two cars on which sizeable discounts are available.

A recent police campaign in Tayside may help cut the number of car insurance claims in the area, it has been suggested.The force revealed it conducted a 24-hour crackdown on a variety of motoring offe...

Motorists keen to buy a vehicle that can help them protect the competitive deal they have secured on over-50s car insurance may be impressed with the Honda Accord's performance in a recent safety asse...

Thames Valley police stopped more than 550 motorists last week for a range of offences, including driving without car insurance.During the five-day initiative, officers worked with representatives fro...