These weeks before Black Friday are, quite frankly, the car industry’s favourite sport. Dealers roll up their sleeves, slap on the “SALE” stickers, and wait for the crowds to come running. Shoppers queue up for “unbelievable deals” on things they probably didn’t plan to buy, including cars they haven’t researched beyond the colour.
It’s a beautiful chaos, really. Prices get “slashed,” deals sound too good to be true (because sometimes, they are), and every model suddenly claims to be the bargain of the year. Meanwhile, those who do their homework quietly walk away with the real deals, often the kind that don’t need fireworks or fine print.
Black Friday can be a blessing for your budget or a fast track to buyer’s remorse. So before that big, shiny “$10,000 OFF!” sign starts enticing you, here are the 5 biggest Black Friday car buying mistakes to avoid!
Falling for the “Bigger Discount = Better Deal” trap
A massive discount looks irresistible until you realise the “before” price was conveniently padded just last week. Add a few creative add-ons, paint protection, premium floor mats, “complimentary” tinting, and that bargain might not be much of a bargain after all.
Smart buyers look past the sticker shock and compare the actual drive-away cost. That’s the number that matters, not the percentage off plastered on the windscreen.
Forgetting to do the homework
Black Friday thrives on impulse. A shiny bonnet, a ticking clock, and suddenly you’re convincing yourself this is “the one.” Dealers love that energy.
Slow it down. Check owner reviews, look up insurance costs, and compare trims. If you’re shopping pre-owned, ask for inspection and service history, the kind of details that separate a good buy from an expensive regret. Platforms like Cars24 list only cars that have passed a 300-point inspection and on-road test, so you’re never flying blind, even when you’re browsing from your couch.
Overlooking the fine print
You know what pairs perfectly with a discount? Hidden fees. Registration, delivery, warranty add-ons, they can quietly inflate that final figure. So don’t just focus on what you’re saving; calculate what you’re really spending.
At Cars24, the price you see already includes the essentials. Every car comes fully refurbished, complete with state roadworthy certificates, and backed by a three-month warranty with unlimited claims up to the car’s value. Because nothing ruins a good deal like discovering it had an asterisk attached.
Ignoring the safety net
Sometimes, you buy a car and realise a week later that it’s just not the right fit. Maybe it’s the way it drives. Maybe it’s the way it fits in your garage or doesn’t. Unfortunately, most dealers don’t let you change your mind once the ink dries.
That’s why we think a return window should be standard. Cars24 offers seven days to make sure it’s love at first drive and if it’s not, we’ll pick it up, no questions asked. A little breathing room goes a long way during the Black Friday rush.
Forgetting convenience is also a feature
Yes, Black Friday deals can be thrilling but so is avoiding showroom crowds altogether. With car buying going increasingly digital, more Australians are discovering the calm of doing it all online. Cars24 lets you browse, finance, and buy from home, with an easy five-minute pre-approval process and fast home delivery, complete with a Carcierge who walks you through your car and checks in over the next seven days. The best part? Every car is owned and quality-assured by Cars24 before it ever reaches you.
So while everyone else is haggling under fluorescent lights, you can be sipping coffee, finalising paperwork, and waiting for your car to roll up your driveway.
Final thoughts
Black Friday car sales can feel like a high-speed race, but the smartest buyers know when to ease off the accelerator. A good deal isn’t the one that shouts the loudest, it’s the one that holds up long after the sale banners come down.
This year, take your time, read the fine print, and trust your instincts. Whether you buy new, used, or somewhere in between – peace of mind is the only feature that never goes out of style!
Comments
New Comment