How Much Do Car Prices Drop Each Year

Advice

When is the best time to buy a used and new car?

Wondering if now is a good time to buy a car? Keep reading to know when the car prices drop and the best time of the year to buy a new or used car in the UK.

OK, you want to buy your next car. But when is the best time to buy? You can expect car prices to drop in certain months of the year to get yourself a sweet deal on new and used cars
Knowing the best time to buy a car in the UK and when it's easier to negotiate with car dealers can help you find a good car deal and save money. Best time to buy a used car Best time to buy a new car More tips on best time to buy a car

Best time to buy a used car

1. Buy a used car after new number plates are introduced

September and March can be the best months to buy a used car. Just after new number plate formats are introduced, lots of people tend to part exchange their old cars for new ones, which means that dealers can find themselves with a lot of used cars in stock that they want to shift.

2. Buy a used car right before new number plates are introduced

In the run-up to the plate changes, dealerships often clear out old stock in expectation of a forthcoming flood of cars. With limited space on the forecourt, they'll often take a lower price to clear some real estate. Thus, August and February can be the best time to buy a second-hand car, or an approved used car.

Best time to buy a new car

1. Shop during the quieter periods

If you're looking to buy a new car, it can often pay to shop during the quieter periods. During the end of each quarter – in March, June, September and December - dealers are keen to hit their target and earn bonuses, which means negotiating can be easier and they might even be offering deals.
If you're going to the dealership, plan your during the weekdays when you can expect to see less footfall in the shops, rather than weekends, to get more attention and better offers from the car dealers.

2. Buy a new car before number plate registration

August and February are a good time to buy new cars as many people delay their purchase to get a car with a new plate. So, negotiating with car dealers looking to meet their sales target can be easier during these months.

3. Shop when a new car model launches

It's worth keeping an eye on the motoring press – such as this very website – and looking for news of forthcoming new models or updates for the new year. The arrival of a new and updated model of a car can lead to the outgoing model being available at a discounted rate.

More tips on the best time to buy a car

1. Buying a car in winter and summer

Certain times of year favour certain types of car. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the first signs of spring will add hundreds to the asking price of convertibles, so look to buy one in the winter if you're after a bargain. Likewise, trying to buy a 4x4 in the summer makes sense, as demand (and, perhaps more importantly, price) is at its highest in the winter.

2. End of quarter discounts on cars

Most car dealers have a sales target that they need to meet at the end of each quarter, thus you should try to shop when they're near the end of a period.
You could also try buying a car on a Friday, when the dealers are trying to meet their end of week goals or towards the end of a month when they're trying the hit the end of the month goal.

3. Should I buy a car in December or January?

Buying a car for the new year can be a good idea. This is because not many people are focused on buying new cars at Christmas, so you can get the best new year car deals in December, followed by New Year's January car sales.

4. Buying a car during holidays

Car shopping during holidays can be the best time to buy a car as dealers will have proper sale events, with big discounts. These can include bank holidays, Boxing Day and, increasingly, the US-derived Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales at the end of November.

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Source: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/content/advice/when-is-the-best-time-of-year-to-buy-a-used-car

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