We don’t always have the luxury of time when it comes to buying a new car. Maybe you need one urgently to replace your old one, or perhaps your circumstances have suddenly changed.If you’re not in a hurry to buy a used car, though, the good news is that you could save money if you time your purchase correctly. There are several times during the year when a car buyer could potentially save even more money. So, when is the best time to buy a used car? Read on to find out.
When the new registration plates come out
There are two new vehicle registration months: March and September. This means in the lead up to, and during these months, an influx of buyers are out to buy a car with the latest registration plate.
These people most likely have a car to sell or part exchange, and so not only is demand high for new cars, but there’s a high amount of used car stock coming into dealerships, which the dealers will be keen to dispose of quickly.
Buying during these months could work out well. Dealers are often overrun with used cars and so tend to send vehicles to auction to clear their stock.
The best months to buy a used car
As mentioned, March and September are some of the best months to buy a used car in general due to the influx of used vehicles into the market, but other months of the year could also provide good deals.
November and December are great times to buy a used car. Whilst most are concentrating on Christmas and the expense that, that brings they tend to put off a car purchase until the New Year. That means there are good deals to be had.
Conversely, in peak summer months, dealers are well aware that fewer people are likely to be car hunting and more likely to be away taking holidays. Dealers will be buying fewer vehicles as they are not having to their replenish stock. This means the same volume of vehicles moving through auctions with less buyers.
The type of vehicle will also influence when to buy a used car. If you buy a convertible in the summer, for example, demand will be high, pushing prices up. Planning ahead in winter means you might get a better deal and could be feeling the wind in your hair with some extra change in your pocket by summer.
On the other hand, splashing out on a four by four would be wiser in the summer months, as fewer people will be interested in purchasing that kind of car when it’s warmer.
Tips on how to get a good deal on a used car
1. Buy at the right time. Follow our tips above to identify the right time to buy your car. Be patient, if you can, as you may end up saving more money in the long term.
2. Buy a car at the beginning of the month so you can save on road tax. If you buy near the end of a month, DVLA will charge you for the whole month, so it makes more sense to wait until the next.
3. One way to reduce the cost is to buy direct from a trade source and save thousands off dealer forecourt prices. Using a buying specialist can have huge advantages when it comes to saving money off your next used car.
Let’s start by saying you have a budget of £10,000 to spend on a car. Purchasing a car from a franchised dealership or independent dealer typically means that you’ll be buying a car worth £8,000 at trade, yet you’re spending your full budget of £10,000, this is because the seller wants to make a profit.
By buying direct from trade you’re maximising the value for money element. Purchasing a car through an auction could mean that you’re about to get behind the wheel of a car worth £12,000, and you’ve managed to secure it with the same £10,000.
Help to buy right!
Here at Car Auction Buying Service, we’re dedicated to finding the very best deal at auction for you, attending events
arranged by British Car Auctions, Manheim and Aston Barclay, plus many more. We assist in bidding and provide the support you need to buy successfully from the auction; without the need for you to travel across the country need to buy successfully from the auction; without the need for you to travel across the country.
Thanks to our multiple trade accounts we pay much lower buyers premiums compared to private buyers. We then pass that saving on to you! We scrutinise the cosmetic reports and mechanical reports that accompany each vehicle. Our team can also provide trade price warranties and deliver your car to any location in the UK. To find out more, or to inquire about buying your next vehicle from a nationwide or local car auctions, please give us a call on 0121 769 1729. Alternatively, you can fill out our online form.
