IF you’re in the market for a new motor, you’ll want to know the best time of year to buy a car.
The cheapest time to buy a car depends on a range of factors, including the type of car you’re buying, its age and condition.
As we emerge from the depths of winter, dealers are seeking to take on new stock so the spring is often the best time to get a great deal on a new car, say the experts at the AA.
Whatever the time of year, Sun Motors makes it easier than ever to buy a user car.
With a simple online platform that connects you to a huge range of used car dealers offering the best deals, it makes it one of the easiest ways to secure the car you want at a price you can afford all year round.
What month is the best to get the best deal on a used car?
If you’re searching for a nearly-new car, then there’s no question that March and September are the cheapest times to buy a used car.
Why? The change in registrations brings an influx of trade-ins and more competition could mean bigger savings for you.
Franchised dealers may also be able to offer good deals on used-approved vehicles in February and August as they make space for new vehicles and plate changes.
Buying a used car? Find cars for under £200 on Sun Motors here.
Budget buyers can use this knowledge to their advantage – dealers don’t like to have stock lying around, so even if you’re not buying a nearly new car, there could be deals to be done.
Car dealers need to turn around stock to make a profit, with most sales figures – and bonuses – calculated by quarter.
You may find there’s a little more wiggle room in the price at the end of March, June, September and December as salespeople seek to maximise bonuses.
What time of year is best to buy a used car?
The prices of older used cars are less likely to be impacted by plate changes, but they are impacted by seasonality.
Overall, car sales are lower in winter and higher in summer, says Carzuu.
Summer vehicles like camper vans and convertibles tend to be cheaper in colder months, Autotrader states. On the other hand, SUVs and 4x4s are often more expensive in winter.
Understanding how seasonality drives demand could be the key to bagging a bargain.
While this won’t help you make savings on a standard saloon, there are better times of the month to buy a used family car.
January can be a great time to grab as cash-strapped customers are too busy paying off their credit cards than shopping for a new car, says Honest John.
Summer is also a wise time to buy as parents are too busy dealing with kids to shop for a new car, says Autotrader and lower competition brings lower prices.
Tips on when to buy a used car
- Plan early: The average car buyer spends three months planning a new car purchase, Car Dealer Magazine found. Think as much about what to buy as when to buy to make the most significant savings.
- Focus on finance: Car dealers make money from finance agreements, so signing up for one with a dealer may help you make savings on the list price. (But be sure to calculate the total cost of borrowing before making a deal.)
- Understand margins: Car dealers aim to make about £1000 profit on a used car. Grab your calculator and crunch the numbers to understand what a reasonable offer might be.
- Avoid weekends: Another tip is to head to your dealership mid-week, says Autoexpress. You’ll get better service as it’s less busy.
How does Sun Motors offer a fair price all year round?
Buying a used car can be a frustrating process which can leave you wondering whether you’re truly getting the best deal.
Sun Motors can take away the stress, giving you access to a handpicked selection of the best-used car dealers in the UK.
Every Sun Motors car is tested and checked to ensure it’s safe and ready for the road and it’s easy to search for the make, model and age of your car. Alternatively, you can search by monthly repayment – ensuring you only see the cars you can afford.
When you’re ready to buy, you can speak with your dealer online or even through WhatsApp. Even better, you’ll be able to access fantastic finance deals.
That’s why we reckon Sun Motors is the best place to buy a used car.
How do different seasons affect the worth of different models?
In the middle of winter, summer vehicles like sportscars, convertibles and campervans are less desirable.
This fall in demand can mean a drop in price.
On the other hand, SUVs, 4x4s and other all-terrain vehicles are more in demand as the temperature drops.
Understanding how the seasons affect prices can be powerful if you’re searching for a new car bargain.
How do economic factors impact the buying/selling market of used cars?
We all know that the cost of living crisis continues to bite, impacting our ability to spend money on everything from carrots to cars.
Competition for family cars can be lower around school summer holidays and January when families are under pressure to pay large expenses.
It’s not just seasons that can send prices up or down. Things like the Autumn Budget can hit consumer confidence – causing a drop in user car sales.
Ultimately, the used car market – like any other – is based on confidence. People are only willing to buy if they’re able to afford it.
Buying a used car? Find cars for under £150 on Sun Motors here.
Are used car prices generally declining in the UK?
The COVID-19 crisis (remember that?) caused used car prices to spiral as a lack of production caused a spike, as this Autotrader graph shows. While average used car prices are higher than before, we’re seeing drops – with a 4.1% fall in December 2024.
Part of this is the ups and downs of any market, but overall, we can see used car prices falling from their peak to more affordable – and realistic – levels. That means you can secure more car for your money.
For all things used cars, head to sunmotors.co.uk.
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