In March, new UK license plates are available and car dealers tend to see a big boost in sales from people buying brand-new vehicles then. That said, mid-spring isn’t the only good time to buy a car fresh off the production line because it can be just as good a time on the second-hand market, too. Why is this and are there any other good times of the year for bagging a bargain when you’re next seeking a used car?
To begin with, the rush of new car sales in March, which typically extends into the first few weeks in April, as well, means one thing that’s good for would-be used car buyers to know: there will be trade-ins. When people buy a new car, they’ll typically trade in anything that’s three or four years old. Dealers tend to pay reasonable rates for such cars unless they have a huge amount of mileage on them. KAP Motor Group: your go-to used car dealer will often have more used cars for sale at such a time due to the influx of trade-ins. Like other car dealers, they may be pushed for space and want to get rid of some models so others can be sold. What this tends to result in is lower pricing.
When it comes to purchasing from used car dealers, timing can significantly impact the deals available. The best times to buy are often at the end of the calendar year, during major holiday sales, or when new car models are released, as dealerships look to clear inventory.
Of course, in the UK, there are two new licensing times each year even though there was only one not that long ago. This means you can expect the same lower prices for used models in September, as well. At such times, it is a simple matter of supply and demand. With more used cars on the supply side, dealers have to compete more, which usually means more attractive asking prices.
Bear in mind that most people want to buy a new car when they want to get out and about. What this often means is that summer is preferable for selling cars compared to winter. What it also means is that the reverse is true: some car dealers won’t have made too many sales in mid-winter. As a result, you can sometimes bag a bargain in early January or the run-up to Christmas, albeit with less choice than you might find at other times of the year. Understandably, heading to your local used car dealer in the darkest and coldest months might not be that appealing but this is exactly why it can be a good idea because there are fewer buyers around, generally speaking. It also means you’ll be able to test drive your chosen car in tougher conditions, potentially helping you to spot problems with the electrics and motor, for example.
Overall, however, the best time to buy a second-hand car is when you need one. If your current one needs a costly repair or is costing you too much to run, then strike when the iron is hot, as they say, and buy something newer.