Buying or part exchanging car

[chatterbox_333]

This seems to be a common question. Going by a couple of earlier threads, I see that end of March is the best time to deal. I thought that new reg cars start at beginning of March, so does this mean to wait until the new reg cars are already on road?
I used to think that the best deals were just before the new reg came out.

I am currently looking to part exchange my car for a 1 year old focus and the dealer is saying that if I wait until after the new reg starts then my car will be worth less so he will not offer me the same amount in part ex and I will have to pay more.

Can someone please advise me if I would be better to wait or should I deal now to get better price for my part ex. ( it is a 4x4 and the prices seem to be falling heavily on secondhand 4x4s):confused:

[Hintza]

Assuming you are buying new you want to change just before the registration number changes. But remember it will be worth slightly less when it comes to sell.

But you need to get all your ducks in place and start getting quotes and haggling with the dealers. Might be better to sell your Focus privately.

[peterg1965]

Your question raises a couple of points:
- firstly, buying a new car is better at the end of March than at the beginning for two reasons. First the demand for cars with the new registration and the desire for people to be seen with new cars sporting the new plate means that you will not necessarily get the best discount for delivery at the beginning of March. The end of March is a good time to get a great deal, usually provided that it is a dealer 'stock' car, because they will want to maximise sales to get manufacturers bonuses.

- second point, A part ex. The value of car is generally gleaned from Glasses Guide, this is what the dealer uses in determining the value of your trade in. This book is updated monthly and therefore you will see a drop in value on a monthly basis.

Therefore, in your case, because you are looking for a used car (albeit one year old) it doesnt really matter when you change, it is more dependant on finding the exact car you want.

[saintjanet]

I agree with peterg but would also add that there are many garages about now ,that dont sell new cars but specialise in nearly new models.

I have done a couple of good deals with a company like this on my last 2 purchases.

[Doozergirl]

I was going to go for a 1 year old Focus Zetec Climate 1.6 and literally went to the car supermarket to buy it after I'd test driven one at the dealership.

When I got there I got seduced by another car (which I ended up buying privately as I found a slightly better deal that way), but at £9000 for a year old car with 4,000 miles on the clock, it was brilliant. I went to www.hiltongarage.co.uk which seems to be the cheapest going if you're anywhere near there, otherwise, do register with www.autotrader.co.uk and have a good trawl - the ford dealers don't offer particularly good value for money compared to the supermarkets that advertise on there.

Also, instead of part exchanging, I was advised to put my car in the autotrader for about £500 than I was offered part exchange. I had four phonecalls offering me cash on the day I put it on the website :) and it went the next day. Of course, the guy tried to knock me down even when he promised he wouldn't but I'd already told him not to bother and stood firm!