Best time to buy used car

wuzzypoo

Hi All,

Just a bit of advice needed.
im looking to buy a used car. I’ll probably go to a dealership. I’m just wondering is it better to wait until after beginning of March when new regs come out as people will have taken their cars in for part ex etc. 
the only thing is I’d like an ex demo so think I’d need to wait a bit longer, but my car which is an 08 plate is due it’s MOT at start of March and don’t want to spend she’d load of money on car I’m getting rid of. 

Thanks 😊 

400ixl

Given the limitation on supply of new cars and resultant lack of secondhand stock I don't think it will make much of a difference.

Our local BMW dealer for example has about a 3rd of the demo cars they usually have and the discounts on them at end of quarter have all but disappeared as there is so much demand.

cymruchris

Some ex-demo cars are selling for more than new - as the new models can't be sourced right now. It'll depend on what car you have in mind, and how that models supply chain is working. There are some fairly common vehicles where the wait list is already into 2024 for delivery. Of course - if you want to buy a convertible - it's better to buy one approaching winter than summer, and if you want to buy a heavy duty 4x4 - you're more likely better off buying it towards the summer than the winter. But at the moment everything is a bit crazy out there in used car land.

I sold my dad's car last year to we buy any car for £14k - at the time a 4 year old 4x4 - I spotted it on Autotrader at a dealer in London being sold for £16k - and now 6 months later - the same model/car/colour with similar mileage is going for £18k. So probably don't expect a bargain or a big discount the way things are now.

marlot

Usually, November is cheapest for used cars.

But as said, the used car market is crazy at the moment.  I'd start looking sooner rather than later as stock is scarce.

Herzlos

Cars are often being sold they day they hit the forecourt, and with the bonkers supply/demand situation dealers aren't going to haggle much as someone else will buy it.

So normally waiting until the plate change would get you a better deal, but now if you see a car you want you're best just going and getting it.

Or you can wait maybe 3 years for things to normalize again.

wuzzypoo

Thank you all for your replies.
should have thought about the shortages as tried to get a couple of new vans and wagons for work in the summer last year and all new orders were pulled as none of the suppliers could get parts etc, so thanks for reminding me.

I’ll get looking properly now and if the right one comes along I’ll get it. 

force_ten

wuzzypoo I’ll get looking properly now and if the right one comes along I’ll get it. 

that is the best approach and as crazy as the market is at the moment there are still some nice low miles nearly new cars about at the right money 

just be aware what the price would be for a new car in the same spec and base your possible purchasing decisions on that and if it works for you and looks good then go for it