When to buy a new car...

DE_612183

I'm thinking of splashing out on a new car ( possibly used but would have to be very low mileage ).

Is there a good time to do this - I always thought that when new models are released, the previous versions although very similar suddenly became cheaper - likewise a 74 pre-registered car suddenly becomes a bit cheaper when the 25 plates kick in.

Is this still common?

In the past I've picked up ex-demo cars that are only a year old with low mileage but at a decent price, but haven't looked at the market for years.

CliveOfIndia

The old adage of buying just before the new registration still has a bit of merit, but less so than when the registrations only changed once a year (I think that might have been one of the reasons they changed, to try and even out the spike in sales at that time).

The other "old chestnut" is to buy just before the end of the month, or quarter, depending on how the dealership runs their finances.  The theory being that a salesman might be more inclined to give you a good deal if he just needs to make a couple more sales to achieve his bonus target.  How true that is, I'm not sure !

But really, I think for the amount you could potentially save, you'll do a lot better to just buy when the time is right for you.  By which I mean, don't rush, take your time and have a proper look round lots of different places.  It's all well and good getting £5000 knocked off by Dealer A, but if Dealer B has the same car available for £6000 less then you're better off going there.

There are other "old chestnuts" as well, which may or may not be relevant - soft-tops are cheaper in the winter, 4x4's are cheaper in the summer.  But again, the differences are marginal.

I guess one thing you could look into is the finance packages.  Often the dealer will make a contribution as they get commission from the finance deal.  Take the finance, pocket the dealer's contribution, then settle the finance from your savings after a month (or whatever period is stipulated in order to retain the benefits you gained).  Or they may give you 3 years of free servicing or something like that by taking out finance.  As long as you take into account any early settlement penalties, this can be one way to make a bit on the deal.

DE_612183

Thanks Clive - I hadn't thought about the incentives with finance...

paul_c123

Midweek is a good time.

Mr.Generous

Sometimes when a new model comes out the discontinued model gets a good discount but also a raft of extra's to try and get them sold rather than all potential buyers hanging on for the new model.

Bigwheels1111

Buying the old model as a new one arrives is the best time.
My 5008, 66 plate was £28,000 ish new.
Pre reg with 8 miles on the clock, Full tank, mats and boot liner was £14,350.

Auto trader is full of 24 and some 25 plate cars with 10k off them.
Plus there are a few brokers with great deals.
You only need the quote from a broker, you then use it to beat the dealer price down.
Some EV models are a steal.

Nebulous2

The more flexible you can be the better. If you want a specific car, in your choice of colour, with a certain trim level, then you have to pay more or less what they ask.

If you find a car that has been around for a while, and isn't selling, then the dealer will be more amenable. End of month / quarter a push will be on to shift stock and sometimes there are good deals to be had by being in the right place at the right time.  

royliamrl

Always buy a car in mid or last week. It should be good for your pocket

Arunmor

Go onto autotrader and set it to 2024-2025, maximum 100 miles and add whether petrol, diesel, hybrid or EV and you might be surprised at what pops up.  Obviously you can play with the filters.