Best time to look for a new 2nd hand car

[Manicminer]

I'm looking to replace my car and was curious if there is a best time of year to go looking.

I'd guessed that now would be quite good as no one has any cash after Christmas and people getting new Reg's in March have more than likely already ordered.

It was put to me though that the weeks following the new reg date are also a good time as the 2nd hand car market is flooded with trade ins that the dealers just want to move on.

Any traders see any trends this time of year?

[Rarefied Brains]

Either side of xmas i think. Trade is generally slower then I would say.

E.g. I bought my C-Class (Merc) in Nov 2012 and I did get a good deal IMO. They told me business was slow hence the reduction.


ETA: like the username OP!

Edited by Rarefied Brains on Friday 24th January 13:24

[Matt UK]

I did a deal on 30th Dec last year - seller seemed very open to negotiations.

I don't think it's cut and dry though - all depends on the buyers/sellers motivations to trade at any give time.

[liner33]

I picked up my 370 on the 23rd December , traditionally a slow time of year and I got a decent deal but was surprised at how much business was in the dealership that day , my salesman had another 4 handovers to do that day

So I think the market is slightly on the up but the run from now until the new reg wont be bad as dealers will need to clear space for the trade ins that they will be getting, plus existing stock will get that much older

[HJMS123]

I purchased my car on new years eve, good time to strike a deal I got £500 off the asking price and 6 months tax.