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24 September 2024
When is the Best Time to Buy a Car?
EUROCOC team
Buying a new or used car can be a financial challenge for car buyers. It is therefore advisable to know when the best time to buy a car is. Is it better to buy in summer or are cars cheaper in winter? And when do you get the most discounts on new cars? We give you the most important answers so that you can save money when buying a car!
Summer or winter: When to buy a car?
Unfortunately, we can’t give you an answer here as to whether you should buy your new car in winter or summer – because the best time to buy a car depends primarily on the vehicle. If you are looking for a convertible, it is better to look in autumn or winter, as demand for convertibles is particularly low at this time of year and prices are correspondingly low. If, on the other hand, you want to buy a used car, then you should go for it in the summer – this is when car prices are at their lowest.
Are there differences between used and new cars?
It is well known that car prices fluctuate throughout the year. However, there are differences, so you should first consider which vehicle you want to buy. This will determine when cars are at their cheapest. As already mentioned, it is not only the car model that plays a role, but also the question of whether it is a used car or a new vehicle.
When is it worth buying a used car?
Demand for used cars is particularly high in winter, so you should opt for an anti-cyclical car purchase. This means that prices for used cars are particularly low in spring and summer. Especially during the holiday season, when people are out and about and tend to spend their money on other things, you can get a good bargain.
Depending on the vehicle, price differences of several thousand euros are even possible compared to the winter months. Ideally, you should buy your used car between July and August, when prices are particularly low. Costs rise again at the end of the summer holidays. One reason for this is that many drivers looking for a new car now prefer to buy a used car for the winter months.
When do you get the most discounts when buying a new car?
And with that, we have already given a small indication of the best time to buy a new car: When winter is approaching, many car buyers fear high depreciation due to poor weather conditions, so the fewest new cars are bought at this time of year. This means that the low demand leads to a drop in new car prices.
In addition, most motor shows (e.g. the International Motor Show IAA or the Paris Motor Show) take place in the autumn months. This is where manufacturers present their new vehicles or model updates for the existing range. As a result, prices for ‘older’ new cars fall. Dealers have to make room for the new models and offer attractive discounts on existing vehicles in the autumn.
EUROCOC tip: December is the month with the lowest demand for new cars. Christmas is just around the corner and people prefer to spend their money on presents. Buying a car takes a back seat, which, in combination with the factors mentioned above, leads to the lowest price for new cars.
Buying a car in general: when are cars cheapest?
It is not possible to say in general terms when cars are cheapest, as prices depend on numerous factors. However, there are some aspects that have a general impact on car prices and are therefore another tip for an optimal car purchase.
- Buy at the end of the month or quarter: The larger car dealerships in particular have sales targets that must be met each month or quarter. If these targets have not yet been met, salespeople are usually more willing to give discounts.
- Buying a car on Monday: Whether there are any real savings to be made here remains debatable. However, several statistical analyses in the past have shown that car prices are lowest on Mondays.
- Search abroad: You can also look for a cheap car abroad. In this case, remember above all to obtain the COC papers (also called EC certificate of conformity).
- Take advantage of special offers: Various manufacturers and car sellers offer special promotions where you can make additional savings. However, caution is advised, as not all offers are real bargains!
- Negotiate the price: In the end, your own skill also counts when negotiating a good deal. If there’s nothing you can do about the price, at least try to get another set of tyres or special accessories.
Conclusion: When is the best time to buy a car?
When are cars the cheapest? Unfortunately, there is no general answer to this question. It is advisable to keep an eye on the prices for the vehicle you want over a longer period of time and perhaps not to go for the first offer that comes along. It is also worth looking for a suitable vehicle abroad. Then you can save money when buying a car.
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