Top 10 tips on when to buy a carOur guide to timing your next car purchase
08 September 2011
The Mark III Ford Focus launched in March. Time to think about tracking down a Mark II?
1. Buying a used car
If you want to buy a used car from a dealer then one of the best times to buy is in the few weeks after the registration plate change. Dealers try to offload old stock and recent trade-ins to clear forecourt space.
The influx of cars onto the used market could result in a real bargain. Registration plates change at the same time of year every year: 1 March and 1 September.
2. Buying a new car
Be wary of buying a newly registered car just before the plate-change. Buy a new car in February and in effect a plate-change can wipe thousands off the value overnight by effectively making the car seem six months older overnight.
3. Buying the previous model
Keep an eye out for new versions of car models. Once a newer version hits the forecourts, the previous-generation model can suddenly become more affordable. For instance, the Mark III Ford Focus launched in March, making the not-too-shabby Mark II worth a punt.
4. Watch out for car facelifts
If you keep a keen eye on the car market and know when a car is due a facelift, you can get a bargain by buying the end of line version before the new model appears. For instance, rumour has it the Fiesta may be due an upgrade, meaning deals on the current model could suddenly start looking more attractive.
5. New car ranges
Brand new ranges, or first-year models, can be tempting (especially if dealers are offering new car discounts), but sometimes it pays to be wary of the first batch off the production line. New cars sometimes suffer from niggles and teething problems, which only become apparent when they’re out on the road. Wait a year and the production process will often iron out the problems.
6. Car warranties
If you want a car that's still covered by the manufacturer's warranty, you may need to buy one less than three years old. This varies depending on manufacturer, though, Kia, for example, offers seven years cover and Toyota five years. But bear in mind that a car less than three years old still has plenty of depreciating to do.
7. Fleet car bargains
The BMW 3 Series is a popular company fleet car. Don't let high mileage put you off.
Ex-company fleet cars can make a smart buy. Fleets are typically refreshed every three years in time for a plate-change. Car supermarkets are your best bet to hunt down popular large fleet cars such as Ford Mondeo, Audi A4, Vauxhall Insignia and BMW 3 Series. They’ll often have a high mileage but be well maintained.
8. The right time of year to buy
Choosing the right season to buy a particular type of car can help. For instance, you’re likely to pay more for a convertible in the summer and more for a 4x4 in the winter, especially if it snows. It might not feel right at the time, but purchasing a sporty soft-top in November could save you thousands.
9. And the right time of day to buy
The weather and time of day plays a role too. It's worth looking at a used car on a bright, clear day. That way you can spot scratches and dents in the paintwork more easily. You should never inspect a car on a dark evening or under artificial light, for instance at a petrol station.
10. Just keep your old car
Our last top tip? Forget buying a new car at all. If you really want to cut your motoring costs, the cheapest option could be to keep your old car going until it can’t go anymore. Ongoing maintenance costs will often pale in comparison with the cash lost through depreciation.
