The Best Time of Year to Buy a Car in the UK
Timing can make a big difference when you buy a car. Whether you’re after a new or used car, opting for certain times of the year could help you save money. But what’s the best time of year to get a new car? Are any months better than others? We’ve detailed everything you need to know.
The best times of year to buy a car
Some points of the year can be better than others for getting a good deal on a car, as it can often come down to demand and sales targets. Here are the best times in the year to buy a car and potentially bag a bargain:
End-of-quarter periods (March, June, September, and December):
Dealerships are often keen to hit their sales targets at the end of each quarter. This means they could be more willing to offer discounts or better finance terms to close deals. Shopping towards the end of these months could boost your chances of finding a bargain.
Plate-change months (March and September):
March and September are big months for car buyers in the UK because of the new registration plates. Many people trade in their old cars for new ones, which gives dealerships used cars to sell. This extra stock sometimes leads to discounts and better finance offers, especially on last year’s models.
Holiday season (November – December):
Buying a car during holiday sales could be a smart move. Events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Boxing Day sometimes come with special offers, discounts, and reduced finance rates. Since fewer people are shopping for cars in December, dealerships might also be more flexible on prices to end the year on a high note.
The best months to buy a car
So after considering these factors, the following months could be the best time to buy a car:
March:
March could be one of the best months to buy a car because of the new plate change and end-of-quarter sales targets. Dealerships are more likely to have used cars from part-exchanges that they are keen to sell, which could make it easier to find good deals.
August:
As the September plate change approaches, dealerships try to clear out older stock to make space. This means you might find better prices and finance deals, especially if you’re open to buying a nearly new car.
September:
Like March, September is another great time to buy a car. The new plates could mean dealerships have plenty of used cars to sell, which may lead to discounts and more flexible finance terms.
December:
With people focused on the holidays, car showrooms tend to be quieter in December. This makes it a good time to shop, as dealerships might look to meet their year-end targets with discounts and special finance offers.
January:
January could also be a good month for buying a car since dealerships often try to boost sales after a quiet December. Fewer customers might mean more room to negotiate on both price and finance options.
The best time to buy a used car
If you’re after a used car, timing might help you save even more. Like new cars, the best time to buy a used car is usually just before or after new plates are released in March and September.
Before plates are released, lots of people trade in their old cars for new models, and dealerships end up with more used cars to sell. This extra stock could lead to lower prices and better finance deals.
On the flip side, buying in August and February, it can also be a smart move. Dealers are often keen to clear space for new stock coming with the new plates, which means they might be more willing to offer discounts.
Tips for getting the best car finance deal for you
Want to get your next used car on finance? At Car Finance 247, we could help! We work with a panel of trusted lenders who may be able to find you a great deal on your next car. Here are some tips for getting a car on finance.
- Check your credit score: A higher score could help secure better rates.
- Compare lenders: Shop around to find the most competitive finance deals.
- Consider the deposit: A larger deposit could reduce monthly payments and boost approval chances.
- Know your budget: Be realistic about what you can afford, including monthly payments and total cost.
- Understand the finance type: Make sure you choose between HP or PCP based on your needs.
The takeaway
Knowing the best times to buy a car could help you save considerable money. When you’re browsing for your new wheels, you might want to consider end-of-quarter periods, plate-change months, and holidays. Shopping in March, September, or during quieter months like January and December might lead to better prices and finance deals.
To start your car finance journey, get a quote today.
Note: Be sure to consider all the terms and conditions of any finance agreement. Monthly payments and the total cost of financing a car can vary depending on factors like your credit score, car model, and length of the agreement. It's important to fully understand any potential charges, such as early repayment fees, excess mileage, or balloon payments, before proceeding with a finance offer. It’s always advisable to seek independent financial advice if you’re unsure which finance option is right for you.