Best time to buy used car?

[johnd]

My daughter is learning to drive and looking for her first car. What is the best time to buy? I say wait till the New Year when owners will be changing cars but she wants to buy now. Any advice gratefully received.

Thanks

 

[Caveat]

Yes I'd say wait until new year - it's when I always buy. Not first thing though - maybe end of Jan/beginning of Feb.

 

[aircobra19]

You'll need to wait a bit while people trade their cars in. You should probably leave your details with a few garages of the kind of car you want. They'll give you a call if something comes in.

 

[ontour]

I know a number of people trying without success to sell second hand cars. Assuming it is a second hand car that you are looking for, there is no need to wait and I believe that there is a lot of room for negotiation as people want to sell the cars before going in to a new year or to have the money for Christmas.

 

[xavier]

The world and his mother buys their car in January. Salesmen cannot walk without falling over someone wanting to give them money. It is a clean slate. New targets, new resolutions etc etc. December however, you cannot drag people into the salesroom to look at a secondhand car. They might want to make 2007 their best year yet sales wise....also gotta clear the decks for all those trade ins come January. Looking at a used car in December is when you will get the better deal.

 

[jazzhead]

agree with xavier,

 

[johnd]

Thanks to all for the your replies.

 

[z101]

Look in the buy and sell now, as there are a lot of drivers who dont want to trade in their cars and would rather buy with cash. I am always surprised that someone does not advertise that they want to BUY a car in december to take it in January. This would appeal to drivers who would otherwise trade in and You will get a bargain and they save as been a cash buyer with a dealership. I suggest placing a detailed add in the herald.