When Is The Best Time To Buy A Used Car?
If you’re buying a used car, timing is probably an important factor in your decision, but is there a best time to buy? We spoke to some of our dealers to find out for you.
1. Is there a better time of year to buy a used car?
“I don't believe there is any good or bad time to buy a used vehicle. Everybody's circumstances are different. I guess December is a good time or January, but in my opinion, I don't see any advantage in buying a car in different months. It's really up to different circumstances.” Michael McManus, Dealer Principal from Durban North Auto Sales.
2. Should I wait for a different time of year to buy a used car?
“There is no specific time to buy a used car because a used vehicle is a unique vehicle, there’s not another one with a certain amount of mileage, there's not going to be another one with certain extras. In my head it would be if you see a car you really, really love, you've got to buy it. If people are just checking the features, or they have even been in contact with us, someone else can come in and buy it, and it's gone.” Naylor Kryger, Dealer Principal from Eastvaal Motors Secunda.
3. Is the best time of year to buy a used car the same as to buy a new car?
“Not really, the used car market is completely different to the new car market, the demand will always be that you just picked it up for the year or mileage.” Luke Bonnet, Dealer Principal from Hyundai Tygervalley in Durban.
4. Is December a good time to buy a used car?
“Definitely, the best time is at the end of the year, the last 3 months of the year, because a lot of people are buying new vehicles, everybody's looking at this in December holidays, they're looking at bonuses, they're looking at everything.” Wihaan Robertse, Sales Consultant from Intertoy Toyota in Brits.
Our take?
Buying a new car is a big decision, don't rush into it. Found a used car for sale you like? Ask the dealership plenty of questions and make the most of their expert advice.
