Buy used now or wait till Jan/Feb?

lukester · 12-12-2010 11:37PM #1

The last post I could find on this subject was for over a year ago. Economic conditions have changed a tad since then

Just trying to decide if we should hold out till January or February before buying , in the hope that there may be more trade-ins available/a better deal to be struck.

Of the models I've been looking at, I've noticed in the last week or two more coming up for sale, so I'm guessing there are some pre-orders happening.

What do y'all reckon, buy now, or hold out a bit?

Bumpstop · 13-12-2010 02:11AM

If you have cash and no trade in, wait 'till after December, everything will be cheaper in January... especially if you have cash. and did I say no trade in.

I am salivating at the luxo barges that will just tumble and tumble.

(thats another thread).

lukester · 13-12-2010 08:47AM

Bumpstop wrote: »

If you have cash and no trade in, wait 'till after December, everything will be cheaper in January... especially if you have cash. and did I say no trade in.

I am salivating at the luxo barges that will just tumble and tumble.

(thats another thread).

Yes, should have said, we're paying cash. Sold our car privately to have a bit more flexibility there.

MrMarsh · 13-12-2010 12:23PM

Wait till the new year- better deals to be had then

That's a very common misconception, that cars are cheaper in January than December. Cars devalue at a standard rate from month to month, regardless of what those months are. November and December are the best months to buy a car as they are the quietest months for car sales. January is a great month for selling cars, dealers can pick and choose what deals to do as there's no shortage of customers. You will do a better deal now as dealers may be under more pressure to make a lodgement.

Big Nasty · 13-12-2010 02:06PM

MrMarsh wrote: »

That's a very common misconception, that cars are cheaper in January than December. Cars devalue at a standard rate from month to month, regardless of what those months are. November and December are the best months to buy a car as they are the quietest months for car sales. January is a great month for selling cars, dealers can pick and choose what deals to do as there's no shortage of customers. You will do a better deal now as dealers may be under more pressure to make a lodgement.

It's not 2007 anymore

lukester · 13-12-2010 02:11PM

MCMLXXV wrote: »

It's not 2007 anymore

So what do you reckon, buy now or new year?

-Corkie- · 13-12-2010 02:13PM

If you get a good deal buy now. Why wait????

lukester · 13-12-2010 02:18PM

Of course, but I'm asking if people think there's a higher likelihood of getting a good deal now or in a few months.

EPM · 13-12-2010 02:21PM

The only real pro I can see to waiting a month is the possibility of there being more choice in the new year, probably not as much extra as other years but if you are not 100% happy with the choice of car at the moment it would be worth waiting.

Also a dealer might have multiple identical cars in stock and *could* want rid of them. But then again they may also want to reduce stock before the new year.

-Corkie- · 13-12-2010 02:25PM

EPM wrote: »

The only real pro I can see to waiting a month is the possibility of there being more choice in the new year, probably not as much extra as other years but if you are not 100% happy with the choice of car at the moment it would be worth waiting.

Also a dealer might have multiple identical cars in stock and *could* want rid of them. But then again they may also want to reduce stock before
the new year.

I would say a lot of the sales will be on the scrappage scheme leaving less 06/08 newer cars being traded.

PCPhoto · 13-12-2010 02:27PM

My input would be to suggest waiting till the new year.

in regards to the cost .... the perception of the car being a "year older" will allow it to be devalued....so it would logically dictate that the price will be cheaper.

Dealers might offer a "bargain" in december but its more than likely a perceived bargain and not an actual bargain .... shop around - be prepared to wait and then hopefully - you'll pick up something you like which will be comfortable, economical and affordable (or flashy and expensive...whatever yer into)

bazz26 · 13-12-2010 03:15PM

With cash on your hip you can afford to negotiate a good price right now just as much as in January to be honest. I bought my car two weeks ago similarly and I'd doubt if I would buy it any cheaper next month.

colm_mcm · 13-12-2010 03:32PM

I disagree, a fresh car in stock at this stage of the year is likely to have been traded in against a demo or ex rental model or has been hanging around for a while. Either way I doubt the dealer would have it in at 2011 prices.

I don't think the lowest possible sale price of any given car will rise in January.
Dealers need to keep their used stock moving in the first weeks of the year and there are plenty bargains there with salesmen hungry for sales with profit in them.

lukester · 13-12-2010 05:17PM

EPM wrote: »

The only real pro I can see to waiting a month is the possibility of there being more choice in the new year, probably not as much extra as other years but if you are not 100% happy with the choice of car at the moment it would be worth waiting.

Not 100% happy with the choice right now, so that could be a reason to wait it out alright.

It seems the jury's out on whether to buy now or wait too, no clear consensus so far.

I have created a poll

R.O.R · 13-12-2010 05:25PM

Wait till the new year- better deals to be had then

If you can find what you want, buy the car now. You aren't going to get a better deal in January.

What sort of car are you looking for? There is a severe shortage of decent, low mileage, post 08 diesels. Even my Ford dealer is heading to the UK auctions tonight as he's so short on stock.

lukester · 13-12-2010 06:59PM

@ R.O.R. For myself, looking for a CRV, 07, was initially hoping diesel but hard to find them at same prices. Strongly considering petrol, our mileage is pretty low.

R.O.R · 13-12-2010 07:26PM

Wait till the new year- better deals to be had then

lukester wrote: »

@ R.O.R. For myself, looking for a CRV, 07, was initially hoping diesel but hard to find them at same prices. Strongly considering petrol, our mileage is pretty low.

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Honda/CR-V/4WD-Auto/201048200387629/advert?channel=CARS

That looks pretty good. What it's like to drive is another matter though,

Diesel does seem to command a large premium that is only worth it if the petrol is rubbish to drive.

There may be more available next year if they are coming back off 4 year leases. Seem to remember putting a good few out in 07, but can't remember if they were 3 or 4 years.

Lemo · 16-12-2010 10:40PM

I've been looking around (with trade in) and not seeing any great deals.

I've now spotted a car I like in the north. Reckon I could save approx. €2K on the cash price taking VRT into account (€15K vs €17K). If I could sell my own privately, I would get at least what I am being offered trade in, naturally enough.

The thoughts of selling privately doesn't exactly fill me with excitement :-(

Lukester - how did you find it?

lukester · 17-12-2010 04:56PM

Lemo wrote: »

The thoughts of selling privately doesn't exactly fill me with excitement :-(

Lukester - how did you find it?

It's okay, but prices are low out there. We still saved a few grand selling privately vs trading in. It's worth putting together some good photos and giving as much useful info as possible in your ad.

What are you selling?

Lemo · 19-12-2010 08:49PM

lukester wrote: »

It's okay, but prices are low out there. We still saved a few grand selling privately vs trading in. It's worth putting together some good photos and giving as much useful info as possible in your ad.

What are you selling?

04 Mazda 6. If I decide to sell it myself, I'll pitch it low and try to get it sold quickly

Buy used now or wait till Jan/Feb?

Buy used now or wait till Jan/Feb? 10 votes

Comments