When is the best time to buy a car

August 12, 2016

Manheim shares tips on the best time to buy

We all want to get the best deal with buying anything, whether it is new electronic goods or a car. While negotiation makes a huge difference, experts say that timing is an even bigger factor than shoppers realise when it comes to getting a great deal on their new car.

December is a month for bargains with clearance sales. Car dealers are in the prime of the end of year selldown season, with new models set to come in, dealers will be looking to clear their lots to make way for new inventory. The editors at Manheim are offering tips to guide car shoppers through these great deals.

“To increase your chances of getting a really great deal on your next car purchase, consider the time of year, the time of month and possibly the time of day that you plan to buy, all this timing can really make a difference,” said Alan Holgate, Retail Services Director of BuyNow. “Do your homework to figure out what your new vehicle will be and how much you should pay for it, grab a calendar and start planning. For a greater chance at getting your dream car, take advantage of the end of year car season.”

To help with your preparation, the experts at Manheim offer you the following tips:

• Look for seasonal trends – Choosing the season to purchase your new vehicle matters. For example, when new model-year vehicles are starting to roll into dealerships. Some great deals come up on the previous year plated models.
• End of the.. Some prime times to receive a great deal are often at the end of the weekend, month, quarter or year. Also, an end of day purchase can often be an advantage for a great deal, if a tired dealer is ready to go home. However, make sure you are serious about your car purchase to not waste anyone’s time.
• Shop smart over holiday periods. Car shoppers should look for holiday and end of year clearance sales. Usually sales events offer good incentives to a buyer. You might even score a lower price for the car than any other time of the year. The holiday times are often better as extra incentives can be added to meet annual sale goals and targets.

“From dealerships and financing to makes and models, the most important thing is to understand what is right for you and your circumstances,” said Holgate. “Do your research before you start shopping around and pick the end of just about any period of time that is convenient to you. Having knowledge about what you’re buying and planning your timing, you stand a better chance of making the right decision with a great deal.”
For more information on the ins and outs of car buying, visit Autotrader, one of our Cox Automotive family members.

About Manheim
As an Australian market leader in the provision of automotive and industrial remarketing services, Manheim offers a comprehensive range of asset management and disposal services. With almost 60 years of experience across a broad range of industry sectors, Manheim delivers high quality services on a national basis to help customers meet their fleet and asset management business objectives.

Manheim sells assets such as passenger and commercial vehicles, trucks, trailers, machinery, motorcycles, plant and equipment and written off vehicles in regular weekly and monthly auctions open to both trade and public buyers. Manheim works with dealers, manufacturers, federal and state government agencies, local government, insurers, financiers, rental companies and fleet and leasing companies across Australia and New Zealand.

About Cox Automotive
Cox Automotive, Inc. is transforming the way the world buys, sells and owns cars with industry-leading digital marketing, software, financial, wholesale and e-commerce solutions for consumers, dealers, manufacturers and the overall automotive ecosystem worldwide. Committed to open choice and dedicated to strong partnerships, the Cox Automotive family includes Manheim®, Autotrader®, Kelley Blue Book®, Dealertrack®, vAuto®, Xtime®, NextGear Capital®, Sell My Car and a host of other brands. The global company has nearly 30,000 team members in more than 200 locations worldwide and is partner to more than 40,000 auto dealers a well as most major automobile manufacturers.
Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises, Inc., an Atlanta-based company with revenues of more than $18 billion (USD) and approximately 55,000 employees. Cox Enterprises’ other major operating subsidiaries include Cox Communications and Cox Media Group. For more information about Cox Automotive, please visit www.coxautoinc.com.