If you’re in the market for a used car you may want to wait for the colder months before you start shopping around for the right model.
Fewer Buyers in Winter!
So why wait until the temperatures drop? Well, there are a few valid reasons for this. Most used cars are sold in the summer and especially in the spring, as shoppers flock outside after being cooped up all winter, armed with their tax refunds and eager to spend it. So this should bode well if you’re looking for a used car in the wintertime as there will be fewer buyers, and therefore sellers will be more ready to sell, more likely to negotiate, there may be more inventory and you should be able to get a better deal. You’re also likely to find a better selection so you can choose the car you really like.
Used Car End of Year Sales!
Keep abreast of any deals going on with new cars at certain times of year -such as Black Friday or end-of-year sales, when dealerships will be reducing the prices on previous year’s models to make room for new inventory. When people are taking advantage of such promotions and buying new, then, of course, they’re trading in or selling their old cars, flooding the used car markets with lots of options. A private seller will probably need the extra cash(if they just bought a new car!) and a dealership will be anxious to clear their lot. So this may be a good time to snag a good deal.
Slow Times at Dealerships
The early months of the year –January and February –are also typically slow times for dealerships. If you walk into the showroom during the slower season you’re likely to get more attention as well as a better deal. And if you prefer a newer used car, well there will be some previous year models left for you to peruse, and since they’re already almost a year old, but still ‘new’ you could get a great deal. The winter months are also a great time if you’re in the market for a convertible, so just keep thinking ahead!
Buyer beware –always!
As always when buying a used car –there are things you must do. Find out the value of the car before going out to see it. Kelley Blue Book is one good resource for this kind of information. Request the car’s maintenance records from the owner or dealer, test-drive the car, and examine it thoroughly, looking at stuff like mileage and wear, or better yet get a trusted mechanic to inspect it. Check for any recalls on the make and model of the car you’re considering. You can also get an independent review and run a vehicle history report through services such as CARFAX and AutoCheck.
So waiting until the temperature drops is a good strategy if you’re looking for a good deal on that special pre-owned vehicle you’ve dreamed of owning. Just bundle up warm before you go out shopping!
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