Buying A New Car: Getting The Best Deal During Holiday Season
The best time to buy a new car is during the year-end holidays. That is when dealers give the highest discounts. However, new drivers should better exchange their vehicles in spring.
The Secret Is “Buy Anti-Cyclical”
One of the most important tips when buying a car is anti-cyclical buying which brings the highest discounts. If you buy against the trend, the dealers will reward you with interesting price reductions. The background of counter-cyclical buying is the fact that every car dealer can increase sales by offering attractive discounts. If his sales of a particular model are low in some months, he will increase them with significant price reductions.
Over the years, this phenomenon has developed certain regularities that you can take advantage of when you next buy a car. You will learn the most important findings in the following sections.
New Cars Are Cheaper In Winter
In spring and autumn, car dealerships usually register a high demand for new cars. This is due to the fact that it is usually at this time that the new models appear. As a result, they grant only a few discounts. In winter, on the other hand, car dealerships can sell considerably fewer cars. Then they try to increase sales with large discounts on the price.
This is especially true for new cars and for cars in the middle and upper classes. Such cars cause a dealer high standing costs per day during the cold season. To reduce these, car dealerships repeatedly grant discounts on the purchase price. December is traditionally considered a particularly inexpensive month for buying a car. The car dealers want to clear their warehouses so that the standing costs during the holidays remain manageable. For the buyer, purchase in winter is of course associated with a small risk.
Many new drivers fear large material wear on their new car in cold temperatures. The risk of accidents is also rated as enormously high, as snow and ice can easily cause the car to slip. These reasons actually speak against buying a car in winter. But that is precisely why car dealerships want to increase sales between December and February by offering a favorable price. Experienced car drivers can therefore easily make attractive bargains during this period.
Winter Cars Are In Demand In Summer
Small cars or older vehicles are traditionally winter vehicles. They are easy to drive in ice and snow, even for inexperienced drivers. A small car with front-wheel drive does not slip as quickly on snow-slippery roads as a mid-range with rear-wheel drive. On the other hand, adverse weather conditions lead to less wear and tear on old cars than on new vehicles.
This is why such cars are particularly popular in winter. In most cases, dealers do not grant discounts. Often you can only find a few of these cars, as the market is almost empty at this time. So if you want to buy a small car, you should plan ahead. It is better to buy the car in spring or summer and benefit from the seasonal discounts.
Convertibles Are Purchased In Winter
Vehicles with open tops are classic summer cars. As expected, the demand for such cars is particularly high in spring. For this reason, many convertibles are on display in the showrooms of car dealerships. In winter, on the other hand, you will rarely find a convertible in the car dealers’ advertisements. Usually, the convertibles can still be ordered.
You will receive the highest discounts if your car dealer still has a convertible in stock. This causes high standing costs in winter. And for this reason, the dealer will be happy to grant you a high discount. However, you should bear in mind that you also have to store the newly purchased convertible until summer. This is only worthwhile if you have your own garage. If you need to rent additional parking spaces, you should weigh up the discount and the parking space rental.
Climate Conditions Play A Role
To determine the perfect time to buy your new vehicle, you should of course also pay attention to the climate in your region. It is best to adjust the month of your purchase to the local weather conditions. In Ohio, for example, the purchase of a new car between October and March is rarely recommended. Damage caused by the weather is not uncommon in this region and particularly not good for a new car.
Prices Should Be Compared In Every Season
Regardless of whether you buy a vehicle in summer or winter and whether it is a new or used car, you should compare prices before buying. Dealers offer interesting discounts at all times of the year if you do not wish to finance your vehicle. Especially when paying cash, high discounts can be negotiated.
First, check the sales prices and special offers of the dealers near your home. Sometimes it can also be interesting to look around a little further away from your home town. You can also take a look at consumer reviews online. This should make it possible to buy your dream car at a reasonable price.
Important Tips For New Drivers
In addition to the findings presented above, new drivers should also note the following information: If you have just obtained your driving license, you naturally want to acquire a drivable vehicle as soon as possible. Irrespective of whether it is a new or used vehicle, beginners are advised to buy in spring or summer. In the warm season, it is easier to get the necessary driving experience. With a little experience on the roads, you will be well prepared for the coming winter and will also be able to better assess your vehicle and its reactions.
This advice also applies to drivers with little driving experience. If you rarely drive a car, you should decide to buy one during the summer months. By the winter you will be more experienced and feel safer in traffic. This is important so as not to endanger other drivers. You will also avoid scratches, dents or even accidents if you control your car properly in winter on wet and slippery roads.
Buying A Car Does Not Have To Be Expensive
In summary, the most important tip when buying a new car is to take an anti-cyclical approach. Typical summer cars are very inexpensive in winter. Winter cars, on the other hand, can be purchased in summer with attractive discounts. This is because car dealers want to keep their stock of cars manageable at all times of the year due to the high standing costs. That is why they ultimately lure you every month with substantial discounts that make the purchase of your dream car affordable.