Cars are expensive, but the same model does not always cost the same at the same time. Prices fluctuate significantly between the summer lull, model changes and year-end sales. If you watch the market and catch the right moment, you can save several thousand euros.
New cars: the end of the year becomes the stage for negotiations
The last months of the year are considered a particularly good time to buy a new car. The industry’s typical processes run in the background: dealers want to achieve their sales targets, manufacturers clear storage space for new models, internal bonuses often depend on sales figures. According to a guide from Verivox, many car dealerships are particularly willing to negotiate in winter. The end of the quarter, i.e. March, June or September, can also be interesting.
Even the day of the week can have an influence. There is less activity in the car dealerships on Mondays and Tuesdays. This creates calmer conversations and better conditions for price negotiations.
Used cars: summer as a quiet insider tip
While many people go on vacation in the summer, used cars are left behind for a moment, both literally and figuratively. Demand is falling, as are sales figures. PKW.de reports that prices on the used car market often stagnate or fall slightly between June and August.
Smaller retailers in particular are using this time to reduce their inventories. For buyers, this means less competition and more leeway when negotiating prices. As autumn begins and the weather becomes more unstable, demand picks up again, especially for vehicles with four-wheel drive or high utility in winter.
Convertibles and sports cars: winter prices for a summer mood
Convertible drivers rarely think about their next car when the temperatures outside are below zero. This is exactly what makes winter the best time to secure an open vehicle. Those who forego the high season in spring and instead buy in January pay significantly less on average, according to Verivox. Sporty models that were built for dry roads also often end up on the market at attractive prices during this time.
Model change: When new products create pressure
Most car manufacturers are planning new model launches around fall. Large trade fairs such as the IAA set the stage for new designs, drives or assistance systems. Meanwhile, sales of the previous series are ongoing in the background.
According to EuroCOC, this is a typical time when discounts on so-called discontinued models increase. Dealers want to create space and rely on speed to sell demonstration cars or stock vehicles before the new products arrive. Anyone who can live with slight compromises in terms of features or color often benefits from five-figure discounts.
Paul Schütte, editorial team at finanzen.net
