When is the best time to buy a used car?

Buying a car is an important decision for many people, especially because it involves high costs. While new cars have more modern technology and a longer warranty, used cars are usually the more economical choice. One question is: "When to buy the used car?" The right timing can significantly affect the price. In this article, you will learn when used cars are cheapest, how prices are developing and what you should pay attention to especially with electric cars.

When are used cars cheapest?

Used car prices fluctuate throughout the year as they are influenced by supply and demand. If you know when used cars are cheapest, you can save a lot of money. Factors such as season, vehicle type and economic conditionsplay a central role here.

 

The best time of year to buy used cars

In general, depending on what kind of used car it is, different months are suitable for the best used car bargains. Spring and summer bring several advantages:

• In autumn and winter, the demand for a used car for the cold months is higher and so are the prices.
• Demand is lower in spring and summer, where more new cars are bought.
• Demand for certain vehicle types such as convertibles in particular is falling particularly sharply due to seasonal factors.

In summer, many people go on vacation. Either potential customers are not there at all or they have already bought a new car in the months before. The price development for used cars is therefore rather decreasing in summer. However, convertibles are expensive in summer – switch to winter.

When should you buy a used convertible?

Winter is the ideal time to buy a convertible. In the cold months, the demand for open-top vehicles drops drastically, which drives prices down significantly. From March, when the first warm days are approaching, prices rise again. Therefore, if you buy in winter, you can often save several thousand euros on convertibles.

 

When will used cars become cheaper again?

The prices of used cars have seen an unusual increase in recent years. Supply bottlenecks for new cars and increased demand for used vehicles during the Corona pandemic led to a significant price increase. But what does the future look like?

The future of used car prices

Experts assume that the prices for used cars could fall again from 2024. Reasons for this are:

• The stabilisation of supply chains for new cars.
• A normalization of demand in the car market.
• Technological advancements, especially in electric cars, that make older models less attractive.

 

Special case of electric cars: When to buy a used electric car?

Electric cars are a special case on the used car market. While demand for gasoline and diesel cars remains stable, all-electric cars often lose value faster due to technological advances and battery concerns. Hybrids, on the other hand, are still considered a robust option because they appeal to a broader target group.

Tips for buying a used electric car:

• Pay attention to the condition of the battery: It is the heart of an electric car, and its residual capacity determines the vehicle's utility value.
• Consider charging infrastructure: Check whether the vehicle fits the charging systems in your area.
• Pay attention to technological developments: New models with a longer range can put pressure on older vehicles in terms of price.

Finding the ideal time to buy a used car is not an easy task, but with the right planning, you can save a lot of money. This is especially true in winter, when demand is lower. Then bargains can be made - also and especially with convertibles. Electric cars offer an exciting opportunity, but it requires careful research in order to benefit from the current sharp drop in prices. Whether petrol, diesel or electric: With a look at trends and market conditions, you will find your perfect vehicle!