If you’re planning to buy a new car before Christmas, the timing of your purchase could make a difference to the price you pay.
Australians bought 102,924 new vehicles in September, up 0.9% on the previous year, according to VFACTS.
But while demand remains relatively strong, December could present opportunities for bargain hunters.
Why waiting could pay off
Dealerships may be keen to meet monthly, quarterly or annual sales targets before the year ends.
They may also want to clear older stock, particularly if updated models are on the way.
That could create opportunities to negotiate a lower price, secure added extras or take advantage of special promotions.
However, discounts aren’t guaranteed, particularly for popular models.
If you’re planning to buy this year:
- Research prices and compare several dealerships.
- Check whether your preferred vehicle is available for delivery.
- Compare drive-away prices, rather than focusing on promotional extras.
- Arrange your finance before negotiating, so you know your spending limit.
Remember to compare the total cost of finance, not just the advertised repayment.
A December discount is only worthwhile if the overall purchase fits your budget. Before visiting dealerships, check what you could borrow and what the repayments would look like.
