When you’re buying a used car, timing is everything. As with so many other things, there are seasonal trends involved in buying a used car, and traditionally you’d be able to get better deals in some months than you would in others. However, things are a little different in 2022, which has brought some unique challenges that have led to an increase in used car prices across the board.
A key factor that has had an affect on the market is the current global shortage of semi conductors, which has led to a gap in the release of new cars, and raised the prices of used cars due to the increase in demand. That means there’s not as much seasonal fluctuation in the prices of used cars as there would be normally. But if you’re looking for the best prices on a used car, rest assured that you can find them right here at RAW2K. We’ve always focused on getting you great deals on second-hand, salvaged and seized vehicles; and our massive online stock of vehicles includes everything from cars, vans, motorcycles and scooters. (Perfect for mechanics and hobbyists looking for spare parts!)
So, let’s get into some of the tips on when’s the best time to buy a used car.
Is now a good time to buy a used car?
As we’ve mentioned above, the global semi-conductor shortage affecting new car supplies has continued to put huge pressure on the used car market. Demand is high for used cars, and in response the prices have skyrocketed in the last few months. These issues are likely to persist well into the latter part of the year, when they’re likely to be complicated by a range of additional factors (such as vehicle eligibility for clean air zones). In short, it’s likely that used cars will be in higher demand than ever as we move later into the year - so don’t wait too long to get yours! You can find plenty of great bargains on our online vehicle auctions that you can browse at your leisure.
General car buying advice
Regardless of the current state of the market, there are a few universal tips that you can keep in mind when you’re looking to buy a used vehicle, to help you make sure you’re getting the best value for you money.
Weather permitting - certain times of year favour different types of cars. For example, spring will add hundreds to the asking price of convertibles due to their summery appeal, whereas trying to buy a 4x4 in the summer makes sense, as demand for these more rugged vehicles is at its highest in the winter.
End of quarter - car dealers have a sales target that they need to meet at the end of each quarter. So, if you manage to catch an auctioneer that’s nearing the end of their sales quarter, the likelihood is that you’ll probably be able to negotiate a good deal on a vehicle, since they’ll be looking to fill a sales quota.
Holiday bargains - most dealers will have sale events with big discounts dotted throughout the year. Think bank holidays, Boxing Day, and increasingly, the US-derived Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales at the end of November. These sales also translate over to the used car market as well.
These are a few of our top tips that we’re sure will help you get the very best deals on used vehicles on our online auctions right here at RAW2K. So, whether you’re a mechanic or private driver, we specialise in providing you with great bargains on used vehicles. Our online car auctions are refreshed on a daily and weekly basis, and we include makes and models available from some of the world’s leading manufacturers, like& Volkswagen , Ford , Renault , and many more. Why not take a look around, and see what you can find? There’s always a bargain to be found!
