Will You Buy A Car This March?

In the UK March and September are normally big months for car sales. A significant percentage of the years new car sales happen in these months with lots of nice part-exchanges coming in to fuel used car sales. If you're going to buy a car here are a few hints on doing car deals.

Car prices having been rising steeply over the past two years and now VAT has increased, so they're not cheap. The thing to remember is there are four deals to be done. Don't get distracted by car dealer marketing programmes. You need the best deal on:

1. Car prices
2. Part-exchange
3. Finance
4. Add-ons

Also consider the rocketing price of car fuel and insurance premiums. Both costs are a major percentage of what it costs to run a car. So it's not just a case of comparing cars and prices. You need to make car comparison insurance and fuel. If you think small cars are the answer be sure it fits your lifestyle because if it proves to small and you're forced to change it the depreciation will be devastating.

Car Prices
To get maximum discount always have a next best negotiable alternative. Cars of the same class are so similar. If  a car fits your lifestyle and budget then look for the cheapest car in that class. So you need to get in those car quotes and use them to tell the Ford guy you can get a Vauxhall cheaper. Or tell the VW salesperson you can buy a Skoda cheaper. Bully them with Chevrolet, Hyundai and Kia prices. Let them know you've got alternatives.

Part-exchange
Apart from the scrappage scheme there's been little business done since late 2008. Used cars are in short supply so don't listen to sob stories about business being bad. Car dealers rely heavily on used car sales. Used car prices are strong and will only get stronger.

Finance
Get a fully detailed written quotation every time, again make detailed comparisons and have a next best negotiable alternative. Don't give up car discount for low rate finance - get both. There are four deals here.

Add-ons
Car dealers want to sell you insurance policies, warranties and polish at the back-end of the sale. Ask for a 50% discount. That's right - 50%.

Used car prices
Dealers had a bad time last year. At the end of the year shed loads of new cars were registered to boost sales so dealers qualified for volume bonuses. Those cars came onto the market over the last few weeks as delivery mileage second-hand cars. You could save a fortune if you found one you wanted.

Happy Hunting
Regards
Ralph