Motorists searching for a second-hand petrol, diesel or electric car at a budget price should snap up a deal before Wednesday, according to used car specialists.
Timing is key for car buyers
Jamie Muir, spokesperson for used car specialists AA Cars, has stressed “timing can be key”, with buyers likely to secure better offers at the end of the month. Dealers are likely to have certain sales targets, meaning buyers can be more successful haggling a discount than in previous weeks.
With September coming to a close at the end of Wednesday, now might be the best time to secure a deal before it’s too late.
Dealers racing to hit monthly targets
Speaking exclusively to The Express, Jamie said: “There’s no set script for securing the best deal on your next car, but there are a few things you can do to improve your chances of scoring a winning deal. Timing can be key. Dealers have monthly targets, and if you time your purchase towards the end of the month, you may be able to negotiate more effectively with a dealer who is racing to hit their target before month-end.”
According to Motorway, September could be one of the best times of the year to secure discount rates. The end of financial quarters, such as March, June, September and December are ideal as dealers strive to meet three-month sales targets.
New number plates boost used car inventory
Meanwhile, new ‘76’ number plate changes in September bring new models onto the market, increasing used car inventory and usually lowering prices on older models. The change in plate means that every car on the road is now considered another year older, lowering valuations ever so slightly.
WeBuyAnyCar previously said: “Car salespeople have quarterly targets to hit, so if you visit a dealership in the last month of a financial quarter (March, June, September, or December), you may find they’re more eager to offer you a good deal.
“The offers may be even better in March and September, when the dealerships are keen to clear old stock.”
Missed out this time around? It may not be too late to pick up a bargain in 2026. Many dealerships suffer a drop-off in demand around Christmas, meaning it could be another great time to try and talk your way into securing a deal.
