If you’re thinking of buying a new car for the new year, December may be the best time to do it.

We know this is a hectic period for most people, whether you’re trying to get all your projects done before the break, trying to finish all the Christmas shopping, or you’re coordinating holiday times and when you’ll get to see each member of the family.

But there are a number of reasons why shopping over the Christmas holiday period can help you save thousands on a new or second-hand car, making it worth it in the long run.

The year is about to tick over

Car manufacturers often offer incentives to buy cars in December so they can get rid of all their 2016 models, making way for the new 2017 editions. Realistically, this year’s cars aren’t all that different to the 2017 models, but they’ll be harder to sell next month when they have the previous year’s build plate.

Car dealers are willing to deal

It’s getting close to the end of the month and dealers know with all the public holidays and people spending time with their family, it’s going to be difficult to meet their December sales targets. They’ll be a lot easier to negotiate with at this time of the year, allowing you to haggle a better deal.

Easier to shop

Most people will be out shopping for Christmas gifts, going on holiday or spending time with their family. Which means the car yards will be a lot quieter and you’ll pretty much have the pick of the fleet when it comes to inspecting and test driving. You’ll be able to consider the performance of each vehicle and make a more informed choice when you do decide to buy.

The very best time to buy from the dealer: If you want to haggle the best price possible, do your shopping around before Christmas and come in to make your purchase in the few days between Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve.

Private Car Sales At Christmas Time

If you’re in the market to buy a second-hand car privately, Christmas is still a good time to get a bargain. Those selling may need the money to cover their Christmas expenses, or they may just want to take advantage of the dealership savings outlined above.

For whatever reason, private car sellers will likely be looking to sell before Christmas Day. So if you can guarantee payment, you could negotiate a good deal and drive away with a bargain.

One of the best ways to negotiate a deal is to know what you can afford and that you’ll be able to get the money quickly. Arranging a pre-approved loan before you start shopping will give you the peace of mind that you’re ready to buy, and the negotiating power of providing payment without having to wait for loan approvals.

Aussie Car Loans will be open over the holidays, helping you take advantage of Christmas savings. Call us on 1300 889 669 to talk about your car finance options, or simply apply online to get things started today.