Are you thinking about selling your car but don’t know when the best time to put it up for sale is? There isn’t one perfect month for every vehicle, but choosing the right time can make it easier to attract buyers and achieve a good price.
The best time to sell a car depends on several factors, including its condition, mileage, type of vehicle, seasonal demand and your own circumstances. Understanding these factors can help you identify the best time to sell a car for your particular vehicle.
For most sellers, the best time to sell a car is when the vehicle is in good condition, has a strong MOT history and is priced competitively for the current market.
Seasonality can also make a difference. Convertibles tend to attract more attention as the weather improves, while four-wheel-drive vehicles, SUVs and practical family cars can become particularly appealing as autumn and winter arrive.
The best time to sell a car isn’t necessarily the same for every model, so consider the type of vehicle you own as well as the time of year.
One of the biggest factors affecting when to sell is the condition of the vehicle.
A car that is clean, well maintained and has plenty of service history is generally easier to market than one that needs several repairs. This is why the best time to sell a car can often be before major maintenance or expensive repairs are due.
If you know that your car is approaching expensive maintenance or has developed problems, selling before those costs build up may make sense.
However, spending thousands of pounds on repairs purely to increase the selling price isn’t always worthwhile. Before carrying out major work, consider whether the improvement in value is likely to outweigh the cost of the repairs.
If your car is approaching its next MOT, for example, you may want to decide whether to sell it before the test or complete the MOT first. A fresh MOT can make a used car more attractive to buyers, but the cost of repairs needed to pass should also be considered.
If you have finance on your car, check the agreement before putting it up for sale.
With agreements such as hire purchase and PCP, the finance company may retain an interest in the vehicle until the agreement has been settled. You should contact the finance provider and ask for a settlement figure before completing a sale.
Don’t simply advertise the car and assume you can use the buyer’s money to clear the finance afterwards. Make sure you understand the agreement and how the settlement needs to be handled.
If the finance has been fully settled and you have confirmation from the lender, you can proceed with the sale. For general information about selling a vehicle and notifying DVLA, see the GOV.UK guidance on selling a vehicle.
Mileage is another important factor when deciding the best time to sell a car.
There is no universal mileage at which every car should be sold, so mileage alone shouldn’t determine the best time to sell a car.
A well-maintained car with 100,000 miles can be more attractive than a poorly maintained example with 60,000 miles.
However, major mileage milestones can influence buyer perception and the price of a used car. If your car is approaching a significant milestone, such as 100,000 miles, you may find that some buyers become more selective.
Rather than selling simply because the odometer reaches a particular number, consider the vehicle’s overall condition, service history, upcoming maintenance and its value compared with similar cars currently for sale.
March and September are important months in the UK car market because new registration plate series are issued twice a year. Government vehicle licensing data shows that new registrations usually peak in March and September.
This can create an interesting situation for used-car sellers. For some sellers, the arrival of a new registration series can therefore be a useful opportunity to consider whether it is the best time to sell a car.
Some people buying a new car will sell or part-exchange their existing vehicle, increasing the number of used cars entering the market. At the same time, buyers who aren’t interested in paying for a brand-new car may look for used alternatives.
If you are selling a used car, there isn’t necessarily a reason to avoid March or September altogether. Instead, pay attention to how many similar cars are available and make sure your advert stands out through good photographs, accurate information and competitive pricing.
For more help, see our guide on how to create a great car advert.
Seasonality can have a noticeable effect on the type of vehicles buyers are looking for, which is why the best time to sell a car can vary depending on the model.
Spring and summer can be a particularly good time to sell convertibles, sports cars and other cars that are associated with good weather.
Buyers may also be more willing to view vehicles when the days are longer and the weather is better, making it easier to arrange viewings and test drives.
If you own a convertible, for example, waiting until spring could put your car in front of buyers at exactly the time when interest in open-top motoring starts to increase.
Autumn and winter can favour vehicles that offer practicality and all-weather capability.
SUVs, four-wheel-drive cars and vehicles with good ground clearance may become more appealing as the weather deteriorates. Buyers may also place greater importance on features such as heated seats, winter tyres and good traction.
That doesn’t mean you should automatically wait for winter to sell an SUV. If your vehicle is already in strong condition and there is good demand for it, selling sooner could still be the better option.
The school holidays and Christmas period can be quieter times for the used-car market because many people are travelling, spending money elsewhere or simply too busy to look for a vehicle.
However, lower demand doesn’t necessarily mean that you shouldn’t sell.
There may also be fewer competing adverts during quieter periods. A buyer who needs a car during the Christmas period or school holidays may still be actively searching, and having fewer comparable vehicles available could help your advert stand out.
The key is to price your car realistically and make your advert as useful as possible.
Sometimes the best time to sell a car has nothing to do with the calendar.
You might be moving house, starting a new job, having a child, changing your commute or simply finding that your current car no longer suits your lifestyle.
If your circumstances have changed, waiting several months for a theoretically better selling period may not make financial sense. You could end up spending more on insurance, tax, servicing or depreciation while keeping a car you no longer need.
The best time to sell a car is therefore often a balance between market conditions and your own situation.
Before deciding whether now is the best time to sell a car, consider:
There is no guaranteed month when every car will sell for the highest possible price. The best time to sell a car is when there is a good combination of vehicle condition, buyer demand, competitive pricing and a genuine reason for you to sell.
Whenever you decide to sell, presentation can make a significant difference.
Clean the inside and outside of the car, remove personal belongings, make sure the service history and paperwork are organised, and take clear photographs in good daylight.
It’s also worth researching similar cars before deciding on your asking price. Look at vehicles with similar age, mileage, specification and condition rather than simply choosing a price based on what you originally paid.
If you’re ready to sell, you can place a free car advert on MotorHype. It’s easy to upload your vehicle and reach potential buyers across the UK.
Taking all these factors into account will help you decide the best time to sell a car without relying on a single month or mileage figure.
Ultimately, the best time to sell a car is the time that makes sense for both the vehicle and you. There isn’t a single perfect selling period for every car, so consider the factors above before deciding when to list yours. By understanding seasonal demand, registration changes, mileage, condition and your own circumstances, you can make a more informed decision about when to put your car on the market.
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