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The best time to sell your car

Whether you trade your car in at a dealership or sell privately, by following the market and recognising the seasonal demand for different vehicles, you’ll get the most out of your car's value.

So, you’re looking to part with your car and you’re more than ready to get on with it. Just stop before you do. Knowing when to sell is just as valuable as the bells and whistles of your vehicle. How you go about it is also a key factor.

How to sell your car at the right time

The timing

More often than not, car manufacturers won’t want to carry existing stock into the next year, therefore increasing sales before the new year. Things like incentives are offered to customers which leads to more trade-ins and more vehicles available to choose from.

Depreciation

 Each car loses value over time, but not all cars lose value at the same rate. Some brands and models drop in value faster than others. So, when you’re thinking about selling your car, check how much it’s currently worth and compare it to similar models.

Vehicle category 

Demand for different vehicles fluctuates throughout the year. For example, SUVs are often in higher demand during school holidays when parents seek something more comfortable and spacious for traveling. On the other hand, entry-level vehicles are far more popular at the beginning of the year, particularly among matric students who have left school, those are starting university or entering their first job.

Location

 How well cars sell can change depending on where you are. In bustling cities, there are more people buying and selling cars, causing things to move faster. In some instances, people even look at other areas to find the best price for their car. Knowing what’s going on in your area can help you get a better deal.

The economy

There is more to buying and selling used cars than focusing on times of the year. It’s affected by factors such as borrowing costs, the confidence people have in spending money, and the number of cars available compared with the number of people who want to buy them.

As long as you take these things into consideration, you will be better off. However, even if there are better deals at certain times of the year, you should always be ready with your money, thoroughly research the vehicle, and feel confident in your choice.

Tip: Get the best deal on your car

 Whether you trade your car in at a dealership or sell privately, by following the market and recognising the seasonal demand for different vehicles, you’ll get the most out of your car’s value.

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Liezl Scheepers

Liezl Scheepers is editor of the Parys Gazette, a local community newspaper distributed in the towns of Parys, Vredefort and Viljoenskroon. As an experienced community journalist in all fields for the past 30 years, she has a passion for her community, and has been actively involved in several community outreach projects as part of Parys Gazette's team.

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