Winter warmers - how to get the best deals on cars at Christmas

December is traditionally a slow month for the motoring industry as people save for the big Christmas splurge and look forward to the new year registration change in March.

Barring a few Porsche Boxsters and Range Rovers bought by footballers for their wives, business is not brisk, and manufacturers are loath to introduce new models onto the market when people are thinking about New Year credit card bills, buying presents no-one wants and binge drinking.

So, not the best time to look for a new car, you might think. Wrong.

Car dealerships are not only approaching end-of-year targets, they´re likely to be approaching end-of-quarter targets and a premature Christmas-enforced end-of-month target. What this means to you is red-hot deals on new models that you may not see at any other time of year.

Once again we´ve contacted our anonymous - and tame - dealer to give us the lowdown on December car deals, and recommend some tips on how to bag yourself one in time for Christmas.

December deals - How it works

Some Dealers will have already hit their targets for the year, the quarter and the month already, other wont and they´ll be doing everything they can to ensure they get their bonus.

Dealers chasing a monthly target will be mindful of the fact that they have only two and a half trading weeks in December to make their target. If they are going to hit their monthly target, they´ll have to do it before Christmas Day.

Other dealers chasing a quarter-end target may be relying on a bumper December to make up any shortfall from October and November. This means they´ll be keener to sell than ever.

Finally other dealers will be chasing their annual target, meaning all of the pressure of the year to sell is focussed on December.

All of these factors, combined with the fact that car sales are traditionally slow at this time of year, mean that dealers may be in a position of trying to sell more cars than ever at a time when customers are traditionally reluctant to part with cash.  

How does this benefit me? - buying at cost

If a dealer´s chasing an annual bonus there´s every chance they´ll be prepared to sell the car at cost. With the alternative being to pre- register the cars and swallow the cost of paying for the cars and paying interest on the balance, selling a car off at cost price will probably be an attractive alternative.

How does this benefit me? - Part exchange

If the dealer´s struggling to hit targets you may get a better price on part-exchange if there´s a sale in it for the dealer.

Be flexible

There´s every chance you´ll be able to find a deal on the car of your dreams, but if you´re willing to be even more flexible you could net an even greater deal. There may not be any deals on that estate you have your eye on, but there could be deals to be had on MPVs or large saloons.

By being prepared to get the best deal, regardless of whether it´s on the model you have your heart set on, you could save a fortune.

Is this a good deal?

How do you know it´s a good deal when the dealer assures you it it? The best way to find out is to compare quotes from a number of dealers. Rather than traipsing into every dealership in town you can ask for up to five free, no-obligation quotes from Askaprice.com.

If one offer stands out among the rest, the chances are you´ve stumbled across a good price from a dealership that´s chasing targets.

Beware finance deals

"Buy now - pay later." Sound attractive? It shouldn´t! At this time of year any finance deal you enter into is likely to be one of these deals, which the dealer will sell you on the basis that you´ll have more time to clear those New Year bills.

Chances are you´ll end up paying more for the privilege of getting this breathing space, so check the finance rate. Paying the first payment straight off is likely to be the cheaper option.

Leave the Manager´s Special

You don´t often see Manager´s Specials anymore, unless you´re in Asda, but from time-to-time you will see these stickers on cars boasting a giveaway price. On new cars these are to be avoided as it usually means the car is already at its target price and will not be discounted further.

Seasons savings

December can be a very profitable time for you, the customer, to go and bag yourself a red hot deal. Just remember, a car isn´t just for Christmas, it´s for at least a few months!

MotorTorque deals

MotorTorque´s sister website Askaprice.com has five examples of the great deals that are likely to be on offer at this time of year.

Check out our Special Offers section to browse some of our best deals. Remember, if you're prepared to flexible in your choice of car, you could net a massive bargain.

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