When’s the Best Time to Sell or Trade-In Your Car

Timing is crucial when it comes to knowing the best time to sell a car in the UK. Sell at the right moment, and you’ll increase your chances of a quick and successful sale. Get the timing wrong, and you could remain frustrated, waiting as your car remains unsold, sitting in your driveway for weeks, or even months, before finding a buyer.

We examine the key factors that influence when to sell or trade in your car on the Wirral, or across the UK for that matter, and maximise your chances of a swift, successful sale.

Is Now a Good Time to Sell My Car?

Life marches on and you may find that your current car no longer meets your present needs. You might choose to start a family, move abroad, or decide that you want to spend more time exploring the Scottish Highlands and that cosy, diminutive hatchback just isn’t practical anymore.

Then there’ s new regulations, such as clean air zones that require you to pay extra fees, and that six-litre V12 sports car just isn’t practical or depreciates so fast that keeping the car for another year or two just doesn’t make sense.

Let’s not also forget that you might just fancy a change, and that’s fine. Most of us don’t want to drive the same car year-in, year-out, especially if we can get behind the wheel of a shiny new model for the same, or better still, cheaper cost.

Successfully selling or trading-in your car also depends a lot on its model. Generally speaking, SUV sales peak in the autumn and winter months, while sales of a convertible car peak in the spring and summer months.

Ready to sell your car? Contact GroupM53 today.

Factors that Impact Car Sale & Trade In Value Consider

As you can probably tell, knowing when to sell or trade-in your car on the Wirral, Cheshire, or anywhere else for that matter, is all about weighing up a number of different factors. Let’s look at the most common of these in a little more detail.

Seasonal Patterns in Used Car Demand

So, we’ve already touched on how the seasons effect used (and new, for that matter) car sales and trade-ins. Convertibles often sell better in the spring and summer months. SUVs sell better in the autumn and winter months. But seasonal patterns in used car demand is so much more than that.

Below is a detailed overview of how seasonal patterns can affect car demand:

Spring and Summer

• Increased buyer activity: the warmer weather and the end of the school year often motivate families to buy new vehicles for summer travel and activities
• More demand for sports cars and convertibles: ‘fun’ cars are particularly popular during these months
• Potential for quicker sales and more competitive prices: the increased demand generally translates to more potential buyers and potentially higher offers

Autumn and Winter

• Increased demand for SUVs and 4x4s: vehicles with better handling in adverse weather conditions and are capable of handling diverse terrain become more desirable
• Year-end sales and promotions: with car sales typically slumping at the end of the years, you can sometimes find great deals and promotions
• Good deals: while demand might be lower for family saloons, sports cars and convertibles, buyers still have opportunities to get a good deal

Additional Seasonal Factors to Consider

• When the number plates change: in the UK, new number plates are released in March and September; cars registered during the previous six months (October and April) can experience a slight decrease in value
• Regional weather: people living in colder parts of the UK typically favour SUVs, 4x4s, features like heated seats and remote start vehicles. People living in warmer parts of the UK value features like fuel efficiency, performance, and air conditioning.
• Urgency: if you’re looking to sell quickly, the best time may be when there’s higher buyer activity (the peak season is generally considered to be March)

Vehicle Age

As a vehicle ages it depreciates in value.

New cars can lose as much as 50% of their value during the first 1-3 years of ownership. Choose to sell a car still in warranty, around the 3-year mark, and you’ll maximise your ROI as most used car buyers want a relatively new car for a reasonable price.

Older cars, especially those five years and older, how successful a sale very much depends on the vehicle’s condition, not necessarily the age. Cars that are likely to need major repairs such as a new gearbox or timing belt, and those that wouldn’t pass an MOT, naturally tend to sell for a lower price.

Moreover, the older a car is, the less likely it will pass emission-related restrictions, such as Clean Air Zones which will affect its desirability and potentially compromise where it’s best to sell or trade in your car, relative to these zones in the UK.

Vehicle Mileage

The best time to sell or trade in a car is generally considered to be before mileage reaches a specific threshold where depreciation accelerates.

Most buyers are wary of buying cars with more than 60,000 miles. Why? A car with more than 60,000 miles may face serious maintenance issues, such as timing belt, brake, or suspension failures.

Similarly, trading in a car before it gets close to 100,000 miles, an upcoming MOT test, warranty expiration, or costly repairs, can help you retain more value.

MOT Dates

MOT dates have a significant impact on when to sell or trade-in your car. Why? MOTs directly impact buyer confidence, perceived vehicle value and how to use the time to sell a car to achieve the maximum ROI.

Avoid selling right before the MOT

If your MOT is due in the next month, it’s smart to get it done early, especially if you expect the car to pass easily. A fresh MOT signals good maintenance and adds value, even for older vehicles.

Sell or trade in your car within 1–3 months after passing its MOT. If your MOT is within 30 days of expiry, consider getting it renewed first, it’s usually worth the small cost for the value it adds and avoid letting the MOT expire before selling, unless it’s being sold for spares or to trade buyers who don’t require it road-legal.

Why are MOT Dates Important?

• Buyers prefer cars with a fresh MOT
  A car with 10–12 months left on its MOT is more appealing. Buyers see it as lower risk and won’t have to budget for immediate inspections or repairs
  Selling right after passing an MOT can help you command a higher price or get a better trade-in offer
• The closer the MOT, the less valuable the car
  If an MOT is due in a few weeks (or has already expired), buyers may expect discounts to cover potential repair costs
  Dealers may reduce trade-in offers to account for possible MOT failures or the need to prepare the car for resale

How does part exchange work on a car?

Approximately 40-50% of UK buyers part exchange their existing vehicle when buying another car from a dealership. This offsets the total cost of purchasing a new car, making the purchase more affordable. Any part exchange offer depends on several factors, including vehicle age, mileage, condition, MOT, and more.

Now, of course, it’s difficult to pinpoint an exact percentage, but research suggests that roughly 3.2 million people annually part exchange their car. Below is a basic overview of how part exchange works.

1. Step One: Current Vehicle Valuation
   The dealer will evaluate your current car based on its condition, mileage, service history, and market value. They’ll provide a valuation for your car, which will be used as a credit towards the purchase of your new vehicle.
   
2. Step Two: Price Adjustment
   The agreed-upon value of your old car is then deducted from the price of the new vehicle you're purchasing. The difference in cost is the "price to change," which is the amount you'll pay to complete the transaction.
   
3. Step Three: Payment
   You'll pay the remaining balance, which can be done through various methods like cash, card, or financing options. If the trade-in value of your old car is higher than the price of the new car, you might receive the difference as cash or credit.

Learn more about part exchange at GroupM53

When Is the Best Time to Sell a Car in the UK?

In short, the best time to sell your car depends on several factors and variables. From seasonal patterns to MOT dates and more.

List your car for sale in March and market trends tell you that you have a higher probability of a successful sale. List your car in December and a successful sale may be a bit more difficult. Choose to sell your car just before its MOT and you may find yourself haggling on price at best or encounter a wide range of disinterested buyers.

What we can assure you with, is that when you choose to go with a reputable dealership like GroupM53, you’ll give yourself the best possible opportunity of selling a car quickly. Interested in learning how GroupM53 can help you to sell your car? Contact us today.