The Best Time To Buy A New Car In 2026

Buying a new car is a big commitment. Whether you’re upgrading for more space, better tech, or just because it’s time, there’s nothing quite like that new car feeling. But with so many models, offers, and finance options out there, timing your purchase right can make all the difference when it comes to getting the best deal.

So… when is the best time to buy a car in 2026? And how can you make sure you’re not overpaying, especially if you’re buying a car on finance?

Let’s break it down.

Why Timing Matters In Car Buying

Car prices and finance deals fluctuate throughout the year based on dealer targets, stock levels, and manufacturer incentives.

Here’s the thing: the price on the windscreen isn’t the full story. Car prices shift throughout the year based on dealer targets, stock availability, plate changes, and manufacturer incentives. If you understand these patterns, you can use them to your advantage.

Add to that the current financial climate, with interest rates easing and car finance becoming more affordable, and 2026 could be a great year to finally go for that upgrade.

The Best Times To Buy A New Car in 2026

Certain points in the year consistently offer stronger discounts and greater negotiating leverage for car buyers.

There’s no one perfect day to buy a car. But there are certain times of the year that give you more leverage, better incentives, and more room to negotiate. Here are the sweet spots to look out for:

1. End of the Month

Dealerships work to monthly sales targets. As the month wraps up, they’re often under pressure to hit their numbers, especially if they’re close. This can make them more open to negotiation on the price, extras like servicing packages, or improved finance deals. If you can be flexible with timing, aim for the final few days of the month.

2. End of the Quarter

The same logic applies on a bigger scale. March, June, September, and December are quarter-end months, and manufacturers often offer extra bonuses or targets to push sales during these times. This is when dealerships are likely to roll out some of their best car deals.

3. March and September Plate Changes

In the UK, new car registration plates are released twice a year, in March and September. This means two things:

• Dealers want to shift the ‘old’ stock to make room for the new plate versions.
• There’s usually a rise in trade-ins, giving you a larger selection of nearly-new cars to choose from if you’re open to recent models with a few miles on the clock.

Buying just before the plate change could score you a discount on a current model, and buying just after could mean more choice from part-exchanged cars.

4. End of the Year

December may seem like an odd time to buy a car… but it’s often one of the best. Many people are focused on Christmas, not cars, which means dealerships are quieter. Combine that with end-of-year sales targets and the need to clear stock before January, and you’ve got a perfect recipe for negotiation. If you’re looking for the best car deals, this is when to shop around.

Is December The Best Time To Buy A New Car?

December often delivers some of the biggest savings due to year-end sales targets, quieter dealerships, and stock clearance.

December is often one of the best months to buy a new car, especially if you are flexible on model, colour, or delivery timing.

As the year comes to a close, dealerships are under pressure to hit annual sales targets set by manufacturers. These targets can unlock bonuses, incentives, or additional margin, which makes dealers more open to negotiation. December is also typically quieter, as many buyers delay big purchases until the new year, giving you more leverage as a serious buyer.

Another advantage of buying in December is stock clearance. Dealers want to reduce inventory before January and make room for new registrations, which can lead to stronger discounts on in-stock vehicles, including outgoing model years.

That said, December is not always the cheapest option for everyone. Availability can be limited, and popular models may sell quickly. If you are set on a specific specification, earlier months may offer more choice, even if the discounts are smaller.

Does The Day Of The Week Matter When Buying A Car?

Buying mid-week can improve negotiation outcomes by giving you more time, attention, and flexibility from sales teams.

Yes, the day of the week can make a difference when buying a car, particularly when it comes to the buying experience and negotiation.

Weekends are usually the busiest time for dealerships. Sales staff are juggling multiple customers, test drives, and handovers, which can reduce the time and attention given to individual negotiations. High footfall also lowers pressure on dealers to sharpen their best offers.

In contrast, visiting a dealership on a weekday, especially Monday or Tuesday, often creates a calmer environment. With fewer customers on site, sales teams have more time to focus on your enquiry, review finance options, and negotiate on price or extras.

Mid-week visits can also work well alongside month-end or quarter-end timing. If a dealership is close to hitting a sales target, a quieter weekday can strengthen your position as a motivated buyer who helps them close a deal.

In short: While the price may not change dramatically by day alone, buying mid-week can improve attention, flexibility, and your overall negotiating position.

Is 2026 A Good Year To Buy A New Car?

2026 is a good year to buy a new car because interest rates are easing, supply chains have stabilised, and manufacturers are offering stronger incentives to maintain demand.

Short answer: yes.

Let’s take a quick look at why now could be a smart time to buy.

Strong Finance Offers

At Marsh Finance, we’re seeing a rise in competitive offers across both prime and non-prime car finance. With flexible terms, no-deposit deals, and cashback offers, now’s a great time to lock in a deal that fits your budget.

Stabilising Car Prices

The supply chain issues that caused car price spikes in recent years are easing. As more stock becomes available, manufacturers and dealers are offering incentives to keep things moving, especially on new electric vehicles (EVs) and mid-range models.

Quick Buyer Checklist for 2026

• Buy near month-end or quarter-end
• Be flexible on colour and spec
• Compare finance APRs
• Ask about stock clearance
• Negotiate extras, not just price

Buying A Car On Finance In 2026: What To Know

If you’re not paying in cash (and let’s be honest, most of us aren’t), finance will likely be part of your car buying journey. Here’s what to think about:

• HP vs PCP: HP gives you full ownership at the end with fixed monthly payments. PCP offers lower payments and more flexibility but comes with a balloon payment if you want to keep the car.
• APR: The lower, the better. The current climate means it’s a great time to shop around.
• Deposit: No savings? No problem. Look for lenders like Marsh that offer no-deposit car finance.

How To Get The Best Deal On A New Car In 2026

Combining smart timing with research, flexibility, and finance comparison gives you the best chance of securing a great deal.

Aside from timing your purchase, here are a few tips to make sure you’re getting the most out of your car buying experience:

✅ Do your research
Know the average price of the model you want. Tools like AutoTrader’s valuation tool are great for this.

✅ Be open to alternatives
If your dream car is out of budget, look at similar models. You might be surprised at what you can get for less.

✅ Don’t skip the negotiation
Even if the price is fixed, there’s often wiggle room on extras like extended warranties, service plans, or delivery fees.

✅ Compare finance deals
Different lenders offer different APRs and terms. Always compare, and make sure the monthly payment works for you.

Final Thoughts: Timing Is Everything

There’s no single best time to buy a car, but there are definitely better times than others. If you’re shopping in 2025, use the market trends to your advantage. Whether it’s year-end deals, quarterly sales targets, or plate change promotions, being smart about when you buy can help you save big.

And if you’re buying a car on finance, now’s the time to explore your options. Lower rates, better offers, and more flexibility mean 2025 could be the perfect year to upgrade your drive.

Ready to start your car buying journey?
At Marsh Finance, we offer personalised, flexible car finance options — including HP, PCP, and no-deposit deals. Let’s find the right fit for you.

👇 Get started with a quote today

FAQs

When is the best time to buy a new car in 2025?

Some of the best times to buy a new car in 2025 include the end of the month, the end of a financial quarter (March, June, September, December), and December in particular. These are periods when dealerships are working hard to hit sales targets and are more likely to offer discounts or promotions.

Are car deals better at the end of the year?

Yes, December is often one of the best times to buy a car. Dealers are trying to hit year-end targets and clear old stock before January, which can lead to better prices and finance incentives.

Should I buy a car before or after the number plate change?

Buying just before the plate change (March or September) could get you a better deal on current stock. Buying just after could give you access to more choice in part-exchanged or nearly new vehicles. It depends on your priority, price or availability.

Is 2025 a good time to buy a car on finance?

Yes, 2025 is a strong year for car finance. Interest rates have fallen, and lenders are offering more competitive APRs. If you're looking to finance your next car, now is a great time to explore options like HP and PCP, especially with no-deposit deals available.

How can I get the best deal on a new car?

To get the best deal on a new car in 2025:

• Time your purchase for month-end or quarter-end
• Research average market prices
• Compare finance options
• Be open to alternative models
• Negotiate on extras like servicing, warranties, or delivery fees

What’s the difference between HP and PCP car finance?

HP (Hire Purchase) means you own the car at the end after making fixed payments. PCP (Personal Contract Purchase) offers lower monthly payments but includes a balloon payment if you want to keep the car. PCP is great for flexibility; HP is ideal if you plan to own long term.

Can I buy a new car with no deposit?

Yes! Some lenders, including Marsh Finance, offer no-deposit car finance options, perfect if you don’t have upfront savings but still want to get behind the wheel.

Does buying on finance change the best time to buy a car?

Buying a car on finance does not usually change the best times to buy, such as the end of the month, quarter, or year, when dealerships are most motivated to offer better deals.

However, when buying on finance, interest rates and lender incentives also matter. A lower APR, a manufacturer-backed finance offer, or a no-deposit deal can sometimes save more money overall than a larger upfront discount on the car itself.

In 2026, it is often best to balance timing with the cost of credit. Comparing both the car price and the finance terms helps ensure you are getting the best value, not just the lowest headline price.