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 2025? And how can you make sure you’re not overpaying, especially if you’re buying a car on finance?
Let’s break it down.
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 2025 could be a great year to finally go for that upgrade. Why could 2025 be the smartest year yet to buy a new car? Find out in our latest blog.
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:
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.
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.
In the UK, new car registration plates are released twice a year, in March and September. This means two things:
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.
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.
Short answer: yes.
Let’s take a quick look at why now could be a smart time to buy.
Falling Interest Rates
The Bank of England reduced interest rates to 4.25% in May 2025, and further cuts are expected. This is great news if you’re buying a car on finance — lower rates = cheaper borrowing. Whether you're going for HP (Hire Purchase) or PCP (Personal Contract Purchase), the cost of credit is falling.
Read more about car finance interest rates in 2025 →
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.
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:
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
To get the best deal on a new car in 2025:
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.
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.