Owning a car is a matter of pride and satisfaction for many. Buying a car, however, is a significant investment which requires careful planning and due consideration. However, there are some times where a deal may be too good to resist. There are several celebrations around the year in India, particularly around the festive season, and these may lead to some deals which truly should not be missed. The timing is crucial and if there is a great deal around the corner on a new or used car, when the time has come for you to purchase a vehicle, you should be ready to do so. Understanding the best time to buy a new or second hand car in India can make all the difference in terms of financial savings and also in getting the best bang for your buck.

We share some insights which can lead to you not just getting the car of your choice, but also the most savings. Whether you are looking for the best time to buy a car or want to know the perfect time for your vehicle purchase, we’ve got you covered.

Determine the Best Time to Buy a Car

If you are buying a car in India, it is crucial to understand the seasonal trends and what goes on behind the scenes in order to secure the best deals and make an informed decision. Timing your purchase in line with these trends can ensure that you get the best deal on the car you have decided on.

Here is a month-on-month overview of the best time to buy a car based on prevalent trends at different times of the year.

January | Trend - Dealerships Clearing Inventory

Buying a new car in January has several benefits in the short and long run. Around this period, dealerships usually try and clear old model year stock which are sold at a discounted price. However, buying a new model year car in January will help the car hold its resale value for a little longer.  

• Significant dealer discounts to on previous year stock

• Clearance sales often include year-end bonus offers

   

February | Trend - Auto Expo Impact

February is Auto Expo time and many in India look forward to new car models and exciting concepts. This mega event generates a major buzz and raises the anticipation among car enthusiasts. For those who are seeking a new car or a new variant, this month brings the opportunity to benefit from the Expo specials and introductory prices on newly launched models.

• Auto Expo generates excitement with new models and concepts
• Expo announcements account for changes in buying decisions

• Attractive introductory prices and offers

   

March | Trend - Financial Year-end Offers

With the financial year coming to a close in March, there is a huge opportunity for car buyers to score some great deals. It is a strategic time for car manufacturers and dealerships to clear their inventory and meet their annual sales targets. Looking for year-end discounts and deals? March is a great time to find them.

• Offers from manufacturers and dealers alike for the fiscal year-end

• Good deals for buyers on outgoing models as car makers attempt to meet annual targets

   

April-May | Trend - New Financial-year Introductions

The new fiscal year in April brings fresh models, updates, and a slew of new introductions to appease car enthusiasts. Car dealerships will promote new arrivals, and highlight their new features and changes. This period is ideal for buyers who want to stay ahead with the latest in the automotive sphere.

• Fresh models, facelifts or technology updates for the new fiscal year arrive

• Dealerships highlight benefits of improvements and the latest features

   

June-July | Trend - Mid-year Model Refresh and Offers

The middle of the year brings its own advantages for car buyers as manufacturers introduce updated models or variants often accompanied by incentives including special promotions or low interest rates. These make for good opportunities for those who want the latest cars or technology without waiting for year-end announcements.

• Updated models introduced with style or tech changes and special incentives
• Promotions from attractive finance schemes or extended warranty are announced

• Appealing to buyers who don’t want wait for the year-end

   

August-September | Trend - Festive Season Build-up

The beginning of festival excitement in India begins as early as August as companies gear up for the festive season. There are a plethora of offers and attractive promotions in August and September as the car dealerships gear up for strong sales.

• Early bird offers kick off upcoming festive spirit
• Car companies build anticipation of exciting festive deals

• Buyers can start planning for purchase and time the delivery for the festive season

   

October-November | Trend - Festive Offers and Benefits

The biggest festival of the year and many auspicious days arrive in October or November and the excitement is palpable in these months. The extravaganza in India is highlighted with celebrations for Diwali and Dussehra taking centre stage and triggers a high demand for cars.

• Festivals like Dussehra and Diwali bring attractive pricing, offers and discounts to fuel high demand
• Innovative promotions, exchange offers, and festival-themed schemes are offered

• Buying a car in this period is seen as a symbol of prosperity

   

December | Trend - Year-end Deals

With the year drawing to a close, dealerships run the risk of having old stock spill over to the new year. Thus, they try for a massive push to their car sales with some significant offers and price cuts, especially with cars in their stock from the closing model year.

• Year-end clearance sales from dealers and manufacturers
• Special editions and optional accessory packs offered as standard
• Significant discounts on the current calendar-year dealer inventory
• Dealerships strive to drive sales to meet annual sales quotas

• Last chance to capitalize significant year-end savings for buying a car

   

Other Factors to Consider When Buying a Car

Apart from monthly trends, there is more at work behind some truly attractive deals and offers that take place over a longer period of time. But have a lot more rewards to benefit from.

• Particular car model is replaced with a facelift model or a new model generation, or is discontinued altogether
• Lack of response towards a new model introduction. For example, from a new car brand testing the waters may lead to significant benefits a few months after the car launch received a lukewarm response
• Change in government policy in terms of taxation on vehicle size, origin or fuel type or even restrictions imposed based on age of a vehicle
• A change in policy such as a switch to new Bharat Stage emission norms, may lead to significant priced drops and dealer-level offers, but this may only happen once every five to seven years or so.
• Vehicle scrapping norms may lead to different benefits per State and make for consideration especially for used car buyers
• For buying used cars, check for the ownership and service history which may give a clue as to the type of usage the car has endured over its lifetime.

Tips for Maximising Your Purchase

Making a purchase is good but getting the most value for your latest car buy is even greater. Here are some tips to consider before buying your new car.

• Plan ahead. Figure out which kind of vehicle is right for you and make a shortlist of acceptable choices of new cars to buy. When the time comes, see who has the best offer to suit your needs.
• The end of the calendar year (December) and the financial year (March-April) see several benefits being offered and timely negotiation can lead to even more beneficial results.

• If you are replacing your vehicle, seek transfer of insurance and no-claims bonus which will lessen the weight of the price tag on your new car or even used car purchase

   

Conclusion

All said and done, there are several factors that can make for the best time to buy a car to suit your individual needs. When it comes to buying a car in India, timing is more than just festivals or launches, it’s about making the best of what the real-world brings and grabbing available opportunities with both hands. We remind you that each and every month or period brings a unique set of benefits and options, from a great deal at the year-end closures, making the most of festive offers and discounts, or riding the new model wave, the key is to make sure to align your purchase with your goals.

We hope you keep these insights in mind and look out for the right moment when you are ready to visit the dealer and hit the road with a new vehicle.