The purchase of a new car is one of the most important purchasing decisions for family finances. The high price of automobiles, together with the doubts generated by the choice of the type of engine, turns the purchasing process into a challenge that requires an evaluation of multiple factors.
One of the factors that must be taken into account when undertaking an outlay of this magnitude is choosing the best time to buy a car. Dealers, aware of fluctuations in demand and the arrival of new models, often adjust their pricing strategies throughout the year. Identifying the right time can mean the difference between getting a favorable deal and paying more than necessary.
Special events such as Automobile Barcelona, seasonal promotions and changes in manufacturers' pricing policies are some of the most favorable scenarios for purchasing a car at a discount. The end of the fiscal year or the closing of quarters, as well as the availability of stock, are also favorable periods, which is why the Royal Automobile Club of Spain (RACE) advises in its blog to be attentive to the offers and promotions that may arise in those moments.
Historically, the month of December has been associated with that time of year when dealers seek to achieve sales quotas and meet annual objectives. However, in a constantly evolving economic environment, where market dynamics can be affected by fluctuations in demand and competition, is this still the case or has the situation changed?
The Federation of Automotive Dealer Associations (Faconauto) assures that December continues to be a favorable month to buy a new car at a good price, as has happened in recent decades. “Brands and dealers make an extra effort to meet their commercial objectives. After the pandemic and the subsequent stock problems, this was not the case, but in 2023, there are already more cars on the market and we hope that there will be good opportunities for buyers in this final stretch of the year,” says communications director Raúl Morales. , who adds that December “is going to be a good time to change cars.”
The price reduction on automobiles varies depending on the brand, model and campaigns, Faconauto points out, without specifying the average figure that users can save when purchasing a new vehicle in December. In addition to direct discounts applied to the sales price of each model on offer, manufacturers often implement additional incentives to attract customers. This benefits package includes additional equipment and improved financing conditions, aspects that stand out both in December and at other times of the year.
Throughout the year, dealers usually design different campaigns to encourage sales of new cars, but as Faconauto admits, “in December they are more intense.” In any case, the dealers' association warns that "buyers have learned to look for offers at different times."
“As a result, it is possible to find discounts throughout the year, which has reduced the exclusivity of December as the best month to buy a new car,” says the Faconauto spokesperson.
Even so, Morales emphasizes that both the end of the year and the last days of the month is a good time to benefit from the best promotions. “In many cases it is possible to find better offers at the end of the month, compared to the first days, to reach sales objectives.”
Between January and October of this year, 789,272 new vehicles have been sold in Spain, 18.5% more compared to the same period in 2022. If the same pace of registrations continues, it is expected to reach a figure close to 950,000 units sold, a 16% more than in 2022 when 813,396 copies were sold. "However, we must be aware that the national market is still, until the end of October, 17% below 2019, prior to the pandemic."
